National Symbols of India Most of Us are Unaware of

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Intrinsic to the Indian identity and heritage, the Indian Republic has adopted a lot of national symbols. While we think ourselves to be well-versed with these, knowing the national animal and the national flower, we miss out on the other important national symbols of India.

From a historical document to a national vegetable, India has it all. Can you believe that India also has a national microbe? Yes, you heard that right. While some of these symbols were chosen to inspire nationalism among people, others were chosen to sustain or conserve them.

The government of India has very carefully chosen these symbols and continues to do so from time-to-time. Also depicting India’s unique flora and fauna and the vast civilizations, these symbols depict our virtues and characteristics. Let’s have a look at some of these national symbols of India which otherwise stay obscure.

1. National Aquatic Animal

The Ganges River Dolphin has been designated as the national aquatic animal of India. Capable of surviving only in freshwater, this dolphin is considered to represent the purity of river Ganga. The Ganges River Dolphin can also be found in Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.

2. National Tree

The Indian Banyan tree or “Ficus bengalensis” is the national tree of India. Capable of rooting itself to form new trees and increasing its spread over an area, the tree is considered immortal and therefore considered sacred.

3. National Reptile

King Cobra, the world’s longest venomous snake, is the national reptile of India. Endemic to forests of India and South-East Asia, King Cobra has been listed on the IUCN’s red list since 2010.

4. National Heritage Animal

In October 2010, the Indian government declared the Indian Elephant as the national heritage animal of India. This was done in a move to protect Asia’s largest mammal.

5. National River

The holy river Ganga is designated as the national river of India. Also the longest river of India, Ganga River Basin is one of the most fertile and densely populated areas.

6. National Calendar

The Saka calendar based on the Saka era is the national calendar of India. The calendar was adopted on March 22, 1957, for all the official purposes along with the Gregorian calendar.

7. National Microbe

India also has a national microbe, namely “bulgaricus”. This was announced on October 18, 2012, after a group of children visiting the Science Express selected it.