Indian National Flag, History And Significance Of The Tricolour

The Indian National Flag serves as a powerful embodiment of national pride and stands among the most revered national symbols. Former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru characterized it as not just a symbol of our liberation but a beacon of freedom for all people.

As per Indian Law, the national flag must be crafted from khadi. The utilization of the flag is governed by the flag code of India. Initially, private citizens were restricted from using the Indian flag except during national observances such as Republic Day and Independence Day. However, gradual changes were introduced by the Union Cabinet, expanding the flag's usage for private citizens. Amendments to the code pertained to its display during hoisting and its adaptation onto various types of garments.

Popularly known as the Tiranga, translating to "three colors" or "tricolored," is a powerful emblem that represents the nation's struggle for independence, its unity, diversity, and the aspirations of its people. The flag's journey from inception to its current significance is a testament to the nation's history and the enduring values it stands for.

History of the Indian National Flag

The first Indian national flag was hoisted on August 7, 1906, at Parsee Bagan Square in Kolkata. The flag had three major colors namely red, yellow, and green.

• The first variant closer to the current-day Indian tricolor was designed by Pingali Venkayya in 1921. It had two major colors - red and green.
• In 1931, a landmark resolution was passed adopting a tricolor flag as our national flag. This flag, the forbear of the present one, was saffron, white and green with Mahatma Gandhi's spinning wheel at the center.
• Undergoing several modifications, including the integration of saffron and white hues and the incorporation of the Ashoka Chakra from Emperor Ashoka's lion capital, the Indian Tiranga was officially embraced on July 22, 1947. Its inaugural hoisting took place on August 15, 1947.
• The Tiranga, or Tricolor, displays a trio of colors. Saffron occupies the uppermost position, symbolizing the nation's inherent strength and courage. The middle white portion embodies ideals of peace and truth, while the lower green shade signifies the land's fertility, growth, and auspiciousness. Nestled at the heart of the flag, the Ashoka Chakra, or Dharma Chakra, bears 24 spokes, an emblematic representation that life thrives in movement and that stagnation leads to decay.

Previously, Indian citizens were restricted from hoisting the National Flag except on specific occasions. This scenario transformed after a protracted legal struggle led by industrialist Naveen Jindal culminated in a groundbreaking ruling by the Supreme Court on January 23, 2004. This verdict declared that the right to unfurl the National Flag with reverence and dignity is an essential entitlement of every Indian citizen, as per Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution of India.

Significance of the Indian National Flag

The Indian national flag comprises horizontal bands of distinct colors – Saffron occupies the uppermost position, followed by a white band in the middle, and a dark green band at the bottom. In the center of the white band, a navy blue wheel symbolizing the chakra is prominently displayed.

Saffron Color

The uppermost segment of the national flag is adorned with saffron, symbolizing the nation's courage and selflessness. This color holds significance across multiple religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Saffron embodies the spirit of renunciation and egolessness, uniting adherents of various faiths into a cohesive whole. Its profound importance extends to political leaders, serving as a reminder to dedicate their efforts solely to the nation's betterment, devoid of personal gain.

White Color

The middle section of the Indian national flag is graced with the color white, embodying the virtues of honesty, purity, and peace. Rooted in Indian philosophy, white also conveys notions of cleanliness and knowledge, illuminating the path of truth that guides the nation's course. It stands as a call for Indian political leaders to steer the nation towards its ultimate goal while upholding a state of harmony.

Green Color

The lowermost portion of the Indian national flag features a vibrant green, symbolizing the nation's faith, fertility, and prosperity. In alignment with India's philosophy, green is a celebratory and stabilizing color that signifies life and happiness. It represents the lush expanse of green across the Indian landscape. For political leaders, this shade serves as a constant reminder to safeguard the nation's soil against both external and internal threats, nurturing its growth and vitality.

Ashoka Chakra

Within the realm of Hinduism, the number 24 holds profound significance, deeply rooted in the Puranas.

• The Ashoka Chakra, also referred to as the Dharma Chakra or the Samay Chakra, bears 24 spokes at its center, symbolizing the precious hours encompassing an entire day.
• It carries a dual representation of the 24 Dharma Rishis, spiritual seers within Hinduism, who harnessed the potent power of the Gayatri Mantra—a revered mantra in the Hindu tradition.
• These 24 Rishis find their parallel in the 24 letters of the eternal Gayatri Mantra, each one embodying a distinct essence; the first signifies Vishvamitra, while the last represents Yajnavalkya, the guardian of Dharma or righteous conduct.

The strategic placement of the Ashoka Chakra at the heart of the Indian Flag carries an intricate historical narrative.

• Many centuries ago, Lord Buddha attained nirvana, or Enlightenment, in Gaya. Following this transformative experience, he journeyed to Sarnath, Varanasi, where he met his five disciples—Kaundinya, Ashwajeet, Bhadrak, Mahanaam, and Kashyap.
• In their presence, Lord Buddha delivered his inaugural sermon, unveiling the principles encapsulated in the Dharma Chakra.
• King Ashoka subsequently chose to elevate this symbol by adorning the tops of his pillars. Over time, this emblem evolved into the Ashoka Chakra placed at the core of the Indian flag. Its presence serves as a tangible link between the nation and its deep-rooted connection with the Buddhist faith.
• The Ashoka Chakra features 12 primary spokes, each reflecting the teachings of Lord Buddha. The remaining 12 spokes are intricately paired with their corresponding symbols—Avidya (lack of knowledge), Samskara (molding), Vijnana (consciousness), Namarupa (name and form), Sadayatana (six senses encompassing ear, eye, tongue, nose, body, and mind), Sparsa (contact), Vedana (sensation), Trsna (thirst), Upadana (clinging), Bhava (emergence), Jati (birth), Jaramarana (aging), and death. These paired spokes encapsulate the journey of human existence, encompassing the facets of life, perception, and ultimately, transcendence.

Flag Code of India

As outlined on the Indian government's website, there are certain guidelines to be observed while hoisting the Indian National Flag:

1. The Tricolour may be raised in educational establishments such as schools, colleges, sports camps, and scout camps, aiming to instill reverence for the National Flag.
2. Public, private organizations and educational institutions' members are permitted to hoist or display the National Flag on various occasions, both ceremonial and otherwise. This must be executed in a manner that upholds the dignity and respect accorded to the National Flag.
3. The flag should not be employed for purposes that promote communal interests, nor should it be utilized as drapery or clothing. Ideally, it ought to be unfurled from sunrise to sunset, regardless of weather conditions.
4. The flag should not be deliberately allowed to come into contact with the ground, floor, or water, nor should it trail in water. Additionally, it should not be draped over vehicles, trains, boats, aircraft, or their hoods, tops, sides, or backs.
5. The Flag Code of India, established in 2002, underwent an amendment through an Order dated December 30, 2021. As a result of this amendment, National Flags fashioned from polyester or created using machinery have been permitted. Consequently, the National Flag is now to be crafted from hand-spun, hand-woven, or machine-made materials, including cotton, polyester, wool, or silk khadi bunting.
6. Individuals from public, and private organizations, or educational institutions are authorized to hoist or display the National Flag on any day or occasion, whether ceremonial or otherwise. However, such actions must uphold the dignity and honor that the National Flag commands.
7. Furthermore, another amendment to the Flag Code of India, issued on July 19, 2022, brought about a change in clause (xi) of paragraph 2.2 of Part II. The revised clause now states that when the Flag is displayed openly or on a member of the public's residence, it may be flown continuously day and night.
8. The National Flag's prescribed shape is rectangular, with flexibility in its size. However, the proportion between its length and height (width) must maintain a ratio of 3:2. Whenever the National Flag is exhibited, it should always be placed in a position of honor, ensuring its prominent and distinct display.
9. A National Flag that is damaged or in a state of disarray must not be exhibited. The Flag mustn't be flown from a single masthead in conjunction with any other flag or flags simultaneously. Displaying the Flag on a vehicle is restricted to specific dignitaries outlined in Section IX of Part III of the Flag Code, including the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Governors, and others. Importantly, no other flag or bunting should be placed at a higher level than, above, or alongside the National Flag.