What Are the 17 National Symbols of India? Full List with Details

🇮🇳 1. National Flag – Tiranga

The Indian National Flag, known as the Tiranga, is a horizontal tricolour of deep saffron 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 with 24 spokes, known as the Ashoka Chakra. The saffron represents courage and sacrifice, white stands for peace and truth, and green signifies faith and chivalry. The Ashoka Chakra symbolizes the eternal wheel of law.

🎶 2. National Anthem – Jana Gana Mana

Jana Gana Mana is the national anthem of India, composed by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. It was first sung on 27 December 1911 at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress and was adopted as the national anthem on 24 January 1950. The anthem reflects the unity and diversity of India.

🎵 3. National Song – Vande Mataram

Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in Sanskrit, served as a source of inspiration during India’s freedom struggle. It was adopted as the national song on 24 January 1950 and holds equal status with the national anthem.

🛡️ 4. National Emblem – Lion Capital of Ashoka

The National Emblem of India is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath. It features four Asiatic lions standing back to back, symbolizing power, courage, confidence, and pride. The emblem also includes a circular abacus with sculptures of a bull, horse, lion, and elephant, separated by intervening wheels over a bell-shaped lotus.

📅 5. National Calendar – Saka Calendar

The Saka Calendar is the official civil calendar of India, adopted on 22 March 1957. It is used alongside the Gregorian calendar and starts from the year 78 AD.

🐅 6. National Animal – Royal Bengal Tiger

The Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris) is the national animal of India, symbolizing strength, agility, and grace. It was chosen to represent India’s wildlife wealth and is an indicator of the country’s ecological health.

🦚 7. National Bird – Indian Peacock

The Indian Peacock (Pavo cristatus) is the national bird of India, known for its vibrant plumage and graceful dance. It symbolizes beauty, grace, and elegance.

🐬 8. National Aquatic Animal – Ganges River Dolphin

The Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) is the national aquatic animal of India. Found in the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, it is an indicator of the health of the river ecosystem.

🐘 9. National Heritage Animal – Indian Elephant

The Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) is recognized as the national heritage animal of India. It holds significant cultural and religious importance and symbolizes strength and wisdom.

🌸 10. National Flower – Lotus

The Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is the national flower of India, symbolizing purity, beauty, wealth, and divinity. It holds a sacred place in Indian culture and mythology.

🌳 11. National Tree – Indian Banyan

The Indian Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) is the national tree of India. Known for its expansive canopy and aerial roots, it symbolizes immortality and is considered sacred in Indian culture.

🥭 12. National Fruit – Mango

The Mango (Mangifera indica) is the national fruit of India, celebrated for its sweetness and flavor. It has been cultivated in India for over 4,000 years and holds a special place in Indian culture.

🌊 13. National River – Ganga

The Ganga is the national river of India, revered as a goddess in Hinduism. It is considered sacred and is vital to the spiritual and physical well-being of the country.

🐍 14. National Reptile – King Cobra

The King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the national reptile of India. It is the world’s longest venomous snake and holds a significant place in Indian mythology and culture.

🏑 15. National Game – Hockey

Field Hockey is considered the national game of India. The country has a rich history in the sport, with multiple Olympic gold medals, especially during the mid-20th century.

💱 16. National Currency – Indian Rupee (₹)

The Indian Rupee (₹) is the official currency of India. The symbol (₹) was adopted in 2010, combining the Devanagari letter ‘र’ (ra) and the Latin capital letter ‘R’ without its vertical bar.

🦠 17. National Microbe – Lactobacillus delbrueckii

Lactobacillus delbrueckii is recognized as the national microbe of India. It plays a crucial role in the fermentation of dairy products like yogurt, highlighting India’s rich tradition in dairy consumption.

Historical background of National Symbols of India

India’s national symbols were adopted to express the country’s ethos, heritage, and aspirations after gaining independence in 1947. While some have ancient roots, others reflect modern India’s identity and values. Together, they foster unity, patriotism, and awareness about the country’s natural and cultural wealth.