India is a land of diversity, culture, and rich history, and its icons and symbols represent the country's ethos and values. These symbols are a part of India's cultural heritage and hold immense significance in its national identity. From national emblems to animals, sports, and monuments, these icons are ingrained in the Indian psyche and evoke a sense of pride and patriotism. Let's take a closer look at some of India's most recognizable icons and symbols.
National Emblem: The National Emblem of India is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka, which was excavated in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. It consists of four Asiatic lions standing back to back, representing power, courage, pride, and confidence. The lions are mounted on a circular abacus, which is decorated with sculptures of a bull, a horse, a lion, and an elephant, symbolizing the four directions of the country.
National Flag: The Indian National Flag, also known as the Tiranga, is a tricolor flag with horizontal bands of saffron, white, and green. The saffron band represents courage and sacrifice, the white band symbolizes peace and truth, and the green band represents faith and fertility. In the center of the white band, there is a navy blue wheel with 24 spokes, known as the Ashoka Chakra, which represents the wheel of law and righteousness.
National Anthem: "Jana Gana Mana" is the national anthem of India, composed by Rabindranath Tagore. It was first sung on December 27, 1911, at the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress. The anthem is a hymn to the country and praises its diversity, unity, and secularism.
National Animal: The Royal Bengal Tiger is the national animal of India, representing strength, power, and courage. India is home to around 70% of the world's tigers, and the country has undertaken significant efforts to protect and conserve this endangered species.
National Bird: The Indian Peafowl, also known as the peacock, is the national bird of India, symbolizing beauty, grace, and pride. The male peacock is known for its vibrant colors and ornate plumage, which is used to attract females during the mating season.
National Flower: The Lotus is the national flower of India, representing purity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening. The lotus is considered a sacred flower in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and is often used in religious ceremonies.
National River: The Ganges, also known as the Ganga, is the national river of India, representing life, purity, and spirituality. The river is considered sacred by Hindus, and millions of people bathe in its waters every year, seeking purification and blessings.
National Currency of India
The national currency of India is the rupee or INR. Currency circulation is monitored by the Reserve Bank of India. The Indian rupee was created by Udayakumar Dharmalingam
National Calendar (Saka Calendar)
Months Dates
Chaitra 21st March – 20th April
Vaishakha 21st April – 21st May
Jyeshtha 22nd May – 21st June
Ashadha 22nd June – 22nd July
Shravana 23rd July – 22nd August
Bhadra 22nd August – 22nd September
Became 23rd September – 22nd October
Kartika 23rd October – 21st November
Agrahayana 22nd November – 21st December
Pausha 22nd December – 20th January
Magha 21st January – 19th February
Phalguna 20th February – 20th/21st March
National Pledge
Oath of Allegiance is the national pledge of India. The nation is kept peaceful, united, and brotherly by the national anthem. Here, we talk about the National Pledge, which every Indian youngster swears to uphold throughout their time in school. The National Integration Vow, which emphasizes the fundamental obligations to uphold peace, unity, and brotherhood in our enormous nation, as well as the pledge mentioned in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, will also be mentioned
National Fruit of India
Indians have long referred to ripe, meaty mangoes as the King of all fruits, and they are undoubtedly delicious. Spiced pickles, a staple of Indian cuisine, can be made from raw ones. Mangoes are the most widely cultivated fruits in the tropical world and are native to India. They are members of the Mangifera indica species.
National Tree of India
The Banyan tree, Ficus bengalensis, is India’s national tree. The Banyan, a member of the fig family, spread over a broad region, takes root, and continues to live and regenerate for thousands of years
National Heritage Animal of India
The Indian Elephant is the country’s national heritage animal. The elephants are on the verge of being extinct therefore the protective major was taken and the Indian Elephant was declared a national heritage animal
National Aquatic Animal of India
Due to a decline in dolphin populations over the previous few years, the Ganges River dolphin is recognized as the country’s official aquatic animal. As a result, it was designated as the national aquatic animal to protect them.
National Reptile of India
The National Reptile of India is the King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah). It is the longest venomous snake in the world, reaching lengths of up to 19 feet (5.7 meters). King cobras are found in the forests of India and Southeast Asia. They are solitary animals and feed primarily on other snakes, including other venomous species.
Sports Icons: India has a rich history in sports, and its athletes have made significant contributions to various disciplines. Some of India's most notable sports icons include Sachin Tendulkar, who is considered one of the greatest cricketers of all time, and Milkha Singh, also known as the Flying Sikh, who set numerous records in athletics.
Monuments: India is home to some of the most iconic and historic monuments in the world, including the Taj Mahal, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Other notable monuments include the Red Fort, the Qutub Minar, and the Gateway of India.
✍ Top 20 important points on Icons and Symbols of India:
- The National Emblem of India is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka.
- The Indian National Flag is a tricolor flag with horizontal bands of saffron, white, and green.
- The Indian National Anthem is "Jana Gana Mana," composed by Rabindranath Tagore.
- The Royal Bengal Tiger is the national animal of India.
- The Indian Peafowl, also known as the peacock, is the national bird of India.
- The Lotus is the national flower of India.
- The Ganges, also known as the Ganga, is the national river of India.
- Sachin Tendulkar is considered one of the greatest cricketers of all time.
- Milkha Singh, also known as the Flying Sikh, set numerous records in athletics.
- The Taj Mahal is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- The Red Fort is a historic fort in Delhi.
- The Qutub Minar is a tower in Delhi and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Gateway of India is a monument in Mumbai.
- The Ashoka Chakra is a navy blue wheel with 24 spokes, which represents the wheel of law and righteousness.
- The saffron band on the Indian National Flag represents courage and sacrifice.
- The white band on the Indian National Flag symbolizes peace and truth.
- The green band on the Indian National Flag represents faith and fertility.
- The Indian Peafowl is known for its vibrant colors and ornate plumage, which is used to attract females during the mating season.
- The Lotus is considered a sacred flower in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
- The Ganges is considered sacred by Hindus, and millions of people bathe in its waters every year, seeking purification and blessings.
In conclusion, India's icons and symbols are an essential part of the country's cultural heritage and national identity. From national emblems to animals, sports, and monuments, these symbols represent India's values, traditions, and history. By embracing and celebrating these symbols, Indians can foster a sense of pride and unity, and showcase their rich and diverse cultural heritage to the world.
Exercise-1
- What is the national animal of India?
A) Indian Elephant
B) Royal Bengal Tiger
C) Lion
D) Leopard
Answer: B) Royal Bengal Tiger - What is the national bird of India?
A) Peacock
B) Sparrow
C) Pigeon
D) Crow
Answer: A) Peacock - What is the national flower of India?
A) Lotus
B) Rose
C) Sunflower
D) Lily
Answer: A) Lotus - What is the national river of India?
A) Yamuna
B) Brahmaputra
C) Ganges
D) Godavari
Answer: C) Ganges - Who composed the Indian National Anthem?
A) Jawaharlal Nehru
B) Rabindranath Tagore
C) Mahatma Gandhi
D) Subhash Chandra Bose
Answer: B) Rabindranath Tagore - Which sport is Sachin Tendulkar famous for?
A) Football
B) Cricket
C) Hockey
D) Tennis
Answer: B) Cricket - Which monument in India is one of the Seven Wonders of the World?
A) Red Fort
B) Qutub Minar
C) Taj Mahal
D) Gateway of India
Answer: C) Taj Mahal - Which fort in Delhi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
A) Red Fort
B) Purana Qila
C) Tughlaqabad Fort
D) Feroz Shah Kotla Fort
Answer: A) Red Fort - Which color on the Indian National Flag represents courage and sacrifice?
A) Saffron
B) White
C) Green
D) Blue
Answer: A) Saffron - What is the Ashoka Chakra?
A) A monument in Mumbai
B) A tower in Delhi
C) A navy blue wheel on the Indian National Flag
D) A sacred flower in Hinduism
Answer: C) A navy blue wheel on the Indian National Flag
Exercise - 2
- What is the capital city of India?
A) Mumbai
B) Kolkata
C) New Delhi
D) Chennai
Answer: C) New Delhi - What is the national language of India?
A) Hindi
B) English
C) Tamil
D) Bengali
Answer: A) Hindi - Which state in India is known as the "Land of Seven Sisters"?
A) Assam
B) Mizoram
C) Manipur
D) Meghalaya
Answer: A) Assam - Who is known as the "Father of the Nation" in India?
A) Subhash Chandra Bose
B) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
C) Mahatma Gandhi
D) Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: C) Mahatma Gandhi - What is the name of the largest desert in India?
A) Sahara Desert
B) Thar Desert
C) Gobi Desert
D) Arabian Desert
Answer: B) Thar Desert - Which Indian state is known for its backwaters?
A) Kerala
B) Goa
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Karnataka
Answer: A) Kerala - Which Indian city is known as the "Silicon Valley of India"?
A) Hyderabad
B) Chennai
C) Bengaluru
D) Pune
Answer: C) Bengaluru - Who is the current Prime Minister of India?
A) Narendra Modi
B) Manmohan Singh
C) Rahul Gandhi
D) Sonia Gandhi
Answer: A) Narendra Modi - What is the name of the highest mountain peak in India?
A) Mount Kilimanjaro
B) Mount Everest
C) K2
D) Nanda Devi
Answer: B) Mount Everest - Who is the current President of India?
A) Pranab Mukherjee
B) Ram Nath Kovind
C) Venkaiah Naidu
D) Sushma Swaraj
Answer: B) Ram Nath Kovind
Exercise-3
- Which of the following is the national emblem of India?
A) Lion Capital of Ashoka
B) Qutub Minar
C) Charminar
D) Gateway of India
Answer: A) Lion Capital of Ashoka - Who is the current captain of the Indian cricket team?
A) Virat Kohli
B) Rohit Sharma
C) MS Dhoni
D) Shikhar Dhawan
Answer: A) Virat Kohli - Which bird is the state bird of Karnataka?
A) Indian Roller
B) Great Indian Bustard
C) Peacock
D) Himalayan Monal
Answer: A) Indian Roller - Which animal is the state animal of Rajasthan?
A) Indian Rhinoceros
B) Blackbuck
C) Indian Wild Ass
D) Nilgai
Answer: B) Blackbuck - Which sport is Mary Kom associated with?
A) Boxing
B) Weightlifting
C) Wrestling
D) Athletics
Answer: A) Boxing - Which river is known as the "Lifeline of Delhi"?
A) Yamuna
B) Ganges
C) Narmada
D) Godavari
Answer: A) Yamuna - Which state in India is known as the "Land of High Passes"?
A) Himachal Pradesh
B) Jammu and Kashmir
C) Uttarakhand
D) Sikkim
Answer: B) Jammu and Kashmir - Which flower is the state flower of Maharashtra?
A) Lotus
B) Sunflower
C) Marigold
D) Jarul
Answer: C) Marigold - Which animal is the state animal of Madhya Pradesh?
A) Tiger
B) Elephant
C) Panther
D) Sloth Bear
Answer: A) Tiger - Which Indian state is known as the "God's Own Country"?
A) Kerala
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Andhra Pradesh
D) Karnataka
Answer: A) Kerala
