National Symbols of India and Their Meaning
The image of the country and its pride is reflected through its national symbols. Because of this the national symbols of the country are chosen very carefully. Symbols like national emblem, song, anthem, anima, tree, etc. showcase the culture and the values that the country hold. Each of the symbols have their own significance and are very important to the Indian identify and heritage. Here are the details about the National symbols of our country India.
| S.NO | NATIONAL SYMBOLS | YEAR OF INTRODUCTION |
| 1 | National Emblem | 1950 |
| 2 | National Anthem | 1950 |
| 3 | National Flag | 1947 |
| 4 | National Song | 1950 |
| 5 | National Animal | 1973 |
| 6 | National Bird | 1963 |
| 7 | National Flower | 1950 |
National Emblem
The Lion Capital of Ashoka, located at Sarnath is the national emblem of India. It consist of three Asia lions which are embedded on stone and placed back to back on a circular structure. The circular structure or abacus has Dharma Chakras carved on it, whichreflects righteousness. The circular structure also has a horse, elephant, bull and a lion sculpted on it. This whole structures stands in an inverted, full bloomed lotus. The emblem has a motto that goes- ‘SatyamevaJayate’ that means ‘Truth Alone Triumphs’. The emblem was adopted by the Indian Government on the Republic Day of the year 1950.
The structure was built by Emperor Ashok and has four lions, each of it depicts ‘power’, ‘pride’, ‘courage’ and ‘confidence’.
National Anthem
The National Anthem of the country was written by the first ever Noble Laureate of India, Rabindranath Tagore. The anthem starts with words ‘Jana Gana Mana’ and it was first heard in the year 1911 at the Indian National Congress session held in Kolkata. The Hindi version of this was declared as the National Anthem in the year 1950. The song consists of five stanza and when you sing it, it lasts around 52 seconds.
National Flag
The Indian Flag has three colors and each of it has been chosen to reflect a certain meaning. The flag consists of three equal bands that is made of three different colors. The green on the bottom is there to denote chivalry and prosperity, the saffron on top is there to denote courage and sacrifice and the white in the center has been chosen to denote peace and truth. And then there is the Ashoka Chakra that stands on the center of the white portion of the flag. The Ashoka Chakra consists of 24 wheels and is depicted at the eternal wheel of law and justice and show progress without an end.
National Song
The inspiring and melodious ‘Vande Mataram’ is the National Song of India. The song was written by the famous Bengali poet and novelist Bankim Chandra Chattopadhaya. The song was first sung by the famous Rabindranath Tagore in the Indian National Congress in Kolkata in the year 1896. ‘VandeMataram’ means ‘Mother, I bow to thee’ and this phrase was used as a slogan during the struggle for freedom.
National Animal
Tiger is known as the national animal of the country. Tiger is one of the most powerful and strong animal and because of this features of it, it was declared as the national animal after revising the previous decision. More specifically the Bengal Tiger is the national animal of India. Tiger was made the national animal in order to protect it. Before 1973 the national animal was lion. The tiger symbolizes the wildlife wealth of the country. Protecting the tiger is a major initiative of India. Lion is also worshipped as a religious symbol as it is the consort of Goddess Durga.
National Bird
Peacock is considered a symbol of grace, beauty and love and a part of the Indian culture, history and tradition. And because of this the bird was announced as the national bird of India. Another major reason for doing so was the fact that, Peacock is the bird that is found in all parts of the country and is common to people. This also made it a perfect choice for being the national bird of India.
National Tree
There is no doubt to the fact that the great Banyan Tree is the national tree of our country. The tree is said to a scared tree and symbolizes longevity. The fact that the branches of the tree root themselves and form a new tree, makes it unique and also the perfect choice for being the national tree of our country. The tree represents the culture and the everlasting tradition of the country which will keep growing.
National Flower
The Lotus Flower is considered to be the national flower of our country. The flower is also known as the Sacred Lotus and as declared as the national flower in the year 1950. The Lotus flower is known to be a symbol of the Indian culture and tradition. It also has a great religious importance. It is believed to be pure and divine. It is said the lotus show the path to Enlightenment. Even though the flower blooms in dirty water there is no harm caused to its purity and is said to be sacred. Because of all these qualities the lotus flower was declared as the national flower of the country. The national emblem also has a inverted lotus in it.
National Fruit
Widely loved and eaten fruit of India is Mango and this is the national fruit of the country as well. Mango is a native fruit to India and have been cultivated here from ages. They have been an inspiration for many poet as well. It was said that the Mughal Emperor Akbar once planted around 100000 mango trees in Darbhanga. Because of its wide existence in the country and being the most loved fruit in the country, it was rightly declared as the national fruit of India.
National River
The holy River Ganga is considered as the national river of India. Ganga was chosen as the national river as it is the symbol of the oldest Indian culture and civilization. The river is ever-flowing and so it the perfect choice for being the nation river of India. The river is said to bring prosperity for the country.
National Game
Seeing the popularity of Cricket many people think that Cricket is the national game of India. But then then in real the national game of the country is Hockey. Seeing the hockey team’s performance in the years 1928 to 1956, the sport was believed as the national game of the country, but there were no official announcement yet. During this time the Indian Hockey team won 6 consecutive gold medals in the Olympics games. Because of this golden era of hockey, the game still remains the national game of the country. But in terms of popularity and current situation, cricket stands as a more popular game in the country.
National Currency
The sign of the Indian rupee sign is Devanagri amalgamation ‘Ra’. The symbol has two parallel horizontal lines that look like an equality sign. The symbol showcases the country’s desire to become rid of poverty and financial problems. With this symbol the country wants to bring about prosperity in the country. This symbol of currency has been recently adopted. Before it was a simple ‘Rs’.
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