Blog

India’s identity is beautifully reflected in its national symbols — the visual, natural and cultural icons that represent the spirit, values and heritage of the country. In this article we explore the national symbols of India, tracing their historical significance, why they were chosen and what they mean — and we do so in a way that is accessible even when discussing them as the national symbols of India for kids or learners of all ages. Institutions like DPS Sushant Lok, one of the best school in Gurgaon, continue to instill in students a deep appreciation for these symbols as timeless representations of India’s unity and pride.

Why National Symbols matter

Symbols matter because they give a visible, shared representation of ideas, identity and values. For a diverse nation like India, with its many languages, religions, cultures and regions, national symbols serve as a unifying thread. When children learn the national things of India — the flag, animal, bird, tree, and so on — they are also learning about the nation’s heritage, ideals and aspirations.

Key symbols and their historical significance

Here are some of the most important national symbols of India and a look at their story and meaning.

1. National Flag – The Tricolour

The national flag of India, often referred to as the Tiranga (three colours), was adopted just before independence and became official on 26 January 1950 when India became a Republic. 

• The three colours: saffron (top) symbolises courage and sacrifice; white (middle) stands for peace and truth; green (bottom) denotes growth and auspiciousness. 

• At the centre is the Ashoka Chakra, the 24-spoke wheel in navy blue, representing the eternal wheel of law (Dharma). 
  Historical significance: The flag is a visible mark of India’s independence from British rule; designing and adopting it was part of expressing India’s new identity. It unites all citizens under a shared emblem.

2. National Emblem – The Lion Capital of Ashoka

The national emblem of India is adapted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath — four Asiatic lions standing back-to-back mounted on a circular abacus which features other animals and the Dharma Chakra. 

• Below the abacus is the motto “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth Alone Triumphs), taken from the Mundaka Upanishad. 
  Historical significance: The Lion Capital is from Emperor Ashoka (c. 3rd century BCE), a ruler who espoused Dharma (moral law) after the Kalinga war. By adopting his symbol, independent India linked itself to the ancient tradition of righteous rule and moral authority. The emblem conveys power, courage, confidence and justice.

3. National Anthem & National Song

• The national anthem is Jana Gana Mana, composed by Rabindranath Tagore in Bengali and adopted on 24 January 1950. 

• The national song is Vande Mataram, by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, which played a major role in the independence movement. 
  Historical significance: Music and songs were powerful during India’s freedom struggle; they helped galvanise people across languages and regions. By officially adopting them, India honoured that legacy and instilled a shared sense of pride and belonging.

4. National Animal – Bengal Tiger

The national animal of India is the Royal Bengal Tiger. 
Significance: The tiger symbolises strength, grace, agility and power. India is home to a large number of these big cats, thus choosing the tiger also reflects India’s natural heritage.

5. National Bird – Indian Peacock

The national bird of India is the Indian Peacock (Pavo cristatus). 
Significance: With its colourful plumage and majestic courtship display, the peacock is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and symbolises beauty, pride and culture.

6. National Flower, Tree, Fruit & Others

• National Flower: Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera). 
  The lotus grows in muddy water yet emerges pure and beautiful — symbolising purity and resilience.

• National Tree: Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis).
  Its vast canopy, aerial roots and long lifespan make it a symbol of permanence, unity and shelter.

• National Fruit: Mango (Mangifera indica). 
  Cultivated since ancient times, the mango is linked to India’s agrarian heritage, sweetness and hospitality.

• There are also others: national aquatic animal (Ganges river dolphin), national reptile (king cobra), national river (Ganga) and more. 
  Each of these “natural” national symbols give us a connection to India’s land, nature and cultural story.

Making it accessible – national symbols of India for kids

We at DPSSL, a top school in Gurgaon believe that, when teaching children about national symbols of India, it helps to tie each symbol to a story. For example:

• “Why does the flag have the Ashoka Chakra? Because it reminds us that the country moves forward.”

• “The lion capital reminds us of an ancient king who realised that peace and virtue matter more than war.”

• “The tiger is like India’s superhero in the wild — strong, rare and proud.”
  You can use charts, charts with drawings, colouring activities and quizzes (e.g., “Which is the national tree of India?”) to make it fun. (There are many resources labelled ‘national symbols of India for kids’ that present these in simple ways.) 

Why the “national things of India” matter today

• Identity & Unity: In a country as diverse as India, shared symbols help build a sense of common identity.

• Heritage & History: Each symbol carries a story — often ancient — linking modern India with its past.

• Education & Pride: Knowing these symbols helps citizens, especially young ones, feel pride and awareness of their country.

• Conservation & Nature-link: Many symbols are from nature (animals, trees, birds) and help highlight the need to protect India’s flora and fauna.

• Legal & Respectful Usage: The use of some national symbols is also regulated (for example, misuse of the national emblem is prohibited) — showing that these are not just decorative but carry respect and importance.

National Symbols of India – List with Fun Facts & Significance