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National symbols of the Republic of India including the national bird, animal, flag, fruit, and tree portray the culture and tradition of the country.
For any country, its national symbols represent the nation’s culture and nature.
The Republic of India also has certain official national symbols such as national flag, flower, bird, animal, currency, river and more. These symbols highlight the unique characteristics of the nation.
Here’s a list of certain national symbols of India
1. National Flag
India’s unique identity, the country’s national flag is of rectangular tricolor, with three equal horizontal bands.
It was just 24 days before the Independence declaration, on 22 July 1947 that the Constituent Assembly meeting adopted the country’s National Flag in its actual form.
While the saffron color in the top band point towards the strength and bravery of the nation, the white band in the middle indicates peace and truth with Dharma Chakra and the green band highlights the fertility, growth, and auspiciousness of the soil.
2. National Bird
Also known as peafowl, Indian peacock was declared as the country’s national bird in 1963.
The declaration was mainly because of the bird’s involvement in the country’s traditions.
Ideal to be described as a bird of beauty with its attractive feathers and lovely colors, the male bird is more attractive than the female one.
Protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, its scientific name is Pavo Cristatus.
Other birds considered for the reputation includes the Great Indian Bustard, the Sarus crane, the “Garuda” and the Swan.
3. National Animal
It was in 1973, after the initiation of the Project Tiger, Royal Bengal Tiger declared as the National animal of India.
Well-known as the “Lord of the Jungle”, the tiger represents the power, quickness, and authority.
Mainly identifiable for its dark vertical stripes on orangish-brown fur, this wild animal also exhibits the country’s wildlife prosperity.
Its scientific name is Panthera Tigris, Linnaeus. Before 1973, the lion was considered as a national animal.
4. National Flower
Scientifically named as Nelumbo Nucifera Gaertn, lotus is the National Flower of India.
The traditional symbol of knowledge, wealth and beauty and also considered as the flower of goddess Laxmi, this sacred flower has its own key role to play in the ancient Indian mythology and culture.
This aquatic herb is also referred to as ‘Padma’ in the Sanskrit language. Its long stems and floating flowers and leaves are unique when compared to other flowers.
5. National Fruit
Known as the “King of Fruits”, mango is India’s national fruit. Native to India, mangoes are the widely cultivated fruits of the tropical world.
It belongs to the species – Mangifera indica. Rich in vitamins A, C, and D, there are over 100 varieties of mangoes in the country.
There are mentions about this fruit in history too. It has been said that the Greek King Alexander the Great and Chinese pilgrim Hieun Tsang have tasted it.
It is also said that the famous poet Kalidasa has sung its praises.
6. National Tree
One of the largest trees in the world, the banyan tree is scientifically named as Ficus bengalensis and is known as ‘Kalpa Vriksha’ in Indian Hindu philosophy.
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This tree is also well known for its medicinal benefits. Considered as immortal in Indian myth, the banyan tree has its religious significance and the tree has widest reaching roots, expanding branches and elliptical shaped leaves. It has a very long lifespan and serves as a shelter for many different kinds of animals and birds.
7. National Anthem
Originally written in the Bengali language called sadhu bhasa by Rabindranath Tagore, “Jana Gana Mana” was officially accepted as India’s national anthem on January 24, 1950, by the Constituent Assembly.
The song was first sung in the Indian National Congress’ Calcutta session on December 27, 1911. Composed with five stanzas, the national anthem takes fifty-two seconds to sing. At the same time, a shortened version of the song takes only about 20 seconds to play.
8. National Song
A Bangla song by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, “Vande Mataram” was a source of inspiration during the freedom struggle.
It was on January 24, 1950, the song was chosen as the country’s national song.
The song was included in Chatterjee’s novel Anandamath. The novel was published as a series in the Bengali magazine named ‘Banga Darshan’ during 1880 – 1882.
However, the verses of the song were written in the Sanskrit language. One thing to note is that the poem was written before he wrote the novel.
9. State Emblem
Called as the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, India’s national emblem features four Asiatic lions. These lions symbolize power, courage, and confidence.
At the bottom of this emblem are a horse and a bull with wheel Dharma chakra at the centre, just like in the national flag.
In the current version, which was officially adopted on 26 January 1950, only three lions are visible and the fourth one is hidden from view.
The emblem also makes the part of all official Indian government documents, including letterheads, currencies, passports and more.
10. National Calendar
India’s official calendar is Saka Calendar that follows the signs of the tropical zodiac.
Chaitra is the first month in the calendar and it is based on the Saka Era. Other months are Vaishakha, Jyeshtha, Ashadha, Shravana, Bhadra, Ashwin, Kartika, Agrahayana, Pausha, Magha and Phalguna.
Adopted from 22 March 1957 this calendar has normal 365 days and 12 months as in Gregorian calendar. All official India Government calendars, documents, and timetables follow the Saka Calendar dates.
11. National Currency
Indian Rupee (INR) is the country’s currency and the Reserve Bank of India manages the currency. Now paper currencies are issued of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 2000 rupees.
Also, the coins are issued of one rupee, two rupees, five rupees, and ten rupees. In 2010, D. Udaya Kumar designed a new rupee sign, which has been derived from the Devanagari consonant “र”and the capital letter R. Before the adoption of this symbol, Indian rupee was commonly referred to as Rs, Re or rupees.
12. National River
Referred to as the most sacred river to Hindus, Ganga or Ganges was declared as the country’s national river in November 2008.
Along with this declaration, the government under Prime Minister’s leadership also arranged a Ganga River Basin Authority to protect this ancient river from pollution and other dreadful conditions.
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This authority serves as a relief to this holy river, which is getting dirtier and polluted day by day.
In Hindu mythology, this river is also associated with Goddess Ganga.
Conclusion
The National Symbols of India are very essential to the identity and heritage of India.
We the Indians are proud of these National Symbols as they fill our hearts with patriotism in every sense.
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