National Symbols of India
SSC GD Self-Paced Course
Introduction
National Symbols represent the identity, culture, and heritage of India. This is a highly important SSC GD topic, and questions are often direct and factual.
This article covers all national symbols with their history, adoption year, and key facts.
1. National Flag of India
Name: Tiranga
Meaning: Tricolour
Adopted on:
22 July 1947
Designer:
Pingali Venkayya
Colours (Top to Bottom):
Saffron
courage and sacrifice
White
peace and truth
Green
faith and prosperity
Ashoka Chakra:
Color:
Navy blue
Spokes:
24
Position:
Center of white band
2. National Emblem
Based on:
Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath
Adopted on:
26 January 1950
Features:
- Four lions (visible three)
- Wheel (Ashoka Chakra)
- Bull, horse, lion, elephant
Motto:
Text:
Satyameva Jayate
Meaning:
Truth alone triumphs
Script:
Devanagari
3. National Anthem
Name: Jana Gana Mana
Written by:
Rabindranath Tagore
Language:
Bengali (original)
Adopted on:
24 January 1950
Duration:
52 seconds
4. National Song
Name: Vande Mataram
Written by:
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
Taken from:
Novel Anandmath
Language:
Sanskrit
Adopted on:
24 January 1950
5. National Animal
Royal Bengal Tiger
Scientific name:
Panthera tigris tigris
Reason:
Grace, strength, agility
6. National Bird
Indian Peacock
Scientific name:
Pavo cristatus
Reason:
Beauty and cultural significance
Declared:
1963
7. National Flower
Lotus
Scientific name:
Nelumbo nucifera
Symbol of:
Purity
8. National Tree
Banyan Tree
Scientific name:
Ficus benghalensis
Symbol of:
Longevity and strength
9. National Fruit
Mango
Scientific name:
Mangifera indica
Known as:
The king of fruits
10. National River
Ganga
Length:
Around 2525 km
Significance:
Cultural and religious importance
11. National Aquatic Animal
Gangetic Dolphin
Scientific name:
Platanista gangetica
Declared:
2009
12. National Currency
Indian Rupee
Symbol:
₹
Designed by:
Udaya Kumar
Adopted in:
2010
13. National Calendar
Saka Calendar
Adopted:
1957
Starts from:
Chaitra month
14. National Heritage Animal
Indian Elephant
Declared:
2010
15. National Reptile
King Cobra
Scientific name:
Ophiophagus hannah
16. National Microorganism
Lactobacillus
Used in:
Curd formation
17. National Sport
Many states have declared various sports, but India has no officially declared national sport. Hockey is popularly considered, but not legally recognized.
Important for SSC:
There is no officially declared national sport of India.
18. National Pledge
Written by:
Pydimarri Venkata Subba Rao
Quick Revision Table
| Symbol | Name | Adopted Year |
|---|---|---|
| National Flag | Tiranga | 1947 |
| National Emblem | Lion Capital | 1950 |
| National Anthem | Jana Gana Mana | 1950 |
| National Song | Vande Mataram | 1950 |
| National Animal | Royal Bengal Tiger | - |
| National Bird | Indian Peacock | 1963 |
| National Flower | Lotus | - |
| National Tree | Banyan Tree | - |
| National Fruit | Mango | - |
| National River | Ganga | 2008 |
| National Aquatic Animal | Gangetic Dolphin | 2009 |
| National Currency | Indian Rupee | 2010 |
| National Calendar | Saka Calendar | 1957 |
| National Heritage Animal | Indian Elephant | 2010 |
| National Reptile | King Cobra | - |
| National Microorganism | Lactobacillus | 2012 |
Memory Tricks for SSC GD
Important Dates:
- National Flag - 22 July 1947
- National Emblem - 26 Jan 1950
- National Anthem & Song - 24 Jan 1950
- National Bird - 1963
Key Facts:
- 24 spokes in Ashoka Chakra
- 52 seconds for National Anthem
- No official National Sport
- Rupee symbol designed by Udaya Kumar
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