Table of Contents
List of National Symbols of India
| List of National Symbols of India | |
|---|---|
| National Flag | The National Flag is a horizontal tri-colour of Indian saffron (kesaria) at the top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom in equal proportion. The saffron colour indicates strength and courage. The white colour indicates peace and truth. The green shows the fertility, growth, and auspiciousness of the land. The flag’s width ratio to its length is two to three. In the centre of the white band is a navy-blue wheel with 24 equally spaced spokes representing the Ashoka Chakra. The Constituent Assembly of India adopted the design of the National Flag on 22 July 1947. |
National Anthem | The National Anthem of India is Jana-Gana-Mana. It was composed originally in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore. It was first sung on 27 December 1911 at the Kolkata Session of the Indian National Congress. The song was adopted in its Hindi version by the Constituent Assembly as the National Anthem of India on 24 January 1950. |
National Song | The song Vande Mataram was adopted as the National Song of India on January 24, 1950, in the Constituent Assembly. The song was composed in Sanskrit by Bankimchandra Chatterji. It was a part of his famous novel Anand Math (1882). The first political occasion when it was sung was the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress. It has an equal status with the National Anthem. |
National Emblem | The state emblem of India is an adaptation of the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. Features of the original Lion Capital- 1. Four lions mounted back to back on a circular abacus. 2. The abacus rests on a bell-shaped lotus. 3. The abacus has sculptures of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull, and a lion, separated by Dharma Chakras. The Emblem of the Lion Capital shows three lions mounted on the abacus. A Dharma Chakra in the centre. A bull on the right and a galloping horse on the left. Outlines of Dharma Chakras on the extreme right and left. The bell-shaped lotus from the original design was omitted. The motto “Satyameva Jayate,” meaning “Truth Alone Triumphs,” is written in Devanagari script below the profile of the Lion Capital and is part of the State Emblem of India. |
| National Calendar | The national calendar of India is based on the Saka Era. A normal year in the Saka Era calendar has 365 days. Chaitra is the first month of this calendar. The calendar was adopted on 22 March 1957, alongside the Gregorian calendar, for official purposes such as The Gazette of India, News broadcasts by All India Radio, Calendars issued by the Government of India, and Government communications addressed to the public. Key features of the national calendar: Dates have a permanent correspondence with the Gregorian calendar. 1 Chaitra falls on 22 March in a normal year. 1 Chaitra falls on 21 March in a leap year. |
National Bird | The Indian peacock (Pavo Cristatus). |
National Animal | Tiger (Panthera Tigris) Out of the eight known races of the species, the Indian race, known as the Royal Bengal Tiger, is found throughout the country, except in the northwestern region. The Royal Bengal Tiger is also found in neighbouring countries: Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. To address the dwindling population of tigers in India, ‘Project Tiger’ was launched in April 1973. Under this project, 27 tiger reserves have been established, covering an area of 37,761 sq km. |
National Flower of India
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Symbolism | Represents purity, excellence, longevity, honour, good fortune, victory, the eternal nature of the soul, and India’s spiritual essence. |
| Sacredness | Sacred to Hindus, surrounded by legends, religious mythology, and folklore. Often depicted as the seat of deities and used in religious practices. |
| History | Chosen as India’s national flower by the Indian Constituent Assembly in 1950. |
| Other Significance | Symbol of the Goddess Saraswati (wisdom) and the deity Vishnu. In Buddhist mythology, linked to a heavenly lotus pond where Buddha meditated. |
| Adaptability | Thrives in fresh shallow waters and muddy swamps, capable of re-germinating for thousands of years. |
| Art and Architecture | Commonly featured as motifs and patterns in ancient Indian art and architecture. |
National Fruit of India
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| National Significance | Mango is India’s national fruit and Bangladesh’s national tree. |
| Cultivation | Mangoes are the most cultivated tropical fruit worldwide. India has the world’s largest variety of mango cultivars. |
| Taste | Known for being juicy, pulpy, and delicious, mangoes are rich in vitamins A, C, and D. |
| Uses | Ripe mangoes are eaten fresh or used in salads, juices, jams, milkshakes, and pickles. Unripe mangoes are commonly used for spicy pickles in Indian cuisine. |
| Harvest and Sale | Mangoes are typically harvested and sold in India between March and May. |
| Cultural Significance | In South Asian culture, mangoes hold symbolic value, with Indians traditionally honouring ripe mangoes as the “King of all fruits.” |
| Wildlife Conservation | Mangoes play a significant role in wildlife conservation, serving as a key species within various ecosystems. |
National Tree of India
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| National Significance | The banyan tree (Ficus Benghalensis) is the national tree of India. |
| Symbolism | – Eternal Life: Represents eternal life through its ever-expanding branches. – Unity: Symbolizes India’s unity with its large structure and deep roots. – Wish-fulfilling Tree: Known as Kalpavriksha, meaning “wish-fulfilling tree.” |
| Size | Banyan trees are the largest trees in the world by canopy coverage. |
| Lifespan | They can live and regenerate for thousands of years. |
| Roots | Banyan trees have the largest and longest-running roots of all trees, covering several acres. |
| Air Purification | They absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide and release oxygen, contributing to air quality improvement. |
| Soil Conservation | The extensive root system of banyan trees helps prevent soil erosion. |
| Historical Importance | These trees act as natural timekeepers and have been standing for centuries. |
| Cultural Significance | Banyan trees are featured in several of India’s oldest tales, symbolizing their importance in Indian culture and tradition. |