| Product
Code |
: |
PUD NO_905-6-2 GILT AE |
| Subject | : | Minto's Viceroy Presentation Medal - Type-II |
| Size | : | 52 mm |
| Metal | : | Gilt Bronze |
| Year | : | 1905 |
| Description | : | obv. Minto's coat of arms in centre surrounded by a wide wreath-like border, rev. Bottom third of medal is a scroll-like space for award. Palm trees to left, large ornamental spray to right. In centre : PRESENTED / BY THE / EARL OF MINTO / VICEROY / OF / INDIA.
Calcutta Mint records note ‘both these dies dispatched to Earl of Minto 27.1.11’. Minto also had a shooting medal with an obverse similar to this medal and a redesigned reverse with a target superimposed on two rifles with crown above and ‘Presented by the Earl of Minto Viceroy of India’ (960.28.5 Vol.II).
Gilbert John Murray Kynynmond Elliot, 4th Earl of Minto, followed Curzon as Viceroy and two more different rulers would be hard to imagine. Curzon was the younger Viceroy, Minto the eldest at sixty; Curzon was an intellectual, usually pompous and contemptuous of lesser mortals; Minto a sports enthusiast, unintellectual, always a true gentleman. Minto’s achievements may well be judged the equal of Curzon’s. He implemented the Morley-Minto reforms, strengthened ties with the Princely States, gave Indians a greater share in government and generally tried to remove any Viceregal practices which may have been interpreted as slights by Indians. He helped found the Calcutta Club which was open to Indians as well as to British. Viceroy from November 1905 to November 1910. |
