National Symbols
National Flag
● The National Flag of India is a horizontal tricolour of
deep saffron (kesaria) at the top
● White in the middle and dark green at the bottom in
equal proportion
● In the centre of the white band is a navy-blue wheel
which represents the chakra.
● The flag must be rectangular in shape with a
length-toheight ratio of 3:2.
● Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has specified nine
standard sizes for the National Flag as per IS 1: 1968.
● These sizes maintain the official length-to-height ratio of 3:2 Ashoka Chakra must be clearly visible
on both sides, preferably screen-printed, stencilled, or embroidered.
● No restriction on the display of the National Flag by individuals or organizations Prohibited:
○ Use of flag for commercial purposes, clothing, costumes, or advertising is regulated.
○ Damaging, defacing, or insulting the flag is punishable under the Prevention of Insults to
National Honour Act, 1971.
● 2021: Use of polyester flags allowed (earlier only hand-spun cotton/wool/silk/khadi). 2022:
Amendment permits night display of the flag (earlier only from sunrise to sunset), if properly
illuminated.
Flag Code of India, 2002:
● Came into effect: 26 January 2002
● Purpose: Consolidate all laws, conventions, practices & instructions
● Applies to: General public, private organizations, educational institutions, etc.
● Permissions & Prohibitions:
○ No restriction on display by individuals or organizations
○ Prohibited Uses:
○ Commercial usage
○ Clothing, costumes, or advertising (regulated)
○ Insult, defacement, damage – punishable under the 1971 Act
● Key Amendments:
○ 2021: Use of polyester flags allowed (earlier only hand-spun cotton/wool/silk/khadi)
○ 2022: Night display allowed if properly illuminated (earlier only from sunrise to sunset)
State Emblem of India
● Adopted on: 26th January 1950
● Inspired from: Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath (Mauryan Period)
● 4 Asiatic Lions standing back to back (only 3 visible in the emblem) Circular abacus with:
○ Elephant (East)
○ Galloping Horse (South)
○ Bull (West)
○ Lion (North)
● Between each animal: Dharma Chakra (Ashoka Chakra)
● Base: Bell-shaped lotus (symbol of purity) — Omitted in Emblem
● "Satyameva Jayate" (Truth Alone Triumphs)
● From: Mundaka Upanishad Written in: Devanagari Script Placed below the emblem
● Regulated under:
○ State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005
○ State Emblem of India (Regulation of Use) Rules, 2007
○ Amendment Rules, 2010
● Usage :- Symbolizes authority of the Government of India
● Used in:
○ Official seals
○ Government documents
○ Currency Passports, etc.
National Anthem
● Jana Gana Mana Composed by: Rabindranath Tagore (originally in Bangla)
● Adopted by: Constituent Assembly on 24 Jan 1950 First sung: 27 Dec 1911, Calcutta Session, INC
● Total stanzas in original song: 5
● Official version: Only 1st stanza used as National Anthem
● Playing time: • Full version: 52 seconds
● Short version: ~20 seconds (1st and last lines only)
National Song
● – Vande Mataram • Composed by: Bankimchandra Chatterji
● Language: Sanskrit
● First sung at: 1896
● Indian National Congress session
● Status: Equal honor as National Anthem
● Role in Freedom Struggle: Major source of patriotic inspiration
National Calendar
● Saka Era A historical Indian calendar system.
● Used officially as the National Calendar of India alongside the Gregorian calendar (which is globally
followed).
The Saka Era is generally 78 years behind the Gregorian calendar.
When was it adopted?
● Date of adoption: 22 March 1957 by the Government of India.
● Adopted as part of efforts to standardize Indian
timekeeping for official use, respecting Indian traditions.
● Date Alignment with Gregorian Calendar
○ 1 Chaitra = 22 March (in normal year)
○ 1 Chaitra = 21 March (in leap year)
● Where is it used officially?
○ The Gazette of India
○ News bulletins of All India Radio (AIR)
○ Government-issued calendars
○ Official government correspondence addressed to the public
National Animal: Royal Bengal Tiger
● Scientific Name: Panthera tigris
● Symbolizes: Strength, power, agility
● Re-notified: 2011 by Wildlife Division, MoEF
Nationall Bird: Indian Peacock
● Scientific Name: Pavo cristatus
● Symbolizes: Grace, beauty, elegance
● Re-notified: 2011 by Wildlife Division, MoEF