National symbols of a country represent the national identity of the country. These National Symbols signify the rich heritage of India. They infuse a sense of pride and patriotism in every Indian’s heart. They show the unity and diversity of the country. To know about the national symbols of India and some interesting facts about it, refer to the full article.
List of National Symbols of India 2024
1. National Flag: Tiranga
The Indian flag is also known as Tiranga. The National Flag is a horizontal tricolor of Indian saffron (Kesari) at the top, white in the middle, and Indian green at the bottom in equal proportion. The ratio of the width of the flag to its length is two to three. In the center of the white band is a navy-blue wheel with 24 equally spaced spokes which represents the Ashoka Chakra.
2. National Emblem of India
The state emblem is an adaption from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. In the original, there are four lions, standing back to back, mounted on an abacus with a frieze carrying sculptures in high relief of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull, and a lion separated by intervening wheels over a bell-shaped lotus.
3. National Currency: Indian Rupees
The symbol of the Indian Rupee typifies India's international identity for money transactions and economic strength. The Indian Rupee Sign is an allegory of Indian ethos. The symbol is an amalgam of Devanagari “Ra” and the Roman Capital “R” with two parallel horizontal stripes running at the top representing the national flag and also the “equal to” sign. The Indian rupee was adopted by the government of India on 15th July 2010.
4. National Anthem: Jana Gana Mana
The National Anthem of India Jana-Gana-Mana, composed originally in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore, was adopted in its Hindi version by the Constituent Assembly as the National Anthem of India on 24th January 1950. It was first sung on 27th December 1911 at the Kolkata Session of the Indian National Congress
5. National Song: Vande Mataram
The song Vande Mataram, composed in Sanskrit by Bankimchandra Chatterji, was a source of inspiration to the people in their struggle for freedom. It has an equal status with Jana-Gana-Mana. On January 24, 1950, President Dr. Rajendra Prasad came up with a statement in the constituent assembly, “the song Vande Mataram, which has played a historic part in the struggle for Indian Freedom, shall be honoured equally with Jana-Gana-Mana and shall have equal status with it.”
6. National Animal: Royal Bengal Tiger
The magnificent tiger, Panthera Tigris is a striped animal. It has a thick yellow coat of fur with dark stripes. The combination of grace, strength, agility, and enormous power has earned the tiger its pride of place as the national animal of India. Out of eight races of the species known, the Indian race, the Royal Bengal Tiger, is found in the entire country except in the northwestern region and also in the neighboring countries.
7. National Bird: The Indian Peacock
The Indian Peacock, Pavo cristatus, the national bird of India, is a colorful, swan-sized bird, with a fan-shaped crest of feathers, a white patch under the eye, and a long, slender neck. The male of the species is more colorful than the female, with a glistening blue breast and neck and a spectacular bronze-green tail
8. National Calendar: Saka Calendar
The national calendar based on the Saka Era, with Chaitra as its first month and a normal year of 365 days was adopted as the official civil calendar beside the Gregorian calendar, it is one of the national symbols of India. The 1st month of the Saka Samvat is Chaitra which begins on March 22 every year and on March 21 during the leap year.
9. National River: Ganga River
Ganga River is declared the national river of India on 4th November 2008, by the Prime Minister of India Dr. Manmohan Singh. Since then it has been considered as the National symbol of India. It originates from Gangotri and then later joins the Alaknanda, Yamuna, Son, Gumti, Kosi, and Ghagra.
10. National Tree: Banyan Tree
The Banyan Tree is the national tree of India. The banyan tree represents life, immortality, and our connection with nature. The branches of the Banyan spread over a large area take roots and keep on living and regenerating for thousands of years. Many of the Indian villages are centered around large shady banyan trees that provide a good place for public meetings of the village council.
11. National Fruit: Mango
The National Fruit of India is the Mango which is designated as the King of all fruits by Indians. The raw ones can be used to make spicy pickles which are an important part of Indian Cuisine. A rich source of vitamins A, C, and D, India hosts over 100 varieties of juicy mangoes.
12. National Flower: Lotus
The lotus is the national flower of India. The lotus symbolizes abundance, sweetness, and prosperity, reflecting our rich harvests.
13. National Vegetable: Pumpkin
Indian national vegetable is known as Indian Pumpkin or kaddu. This Indian vegetable is used as a climber and It grows all over India It does not need good soil properties and grows easily.
14. National Aquatic Animal: Ganges River Dolphin
The central government of India declared the Ganges River Dolphin as the national aquatic animal. The main aim behind this declaration is to preserve the rare species as its numbers are declining rapidly. Only a few thousand dolphins are left at present.
15. National Heritage Animal: Indian Elephant
The Indian elephant was declared a National Heritage Animal of India in 2010. Elephants have been declared as national heritage animals by the government with an aim to step up measures for their protection.