| National symbols of India create the entity which | | | | grace. The Indian tiger is also called the Royal |
| reflects the pride and prestige of the whole | | | | Bengal Tiger and can be found throughout the |
| nation. These identifiable features enable India to | | | | country except in north western region. The |
| stand apart from the rest of the world. | | | | beautiful tiger is popularly killed for its skin. To |
| The National Symbol of India has been depicted | | | | protect tiger population, the government launched |
| from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka. | | | | "Project Tiger" in 1973 which is also supported by |
| The original sculpture has four lions on a pillar with | | | | the World Wildlife Federation. |
| an elephant, horse, bull, and lion separated by a | | | | The lotus (Nelumbo Nucipera Gaertn) is the official |
| lotus on the base. Also carved into the stone is a | | | | flower of India. It symbolizes long life, honor, and |
| Dharma Chakra (wheel of law). | | | | good fortune. It also signifies triumph; since the |
| It was adopted as national emblem on January | | | | lotus is rooted in the mud and yet can |
| 26, 1950 by the Indian Government. The official | | | | successfully re- germinates for thousands of |
| symbol represents three of the four lions with the | | | | years. In spite of growing in mud, it remains pure |
| Dharma Chakra in the center of the base and a | | | | and beautiful. The lotus holds great significance for |
| bull and horse on either side. The base also has | | | | Hindus and is often used in various religious |
| "Satyameva Jayate" engraved on representing a | | | | practices. |
| strong idea for the Indian people i.e. "Truth alone | | | | The banyan tree is the National Tree of India, also |
| triumphs". | | | | officially known as Ficus bengalensis. The branches |
| Indian peacock (Pavo cristatus) is the national bird | | | | of this tree root themselves like new trees over |
| of India. Peacocks signify pride, beauty and grace. | | | | a large area. The roots then give rise to more |
| In Indian mythology and folk stories as well | | | | trunks and branches. This tree is considered |
| peacocks are used. This bird is about the size of a | | | | immortal because of its long life and |
| swan, with a long neck and a fan-shaped array of | | | | characteristics. Even today, it is the focal point of |
| feathers. Male peacocks are bright colored, with | | | | village life and the village council meets under this |
| green-bronze feathers and blue fronts. Peahen, | | | | tree. |
| the female is smaller and brown in color. | | | | The mango is the national fruit. There are over |
| Tiger is the national animal of India, officially | | | | 100 varieties of mangos and are available range |
| known as Panthera Tigris. It has a thick yellow | | | | of colors, sizes, and shapes. Mangoes are |
| coat of fur with dark stripes on it. Tiger is greatly | | | | commonly found in the tropical part of the world. |
| respected for its incredible power, strength and | | | | They are high in vitamin A, C, and D. |