It was pretty amazing I think .... the story of the heroic deeds of these men was also put before Queen Victoria - the account was received all over the world with awe and admiration. All the 21 valiant men of this epic battle were awarded the Indian Order of Merit Class I (posthumously) which at the time was the highest gallantry award given to Indian troops and was considered equivalent to the Victoria Cross and the present day Param Vir Chakra India's highest valour medal. All dependants of the Saragarhi heroes were awarded 50 acres of land and 500 Rupees !