Symbols of india

Symbols of india

National Anthem

The Indian National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, was originally composed as a Bengali song by Rabindranath Tagore. It was first sung on 27 December 1911, at the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress. On 24 January, 1950, the Hindi version was adopted by the Constituent Assembly as the National Anthem of India.

The complete song consists of five stanzas. The national anthem is the 1st.

The playing time of the full version of the National Anthem is approximately 52 seconds. A short version, consisting of first and last lines of the stanza (playing time approximately 20 seconds), is also played on certain occasions.

National Emblem 

The National Emblem of India is a replica of the Lion Capital, erected by Emperor Ashoka, at Sarnath (near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh), way back in the third century BC, to mark the spot where Buddha first proclaimed his gospel of peace. The National emblem is thus symbolic of contemporary India 's reaffirmation of its ancient commitment to universal peace and goodwill.

The four lions (one hidden from view) - symbolizing power, courage and confidence - rest on a circular abacus. The abacus is girded by four smaller animals, who are guardians of the four directions: the lion of the north, the horse of the south, the elephant of the east, and the bull of the west. The abacus rests on a lotus in full bloom, exemplifying the fountainhead of life and creative inspiration. The motto 'Satyameva Jayate', inscribed below the emblem in Devanagari script, means 'truth alone triumphs'.

National Animal

India 's national animal, the Royal Bengal Tiger, Panthera Tigris (Linnaeus), is the Indian variety of the eight races of the species. This magnificient carnivorous feline quadruped, known for its' grace, strength and power, is today, alas, an endangered species, having been remorselessly hunted for its thick tawny yellow striped fur coat. To check the dwindling population of tigers in India 'Project Tiger' was launched in April 1973. So far, 25 tiger reserves have been established in the country under this project.

National Bird

The Indian peacock, Pavo cristatus (Linnaeus), is the national bird of India . A colourful, swan-sized bird, it has a white patch under the eye, a long slender neck, and striking plumage. The male of the species is more colourful than the female, with a glistening blue breast and neck and a spectacular bronze-green train of around 200 elongated feathers. The female is brownish, slightly smaller than the male, and lacks the train. The elaborate courtship dance of the male, fanning out the tail and preening its feathers, is a gorgeous sight.

The peacock is widely found in the Indian sub-continent, wild, and also domesticated in villages. They were once bred for food but are now protected from being hunted, by the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. These birds do not sound as beautiful as they look - they have a harsh call.

National Flower

The Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), or water lily, is the National Flower of India. Prized for its' serene beauty, this aquatic plant has broad floating leaves and bright fragrant flowers that grow only in shallow waters. In India , the lotus is considered to be a sacred flower, occupying a unique position in the art and mythology of ancient India , having much folklore and religious mythology woven around it.

National Tree

The Banyan tree, Ficus bengalensis, whose branches root like new trees thereby spreading out over a large area, is India 's National tree. Because of its' longevity and this replicating characteristic, the banyan tree is considered immortal and is an integral part of the myths and legends of India . Even today, the banyan tree is the focal point of village life and the village council meets under the shade of this tree.

National Fruit

The mango, fruit of the Mangifera Indica tree, is India 's National Fruit. A rich source of Vitamins A, C and D, the mango is eaten ripe or used raw for pickles. Over 100 varieties of mangoes are cultivated in India , and each part of the country has its' favourite. Mangoes have been cultivated in India from time immemorial. The poet Kalidasa sang its' praises, the Greek conqueror Alexander savored its taste, as did the Chinese pilgrim Hieun Tsang. Mughal Emperor Akbar planted 100,000 mango trees in Lakhi Bagh in Darbhanga.