List of National Symbols of India with Names

National Symbols of India: The National Symbols of India stand as a living representation of the country’s cultural diversity and unique identity, encapsulating its people, values, and core characteristics India’s rich cultural heritage is made up of a list of national symbols, each boasting its own uniqueness and ever-changing culture. There are 17 national symbols of India which includes Vande Mataram, Tiranga, Jana Gana Mana, Saka Calendar, Royal Bengal Tiger, National Emblem of India, Mango, Ganga, Indian Elephant, Lotus, Indian Banyan, Ganges River Dolphin, Indian Peacock, Indian Rupee, King Cobra, Pumpkin and National Pledge.

National Symbols are Icons that represent the National Identity, culture, history, and values as well. It is very crucial for promoting unity, patriotism, and pride across India. Some National symbols are emotional and have cultural connections. As an example India’s national flower – the Lotus represents spirituality, and India’s National Bird – the Peacock represents royal grace, etc.

In this Article we have covered Name of National Symbols of Inaia, Its Significance and more.

let’s get a closer look at List of National Symbols of India.

National Symbols of India

National Symbol

There are a many national symbols in India, each have unique meaning, which inspire the unity, pride, Energy etc. India’s identity and pride are clearly represented through its symbols. The country recognizes 17 national symbols, each of which is the essence of our culture and traditions that we as Indians proudly share with the world. These marks carry great national significance and are important knowledge for all citizens, especially those preparing for exams like banking, SSC, and IAS, where questions may arise about them.

National symbols of India occupy important place because they communicate the identity, culture, history, and values of a nation. They are powerful means of fostering a sense of unity, patriotism and national pride in society.

What are the National Symbols of India?

The national symbols of India carry a collection of elements of special importance to the country. Here is a list of national emblems of India:

• National Flag: A three-striped saffron, white, and green flag, with the wheel of Ashoka in the centre.
• National Symbol: Ashoka lion capital, showing four lions back to back, standing on an abacus with the Dharma Chakra in the centre.
• National Anthem: “Vande Mataram,” composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
• National Bird: Peacock
• National Animal: Royal Bengal Tiger.
• National Tree: Indian Vat (Ficus bengalensis).
• National Fruit: Mango.
• National Flower: Lotus.
• National Anthem: Jana gana Mana composed by Rabindranath Tagore.
• National Sport: Field Hockey.
• National Calendar: Saka Calendar.
• National Crop: Pumpkin (Kaddu).
• National Aquatic Animal: Gangetic Dolphin.
• National Heritage Animal: Indian Elephants.
• National River: Ganga (Ganga).
• National Currency: Indian Rupee (INR).

These national symbols of India occupy a special place in the hearts of the Indian people, and are a source of pride and cultural identity for the nation.

List of National Symbols of India

Following are the list of national symbols of India:

National Symbols of India
S. No.	Title	National Symbols
1	National Flag of India	Tiranga
2	National Anthem of India	Jana Gana Mana
3	National Calendar of India	Saka calendar
4	National Song of India	Vande Mataram
5	National Emblem of India	National Emblem of India
6	National Fruit of India	Mango
7	National River of India	Ganga
8	National Animal of India	Royal Bengal Tiger
9	National Tree of India	Indian Banyan
10	National Aquatic Animal India	Ganges River Dolphin
11	National Bird India	Indian Peacock
12	National Currency India	Indian Rupee
13	National Reptile of India	King Cobra
14	National Heritage Animal of India	Indian Elephant
15	National Flower of India	Lotus
16	National Vegetable of India	Pumpkin
17	Oath of Allegiance	National Pledge

National Symbols of India with Names

India takes pride in a rich tapestry of national symbols, each holding profound cultural and historical significance. Given below are all 17 of India’s national symbols with their importance, history, and unique characteristics in detail.

1. National Flag of India (Tiranga)

National symbol (Trianga) – The Tiranga, or national flag of India, stands as an embodiment of the nation’s strength and values. Designed by Pingali Venkayya, it was officially adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 22nd July 1947. This tricolor flag features:

• Saffron: Symbolizes strength and courage.
• White Middle Band: Denotes peace, truth, and righteousness with the Dharma Chakra.
• Green: Represents fertility, growth, and auspiciousness.
• Dharma Chakra: A wheel inspired by the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka, with 24 spokes.

2. National Emblem (State Emblem of India)

National symbol (State Emblem of India) – Adopted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, the national emblem of India symbolises power, courage, and confidence. Its motto, “Satyameva Jayate” (“Truth Alone Triumphs”), resonates with India’s commitment to truth and justice. The emblem features four Asiatic lions standing back to back on an abacus, adorned with sculptures of an elephant, galloping horse, bull, and lion separated by intervening wheels over a lotus.

3. Indian National Calendar (Saka Calendar)

National symbol (Saka Calendar) – The Saka Calendar, introduced by the Calendar Committee in 1957, is India’s unique calendar system. Officially initiated on 1 Chaitra 1879 Saka Era (corresponding to 22 March 1957), it features distinctive month names:

Chaitra, Vaishakh, Jyaishtha, Ashadha, Shravana, Bhadrapad, Ashwin, Kartik, Agrahayana, Pausha, Magha, and Phalguna. These months correspond to specific dates, making it an integral part of India’s cultural heritage:

4. National Anthem of India (Jana Gana Mana)

National symbol (Jana Gana Mana) – “Jana Gana Mana,” composed originally in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore, became India’s national anthem on 24th January 1950 when the Constituent Assembly adopted its Hindi version. With five stanzas, this anthem is a lyrical ode to India’s diverse culture and unity.

5. National Song of India (Vande Mataram)

National symbol (Vande Mataram) – “Vande Mataram,” composed in Sanskrit by Bankimchandra Chatterji, holds a historic place in India’s struggle for freedom. President Dr. Rajendra Prasad accorded it equal status with the national anthem on 24th January 1950. This song made its political debut during the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress and is a prominent feature in Bankimchandra’s novel “Anand Math” (1882).

6. National Currency (Indian Rupee)

National symbol (Indian Rupee) – The Indian rupee (ISO code: INR, symbol ₹) is the official currency of the Republic of India. Controlled by the Reserve Bank of India, its symbol, derived from the Devanagari consonant “₹” (ra) and the Latin letter “R,” was adopted in 2010. Designed by Udaya Kumar Dharmalingam, the INR symbol depicts an equality sign symbolising India’s desire to reduce economic disparity. It is inspired by the Indian tricolor.

7. National Animal of India (Bengal Tiger)

National symbol (Bengal Tiger) – The Royal Bengal Tiger is recognised as the national animal of India. In April 1973, the Royal Bengal Tiger was designated as India’s national animal in response to the declining tiger populations. The aforementioned magnificent organism symbolises India’s dedication to the preservation of its biodiversity.

8. National Bird of India (Peacock)

National symbol (Peacock) – he national bird of India is the peacock. On the 1st of February 1963, the Indian peacock (Pavo cristatus) was officially designated as the national bird of India. Renowned for its beautiful colours and dance, the avian species under consideration serves as a symbol of the harmonious amalgamation of diverse hues and occupies a significant position within the cultural fabric of India.

9. National Aquatic Animal (Dolphin)

National symbol (Dolphin) – The Ganges river dolphin, which has been officially recognised as the National Aquatic Animal of India, inhabits many rivers including the Ganges and Yamuna.

10. National Fruit (Mango)

National Symbol (Mango) – The national fruit of a country is an important symbol representing the cultural and agricultural importance of a particular fruit in that country. Scientifically known as Mangifera indica, the mango carries the honorable title of the national fruit of India, often referred to as the “King of Fruits”. The fragrance and taste of this commodity symbolises wealth and abundance.

11. National Flower (Lotus)

National Symbol (Lotus) – A country’s national flower is an important symbol representing its cultural heritage and identity. In this particular country, the lotus flower is identified as its national flower.

Commonly known as the lotus, Nelumbo nucifera holds the honorable status of being the national flower of India, symbolising deep spiritual meaning, abundance and spotless purity.

12. National Tree (Banyan Tree)

National Symbol (Banyan Tree) – It has been suggested that the national tree of India, the banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) holds cultural significance because of its association with longevity and recognition as a “wish fulfillment tree”, given that its environment is a habitat for nature of living groups.

13. National River (Ganga)

National Symbol (Ganga) – The Ganges, which has its source in the Himalayas, is recognised as the national river of India. The Ganges River, held in high esteem by adherents of Hinduism, holds the distinction of being the longest river in India. Its course through several prominent urban centres, including Varanasi and Haridwar.

14. National Reptile (King Cobra)

National Symbol (King Cobra) – The King Cobra is recognised as the national reptile. The King Cobra, scientifically known as Ophiophagus hannah, holds the esteemed position of being India’s National Reptile, representing cultural importance and its holy connections to Lord Shiva.

15. National Heritage Animal (Indian Elephant)

National Symbol (Indian Elephat) – The Indian Elephant as the National Heritage Animal. The Indian Elephant, which has been officially designated as a National Heritage Animal, is indigenous to continental Asia and confronts various challenges primarily stemming from the loss and deterioration of its natural habitat.

16. Oath of Allegiance (National Pledge)

National Symbol (National Pledge) – The National Pledge functions as a solemn declaration of loyalty to the sovereign nation of India. The composition in question was initially authored in the Telugu language by Pydimarri Venkata Subba Rao in the year 1962. It is frequently repeated during public gatherings, particularly on occasions such as Independence Day and Republic Day.

The national emblems of India collectively embody the multifaceted and dynamic fabric of the country’s culture, history, and ideals.

National Symbols of India – FAQS

1. Who decides the national symbols of India?

Its shape is similar to the wheel that can be seen on the abacus of Ashoka’s Sarnath Lion Capital. It has 24 spokes, and its diameter is about equal to the width of the white band. The Indian Constituent Assembly approved the National Flag’s design on July 22, 1947.

2. What is the significance of the saffron hue in the national flag of India?

The saffron hue seen on the national flag of India symbolises the virtues of sacrifice and courage, effectively embodying the indomitable spirit of the Indian populace during their ardent pursuit of freedom.

3. What is the rationale for designating the Indian peafowl (Peacock) as the national bird of India?

The selection of the Indian peafowl as the national bird of India can be attributed to its striking and varied plumage, which serves as a symbolic representation of the harmonious coexistence of many colours and civilizations inside the country.

4. Why do we need national symbols?

The Indian identity and heritage are inextricably linked to these symbols. These National Symbols instill a sense of pride and patriotism in every Indian’s heart, inspiring Indians from all demographic backgrounds to be proud of them.

5. What is the meaning of the motto “Satyamev Jayate” inscribed on the national emblem?

The national emblem prominently displays the Devanagari script motto “Satyamev Jayate,” which may be translated to English as “Truth Alone Triumphs.” This tagline serves to underscore the significance of truth as a core principle.

6. Why was “Jana Gana Mana” selected as the national anthem?

The national anthem of India, titled “Jana Gana Mana,” was officially designated as the country’s national anthem on January 24, 1950, by the Constituent Assembly of India. It was penned by Rabindranath Tagore.

7. What is the rationale behind designating the Indian elephant as the national heritage animal?

The Indian elephant, classified as an endangered subspecies of Asian elephants, holds the distinction of being recognised as the national heritage animal in India owing to its profound cultural and historical importance.

8. What is the official currency of India?

The Indian Rupee (INR) functions as the official currency of India, representing the nation’s economic and monetary framework.

9. What is the importance of the Lotus as the designated national flower?

The Lotus holds the esteemed position of being the official flower of India, serving as a powerful emblem that embodies the ideals of purity, enlightenment, and the rich cultural legacy of the nation.

10. Which is the national calendar?

The Saka calendar is a calendar system that is recognised as the national calendar in certain regions. It is vital to inquire about the reasons behind its designation as the national calendar. The Saka calendar, alternatively referred to as the Shalivahana Shaka Calendar, is employed in conjunction with the Gregorian calendar for official functions within India, hence designating it as the national calendar.

11. What is the significance of the Ganges (Ganga) River in Indian culture?

The Ganges River possesses significant cultural and theological importance within the Indian context, as it is revered as the deity Ganga in the Hindu faith.

12. What is the national symbol of India?

India has several national symbols, including the national flag (Tiranga), national fruit (mango), national anthem (Jana Gana Mana), and national animal (tiger), among others.

13. What is the national emblem and national song of India?

The national emblem of India is the Sarnath lion capital, and the national song is ‘Vande Mataram,’ composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.

14. What is the national flower and tree of India?

The lotus is the national flower of India, while the banyan tree holds the honor of being the national tree.