National Symbols of India - 13 National Symbols for UPSC

The National Symbols of India is the National identity elements of the country. These National Symbols signify the heritage and identity of the Republic of India. They are a source of pride and inspiration for Indian citizens and hence it is important for the aspirants sitting for the IAS Exam to know about all these. This article is going to provide you with a list of the National Symbols of India and some interesting facts about them.

What are our National Symbols?

Our national symbols of India are a set of identity elements reflecting the significance of India’s heritage. India has several National Symbols picked up at different times to signify identity.

What is the name of the National Symbol of India?

India has various National Symbols and the names of these are given below:

National Symbols of India
Title	Symbol	Image
National Flag	Tiranga
National Bird	Peacock
National Flower	Lotus
National Tree	Indian Fig Tree
National Anthem	Jan Gana Mana	–
National River	Ganga or Ganges
National Aquatic Animal	River Dolphin
National Emblem	State Emblem of India
National Calendar	Saka Calendar	–
National Animal	Tiger
National Song	Vande Mataram	–
National Fruit	Mango
Currency Symbol	Indian Rupees

Interesting Facts about National Symbols of India for UPSC

1. National Flag – It is believed that the first Indian National Flag in India was hoisted on August 7, 1906, in the Parsee Bagan Square in Calcutta. Read 10 interesting facts about the National Flag of India in the linked article.
2. National Bird – The Peacock was acknowledged as the National Bird of India in 1963. Read more interesting facts about the National Bird of India in the linked article.
3. National Flower – Even though the lotus is an epitome of beauty, it signifies non-attachment. Read more interesting facts about the National Flower of India in the linked article.
4. National Tree – Banyan tree or Indian Fig Tree is considered immortal and is an integral part of the myths and legends of India
5. National Anthem – The National Anthem of India was written by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Read more interesting facts about the National Anthem of India in the linked article.
6. National River – Ganga is the longest river of India flowing over 2,510 km of mountains, valleys and plains. Read about National River of India in the linked article.
7. National Aquatic Animal – Dolphin represents the purity of the holy Ganga as it can only survive in pure and freshwater. Read about National Aquatic Animal of India in the linked article.
8. National Emblem – The Indian National Emblem was accepted on 26 January 1950 by Madhav Sawhney. To read more about the National Emblem of India, check the linked article.
9. National Calendar – It was adopted from 22 March 1957. Read about Calendars in India from the linked article.
10. National Animal – Till 1972, the Lion was the national animal of India. Read more interesting facts about the National Animal of India in the linked article.
11. National Song – The song was a part of Bankim Chandra Chatterji’s most famous novel Anand Math (1882) which is set in the events of Sannyasi rebellion. Read more interesting facts about the National Song of India in the linked article.
12. National Fruit – Mughal emperor Akbar planted 100,000 mango trees in Darbhanga, Bihar at a place now known as Lakhi Bagh.
13. Currency Symbol – The symbol of Indian Rupee was accepted by the Government of India on 15th July 2010. Read more interesting facts about the Currency Symbol of India in the linked article.

National Symbols of India – UPSC Notes:-Download PDF Here

For more UPSC related preparation materials and articles, visit the links given in the table below. You can familiarise yourself with the exam pattern by visiting the UPSC Syllabus.

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