SYMBOLS OF INDIA
SUMMARY
1. The National Emblem: Sarnath Lion and the Motto
- Adapted from Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath.
- Adopted on 26 January 1950 (Republic Day).
- Original Mauryan sculpture carved from single sandstone block.
- Four lions (three visible in emblem); symbolise power and authority.
- Dharma Chakra at centre; bull and horse on abacus.
- Lotus base omitted in adapted version.
- Motto: “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth Alone Triumphs) from Mundaka Upanishad.
- Symbol of constitutional authority and moral governance.
- Large metallic emblem installed on new Parliament building.
2. The National Flag: Colours, Chakra, and Meaning
- Adopted on 22 July 1947 by Constituent Assembly.
- Tricolour: saffron (courage), white (peace), green (prosperity).
- Ashoka Chakra with 24 spokes in navy blue at centre.
- Chakra represents law (dharma), motion, and progress.
- Ratio: 2:3 (width:length).
- Chakra diameter equals width of white band.
- Governed by Flag Code of India (2002).
- Protected under laws preventing insult to national honour.
3. Our National Flag: Display Rules and Standards
- Must occupy position of honour when displayed.
- Traditionally hoisted sunrise to sunset (with amendments for illumination).
- Hoisted briskly; lowered slowly.
- Correct orientation rules (saffron always on top/left).
- Standard sizes prescribed; originally khadi material.
- Cannot be damaged, soiled, dipped, or used decoratively.
- Strict rules for half-masting (death of high dignitaries).
- Legal safeguards:
- Emblems and Names Act, 1950
- Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
4. National Anthem and National Song
- National Anthem: “Jana-gana-mana” by Rabindranath Tagore.
- Adopted on 24 January 1950.
- Duration: ~52 seconds.
- Symbolises unity in diversity.
- National Song: “Vande Mataram” by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
- Linked to freedom movement.
- Both reinforce constitutional and cultural identity.
- Standing in attention mandatory during anthem.
5. National River, Flower, Tree, and Animal
- National River: Ganga
- Origin: Gangotri Glacier; ~2,510 km long.
- Sacred and economically vital.
- Large basin population dependency.
- National Flower: Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
- Symbol of purity and resilience.
- National Tree: Banyan (Ficus benghalensis)
- Spreads via aerial roots; symbol of immortality.
- National Animal: Royal Bengal Tiger
- Symbol of strength and grace.
- Pro