National Symbols of India

National Emblem

The National Emblem of India is the Sarnath Lion Capital.  The motto ' Satyameva Jayate' is inscribed below the emblem in Devanagari script. It means 'truth alone wins'.

The emblem is an adaptation from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka and is a symbol of country’s commitment towards world peace and goodwill.

The emblem has four lions (one hidden from view) standing on a circular abacus which is girded by four smaller animals - the lion of the North, the elephant of the East, the horse of the South and the bull of the West. The abacus rests on a lotus in full bloom, representing origin of life. 

National Flag

The National Flag of India is a horizontal Tricolor comprising of saffron, white and green colors. 

The saffron band stands for courage, sacrifice and the spirit of renunciation, white stands for purity, peace and truth; while green for faith and productivity. The center of white band has a navy blue wheel called the Dharma Chakra. The Dharma Chakra has been adapted from the Sarnath Lion Capital emblem. It has 24 spokes and denotes the continuity of the nation’s progress.

National Fruit

The National Fruit of India is the Mango.

Mango is one of the most widely cultivated fruits of the tropical world. The mango tree finds a sacred place in India. It is considered as a symbol of love and it is believed that the mango tree can grant wishes.

National Animal

The National Animal of India is the Royal Bengal Tiger.

The tiger has orange-brown fur with black stripes. It symbolizes grace, strength, agility and enormous power. It hunts almost all wild animals even the big elephants. The average lifespan of a tiger is around twenty years. 

National Flower

The National Flower of India is the Lotus.

The lotus (also called the water lily) is an aquatic plant with broad floating leaves. It has bright fragrant flowers (white or pink color) which grow in shallow waters. The lotus symbolizes purity, beauty, majesty, grace, fertility, wealth, knowledge and serenity.

National Bird

The National Bird of India is the Peacock.

The peacock is a beautiful bird with brilliant iridescent blue-green plumage. It has a fan-shaped crest of feathers, a white patch under the eye and a long, slender neck. It has a beautiful tail which spreads out for over a meter.

The peacock is fully protected under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and its poaching is strictly prohibited. 

National Tree

The National Tree of India is the Fig (Banyan) tree.

It is interesting to know that the fig tree starts its life on another plant. It sustains on nutrients drawn from the host plant. After establishing itself, it sends down auxiliary roots from its branches. These roots become auxiliary trunk and support the tree. The tree gradually spreads by multiplying its auxiliary branches. The banyan tree is considered immortal. Because of its peculiar characteristics, the tree is an integral part of the myths and legends of India.

National Game

The National Game of India is Hockey.

The game of hockey was brought to India by British servicemen, who formed the first club for hockey in Calcutta in 1885. The Beighton Cup and the Aga Khan Tournament are associated with the game of hockey.

The game entered Olympic Games in 1928 and India won all five of its games without conceding a goal and went on to win from 1932 until 1956 and then in 1964 and 1980.