5 Magnificent Facts About the Indian National Flag: History and National Colour Guide
The Indian National Flag, or the Tiranga, is a horizontal rectangle of Saffron, White, and India Green with a 24-spoke navy blue Ashoka Chakra at its centre. Adopted on July 22, 1947, it remains the ultimate symbol of our sovereignty.
If you are looking for the national colour of India, it is important to know that the flag represents a “Tricolour” identity rather than a single hue. Below are the 7 Magnificent Facts every citizen and student should know.
The 7 Magnificent Facts of the Tiranga
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Evolution of Design: The Indian National Flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya and evolved from the historic “Swaraj” flag used during the freedom struggle.
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Official National Colours: When identifying the national colour of India, it officially consists of India Saffron (Kesari), White, and India Green.
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The Dharma Chakra: The navy blue Ashoka Chakra features 24 evenly spaced spokes representing the 24 hours of the day and the “Wheel of the Law.”
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Mandatory Material: By law, the official flag must be made of Khadi, a hand-spun and hand-woven cloth as per Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications.
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Exclusive Manufacturer: The Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha is the only licensed manufacturer authorized to produce the official flag of India.
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Strict Dimensions: According to the Flag Code of India, the flag must maintain a precise 3:2 width-to-height ratio with all three bands being equal in size.
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Legal Protection: Insulting the flag is a punishable offense under the National Honour Act, 1971, carrying a penalty of up to three years of imprisonment.
National Identity Elements
The most important national identity element for any country is the National Flag. If we look at the case of India, there are many national identity elements along with the Indian National Flag. These are also known as National Symbols.
There are 10 elements known as national identity elements of India which define the perception of the public about India. The 10 national Identity elements / Indian Symbols are:
- National Flag
- National Anthem
- The State Emblem
- The National Bird
- The National Animal
- The National Flower
- The National Tree
- National Calendar
- National Currency Symbol
- National Song
Out of these 10 National identity elements, National Flag and National Anthem are the most respected.
Meaning of the Indian National Flag – Tricolour
The National Flag of India consists of three colours and an Ashoka Chakra. The Indian Flag is just not a simple coloured piece of cloth each and every feature of the flag has its significance. Let us decode the Indian flag.
1. Saffron
The saffron colour strip of the Indian flag denotes courage and selflessness. This colour signifies renunciation and absolution of the ego and it is the religious colour of Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. This colour reminds the leaders to work without getting attracted to material gain. It reminds leaders to work for the benefit of the Nation.
2. White
This Strip on the Indian flag denoted cleanliness, peace, purity, honesty, and knowledge. It guides the citizens toward the path of truth. It reminds the Indian leaders to work in order to attain national peace and not to repeat the bloodshed which was witnessed by the nation during the partition and freedom movements.
3. Green
The Green strip denotes Fertility, prosperity, and Faith. It is a festive and stable colour which represents happiness and liveliness. This reminds the Indian leaders to save the nation from external enemies and human destruction.
4. Ashoka Chakra
The Ashoka Chakra at the centre of the flag represents motions and growth which tells that India cannot oppose the change and that National growth is the key to success in the fast-running world. It also represents the different religions in India as it is the Wheel of Dharma and all the religions of India subscribe to the concept of Dharma.
History of the Indian National Flag
The Indian National Flag, known as the Tiranga (Tricolour), is the ultimate symbol of India’s sovereignty and spirit. While many people search for the national colour of India, the answer lies in the perfect harmony of three distinct hues that represent the country’s diverse values and history.
What is the National Colour of India?
If you are wondering what is the national colour of India, it is important to understand that India does not have one single official color. Instead, the nation is represented by three specific “National Colours” arranged horizontally in the Indian National Flag:
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Saffron (Kesari): Represents strength, courage, and sacrifice.
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White: Represents peace, truth, and purity.
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India Green: Symbolizes fertility, growth, and auspiciousness.
The History of the Indian National Flag
The journey of the Tiranga is a story of evolution and sacrifice. Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian National Congress sought symbols that could unite a diverse population against British rule.
1921: The Pingali Venkayya Design
In 1921, Pingali Venkayya designed a flag consisting of two horizontal bands: Red (for Hindus) and Green (for Muslims). To represent self-reliance, Lala Hansraj suggested adding a spinning wheel (Charkha) in the center, encouraging Indians to fabricate their own cloth.
The Introduction of White
Upon seeing the design, Gandhiji suggested adding a White stripe in the middle. This served two purposes:
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It represented all other religious communities in India.
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It provided a clear background for the spinning wheel.
From Struggle to Sovereignty (1931–1947)
In August 1931, the Congress flag was officially recognized. To move away from communal interpretations, the meanings of the colors were redefined:
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Saffron (replacing Red): Courage and Sacrifice.
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White: Peace and Truth.
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Green: Faith and Chivalry.
The Adoption of the Dharma Chakra
On July 22, 1947, the flag was officially adopted as the National Flag of independent India. One major change was made: the spinning wheel was replaced by the Ashoka Chakra (the Wheel of the Law).
The Navy Blue Ashoka Chakra features 24 spokes, symbolizing that there is life in movement and that India should strive for continuous progress.
| Feature |
Details |
| India National Colour Name | Saffron (Kesari), White, and India Green |
| Primary Designer | Pingali Venkayya |
| Adopted On | July 22, 1947 |
| Central Symbol | Ashoka Chakra (24 spokes) |
| Aspect Ratio | 2:3 (Width to Length) |
Evolution of the Indian National Flag
The Indian flag has undergone various stages of evolution and finally reached the tricolour we have today. The journey of the Indian national flag evolution started in 1906 during the national freedom struggle.
The very first time the unofficial flag was hoisted was on 7th August 1906 in Calcutta. This flag was designed by Freedom activists Sachindra Prasad Bose and Hemchandra Kanungo. They designed it with 3 horizontal strips – Red, Yellow, and Green, and Vande Mataram Written in the middle of the flag on the Yellow strip, The sun and crescent moon on the red stripe, and eight half-open lotuses on the Green strip.
In 1907, Madame Cama hoisted the second flag along with other exiled revolutionaries. It was similar to the first flag but there were some changes like the top strip had 7 stars depicting the saptarishi and it was exhibited at the socialist conference which was held in Berlin.
During the Home rule movement, Lokamanya Tilak and Dr Annie Besant hoisted the third flag which had five red and Four green strips alternatively. It depicted the seven stars arranged in saptrishi configuration. One corner was occupied by the crescent and another by the union jack.
As the Activists felt the need for the Indian flag, in 1921, Pingali Venkayya designed a flag with a spinning wheel in the middle of the flag. This flag had 2 horizontal strips of red and green colour.
During the All India Congress meeting, Gandhiji 1921, Gandhiji suggested adding a white colour strip to represent the remaining communities of India. Initially, Pingali designed red and green strips to represent Hindu and Muslim communities respectively.
In the year 1931, the Indian flag was adopted with some changes. The red colour was replaced by the deep saffron colour and the white strip was moved to the middle of the flag and chakra was placed on it. The spinning wheel was replaced by the Ashoka Chakra and the attributes of the Saffron, White, and Green colours were changed to courage, peace, and chivalry respectively. The Chakra in the middle stands for movement and growth and 24 spokes represent 24 virtues.
Size of Indian National Flag
The ratio of width and the height of the National Flag of India is 3:2 check below the specific sizes of the Flag and Ashoka Chakra declared by the Bureau of Indian Standard:
| S.No. | Size of Flag (WxH) (mm) |
Size of Ashoka Chakra (mm) |
| 1 | 6300 x 4300 | 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 |
Facts about Indian National Flag
- On 29th May 1953, the Indian flag was hoisted on Mount Everest along with the Nepalese flag and union jack.
- The First Indian who raised the Indian flag in Foreign land was Bhikaji Rustom Cama.
- In the year 2002, the Right to Hoist the Indian flag was declared as a Fundamental right under Article 19 (i) A of the Indian Constitution.
- As per the flag code, The Indian Flag should be hoisted in the day time and there should be no other flag or symbol above it.
- If there are other flags lined up along with the Indian flag, the other flags should be placed on the left of the national flag.
- The national flag should always be taken down during the evening.
- While in Parade, the Flag should be on marching right or at the front of the centerline, in case there is a line of other flags.
- The National Flag and its imitations can not be used for business or trade purposes.
- The Flag should not touch the ground or water and should not be held upside down.
- The Indian flag is flown at Half-mast in case of mourning at the death of the Prime Minister or the President of India.
- There are 7 National Identity elements in total and National Flag is the most important one. It is also known as National Symbol.
Indian National Flag – FAQs
Q1. When was the Indian Flag adopted?
Ans. Indian National Flag was adopted on 22nd July 1947 during a meeting of the constituent Assembly after the Britishers agreed to leave India.
Q2. What is the proportion of the size of the National flag of India and is there a fixed size of the Ashoka Chakra?
Ans. The ratio of width and the height of the National Flag of India is 3:2 and there is no fixed size of the Ashoka Chakra but there are specific sizes of the flag and the chakra declared by the Bureau of Indian Standard.
Q3. Which Articles of the Indian constitution have provisions about the handling of the National Flag of India?
Ans. Flag Code of India 2002, The Emblem and Names Act, 1950 and the prevention of insults of National Honor Act, 1971
Q4. What is the punishment for the people violating the provisions of the Flag code of India 2002 and the emblem and Names Act 1950?
Ans. The people violating these acts will be punished with 3 years imprisonment or a fine or both.
Q5. What is the sequence of the colors in the Indian National Flag?
Ans. The saffron color strip remains at the top and white in the middle. The green color strip remains at the bottom and the Ashoka chakra along with 24 spokes in the middle of the flag on the white strip.
Q6. What is the importance of national symbols?
Ans. The National Symbols of any country are the representations that the country presents itself as a national community in the world. The National Symbols spreads patriotism and unity among the country’s citizens. The main aim of the National symbols is to unite people through verbal, visual, and iconic symbolism.
Q7. What are the national identity elements of India?
Ans. There are 7 Indian national Identity elements – National Flag, National Anthem, National Emblem, National Animal, National Bird, National Tree, and National Flower.
Q8. Do all the nations have national identity elements?
Ans. All the nations in the world have their national identity elements according to their history and culture.
What is the national colour of India?
While many people look for a single national colour of India, our country is represented by three: India Saffron, White, and India Green. These three hues together define the identity of the Indian National Flag.
What is the official India national colour name for the saffron band?
The official India national colour name for the top band of the Indian National Flag is “Kesari” or “India Saffron.” It represents the strength and courage of the nation.
Which is the national colour of India used in the Ashoka Chakra?
The India national colour name for the Ashoka Chakra at the center of the Indian National Flag is Navy Blue. This wheel features 24 spokes and symbolizes the “Wheel of the Law.”
Who is the official designer of the Indian National Flag?
The Indian National Flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya, a freedom fighter who originally based the concept on the Swaraj flag.
What material must be used to make the Indian National Flag?
According to the Flag Code, the Indian National Flag must be made of Khadi (hand-spun cotton, silk, or wool). Using any other material for official purposes is a violation of the standards set for the Indian National Flag.
What is the significance of the green in the India national colour palette?
The India Green in the Indian National Flag represents the fertility, growth, and auspiciousness of the land, completing the beautiful trio of the national colour of India.
When was the Indian Flag adopted?
Indian National Flag was adopted on 22nd July 1947 during a meeting of the constituent Assembly after the Britishers agreed to leave India.
What is the proportion of the size of the National flag of India and is there a fixed size of the Ashoka Chakra?
The ratio of width and the height of the National Flag of India is 3:2 and there is no fixed size of the Ashoka Chakra but there are specific sizes of the flag and the chakra declared by the Bureau of Indian Standard.
Which Articles of the Indian constitution have provisions about the handling of the National Flag of India?
Flag Code of India 2002, The Emblem and Names Act, 1950 and the prevention of insults of National Honor Act, 1971
What is the punishment for the people violating the provisions of the Flag code of India 2002 and the emblem and Names Act 1950?
The people violating these acts will be punished with 3 years imprisonment or a fine or both.
What is the importance of national symbols?
The National Symbols of any country are the representations that the country presents itself as a national community in the world. The National Symbols spreads patriotism and unity among the country’s citizens. The main aim of the National symbols is to unite people through verbal, visual, and iconic symbolism.
What are the national identity elements of India?
There are 7 Indian national Identity elements – National Flag, National Anthem, National Emblem, National Animal, National Bird, National Tree, and National Flower.
Do all the nations have national identity elements?
All the nations in the world have their national identity elements according to their history and culture.
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