National Symbols in India: Mark of National Integrity

National symbols of India create the entity whichincredible power, strength and grace. The Indian tiger is
reflects the pride and prestige of the whole nation.also called the Royal Bengal Tiger and can be found
These identifiable features enable India to stand apartthroughout the country except in north western region.
from the rest of the world.The beautiful tiger is popularly killed for its skin. To
The National Symbol of India has been depicted fromprotect tiger population, the government launched
the Sarnath Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka. The"Project Tiger" in 1973 which is also supported by the
original sculpture has four lions on a pillar with anWorld Wildlife Federation.
elephant, horse, bull, and lion separated by a lotus onThe lotus (Nelumbo Nucipera Gaertn) is the official
the base. Also carved into the stone is a Dharmaflower of India. It symbolizes long life, honor, and good
Chakra (wheel of law).fortune. It also signifies triumph; since the lotus is rooted
It was adopted as national emblem on January 26,in the mud and yet can successfully re- germinates for
1950 by the Indian Government. The official symbolthousands of years. In spite of growing in mud, it
represents three of the four lions with the Dharmaremains pure and beautiful. The lotus holds great
Chakra in the center of the base and a bull and horsesignificance for Hindus and is often used in various
on either side. The base also has "Satyameva Jayate"religious practices.
engraved on representing a strong idea for the IndianThe banyan tree is the National Tree of India, also
people i.e. "Truth alone triumphs".officially known as Ficus bengalensis. The branches of
Indian peacock (Pavo cristatus) is the national bird ofthis tree root themselves like new trees over a large
India. Peacocks signify pride, beauty and grace. In Indianarea. The roots then give rise to more trunks and
mythology and folk stories as well peacocks are used.branches. This tree is considered immortal because of
This bird is about the size of a swan, with a long neckits long life and characteristics. Even today, it is the
and a fan-shaped array of feathers. Male peacocksfocal point of village life and the village council meets
are bright colored, with green-bronze feathers and blueunder this tree.
fronts. Peahen, the female is smaller and brown inThe mango is the national fruit. There are over 100
color.varieties of mangos and are available range of colors,
Tiger is the national animal of India, officially known assizes, and shapes. Mangoes are commonly found in
Panthera Tigris. It has a thick yellow coat of fur withthe tropical part of the world. They are high in vitamin
dark stripes on it. Tiger is greatly respected for itsA, C, and D.