India's National Symbols — Flag, Emblem, Anthem, and More
This is one of the most basic and frequently asked general knowledge topics under "Political Developments" in Patwari's GK-India section — the complete list of all of India's national symbols, in one table.
- GK-India · National Symbols
- 5 min read
From the Flag to the State Emblem
India's national flag (the Tricolour) was designed by Pingali Venkayya and was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 22 July 1947 — just a few days before independence. The Ashoka Chakra (with 24 spokes) at the centre of the flag is taken from the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath.
The National State Emblem is also taken from the figure of the four lions atop the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath, and was adopted on 26 January 1950. Below the emblem is written "Satyameva Jayate" (Truth alone triumphs), taken from the Mundaka Upanishad.
Complete List of National Symbols
| Symbol | Name |
|---|---|
| National Flag | The Tricolour — saffron, white, green (with the 24-spoke Ashoka Chakra at the centre) |
| National Emblem | The Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath (four lions) — "Satyameva Jayate" |
| National Anthem | Jana Gana Mana (composed by: Rabindranath Tagore; adopted: 24 January 1950) |
| National Song | Vande Mataram (composed by: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay) |
| National Animal | The Tiger (Royal Bengal Tiger) |
| National Aquatic Animal | The Ganges River Dolphin (Ganga Dolphin) |
| National Bird | The Peacock |
| National Flower | The Lotus |
| National Tree | The Banyan Tree |
| National Fruit | The Mango |
| National River | The Ganga (declared the "National River" from 2008) |
| National Calendar | The Saka calendar (the Indian National Calendar), in official use from 22 March 1957 |
Caution — A Common Mix-up About the "National Sport"
In 2012, India's Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports clarified in response to an RTI that no notification exists officially declaring hockey the "national sport" — it is only so by tradition and popular belief. If the exam asks about the "official national sport", remember that no sport has been formally notified; hockey is only known by this name traditionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the national flag adopted?+
On 22 July 1947, at a meeting of the Constituent Assembly — a few days before independence (15 August 1947). It was designed by Pingali Venkayya.
What is the difference between the national anthem and the national song?+
The national anthem is "Jana Gana Mana" (composed by Tagore, adopted 24 January 1950), while the national song is "Vande Mataram" (composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay) — both are given equal respect, but only the national anthem is played on formal occasions.
What is the national aquatic animal?+
The Ganges River Dolphin — it was declared so in 2010.