NATIONAL SYMBOLS OF INDIA

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National Symbols of India

This write-up on the National symbols of India contains brief information on various national symbols of India. It also traces the history and evolution of various Indian National symbols. We have covered Indian National anthem, national bird, national flag, national flower, national, tree, national calendar, national song, national emblem, national fruit and the national game of India.

National Anthem of India

The national anthem of India, Jana-gana-mana, was composed by the great poet Rabindranath Tagore and was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on January 24th 1950. Jana-gana-mana was first sung on 27th December, 1911 at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress. The songs, Jana-gana-mana, consists of five stanzas. The first stanza constitutes the full version of the National Anthem. Playing time of the full version of the National Anthem is approximately 52 seconds. The national anthem of India is as follows-

"Jana-gana-mana-adhinaayaka, jaya he

Bhaarata-bhagya-vidhaataa

Punjab-Sindhu-Gujarata-Marathaa

Draavida-Utkala -Banga Vindhya-Himachala-Yamuna-Gangaa

Uchchala-Jaladhi-taranga

Tava shubha naame jaage

Tava shubha ashisha maange

Gaaye tab jaya gaatha

Jana-gana-mangala-daayaka jaya he

Bharata-bhagya-vidhataa

Jaya he, jaya he, jaya he

Jaya jaya, jaya, jaya he!! "

Here is Tagore's English rendering of the stanza (Indian national anthem) - "Thou art the ruler of the minds of all people, dispenser of India's destiny. Thy name rouses the hearts of Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat and Maratha, of the Dravida and Orissa and Bengal it echoes in the hills of the Vindhyas and Himalayas, Mingles in the music of Jamuna and Ganges and is chanted by the waves of the Indian Sea. They pray for thy blessings and sing thy praise. The saving of all people waits in thy hand, thou dispenser of India's destiny victory, victory, victory, victory to thee."

National Animal of India

Tiger (Panthera Tigris, Linnaeus) is the national animal of India. Tiger is also called the lord of Jungles. As the national animal of India, tiger symbolizes India's wildlife wealth. The rare combination of grace, strength, agility and enormous power has earned the tiger great respect and high esteem. India is home to nearly half of the total population of tigers. The government of India launched the Project Tiger in 1973 to protect the royal animal.

Out of the eight races of the tiger, the Indian race, the Royal Bengal Tiger is found almost all over country (with the exception of the north-western region). With the launch of Project tiger in 1973, the tiger population showed a gradual increase and the census of 1993 puts the tiger population of the country at 3,750. Under Project tiger 23 tiger reserves have been established throughout the country, covering an area of 33,406 sq. km. Unfortunately due to negligence of authorities and poaching the tiger population of India is decreasing at an alarming rate. In fact, some of the tiger reserves do not have any tigers at all.

National Bird of India

Peacock (Pavo cristatus), which is a symbol of grace, joy, beauty and love is the national bird of India. Peacock occupies a respectable position in Indian culture and is protected not only by religious sentiments but also by parliamentary statute. The Indian peacock is a colorful, swan-sized bird with a fan-shaped crest of feathers on its head, a white patch under the eye and a long-slender neck. The male peacock is more colorful than the female one.

The male peacock has a glossy blue breast and a magnificent bronze-green colored tail of around 200 extended feathers. The female peacock is brownish, slightly smaller than the male and does not have a tail. The dance of the male peacock by fanning out the tail and shaking the feathers is a treat top watch. In India the peacock is found in almost all parts and enjoys full protection under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

National Calendar of India

The national calendar of India is based on the Saka Era with Chaitra as its first month and a normal year of 365 days. The national calendar of India was adopted on March 22nd 1957. Dates of the Indian national calendar have a permanent correspondence with the Gregorian calendar dates- 1 Chaitra falling on 22 March normally and on 21 March in leap year.

The national Calendar of India is used along with the Gregorian calendar for the following official purposes- (i) Gazette of India, (ii) news broadcast by All India Radio, (iii) calendars issued by the Government of India and (iv) Government communications addressed to the members of the public.

National Emblem of India

The National Emblem of India has been taken from the Sarnath Lion capital erected by Ashoka. The national emblem of India was adapted by the Government of India on 26th January1950. In the National emblem only three lions are visible and the fourth one is hidden from the view. All the lions are mounted on an abacus. At the centre of the Abacus, there is a Chakra (wheel) which symbolizes the Dharma Chakra (Eternal wheel of law).

There is a bull, a galloping horse, an elephant and a lion, separated by intervening wheels over a bell shaped lotus. The word Satyameva Jayate (truth alone triumphs) have been inscribed in Devanagari script. The National emblem of India is the official seal of the President of India and Central and State Governments. The National emblem is used only for official purposes and commands highest respect and loyalty. It is also a symbol of independent India's identity and sovereignty.

National Flag of India

The national flag of India is tricolor. It has deep saffron color strip at the top, white in the middle and dark green at the bottom in equal proportions. The width and length ratio of the National flag is two is to three. In the centre of the white strip, there is a wheel in navy blue color to indicate the Dharma Chakra, the wheel of law in the Sarnath Lion Capital. The diameter of the wheel approximates to the width of the white strip and has 24 spokes. The design of the national flag was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 22nd July, 1947. The use and display of the National flag of India are regulated by a flag Code.

National Flower of India

Lotus is the National flower of India. The Lotus symbolizes spirituality, fruitfulness, wealth, knowledge and illumination. The most important thing about lotus is that even after growing in murky water it is untouched by its impurity. On the other hand the lotus symbolizes purity of heart and mind. The National Flower 'Lotus' or water lily is an aquatic plant of Nymphaea species with broad floating leaves and bright aromatic flowers that grow only in shallow waters.

The leaves and flowers of the Lotus float and have long stems that contain air spaces in them. The lotus flowers have many petals overlapping in a proportional pattern. The root functions of lotus are carried out by rhizomes that fan out horizontally through the mud below the water. Lotuses, cherished for their tranquil beauty, are delightful to take a look at as their blossoms open on the pond's surface.

National Fruit of India

Mango (Mangifera Indica) is the National fruit of India. Mango is one of the most widely grown fruits of the tropical countries. In India, mango is cultivated almost in all parts, with the exception of hilly areas. Mango is a rich source of Vitamins A, C and D. In India, we have hundreds of varieties of mangoes. They are of different sizes, shapes and colors. Mangoes have been cultivated in India since time immemorial. Even in our mythology and history there are stories of mangoes- the famous Indian poet Kalidasa sang its praise. Alexander the great, along with Hieun Tsang savored the taste of mangoes. The great Mughal king, Akbar is said to have planted over 100,000 mango trees in Darbhanga (modern Bihar). The mango is eaten ripe and is also used for pickles.

National Game of India

Hockey is the National Game of India. Hockey has been played in India for time immemorial. There was a golden period of Indian hockey when hockey stalwarts of India ruled the game. On the international scenario there were no competitors to match the magical hands of Indian hockey players. The might and power of Indian hockey made India synonymous with the game. Unmatched excellence and incomparable talent of Indian players became folklore. The ball-juggling feats of players like Major Dhyanchand made people to think that Indian players used some kind of black magic. The Golden Era of hockey in India was the period from 1928 - 1956 when India won 6 successive gold medals in the Olympic Games.

National Song of India

The National song of India is Vande Mataram. It was composed by the famous poet, Bankim Chandra Chaterjee in the year 1875. Rabindranath sang the National song (Vande Mataram) by setting a magnificent tune and Shri Aurobindo interpreted the deep meaning of the song. The English translation of Vande Mataram (National song) was rendered by Aurobindo, which is considered official.

Vande Mataram !

Sujalam, Suphalam,

Malayaja Shitalam,

Shasya shyamalam, Mataram !

Shubhra jyotsna Pulakita yaminim

Phulla Kusumita

Drumadala Shobhinim,

Suhasinim, Sumadhura Bhashinim,

Sukhadam, Varadam, Mataram !

Sapta Kotikantha

Kalakala Ninada Karale

Dvisapt Koti Bhujair Dhrita

Khara Karavale

Abala Kena Ma Eta Bale !

Bahubala Dharinim,

Namami Tarinim,

Ripudalavarinim Mataram !

Tvam Hi Durga

Dashpraharana Dharini,

Kamala, Kamaladalaviharini, Vani,

Vidyadayani, Namami Tvam,

Namami, Kamalam,

Amalam, Atulam,

Sujalam, Suphalam, Mataram,

Vande Mataram !

Shyamalam, Saralam,

Susmitam, Bhushitam,

Dharanim, Bharanim Mataram !

National Tree of India

Banyan is the National tree of India. The mighty banyan tree commands a great presence in the rural setting of India. The very size of the banyan tree makes it a habitat for a large number of creatures. For centuries the banyan tree has been a central point for the village communities of India.

The banyan tree is massive not only from outside but it also sends new shoots from its roots, making the tree a tangle of branches, roots and trunks. The banyan tree towers magnificently over its neighbors and has the widest reaching roots of all known trees, covering several acres. The life of banyan tree is very long and is thought of as an immortal tree.

Because of its huge size, the banyan tree acts as a good shield and protects the rural folk from the hot sun. Even to this day the banyan tree has remained the focal point and gathering place village councils and meetings. It is due to these qualities, the banyan tree is considered sacred and honored.