UPSC Civil Services Examination UPSC Prelims Topic – National Symbols of India The National Symbols of India are the National identity elements of the country. These National Symbols signify heritage and identity of the Republic of India. They are a source of pride and inspiration for Indian citizens and hence it is important for the aspirants sitting for the IAS Exam to know about all these. This article is going to provide you with a list of the National Symbols of India and What are our National Symbols? Our national symbols of India are a set of identity elements reflecting the significance of India’s heritage. India has several National Symbols picked up at different times to signify an identity. What is the name of the National Symbol of India? India has various National Symbols and the names of these are given below: National Symbols of India Title Symbol Image National Flag Tiranga National Bird Peacock National Flower Lotus National Tree Indian Fig Tree National Anthem Jan Gana Mana - National River Ganga or Ganges National Aquatic Animal River Dolphin National Emblem State Emblem of India National Calendar Saka Calendar - National Animal Tiger National Song Vande Mataram - National Fruit Mango Currency Symbol Indian Rupees Interesting Facts about National Symbols of India 1. National Flag - It is believed that the first Indian National Flag in India was hoisted on August 7, 1906, in the Parsee Bagan Square in Calcutta. Read 10 interesting facts about the National Flag of India in the linked article. 2. National Bird - The Peacock was acknowledged as the National Bird of India in 1963. Read more interesting facts about the National Bird of India in the linked article. 3. National Flower - Even though the lotus is an epitome of beauty, it signifies non-attachment. Read more interesting facts about the National Flower of India in the linked article. 4. National Tree - Banyan tree or Indian Fig Tree is considered immortal and is an integral part of the myths and legends of India 5. National Anthem - The National Anthem of India was written by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Read more interesting facts about the National Anthem of India in the linked article. 6. National River - Ganga is the longest river of India flowing over 2,510 kms of mountains, valleys and plains. 7. National Aquatic Animal - Dolphin represents the purity of the holy Ganga as it can only survive in pure and fresh water. 8. National Emblem - The Indian National Emblem was accepted on 26 January 1950 by Madhav Sawhney. To read more about the National Emblem of India, check the linked article. 9. National Calendar - It was adopted from 22 March 1957. Read about Calendars in India from the linked article. 10. National Animal - Till 1972, the Lion was the national animal of India. Read more interesting facts about the National Animal of India in the linked article. 11. National Song - The song was a part of Bankim Chandra Chatterji’s most famous novel Anand Math (1882) which is set in the events of Sannyasi rebellion. Read more interesting facts about the National Song of India in the linked article. 12. National Fruit - Mughal emperor Akbar planted 100,000 mango trees in Darbhanga, Bihar at a place now known as Lakhi Bagh. 13. Currency Symbol - The symbol of Indian Rupee was accepted by the Government of India on 15th July 2010. Read more interesting facts about the Currency Symbol of India in the linked article. Knowing these National Symbols of India will help aspirants for UPSC 2020 and other government exams. .