THE HISTORY OF NATIONAL FLAG OF INDIA. இந்தியாவின் தேசியக்கொடி உருவான கதைகள்

  National flag of India

The national flag of India, commonly known as the Tiranga (meaning "Tricolour"), holds deep symbolic significance and serves as an emblem of India’s identity, values, and sovereignty. This flag has a rich history rooted in the struggle for independence, evolving over time to represent the aspirations and unity of India’s diverse population. In this detailed description, we'll explore the origin, design, meaning, evolution, and its importance in modern India.

Origin and Evolution of the Indian National Flag

The idea of a national flag for India emerged during the struggle for independence from British rule. Indian nationalists felt the need for a symbol that would unite the population under a common banner and inspire the spirit of freedom. The development of the national flag went through several stages:

The Early Stages

The First National Flag (1906): The earliest known version of a national flag for India was hoisted on August 7, 1906, at the Parsee Bagan Square (Green Park) in Calcutta (now Kolkata). It consisted of three horizontal stripes of green, yellow, and red. The green stripe at the top featured eight lotuses, representing India's provinces. The yellow stripe bore the words "Vande Mataram" in Devanagari script, and the red stripe contained a crescent moon and a sun.

The Berlin Committee Flag (1907): A variant of the first flag was hoisted by Indian expatriates in Paris under the leadership of Madam Bhikaji Cama in 1907. This flag was somewhat similar to the 1906 version but had some minor changes, including the arrangement and symbols used. This marked the first time the Indian flag was displayed on foreign soil.

The Home Rule Movement Flag (1917): During the Home Rule Movement, led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant, a new flag was designed. It had five red and four green horizontal stripes arranged alternately, with seven stars (representing the Saptarishi constellation) and a Union Jack in the top left corner to indicate the status of India within the British Empire.

The Gandhian Influence

The Swaraj Flag (1921): Mahatma Gandhi proposed a new design for the national flag in 1921, which was created by Pingali Venkayya. This version featured a white stripe on top, green in the middle, and red at the bottom, symbolizing the major religions in India. Gandhi also suggested the addition of a spinning wheel (Charkha) in the center as a symbol of self-reliance and economic independence.

Adoption of the Current Flag

The Tricolour of 1931: In 1931, a resolution was passed adopting a flag that would serve as a national symbol of India. The new design had three horizontal stripes of saffron (at the top), white (in the middle), and green (at the bottom) with the spinning wheel in the center. The flag was meant to reflect communal unity and the nationalist spirit of the freedom movement.

The Final Version (1947): After India gained independence on August 15, 1947, the Constituent Assembly adopted the current version of the national flag. The spinning wheel (Charkha) in the center was replaced by the Ashoka Chakra, a navy-blue wheel with 24 spokes, inspired by the Lion Capital of Ashoka, a symbol of justice, dharma (righteousness), and progress. The flag was formally adopted on July 22, 1947, and continues to be the national flag of India.

Design and Symbolism of the Indian National Flag

The Indian national flag is a horizontal tricolour of deep saffron (Kesari) at the top, white in the middle, and India green at the bottom in equal proportion. The ratio of the width to the length of the flag is 2:3. At the center of the white band is a navy-blue Ashoka Chakra with 24 equally spaced spokes.

Saffron (Kesari): 

This color symbolizes courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation. It represents the strength and valour of the country, and it reminds citizens of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters for the country's independence.

White: 

The white band stands for peace, truth, and purity. It represents the path of truth and the guiding principles of the nation. White is also a symbol of light and the path of righteousness.

Green: 

The green band represents fertility, growth, and auspiciousness. It signifies the country's greenery, prosperity, and its commitment to development and sustainability.

Ashoka Chakra: The navy-blue Ashoka Chakra in the center is derived from the Lion Capital of Ashoka and symbolizes the "wheel of law" (Dharma Chakra). With its 24 spokes, it conveys the concept of moving forward, progress, and continuous motion. It serves as a reminder to stay truthful, ethical, and strive towards righteousness.

Usage and Display Protocols

The Indian national flag is governed by the Flag Code of India. The Flag Code outlines the rules and etiquette for the proper display, handling, and use of the national flag. Some of the key guidelines include:

Respect and Dignity: 

The flag should always be hoisted with respect and dignity. It should never be allowed to touch the ground or trail behind vehicles.

Hoisting Times:

 It can be hoisted publicly during the day and, since 2021, even at night under proper illumination.

Prohibited Actions: 

The flag cannot be used as a drapery or for decoration. It should not be printed on clothing or items that can be discarded disrespectfully.

Position:

 When flown with other flags, the Indian flag must be placed in the position of honor, either at the extreme left (facing the audience) or higher than the other flags.

Importance in Modern India

The national flag serves as a unifying symbol for the citizens of India. It reflects the country's rich heritage, cultural diversity, and the struggle for independence. The flag is hoisted during significant events such as Republic Day, Independence Day, and other national celebrations. Schools, government offices, and private citizens all participate in flag-hoisting ceremonies, underscoring the shared commitment to the nation’s unity and development.

The flag also inspires patriotic sentiments, reminding citizens of the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution—justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It acts as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters who laid down their lives for India's freedom and prosperity.

Contemporary Significance

In recent times, the national flag has taken on additional meanings and interpretations. It is often used as a symbol of protest, unity, or solidarity during moments of crisis. The flag has found prominence in India's socio-political sphere and has become a unifying element that bridges the differences of caste, creed, religion, and language among Indians.

The Government of India has made efforts to encourage citizens to respect and cherish the national flag. Initiatives like "Har Ghar Tiranga" (a campaign urging citizens to hoist the national flag at home) have been launched to deepen citizens' connection with the national symbol.

Conclusion

The Indian national flag, with its rich history and profound symbolism, represents more than just a piece of cloth fluttering in the wind. It is a living testament to India's struggle for independence, its unity in diversity, and its aspirations for a just, prosperous, and harmonious future. It stands as a reminder of the sacrifices of the past and the responsibilities that lie ahead. Each color, each symbol on the flag tells a story—a story of resilience, hope, and determination to keep the flame of democracy, freedom, and unity burning bright. The Tiranga, thus, remains a revered emblem of India's sovereignty and pride, evoking a deep sense of patriotism among its citizens.

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