Flag of India

The national flag of India, famously known as the "Tiranga" (meaning "Tricolor"), is a profound symbol of the nation's independence, its rich cultural heritage, and its unwavering commitment to unity in diversity. More than just a piece of cloth, it embodies the aspirations, struggles, and values of over a billion people. Adopted on July 22, 1947, just days before India gained independence from British rule, the flag serves as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made and the principles on which modern India was founded.

Design and Dimensions

The Indian flag is a horizontal tricolor, featuring three rectangular panels of equal width. From top to bottom, these colors are saffron (Kesari), white, and green.

At the center of the white stripe, a navy blue wheel with 24 spokes is prominently displayed. This wheel is known as the Ashoka Chakra, derived from the Lion Capital of Ashoka, an ancient Indian emperor.

The official ratio of the flag's width to its length is 2:3. This precise proportion ensures the flag's aesthetic balance and uniformity across all official representations.

Symbolism of the Colors and the Chakra

Every element of the Indian flag is steeped in deep philosophical and historical significance, reflecting the core tenets of the Indian nation:

• Saffron (Kesari) Stripe: The top saffron stripe represents courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation. Historically, saffron is associated with religious asceticism and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge in India. In the context of the flag, it signifies the selfless dedication of the nation's leaders and the willingness of the people to make sacrifices for the country's well-being and sovereignty. It also symbolizes the strength and courage of the nation.

• White Stripe: The middle white stripe symbolizes peace, purity, and truth. It represents the path of truth and non-violence that India has historically championed, notably under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. The white also reflects the idea that India is a nation that seeks peace both internally and internationally, aiming for harmony and justice for all its citizens.

• Green Stripe: The bottom green stripe represents fertility, growth, and auspiciousness of the land. It signifies India's rich agricultural heritage, its connection to the earth, and its promise of prosperity for future generations. Green also conveys hope and faith, reflecting the nation's aspirations for development and progress.

• Ashoka Chakra: The navy blue Ashoka Chakra (Wheel of Law) at the center of the white stripe is the most significant symbolic element.

  • Dharma and Progress: The Chakra represents Dharma (righteousness, moral law) and constant movement or progress. Its 24 spokes symbolize the 24 hours in a day, emphasizing that there is life in movement and death in stagnation. It signifies the continuous progress of the nation and its commitment to justice and ethical governance.

  • Wheels of Life: The wheel also represents the "wheel of life" or the cycle of cause and effect, highlighting the importance of upholding moral and ethical values in society.

  • Ashoka's Legacy: Its origin from the Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka links the flag to one of India's most revered historical figures, known for his emphasis on peace, justice, and the spread of Dharma.

History of Creation and Adoption

The evolution of the Indian flag is a fascinating journey that mirrors the country's struggle for self-rule and the emergence of its national identity.

• Early Nationalist Flags: Before the current design, several flags were proposed and used by various nationalist movements.

  • Sister Nivedita's Flag (1904): One of the earliest flags was designed by Sister Nivedita, an Irish disciple of Swami Vivekananda, in 1904. It featured red and yellow fields with a thunderbolt and a white lotus.

  • Calcutta Flag (1906): In 1906, the "Calcutta Flag" was unfurled, featuring three horizontal stripes of green, yellow, and red, with eight half-open lotuses on the top strip and a sun and crescent moon on the bottom.

  • Berlin Committee Flag (1907): Madam Bhikaji Cama and her associates unfurled a similar flag at the International Socialist Conference in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1907.

  • Home Rule Movement Flag (1917): During the Home Rule Movement, Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak used a flag with five red and four green horizontal stripes, the Union Jack in the canton, and a crescent moon and star.

• Gandhi's Flag (1921): Mahatma Gandhi, recognizing the need for a unified national flag, proposed a design in 1921. Originally, it featured red and green stripes (representing Hindus and Muslims, respectively) with a spinning wheel (Charkha) in the middle, symbolizing self-reliance. He later suggested adding a white stripe for other communities and for peace.

• Pingali Venkayya's Design (1921 onwards): Pingali Venkayya, a freedom fighter and designer, is often credited with the initial version of the "Swaraj Flag" (flag of self-rule) based on Gandhi's ideas. His design from 1921 featured the red and green stripes with the spinning wheel.

• Committee for National Flag (1931): By 1931, the Indian National Congress officially adopted the "Swaraj Flag" with some modifications. The red was replaced by saffron, and the order of colors was changed to saffron, white, and green, with the spinning wheel in the center. The colors were no longer associated with specific communities but rather with the broader ideals of courage, truth, and prosperity.

• Adoption of the Ashoka Chakra (1947): As independence approached, a special committee headed by Dr. Rajendra Prasad was formed to finalize the national flag. It was decided that the flag should be a modified version of the Congress flag. The most significant change was replacing the spinning wheel (Charkha) with the Ashoka Chakra. The Chakra was chosen because it represented a more progressive and eternal symbol of law and movement, rather than the specific political and economic connotations of the Charkha.

  • The design was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on July 22, 1947, just 24 days before India gained independence on August 15, 1947.

Significance for the Inhabitants

For the citizens of India, the "Tiranga" is a source of immense pride, unity, and inspiration. It is a tangible representation of their identity as a free, sovereign, and democratic nation.

• Symbol of Independence and Sacrifice: The flag is a powerful reminder of the arduous struggle for independence and the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters. It evokes a deep sense of gratitude and respect for the nation's founders.

• Unity in Diversity: Given India's incredible diversity of religions, languages, and cultures, the flag serves as a potent unifying force. It represents the idea that despite differences, all Indians are united under one national identity.

• Constitutional Values: The colors and the Chakra embody the constitutional values of courage, truth, peace, justice, and progress that the Republic of India upholds.

• National Spirit: Displayed prominently on national holidays (Republic Day, Independence Day) and in public institutions, the flag evokes strong patriotic emotions and reinforces the national spirit among the populace.

• Global Recognition: For Indians living abroad, the "Tiranga" is a symbol of their roots and heritage, fostering a connection to their homeland.

Interesting Facts

• Flag Code of India: The use, display, and hoisting of the Indian flag are governed by the Flag Code of India, a comprehensive set of laws and conventions. This code ensures that the flag is always treated with the utmost respect and dignity.

• Khadi Fabric: By law, the Indian flag must be made exclusively of khadi, a hand-spun and hand-woven cotton or silk cloth. This tradition connects the flag directly to Mahatma Gandhi's Swadeshi (self-reliance) movement and rural Indian industries. There are only a few certified Khadi production and supply units in India allowed to produce the national flag.

• Largest Flag: The largest Indian flag ever flown (in terms of dimensions) is said to be displayed at the Wagah-Attari border, a truly monumental sight.

• First Woman to Hoist Abroad: Madam Bhikaji Cama was the first person to hoist an early version of the Indian flag on foreign soil (Stuttgart, Germany) in 1907.

• The Chakra's Evolution: While the Ashoka Chakra is navy blue, it was initially represented by a spinning wheel (Charkha) on earlier versions of the nationalist flag, symbolizing self-sufficiency. The change to the Chakra in 1947 was to represent more universal and timeless values of law and progress.

• Symbol of Sacrifice: The saffron color is sometimes interpreted as symbolizing the courage and sacrifice of the brave soldiers who protect the nation.

• No Commercial Use: The Indian flag cannot be used for commercial purposes, draped as a costume, or used in any way that disrespects its dignity.

• Guinness World Record: In 2022, the Indian Army displayed the world's largest national flag, made of Khadi, at the Longewala border in Rajasthan, on the occasion of Army Day. Measuring 225 feet by 150 feet and weighing 1,400 kg, it was a Guinness World Record.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.