National Symbols of India: List of National Symbols and its Significance UPSC & APSC.
Symbols of National Identity in India
The national emblems of India are meant to convey the rich culture as well as the country's distinct identity. The people, their ideals, and the traits that define India are all reflected in the country's national symbols. In the same way that there are a variety of Indian national emblems that are meant to symbolise the country's history, culture, and traditions, India is a pluralistic nation with multiple languages spoken in each of its states. Our country has a long history and a diverse cultural heritage, both of which are reflected in our national emblems.
What are some of the iconic representations of Indian culture?
The national flag, the national emblem, the national song, the national bird, the national animal, the national tree, the national fruit, the national flower, the national anthem, the national game, the national calendar, the national vegetable, the national aquatic animal, the national heritage animal, the national river, and the national currency are all considered to be parts of India's collection of national symbols.
The following is a list of the national symbols of India.
1. National Flag | Tiranga  | The Indian national ensign consists of three colours. It has three equal-length streaks of saffron, white, and green. The centre, which is a white stripe, is adorned with a navy blue Ashok chakra. The 24 spokes of the Ashok chakra represent the 24 hours. India's national flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya. The significance of the national flag's three colours cannot be overstated. The saffron stripe represents sacrifice and bravery, the white stripe in the middle represents purity, serenity, and integrity, and the green stripe represents faith and valour. |
2. National Emblem | National Emblem of India | The national symbol of India is Ashoka's lion capital at Sarnath. On January 26, 1950, it was designated as the national emblem of India. The motto inscribed beneath India's national emblem in Devnagri script reads Satyamev Jayate, which translates to "the truth alone triumphs" in English. |
3. National Currency | Indian Rupees  | The Indian currency is called the Indian Rupee (INR) and the coins are called paise. One Rupee consists of 100 paise. The symbol of the Indian Rupee is ₹ . The design resembles both the Devanagari letter "₹" (ra) and the Latin capital letter "R", with a double horizontal line at the top. |
4. National Calendar | Saka Calendar  | It is also known as the Shalivahana Shaka Calendar, which is India's official national calendar. The Gazette of India employs the Gregorian calendar in conjunction with its own. The national calendar of India is followed not only by All India Radio but also by calendars that are issued by the government of India. |
5. Oath of Allegiance | National Pledge  | The national pledge of India is the oath of allegiance to an Indian alliance. At public events, in schools, and during celebrations of Independence Day and Republic Day, it is recited by people from the Indian subcontinent. In addition to being put on the first pages of a number of textbooks and calendars used in schools, the principal national place is also printed there. |
6. National River | Ganga  | The Ganga is considered to be India's national river. Ganga is a mysterious river, and in Hinduism, the river is revered as the goddess Ganga. Ganga flows through India. It is of tremendous importance to the development of history in India. |
7. National Heritage Animal | Elephant  | The elephant is the national heritage mammal of India. India's elephants are a subspecies of the Asian elephants found in mainland Asia. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature also classifies the Indian elephant as an endangered species. |
8. National Animal | Tiger  | Tigers are classified as the Panthera Tigris species. Royal Bengal tigers are the subspecies of tigers. The Royal Bengal tiger was designated the national animal of India in April 1973. The city of Nagpur is the tiger capital of India. Populations of regal Bengal tigers have declined due to deforestation and poaching, making them an endangered species. Tigers have been added to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's red list. In 1973, the Indian government launched Project Tigers to protect tigers from poaching and hunting. |
9. National Bird | Peacock  | India's national creature is the Indian peacock. This bird is indigenous to the subcontinents. The gorgeous bird symbolises the harmony of India's diverse colours and cultures. The Indian government designated the peacock as the country's national bird on February 1, 1963. |
10. National Tree | Indian Banyan  | The national tree of India is the Indian Banyan, scientifically known as Ficus bengalensis. The roots of the banyan tree dangle from the branches, and these trees spread over vast areas. This tree is regarded as immortal due to the fact that its roots are derived from new trees and it possesses other characteristics that make it a symbol of longevity. |
11. National Song | Vande Mataram  | The national anthem of India is a poem by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee titled Vande Mataram. This poem was appended to his Bengali novel Anandamath in 1882. This composition was first performed by Rabindranath in 1896 at the session of the Indian National Congress. This hymn was adopted as the national anthem of India by the constituent assembly of India on January 24, 1950. |
12. National Anthem | Jana Gana Mana  | Jana Gana Mana is India's national anthem. The melody was originally composed by Rabindranath Tagore in Bengali. The constituent assembly of India adopted the Jana Gana Mana as the national anthem of India on January 24, 1950. |
13. National Aquatic Animal | Ganges River Dolphin  | India's national aquatic mammal is the Ganges River dolphin. It is an endangered species of freshwater dolphin located in the Indian subcontinent. There are two subspecies of this species of dolphin: the Ganges River dolphin and the Indus River dolphin. The Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers and their tributaries are home to the Ganges River dolphin, whereas the Indus River in Pakistan and the river Beas in Punjab are the only locations where this river dolphin can be found. |
14. National Vegetable | Pumpkin  | Pumpkin is the national vegetable of India. The pumpkin is a round, yellow winter gourd with a smooth, ribbed exterior. It is widespread in India and has few soil requirements for growth. Pumpkin is readily grown as a climber or a creeper. |
15. National Fruit | Mango  | Mangifera Indica is the scientific name for the mango, which is India's national fruit. Mango is typically available in India during the summer months. India is home to more than 100 varieties of mangoes and is the country where the fruit originated. The mango is also known as the monarch of fruits. |
16. National Flower | Lotus  | Lotus, scientifically referred to as Nelumbo Nucifera Gaertn, is the national flower of India. Lotus is a mysterious flower that holds a special place in the art and mythology of India. It is acknowledged as a symbol of Indian culture and heritage |
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