8 Ultimate National Symbols Super Quiz
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the National Flag of India:
- The Ashoka Chakra in the center of the flag has 12 spokes.
- The saffron color in the flag symbolizes courage and sacrifice.
- The National Flag was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th January 1950.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2, and 3
Q2. With reference to the National Anthem of India, consider the following statements:
- The National Anthem was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
- It was first sung in the year 1911.
- It takes approximately 52 seconds to sing the complete anthem.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2, and 3
Q3. Consider the following statements about the National Emblem of India:
- It is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka located at Sanchi.
- The motto “Satyameva Jayate” is inscribed at the base of the emblem.
- The National Emblem was adopted on 26th January 1950.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1, 2, and 3
- (d) None of the above
Q4. With reference to the National Symbols of India, consider the following pairs:
National Symbol | Declared in the Year |
1. National Aquatic Animal | 2010 |
2. National Heritage Animal | 2009 |
3. National River | 2008 |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2, and 3
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the National Bird of India:
- The Indian Peafowl was declared as the National Bird in 1950.
- It symbolizes beauty, grace, and pride.
- The Indian Peafowl is scientifically classified as Pavo cristatus.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1, 2, and 3
- (d) None of the above
Q1. (Prelims 2013)
Which one of the following statements is correct?
- (a) The National Anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” was first sung by Sarojini Naidu at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress in 1911.
- (b) The National Song “Vande Mataram” was composed by Rabindranath Tagore.
- (c) The National Calendar of India is based on the Saka era.
- (d) The design of the National Flag of India was officially adopted by the Constituent Assembly in 1947.
Q2. (Prelims 2020)
Consider the following statements:
- The National Emblem of India is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka.
- “Satyameva Jayate” inscribed below the Lion Capital is taken from the Bhagavad Gita.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Q3. (Prelims 2006)
What is the unique feature of the National Flag of India?
- (a) It is made of khadi.
- (b) It is hoisted only on national festivals.
- (c) It was designed by Mahatma Gandhi.
- (d) It was based on the flag of the Indian National Congress.
Q6. With reference to the National Tree of India, consider the following statements:
- The Banyan tree is a symbol of immortality and wisdom.
- It is botanically known as Ficus religiosa.
- The tree is extensively mentioned in Indian mythology and ancient texts.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2, and 3
Q7. With reference to the National Flower of India, consider the following statements:
- The Lotus is known for its ability to thrive in muddy waters, representing purity and resilience.
- It is associated with deities like Goddess Saraswati and Lord Vishnu.
- The botanical name of the Lotus is Nymphaea alba.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2, and 3
Answers:
Statement-Based Quiz:
- (b)
- (b)
- (b)
- (c)
- (b)
UPSC Previous Year Questions:
- (c)
- (a)
- (a)
- (c)
(Botanical name of the Banyan tree is Ficus benghalensis, not Ficus religiosa.) - (b)
(The botanical name of the Lotus is Nelumbo nucifera, not Nymphaea alba.)
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National Symbols of India
India’s National Symbols represent the country’s unique identity and rich cultural heritage. These symbols play a vital role in fostering national unity and pride.
1. National Flag: Tricolour
- Description:
- Horizontal tricolour: Saffron (top), White (middle), and Green (bottom).
- In the middle, the Ashoka Chakra (navy-blue 24-spoke wheel) represents dharma.
- Adopted on: 22nd July 1947.
- Significance:
- Saffron: Courage and sacrifice.
- White: Peace and truth.
- Green: Faith and fertility.
- Ashoka Chakra: Eternal motion and progress.
- Regulation: Under the Flag Code of India.
2. National Emblem: Lion Capital of Ashoka
- Description:
- Based on the Lion Capital of the Ashokan Pillar at Sarnath.
- Four lions stand back to back; only three are visible.
- The base has a wheel (Ashoka Chakra) in the center with a bull and horse on either side.
- Motto: Satyameva Jayate (Truth Alone Triumphs), from Mundaka Upanishad.
- Adopted on: 26th January 1950.
- Significance: Reflects India’s sovereignty, cultural heritage, and values.
3. National Anthem: Jana Gana Mana
- Composer: Rabindranath Tagore.
- Adopted on: 24th January 1950.
- Duration: Approximately 52 seconds.
- Significance: Symbolizes the unity and rich heritage of India.
- First Sung: 27th December 1911, at the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress.
4. National Song: Vande Mataram
- Author: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (from his novel Anandamath).
- Adopted: Declared National Song on 24th January 1950.
- Language: Originally written in Sanskrit.
- Significance: Pays homage to the motherland.
5. National Animal: Bengal Tiger
- Scientific Name: Panthera tigris tigris.
- Significance: Represents strength, power, and grace.
- Habitat: Found in forests across India, protected under Project Tiger (1973).
6. National Bird: Indian Peafowl (Peacock)
- Scientific Name: Pavo cristatus.
- Adopted: 1963.
- Significance: Represents grace, beauty, and pride. It is often associated with Indian culture and mythology.
7. National Flower: Lotus
- Scientific Name: Nelumbo nucifera.
- Significance: Symbol of purity, spiritual enlightenment, and wealth.
- Mythological Connection: Associated with Goddess Lakshmi.
8. National Tree: Banyan Tree
- Scientific Name: Ficus benghalensis.
- Significance: Represents immortality and longevity. Sacred in Hindu mythology.
9. National Fruit: Mango
- Scientific Name: Mangifera indica.
- Significance: Known as the “King of Fruits” for its cultural and economic significance.
10. National River: Ganga
- Declared on: 2008.
- Significance: Holy river in Indian culture, symbol of purity, life, and sustenance.
11. National Currency: Indian Rupee (₹)
- Symbol Design: Created by D. Udaya Kumar.
- Significance: Combines Devanagari “₹” with the Roman “R”.
12. National Calendar: Saka Calendar
- Adopted on: 22nd March 1957 (Chaitra 1, 1879 Saka Era).
- Significance: Used alongside the Gregorian calendar.
13. National Heritage Animal: Indian Elephant
- Scientific Name: Elephas maximus indicus.
- Adopted: 2010.
- Significance: Represents biodiversity and cultural heritage.
14. National Aquatic Animal: River Dolphin
- Scientific Name: Platanista gangetica.
- Adopted: 2009.
- Significance: Found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra river systems.
15. National Reptile: King Cobra
- Scientific Name: Ophiophagus hannah.
- Significance: Represents agility and divine connections in Indian mythology.
16. National Game: Hockey
- Historically considered the national game, though no official declaration exists.
- Significance: India has a rich legacy in hockey, winning 8 Olympic gold medals.
Significance of National Symbols in Governance and Identity
- They strengthen the sense of patriotism and unity among citizens.
- They are extensively used in official documents, ceremonies, and programs to represent India.
- Violating these symbols is punishable under Indian laws such as the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
