Honouring the brave is an old universal tradition. India has also been following this system. In ancient India, heavenly bliss and earthly pleasures motivated the braves.  During Medieval period gallantry was rewarded in many ways but rewarding the brave by conferring decorations and medals has been introduced in India by British.

When India become a Republic, it continued to follow the British tradition and instituted many decorations and medals. Now, the President of India, Service Chiefs or GoCs-in-Cs of the Command confer 15 gallantry and distinguished service awards  on the Indian Armed Forces personnel.  These awards are conferred for gallantry in the face of the enemy, for gallantry other than in the face of the enemy and for devotion to duty. Some distinguished service awards are also conferred on Service Officers for displaying exceptional leadership qualities.  Certain gallantry awards can also be conferred on the civilians. The book attempts to describe these awards so that people know about the gallant deeds of Indian soldiers.

Born in 1971 in Palamu, Jharkhand, Dr. Amlesh Kumar Mishra, presently the Director, History Division and Armed Forces Film & Photo Division, Ministry of Defence, is an alumnus of Ranchi University, Ranchi, Jharkhand.  He did his MA in History and Sanskrit with distinction. His book Pracheen Bharatiya Rajnaya Me Guptacharo Ka Mahatva is a serious research work and has been awarded by the President of India. He has edited the popular book Deeds of Gallantry: Fifty Years of 1971 Victory, published by NBT.  He has also authored the sections War at Sea and War in the Sky in the book The 1971 War: An Illustrated History, compiled by the History Division, Ministry of Defence, Government of India.