The Indian National Flag: Everything You Need to Know About Its History, Design, and Rules
The National Flag of India, also known as the Tiranga, is a symbol of our country's freedom, unity, and pride. It has three equal horizontal stripes: saffron on top, white in the middle with a navy blue wheel called the Ashoka Chakra, and green at the bottom. The flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya, a freedom fighter from Andhra Pradesh, and was adopted on July 22, 1947, just before India became independent. It helps us remember the sacrifices made by our leaders and people. In this article, we will learn about its history, design, meaning, exact sizes, and the right ways to use it. This information is useful for students preparing for exams or projects.
A Short History of the Indian Flag
The idea of a national flag for India began during the fight for freedom from British rule. In the early 1900s, different flags were used in protests and meetings. For example, in 1906, a flag with green, yellow, and red stripes was hoisted in Calcutta, but it had religious symbols. In 1917, Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak introduced a flag during the Home Rule Movement with nine stripes and a Union Jack. In 1921, Pingali Venkayya, a freedom fighter and scholar, presented a flag design to Mahatma Gandhi at a Congress meeting in Vijayawada. His design had two stripes—red for Hindus and green for Muslims—with a spinning wheel (charkha) in the center to show self-reliance. Gandhi suggested adding a white stripe for other communities, making it a tricolor. This design was used at Congress meetings but was not official. In 1931, the colors changed to saffron, white, and green, with the charkha in the center. Finally, on July 22, 1947, the Constituent Assembly adopted Venkayya’s design with a change: the charkha was replaced by the Ashoka Chakra, a wheel from Emperor Ashoka's time, to stand for peace and progress. The flag was first hoisted on August 15, 1947, when India became free.
Design and Meaning of the Flag
The flag is simple but full of deep meanings. It is made up of three equal bands of color, one on top of the other. The shape is rectangular, and it must always follow certain rules to look the same everywhere.
Colors and What They Stand For
- Saffron (top band): This bright orange color means courage and giving up things for the country. It reminds us of the brave people who fought for India's freedom.
- White (middle band): This color stands for truth, peace, and purity. It shows that India welcomes all religions and people living together in harmony.
- Green (bottom band): Green means growth, farming, and good luck. India has a lot of farms, and this color highlights our love for nature and progress.
These colors were chosen to represent the hopes and values of all Indians.
The Ashoka Chakra
In the center of the white band, there is a navy blue wheel with 24 spokes. This is called the Ashoka Chakra. It comes from the Lion Capital of Ashoka, an ancient king who believed in non-violence. The wheel means the cycle of life, right actions, and moving forward without stopping. The 24 spokes stand for 24 hours in a day, reminding us to always do good work.
Size and Dimensions of the Flag
The flag must be made in the right size to keep its dignity. The rules come from the Flag Code of India, which says the length should be 1.5 times the width. This is a ratio of 3:2 (length to width). For example, if the flag is 3 units long, it should be 2 units wide.
There are nine standard sizes for different uses, like big ones for buildings and small ones for tables. The Ashoka Chakra's size also changes with the flag. Here is a table with all the details:
| Serial Number | Flag Size (Length x Width in mm) | Ashoka Chakra Diameter (in mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6300 x 4200 | 1295 |
| 2 | 3600 x 2400 | 740 |
| 3 | 2700 x 1800 | 555 |
| 4 | 1800 x 1200 | 370 |
| 5 | 1350 x 900 | 280 |
| 6 | 900 x 600 | 185 |
| 7 | 450 x 300 | 90 |
| 8 | 225 x 150 | 40 |
| 9 | 150 x 100 | 25 |
The smallest size is for tables or cars, and the largest is for big events or forts. The Ashoka Chakra should cover three-fourths of the white band's width and be exactly in the center. The bands must be equal, and the colors should match exact shades defined by rules.
How the Flag is Made
Flags were once made only from hand-spun cloth called khadi, which supports local workers. Now, they can also be made from polyester or other materials, but they must pass quality checks. Special factories in places like Hubli and Mumbai make them. The cloth is dyed in the right colors, the wheel is printed or stitched, and then tested for strength and color fade.
Rules for Using and Respecting the Flag
We must treat the flag with great care because it represents our nation. The Flag Code of India has clear guidelines:
- Display rules: Always hoist it with saffron on top. It should fly high and free, not touch the ground or water. You can fly it at home any day, but only during daylight unless lit up.
- What not to do: Do not use it as clothes, bags, or decorations. Never dip it to salute anyone. If it's damaged, burn it privately in a respectful way.
- Special occasions: On Independence Day and Republic Day, everyone can fly it. In schools or offices, it should be in the right place, higher than other flags.
- Punishment for mistakes: Breaking these rules can lead to fines or jail, as per laws from 1971.
These rules help keep the flag's honor intact.
