Welcome to DataFlair General Knowledge Tutorial Series. In this article, we are going to see the important National Symbols of India and their Importance. So let’s start!!!
National Symbols of India
India has National Symbols, which bring out the rich culture and heritage of our nation. National Symbols are an important topic because the symbols signify the important link to our people, culture, and tradition. Here is the list of the National Symbols of India –
1. National Flag of India
Tiranga was adopted in the year 1947 on July 22nd. It has three colors- saffron, white and green with the Ashoka Chakra at its centre. Also known as tri-color, this flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya.
2. National Anthem of India
Composed by Rabindranath Tagore, it was adopted as the national anthem on 24th January 1950. Jana Gana Mana was adopted since the Bengali song “Vande Mataram” received resistance from the non-Hindu segments of India.
3. National Sport of India
Hockey, when it was declared the National Sport, it was very popular. During 1928-1956, India won 6 consecutive Gold Medals in the Olympics. At that time, India had played 24 hockey games and was undefeated in each one of them.
4. National Bird of India
The peacock, declared as the national bird in 1960, is also known as the Indian peafowl. It was considered as the national bird in the first place because of its abundance and people are also familiar with it. It is graceful and elegant.
5. National Animal of India
The Royal Bengal Tiger was declared as the national animal in April 1973 with the initiation of Project Tiger, to protect tigers. Previously, Lion was the National Animal of India. Tigers display the wildlife wealth of India.
6. National Flower of India
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Lotus, the national flower of India, is also known as the flower of Goddess Laxmi (Hindi Goddess of wealth) which signifies wealth, prosperity, and fertility. It also signifies purity, good fate, and achievement because even if it grows amidst the mud it remains untouched by it.
7. National Fruit of India
Mangoes have been cultivated since the beginning of the age. They are truly native to the Indian subcontinent. Akbar, the great Mughal Emperor, had planted about 1 lakh mango trees in Darbhanga.
8. National Song of India
Composed in Sanskrit by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyaya, ‘Vande Mataram’ inspired many freedom fighters in India. However since it contained “Maa Durga” in it, it was rejected by non-Hindu communities. Hence it was not adopted as the National Anthem but as the National Song.
9. National Tree of India
Also known as ‘Kalpavriksha’ which means “wish-fulfilling tree”, the Indian Banyan tree represents eternal life due to its enormous branches. A country’s foundation has to be deep-rooted like the roots of the banyan tree.
Different birds and animals take shelter in this tree, also signifying Indians as different caste, religion coming together to seek shelter as a community in our nation.
10. National Emblem of India
Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath which is near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, has 4 Asiatic Lions standing back to back in a circular abacus. It stands as a fully-bloomed inverted lotus form.
The 4 Asiatic Lions face at 4 different directions – North, South, East, West. The National Motto is “Satyameva Jayate” whose English translation is “Truth alone Triumphs.”
11. National River of India
Ganga, the greatest river flowing in the Indian subcontinent, is the most sacred river according to the Hindus. Famous Indian cities that are situated on the Ganges river are – Haridwar, Varanasi, and Allahabad. Many Hindu rituals are performed with the help of this river.
12. National Currency of India
The Indian Rupee was named after the silver coin called ‘Rupiya’. It was first issued by Sultan Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century and was later used by the Mughal Empire.
13. National Calendar of India
The National Calendar is based on the Saka Era with Chaitra month as its first month. It comprises 365 days. It was adopted from 22nd March 1957. The Gregorian calendar was also considered for official purposes.
14. National Aquatic Animal of India
The River dolphin has become an endangered species. Hence to save them from extinction, the government declared them as the National Aquatic Animal. They are said to survive only in the Ganges because of its pure and freshwater.
15. National Reptile of India
The King Cobra is recognized as a symbol of philosophy, culture, and tradition. The snake is considered as Lord Shiva’s ornament as it is seen wrapped around his neck. It is considered as energy and speech; it is also considered as a semi-god.
16. National Vegetable of India
Although pumpkin has originated in North America, it is considered as our national vegetable. It provides us with different Vitamins in our body.
17. National Heritage Animal of India
The Indian government declared the Indian Elephant as the heritage animal to bring more concentration towards preserving them. In India, a lot of elephant reserves are there.
18. Oath of Allegiance
The National Pledge reminds Indian Citizens to be loyal to their country.
| Title | National Symbols |
| National Flag | Tiranga |
| National Sport | Hockey |
| National Anthem | Jana Gana Mana |
| National Calendar | Saka calendar |
| National Song | Vande Mataram |
| National Emblem | Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath |
| National Fruit | Mango |
| National River | Ganga |
| National Animal | Royal Bengal Tiger |
| National Tree | Indian Banyan Tree |
| National Aquatic Animal | Ganges River Dolphin |
| National Bird | Indian Peacock |
| National Currency | Indian Rupee |
| National Reptile | King Cobra |
| National Heritage Animal | Indian Elephant |
| National Flower | Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) |
| National Vegetable | Pumpkin |
| Oath of Allegiance | National Pledge |
Conclusion
Each National Symbols of India have deep-rooted significance to the Indian subcontinent. It also signifies the country’s history, culture, depth, and community. They mainly reflect the country’s growth, prosperity, and how the country needs everything to come together to prosper.