National Symbols & Emblems of India
The official symbols of the Republic of India encapsulate the nation's sovereign identity, historical continuity, and constitutional heritage. The National Flag (Tiranga), designed by Pingali Venkayya, was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on July 22, 1947, featuring three horizontal bands of saffron, white, and green with a 24-spoke navy blue Ashoka Chakra in the center (ratio 3:2). The State Emblem, adopted on January 26, 1950, is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, bearing the motto Satyameva Jayate ('Truth Alone Triumphs') in Devanagari script from the Mundaka Upanishad. Other national symbols include the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana by Rabindranath Tagore), National Song (Vande Mataram by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee), Bengal Tiger, and Peacock.
Key Concepts & Examination Highlights
- The National Flag was officially adopted on July 22, 1947, with width to length proportions strictly fixed at 2:3.
- The National Motto 'Satyameva Jayate' inscribed below the State Emblem is taken from the ancient Mundaka Upanishad.
- The National Anthem 'Jana Gana Mana', composed by Rabindranath Tagore, takes approximately 52 seconds for a complete formal rendition.
- The Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) was officially declared India's National Aquatic Animal in 2009.