The Evolution and Design of the Indian National Flag and Its Symbolism

Introduction of the Indian National Flag

The present flag of India, officially known as Tiranga, was designed by Pingali Venkayya in 1921. The flag is a horizontal rectangular tricolour, comprising saffron, white, and green. At its centre, the flag features the Ashoka Chakra, a 24-spoke wheel that symbolises the ldquo;wheel of lawrdquo; first introduced by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. This flag was presented to Mahatma Gandhi during the 1921 Congress Session in Vijayawada.

The National Emblem of India

The National Emblem of India, also known as the Lion Capital, is a sculpture originally erected in the 3rd century BC at Sarnath in the state of Uttar Pradesh. This emblem was officially adopted as the National Emblem of India on January 26, 1950, the day the Constitution of India came into effect. The Lion Capital, designed by ancient Indian artisans, is a masterpiece of Indian art and a significant symbol of the country's cultural and historical heritage. It is used on official documents, government seals, and displayed on Indian currency.

Ongoing Debate: The First Designer of the Indian National Flag

The question of who designed the first national flag of India remains a subject of debate. The first Indian flag, hoisted on August 7, 1906, at Parsi Bagan Square in Calcutta, displayed religious symbols and had the colors green, yellow, and red with the inscription ldquo;Vande Matram.rdquo; However, the modern design of the Indian National Flag is attributed to Surayya Tyabji, who designed it and presented it during Gandhi's visit to Vijayawada on April 1, 1921.

Surayya Tyabji and the Design of the Indian National Flag

Surayya Tyabji, born in 1919 in Hyderabad, was the daughter of Aamir Ali and Leila Hasan Latif. She grew up to be a renowned artist with an unconventional and progressive outlook towards society. She married Badruddin Tyabji, an Indian Civil Servant who later served as Vice-Chancellor for the Aligarh Muslim University. On July 22, 1947, the constituent assembly passed a resolution on the National Flag, where Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru proposed the flag of the Indian National Congress with the inclusion of the Ashoka Chakra.

In the Indian national flag, the top band is saffron, symbolising the strength and courage of the nation. The white middle band represents peace and truth with the Dharma Chakra, while the green bottom band signifies fertility, faith, prosperity, and auspiciousness. The Dharma Chakra, a 24-spoke wheel in navy blue, signifies the ldquo;wheel of lawrdquo; and represents the 24 qualities of a person and the 24 religious paths made for humanity.

Symbolism of the Ashoka Chakra

The Ashoka Chakra, or Dharma Chakra, in the middle of the Indian flag, represents the ldquo;wheel of lawrdquo; established by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. It signifies the importance of movement and progress, contrasting with the stagnation that leads to death. Each spoke of the Chakra holds a deep meaning, from chastity to wisdom. Here are the meanings of the first 10 spokes:

First Spoke: Chastity inspires one to live a simple life. Second Spoke: Health encourages being physically and mentally healthy. Third Spoke: Peace advocates maintaining harmony throughout the country. Fourth Spoke: Sacrifice embodies readiness for any national or societal cause. Fifth Spoke: Morality highlights the importance of high moral values in personal and professional life. Sixth Spoke: Service underscores the readiness to serve the nation and society when needed. Seventh Spoke: Forgiveness fosters a sense of forgiveness towards humans and other creatures. Eighth Spoke: Love emphasizes the feeling of love towards the country and all creatures. Ninth Spoke: Friendship promotes cordial relations with all citizens. Tenth Spoke: Fraternity encourages the development of a sense of brotherhood in the country.

Historical Context and Modern Interpretation

It was the Hyderabadi historian Capt. L. Panduranga Reddy's research that later showed it was indeed Surayya Tyabji who designed the final tricolour flag. Despite this revelation, the official recognition still credits Pingali Venkayya for the design of the Indian National Flag. The journey of the Indian flag is a testament to the country's rich history, cultural heritage, and the ongoing debate surrounding its true origins.

Conclusion

The Indian National Flag and its emblem represent the rich cultural and historical heritage of India. While the final designer of the flag remains a subject of debate, the design and symbolism of the flag continue to inspire generations. The contributions of both Pingali Venkayya and Surayya Tyabji have ensured that the flag stands as a symbol of unity, strength, and progress.