Learn about our National Symbols

Symbols are created to unite people using either a visual vocabulary, or by creating verbal representations of a nation’s goals, values or history. India, for example, is a country that is home to people with diverse backgrounds, religions, cultures and traditions. Binding all these together is our National Anthem and our National Flag. And this is what sets us apart from other nations and gives us a sense of individuality and pride in our motherland.
Symbols should be cherished and preserved by all of us for they are what makes us unique and what makes us proud to be Indian. Here are some facts on some of our other national symbols:
The national animal
The Tiger is symbolic of India’s wealth of wildlife. Its combination of grace, strength, agility and enormous power has contributed to making it our national animal. Sadly however, this magnificent beast is in danger of extinction today.
The national flower
The Lotus symbolises divinity, fertility, wealth and enlightenment. It occupies a unique place in our art and mythology and is held in the hands of numerous Gods and Goddesses. This is a flower that rises above the dark depths of the water to spread its beauty for everyone to see — therefore it is considered a symbol of triumph.
The lotus also symbolises purity of heart and mind.
The national bird
The Peacock is India’s national bird because it is symbolic of beauty, grace, pride and mysticism. Depicted in the company of Gods and Goddesses, the peacock is protected by a Parliamentary statute as well as under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The national fruit
The Mango, cultivated in India since time immemorial, is our national fruit. We have over 100 varieties of the fruit that come in a range of colours, shapes and sizes. Our heritage is full of tales, songs and sketches of the mango tree. The poet Kalidasa sang its praises, Akbar was so taken up by the fruit that he planted a grove of mango trees. The mango tree is also as a symbol of life and is thus used in puja ceremonies or to decorate the doorways of homes. It heralds the season of spring and is considered the Creator’s blessing. And who can forget that the paisley takes its inspiration from the mango?
The national tree
The Banyan tree that towers over its counterparts and has the widest reaching roots of all known trees that in turn have the ability to give birth to new shoots, is our national tree. The Banyan, is capable of regenerating and is therefore thought of as immortal. Old pictures depict our sages sitting under the shade of this leafy tree holding their councils and meetings. It is not surprising therefore, that this is one of our national symbols.

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