National Symbols of India and Related Facts – Full Guide
If you are preparing for exams —whether it is school, competitive exams like UPSC, SSC or any quiz—then “National Symbols of India” is a topic that comes up often. This is not only important for GK, but also helps in understanding the culture and history of India.
In this post, we will talk about all the national symbols in simple language, with some interesting facts, so that it is easier to remember. Read, understand, and score full marks in exams! There is also a PDF link in the last, which you can download it.
National Symbols of India
National Flag (Tiranga)
- Adopted on July 22, 1947
- Designed by Pingali Venkayya
- Three colors : Saffron, White, and Green
- Ratio of 2:3 (length to width)
- Ashoka Chakra in navy blue with 24 spokes
- Made of khadi as per the Flag Code of India
National Emblem
- Adopted on January 26, 1950
- Adapted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath
- Features four lions standing back to back
- Base shows horse, bull, lion, and elephant
- Dharma Chakra in the center
- Motto: “Satyameva Jayate” – “Truth Alone Triumphs”
National Anthem
- “Jana Gana Mana”
- Written by Rabindranath Tagore in Bengali
- First sung on December 27, 1911
- Officially adopted on January 24, 1950
- Playing time: 52 seconds
- Complete version has five stanzas
National Song
- “Vande Mataram”
- Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
- First published in his novel “Anandamath” in 1882
- Equal status to Jana Gana Mana, but not a replacement
- Music composed by Rabindranath Tagore
National Animal
- Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)
- Adopted in 1973 with the launch of Project Tiger
- Symbolizes power, strength, and grace
- Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
- National animal status helped conservation efforts
National Bird
- Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus)
- Also known as the peacock
- Adopted in 1963
- Symbolizes beauty, grace, and pride
- Sacred bird in Indian mythology
- Protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act
National Flower
- Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
- Adopted in 1950
- Sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism
- Symbolizes purity, divinity, and enlightenment
- Also the national flower of Vietnam
- Grows in muddy water but remains clean, symbolizing resilience
National Tree
- Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis)
- Adopted in 1950
- Symbolizes longevity and vastness
- Mentioned in many Hindu scriptures
- Can live for over 1000 years
- Has aerial prop roots that grow into trunks
National Fruit
- Mango (Mangifera indica)
- Native to India
- Symbolizes prosperity and abundance
- Over 1000 varieties grown in India
- Mentioned in ancient Sanskrit literature
- Nicknamed “King of Fruits”
National Aquatic Animal
- Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)
- Adopted in 2009
- Endangered species
- Nearly blind and uses sonar to navigate
- Found in the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems
- Gangetic Dolphin Conservation Project launched in 2016
National Currency
- Indian Rupee
- Symbol: ₹
- Symbol designed by D. Udaya Kumar
- Adopted in 2010
- Based on Devanagari “र” and Roman “R”
- Reserve Bank of India is sole issuing authority
National Calendar
- Saka Calendar
- Adopted in 1957
- First month: Chaitra
- New Year begins on March 22 (March 21 in leap years)
- Based on the vernal equinox
- Used alongside the Gregorian calendar
National River
- Ganga (Ganges)
- Declared in 2008
- 2,525 km long
- Originates from Gangotri Glacier
- Sacred river in Hinduism
- Namami Gange Programme launched for its conservation
National Game
- Hockey
- India has won 8 Olympic gold medals in hockey
- Major Dhyan Chand the legendary player
- Khelo India promotes hockey at grassroots
- National Hockey Day: August 29
National Reptile
- King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)
- World’s longest venomous snake
- Can grow up to 18 feet in length
- Found in Western Ghats and Northeast India
- Protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act
Important Constitutional Provisions
- National symbols are protected under The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971
- Article 51A (ଅନୁଚ୍ଛେଦ ୫୧A) makes it a fundamental duty to respect national symbols
- Flag Code of India, 2002 governs usage of the national flag
- Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 protects national emblems
- Wildlife conservation efforts for symbols that are endangered species
PDF Download: The entire content of this post is also available in a PDF. You can download it from the link given below and use it for your notes. [Put the link here when uploading!]