National symbols are the pride of a country. They represent the values, culture, and history of the nation.

India’s national symbols remind us of our unity, independence, and identity as one nation.

The three most important national symbols are the National Flag, National Emblem, and National Anthem.

National Flag – The Tricolour (Tiranga)

 Description

• The National Flag of India is called the Tiranga, meaning “Tricolour.”
• It has three horizontal stripes of different colors:
  • Saffron (top): Courage and sacrifice
  • White (middle): Peace and truth
  • Green (bottom): Faith and prosperity
• In the center of the white band is a navy blue Ashoka Chakra (wheel) with 24 spokes.

 Adoption & Design

• Adopted on 22 July 1947, before India’s independence.
• Designed by Pingali Venkayya.
• The Ashoka Chakra is taken from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath.

 Rules to Remember

• The flag must always be respected — it cannot touch the ground or be used for decoration.
• The Flag Code of India (2002) gives detailed rules for hoisting and usage.
• In 2022, citizens were allowed to hoist the flag at home every day (earlier only on national days).

 National Emblem – The Lion Capital of Ashoka

 Description

• India’s National Emblem is adapted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka, found at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh.
• It has four Asiatic lions standing back to back, symbolizing power, courage, pride, and confidence.
• Below the lions is a circular base with:
  • A bull, a horse, and the Dharma Chakra (wheel of law).
  • The inscription “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth Alone Triumphs) written in Devanagari script.

 Adoption & Significance

• Adopted on 26 January 1950, the day India became a Republic.
• Represents the Republic of India and appears on currency, passports, government documents, and official seals.

 Key Meaning

• The four lions: Strength, courage, confidence, pride.
• The wheel (Chakra): Dharma and law.
• Satyameva Jayate: Truth alone triumphs (taken from the Mundaka Upanishad).

 National Anthem – “Jana Gana Mana”

 Details

• The National Anthem of India is “Jana Gana Mana.”
• Written and composed by Rabindranath Tagore in Bengali.
• The song praises India’s unity and diversity, describing the people’s devotion to the nation.

 Adoption & Performance

• Adopted as the National Anthem on 24 January 1950.
• The full version takes about 52 seconds to sing.
• The short version (first and last lines) takes about 20 seconds.

 Key Facts

• First sung at the Indian National Congress Session, Calcutta, 1911.
• Originally written in Bengali (Sadhu Bhasha).
• Translation in Hindi retains the same meaning.

 First Line (Romanized)

Jana-gana-mana-adhinayaka jaya he,
Bharata-bhagya-vidhata…

 Key Facts to Remember (Quick Revision)