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India Symbols
THE NATIONAL FLAG OF INDIA is in tricolour of deep saffron at the
top, white in the middle and dark green at the bottom in equal
propotions. The ratio of the width to the length of the flag is two is
to three. In the centre of the white band, there is a wheel in navy
blue to indicate the Dharma Chakra, the wheel of law in the Sarnath
Lion Capital. This center symbol or the 'CHAKRA', is a Buddhist
symbol dating back to 200th century BC.
The National Emblem adapted by the Government of India on 26th January
1950, is taken from the Lion capital of Sarnath erected by Ashoka - the
great Mauryan King. In the emblem only three lions are visible and the
fourth one is hidden from the view. In the centre of the Abacus, there is a
wheel symbolising the Dharma Chakra (Eternal wheel of law) with a bull on
the right and horse on the left. The word Satyameva Jayate (Truth alone
triumphs) from the Upanishadas have been inscribed in Devanagari script.
The emblem is the official seal of the President of India and Central and
State Governments of the Indian union. Used only for official purposes, it
commands utmost respect and loyalty, while proclaiming independent
India's identity and sovereignty.National Bird of India-PEOCOCK
Symbolic of many qualities - grace, joy, pride, beauty, love and mysticism,
the Peacock is depicted in picture with the company of Indian Gods and
Goddesses. It is the sacred bird of the India, protected not only by a
religious sentiment but also by parliamentary statute.National Animal of India-THE TIGER.
The Tiger - Lord of the Indian Jungles, evokes royalty, majesty and
power. With its position at top of the ecological pyramids, the tiger is the
symbol of India's wealth of wildlife. India homes nearly half the world-wide
population of tigers and thus tiger remains synonymous with India. To
protect this royal animal Project Tiger was launched in 1973. Today, the
tiger advances as a symbol of India's conservation of itself its wildlife heritage.National Flower of India-THE LOTUS
Rich in meaning and metaphor, the Lotus symbolises divinity, fertility,
wealth, knowledge and not to forget enlightenment. Lending to its
uniqueness, the flower grows in murky waters and rises on a long stalk
above the surface to bloom glorious. Untouched by the impurity, lotus
symbolises the purity of heart and mind. Human beings are instructed by
Indian scripture to live a life of non-attachment, which is very hard. Then
in Indian thought, there is the last and final lotus - Charan Kamal or lotus
feet of the Almighty. It was this depth of thought that made the founding
fathers of modern India enshrine the lotus in the Constitution as the
National Flower.
National Tree of India-THE BANYAN TREE
THE BANYAN TREE-Called the Indian fig tree( Ficus bengalensis) grow over
large area. The roots then give rise to more trunks and branches. Because
of this characteristic & longevity, the Banyan tree is considered immortal
& sacred and is an integral part of the myths and legends in India. Even
today, the banyan tree is the focal point of village life and the village
council meetings under the shade of this huge shade-giving tree.
National Fruit of India-THE MANGO
The fruit Mango,of the tree Mangifera indica, is one of the most widely
cultivated fruits of the tropical world. This juicy, delicious fruit is a rich
source of Vitamins A, C and D. In India there are hundreds of varieties of
mangoes, in different sizes, shapes and colours etc. Mangoes, have been
cultivated in India since time immemorial. The famous Indian poet Kalidasa
sang its praises.King Alexander relished its taste, as did the Chinese
traveller Hieun Tsang. Akbar, the Moghal emperor planted over 100,000
mango trees in Darbhanga, known as Lakhi Bagh(India).
