Indian Flag has three horizontal bands: saffron (kesaria) on the top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom. These colors are of equal size. The flag’s width is two-thirds of its length. In the middle of the white band, there is a navy-blue wheel with 24 spokes, called the Ashoka Chakra.
The Indian national flag, the Tiranga (meaning "Tricolour"), symbolises India’s unity, sovereignty, and independence. Its design evolved and carries significant historical and cultural importance.
Pingali Venkayya designed the Indian national flag and is often called the "Father of the Tiranga
Today's flag results from a gradual evolution, with various designs representing different phases of India's history.
The journey of India's national flag mirrors the country's evolution. The national flag represents the nation's history, unity, and diversity. It stands as a proud reminder of the sacrifices made during the struggle for independence and the aspirations for a peaceful and progressive future.
Here's a brief history of the Indian flag:
The Historical Journey of the Indian National Flag: From Freedom Struggle to Independence:
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Early Beginnings and First Flags (1906-1917) |
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1906 |
The First National Flag: |
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The first national flag was hoisted on August 7, 1906, at the Parsee Bagan Square in Kolkata (then Calcutta). It had three horizontal red, yellow, and green stripes, with a series of symbols, including a crescent moon and a star. The flag represented the unity of India, and the symbols were linked to Hindu, Muslim, and other subcontinent communities. |
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1917 |
The Flag of the Home Rule Movement: |
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During the Home Rule Movement, a flag with red and green horizontal stripes was adopted. The Union Jack (the British flag) was in the top left corner, and a crescent and star were in the centre. This flag represented the movement for self-rule under the leadership of Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant. |
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The First True Tricolour Flag (1921) |
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1921 |
In 1921, Pingali Venkayya, an Indian freedom fighter, introduced a more symbolic design. He presented the idea of a flag to Mahatma Gandhi, which consisted of three colours:
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The Flag of 1931 (The Tricolour Flag) |
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1931 |
In 1931, the Indian National Congress formally adopted a new design, which became the standard for the national flag:
While the flag with the Charkha symbolised India's independence struggle, it was not the final version of the flag we use today. |
The Post-Independence Flag (1947) |
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1947 |
After independence, the Constituent Assembly of India, in a session on July 22, 1947, finalised the current design, though some changes were made from the previous flags: The Three Colours:
The Ashoka Chakra: The Charkha was replaced by the Ashoka Chakra, which has a 24-spoked wheel in navy blue. It represents the eternal wheel of law (Dharma). The wheel symbolises motion, progress, and the passage of time. It is named after Emperor Ashoka, who promoted the spread of Buddhism and the principles of non-violence and righteousness. |
Final Design: |
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The flag was finally adopted with the Ashoka Chakra in the centre of the white band. The flag was designed with specific dimensions and proportions (a 2:3 ratio), which remain unchanged to this day. |
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The Indian Flag is more than just a piece of fabric—it is a symbol of the country's history, unity, and people's struggles. Each colour and symbol embedded in the flag has a profound meaning, representing different facets of India's journey to independence and the values it upholds today.
The Indian flag has three horizontal stripes and a navy blue Ashoka Chakra with 24 spokes in the centre. The tricolour of our national flag includes:
Saffron: At the top,
White: In the middle,
Green: At the bottom.
Each of these colours carries deep symbolic significance. Here is the symbolic importance of tricolours in the Indian national flag.
Meaning: The colour saffron represents courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation. It is the colour of the sun and reflects the resilience and courage of the Indian people in their fight for independence.
Historical Context: The saffron colour was chosen because it is historically associated with spirituality and sacrifice in Indian culture. Although it is often linked to Hinduism, it transcends all religions and represents India’s secularism and inclusivity.
Meaning: White is a universal colour representing purity and truth, aligning with the ethical principles that guided the Indian freedom struggle.
Historical Context: The White colour is a universal colour representing purity and truth, aligning with the ethical principles that guided the Indian freedom struggle.
Meaning: The Green colour symbolises faith, fertility, and prosperity. It is associated with the land’s natural resources and represents growth, life, and hope for a prosperous future.
Historical Context: The Green colour is often linked to Islam, but in the context of the Indian flag, it signifies the harmonious coexistence of all religions, cultures, and communities in India.
At the centre of the white band lies the Ashoka Chakra, a 24-spoked wheel with significant historical and philosophical meaning.
The Ashoka Chakra is navy blue and contains 24 spokes, which represent the eternal wheel of law or Dharma. It is inspired by the wheel on the Lion Capital of Ashoka, the ancient sculpture of Emperor Ashoka, who is known for his promotion of non-violence, justice, and righteousness.
The wheel represents the continuous movement of life and the ever-present motion of time. It signifies progress and forward motion for the country.
The Ashoka Chakra represents the moral law that India upholds. It reminds its citizens to follow the principles of justice, peace, and righteousness.
The Chakras inclusion signifies the continuation of Ashoka's legacy. He ruled over a united India during the 3rd century BCE and advocated for spreading Buddhist teachings, emphasising non-violence and equality.
The Indian Flag Code outlines handling, displaying, and respecting the national flag. It ensures that the flag is treated with dignity and honour as a symbol of India’s sovereignty and pride. The Indian flag code provides guidelines for its correct hoisting, the appropriate times for display, and how to dispose of the flag respectfully when it is no longer usable.
Key provisions include flying the flag upright, not using it commercially, and adhering to the legal protections against flag desecration. By following the Flag Code, every citizen upholds the respect and reverence that the Indian Flag deserves, reinforcing national unity and pride.
The Indian Flag is a powerful symbol that unites a nation known for its vast diversity in culture, religion, language, and traditions. Despite the differences, the flag’s three colours—saffron, white, and green—represent courage, peace, and prosperity, while the Ashoka Chakra in the centre symbolises progress and justice. These elements reflect the shared values that bind all Indians together.
The flag reminds us of the country’s core principles of unity in diversity, secularism, and inclusiveness. It inspires patriotism and national pride, reminding citizens of their responsibility to contribute to a unified and prosperous India. Whether at national celebrations or in daily life, the Indian Flag continues to serve as a source of inspiration and a symbol of collective identity for all Indians.
The Indian Flag is not just a symbol of national pride but is also rich in history, symbolism, and interesting facts. It represents the country’s journey from colonial rule to independence, embodying the values of unity, peace, and progress.
Fact NO-1: The Flag Was Designed by a Freedom Fighter.
The Indian Flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya, an Indian freedom fighter and an agriculturist. His design, which featured three horizontal stripes of saffron, white, and green, was inspired by the nationalist movement and was later modified to include the Ashoka Chakra.
The flag has undergone several changes before arriving at its present form. The first flag used during the freedom movement was hoisted on August 7, 1906, in Calcutta (now Kolkata). It had a similar colour scheme but with a lotus flower in the center instead of the Ashoka Chakra.
Fact NO- 2 : The Ashoka Chakra Represents the Wheel of Law
The Ashoka Chakra, with its 24 spokes, is a powerful symbol that represents the eternal wheel of law or Dharma. It is inspired by the Lion Capital of Ashoka, a pillar built during Emperor Ashoka’s reign in the 3rd century BCE.
The 24 spokes of the Ashoka Chakra are believed to represent the 24 hours of the day, symbolising the continuous cycle of time, progress, and righteousness. It reminds India that it must continue its journey toward justice, peace, and progress.
Fact NO-3 : The Indian Flag Was First Hoisted on August 15, 1947
The Indian Flag was officially hoisted on August 15, 1947, after India gained independence from British rule. The moment was historic and emotional, marking the end of over 200 years of colonial rule and the beginning of a new era for India as a free nation.
August 15 is remembered as Independence Day and a reminder of the country’s unity in its struggle for freedom, with citizens from various regions and backgrounds joining hands for a common cause.
Fact NO-4 : The Flag’s Official Proportions
The Indian Flag has a 2:3 ratio, meaning that its width is twice its height. This proportion ensures that the flag is easily recognisable and displayed in various settings, from government buildings to private homes.
The Ashoka Chakra is placed centrally in the middle white stripe and should occupy a specific portion of the flag's width. The Chakras diameter is approximately 1/3rd of the flag's width, maintaining its prominence.
Fact NO-5 : The Flag Code of India and Its Importance
The Flag Code of India outlines the rules for flag handling, hoisting, and displaying. These guidelines ensure that the flag is treated with respect and dignity and include provisions for displaying it in private homes, public buildings, and at events.
The Indian Flag is legally protected under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act 1971. This means that any disrespect toward the flag, such as defacement or improper handling, is punishable by law. The flag must not be used for any commercial purposes or displayed in a manner that disrespects its sanctity.
Fact NO-6 : The Flag’s Colour Choice and Their Deep Meaning
Saffron represents sacrifice, courage, and the spirit of renunciation. It is associated with the struggle for freedom and the idea of selflessness for the nation's greater good.
White symbolises peace, truth, and unity. It reflects India’s commitment to maintaining harmony and upholding the principles of justice.
Green stands for fertility, prosperity, and faith. It symbolises hope for a better, more prosperous future for the country.
Fact NO-7 : The First Flag Hoisting at the United Nations
The Indian Flag was the first national flag hoisted at the United Nations after India became a member in 1947. The act of hoisting the flag at the UN was a proud moment for India and symbolised its entry into the global community as a sovereign nation.
Fact NO- 8 : The Flag’s Size and Material Varieties
The Indian Flag is produced in various sizes, from small flags for individual use to massive ones for public events and government buildings. The Flag Code carefully prescribes the size of the flag to maintain uniformity and ensure proper display.
The flag is typically made from khadi, a handspun fabric Mahatma Gandhi popularised as a symbol of self-reliance during the Swadeshi movement. Khadi also symbolises India's heritage and the fight for independence.
Fact NO-9 : The Flag Is Now Used on All Public Buildings
The Indian Flag is now displayed on many public buildings, government institutions, and even private residences. It is obvious on Independence Day and Republic Day, where it serves as a source of national pride and a reminder of India's freedom and democratic values.
In 2022, the Government of India passed new guidelines allowing citizens to display the Indian Flag at their homes or public spaces throughout the year, not just on national holidays. This change encourages a stronger connection to the nation's identity.
Fact NO-10: The Flag Has Been a Source of Inspiration for Artists and Writers
The Indian Flag has inspired many artists, writers, and poets who have used it to symbolise patriotism, unity, and resilience in their works. The tricolour is often featured in artworks, literature, and songs that celebrate India's freedom struggle and its triumph over colonial rule.
The Indian Flag is a visual representation of the nation's essence. Its colours and symbols tell the story of India's diverse heritage, struggles for independence, and ongoing journey toward progress and unity. As citizens, understanding the meaning behind the flag encourages a more profound sense of respect and pride for the values it represents.
When we look at the Indian Flag, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters and our collective responsibility to uphold the ideals of peace, justice, and harmony that the flag so proudly symbolises.
The Indian flag consists of three horizontal stripes: saffron at the top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom. In the center of the white band, there is a navy blue Ashoka Chakra, a wheel with 24 spokes.
The flag represents the values of courage, truth, and prosperity. The saffron color signifies courage and sacrifice, the white color symbolizes truth and peace, and the green color represents faith, fertility, and prosperity. The Ashoka Chakra in the center represents the Wheel of Law, symbolizing progress and righteousness.
The flag represents the values of courage, truth, and prosperity. The saffron color signifies courage and sacrifice, the white color symbolizes truth and peace, and the green color represents faith, fertility, and prosperity. The Ashoka Chakra in the center represents the Wheel of Law, symbolizing progress and righteousness.
The flag of India was officially adopted on July 22, 1947, just before India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.
Saffron: Represents courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation. White: Symbolizes truth, purity, and peace. Green: Signifies faith, fertility, and prosperity
The Ashoka Chakra represents the Wheel of Law. It symbolizes progress, the continuous movement of life, and the moral principles of justice, peace, and righteousness. It also signifies the historical legacy of Emperor Ashoka, who ruled in the 3rd century BCE and promoted non-violence and equality.
The Indian flag is a symbol of the nation’s identity, unity, and values. It represents the struggle for independence, the principles of secularism, democracy, and the commitment to the ideals of truth and justice.
The Indian flag is a symbol of the nation’s identity, unity, and values. It represents the struggle for independence, the principles of secularism, democracy, and the commitment to the ideals of truth and justice.
The Indian flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya, an Indian freedom fighter. It was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India in 1947.
Saffron: Courage and sacrifice. White: Truth, peace, and purity. Green: Prosperity, fertility, and faith.
Saffron: Courage and sacrifice. White: Truth, peace, and purity. Green: Prosperity, fertility, and faith.
The 24 spokes of the Ashoka Chakra represent the 24 hours of the day, symbolizing the continuous movement of time. Each spoke is a reminder of the importance of progress, justice, and morality.
The Indian national flag contains three colors: saffron, white, and green. Each represents different values (as described above). The Ashoka Chakra, which is navy blue, is the fourth element and represents the Wheel of Law.
The Indian national flag contains three colors: saffron, white, and green. Each represents different values (as described above). The Ashoka Chakra, which is navy blue, is the fourth element and represents the Wheel of Law.
The term tricolor refers to the Indian flag’s three colors—saffron, white, and green. These colors represent the values of courage, truth, and prosperity, respectively.
The flag with four red crosses on a white background is the Flag of St. George, also known as the English flag. It is a red cross on a white background, often associated with England.
There are several flags with four different colors, but one example is the Flag of South Africa, which has four main colors: green, gold, black, red, and other elements such as white, blue, and yellow.
Tiranga (meaning "three colors") refers to the Indian national flag, which consists of three horizontal stripes: saffron, white, and green, with the Ashoka Chakra in the center.
Answer: The first unofficial flag hoisted on August 7, 1906, represented the unity of India, and the symbols were linked to Hindu, Muslim, and other communities of the subcontinent. Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant, which featured red and green stripes and the Union Jack.
Answer: The Ashoka Chakra represents the "Dharmachakra," defined by 24 spokes. Ashok Chakra is also called the wheel of duty.
Answer: The Saffron colour at the top of the Indian flag symbolises the courage, sacrifice, and spirit of renunciation that guided the nation to freedom.
Answer: The White colour at the centre of the Indian flag signifies peace, truth, and the unity of all people.
Answer: The Green colour present at the bottom of the Indian flag signifies the fertility, growth, and auspiciousness of the land.
Answer: The Ashoka Chakra, which is navy blue on a white background, is present at the centre of our national flag and signifies India's continual progress and growth.
Answer: The Ashoka Chakra, featured in the middle of the tricolour, has twenty-four spokes.
Answer: The Ashoka Chakra of the Indian flag was adopted on July 22, 1947.
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