National Flag of India, History, Significance, Dimensions

The National Flag of India, popularly known as the Tiranga, is the supreme symbol of India’s unity, freedom, and sovereignty. It reflects the long journey of the freedom struggle through its evolution, the deep significance of its colours and symbols, and its carefully defined dimensions and specifications. The present form of the flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya, whose vision gave India a simple yet powerful national emblem. The National Flag of India was adopted on 22 July 1947. The Indian National Flag continues to inspire patriotism and constitutional values among citizens.

National Flag of India

The Indian National Flag is a horizontal tricolour made up of three equal bands. The top band is saffron, the middle band is white, and the bottom band is green. In the center of the white band is a navy blue Ashoka Chakra, which has 24 spokes. 

National Flag of India Evolution

The Indian National Flag evolved over several decades during the freedom struggle. Each version reflected the political thinking, social unity, and aspirations of Indians at different stages of the independence movement.

1. Nivedita’s Flag (1904)

• The first national flag of India was designed in 1904 by Sister Nivedita, a disciple of Swami Vivekananda.
• The flag used two colours – yellow and red.
• At the centre was the symbol of Vajra, representing strength and resilience.
• A white lotus was depicted to symbolize purity and hope.
• The Bengali words “Bande Mataram” were written on the flag.
• This flag represented the early spiritual and cultural nationalism of India.

2. Flag during the Swadeshi Movement (1906)

• In 1906, during the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement, the Indian flag was hoisted for the first time in India at Parsee Bagan Square, Calcutta.
• The flag was designed by Sachindra Prasad Bose and Hemchandra Kanungo.
• It consisted of three horizontal stripes:
  • Green (top) – with eight half-open lotus flowers, representing eight Indian provinces.
  • Yellow (middle) – with “Vande Mataram” written on it.
  • Red (bottom) – with symbols of the sun and crescent moon, indicating unity among communities.
• This flag reflected mass participation and economic nationalism.

3. Saptarishi Flag – Bhikaji Cama’s Flag (1907)

• Madam Bhikaji Cama hoisted an Indian flag on 22 August 1907 at the International Socialist Congress in Stuttgart, Germany.
• This was the first time an Indian flag was hoisted on foreign soil.
• The flag had three colours – green, saffron, and red.
• Green strip (top) had eight lotus flowers, representing eight provinces of British India.
• Saffron strip (middle) carried “Vande Mataram” in Devanagari script.
• Red strip (bottom) had a rising sun and crescent moon, symbolizing unity of religions.
• The flag was known as the “Saptarishi Flag”, referring to the seven sages of ancient India.

4. Flag of the Home Rule Movement (1917)

• In 1917, Dr Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak adopted a new flag during the Home Rule Movement.
• The flag had:
  • Five red and four green horizontal stripes, arranged alternately.
  • Seven stars arranged in the Saptarishi pattern.
  • A white crescent and star in one corner.
  • The Union Jack in the opposite corner.
• This flag symbolized self-government for Indians within the British Empire, not complete independence.

5. Origin of the Present National Flag (1921–1931)

• The design of the present Indian flag is credited to Pingali Venkayya.
• In 1921, at the Vijayawada session of the Congress, Venkayya presented a flag to Mahatma Gandhi.
• The flag had three horizontal stripes – red, white, and green, representing different communities.
• A spinning wheel (Charkha) was placed at the centre, symbolizing self-reliance and progress.
• In 1931, the Congress officially adopted a modified version:
  • Saffron replaced red for courage and sacrifice.
  • White stood for peace and truth.
  • Green represented growth and prosperity.
  • The Charkha remained the central symbol.

6. Adoption of the Present National Flag (1947)

• On 22 July 1947, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the present National Flag.
• The Charkha was replaced by the Ashoka Chakra (Dharma Chakra) from the Lion Capital of Ashoka.
• The Ashoka Chakra has 24 spokes, symbolizing law, justice, and continuous movement.
• This final version came to be known as the Tiranga (Tricolour).

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National Flag of India Constitutional Status

The Constitution of India does not explicitly describe the National Flag, but its status is derived from:

• Article 51A(a), which makes it a Fundamental Duty to respect the National Flag.
• The Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.
• The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.

Together with the Flag Code of India, these legal provisions regulate the use, display, and protection of the National Flag, ensuring dignity and uniformity.

Significance of Colours and Ashoka Chakra

The colours and symbols of the Indian National Flag convey deep philosophical and moral values that guide the nation. Each colour and the Ashoka Chakra represent ideals essential for India’s unity, democracy, and progress.

Significance of Colours

Saffron (Kesaria):

• Symbolises courage, sacrifice, and selflessness.
• Reminds leaders and citizens to place national interest above personal gain.

White:

• Represents peace, truth, and honesty.
• Stands for transparency in governance and harmony among people.

Green:

• Signifies growth, fertility, and prosperity.
• Reflects faith in the future and India’s agricultural and ecological strength.

Significance of Ashoka Chakra

• The Ashoka Chakra is taken from the Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka at Sarnath.
• It has 24 spokes, representing the principles of Dharma such as justice, equality, discipline, and moral conduct.
• The wheel signifies constant movement and progress, teaching that stagnation leads to decay while continuous effort leads to development.
• Its navy blue colour reflects calmness, stability, and depth of thought, essential for a democratic society.

National Flag of India Dimensions and Specifications

The National Flag of India is manufactured and displayed according to strict technical standards to maintain its dignity and uniform appearance across the country. These standards are prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and followed under the Flag Code of India.

• The length-to-height ratio of the National Flag is 3:2, and this proportion must be maintained for all flag sizes without any alteration.
• The flag is produced only in standard sizes, measured in centimetres, to ensure uniformity:
  • 630 cm × 420 cm – used on high masts and prominent government buildings
  • 360 cm × 240 cm – used during major national and ceremonial events
  • 270 cm × 180 cm – suitable for institutions and official buildings
  • 180 cm × 120 cm – commonly used for public display
  • 135 cm × 90 cm – medium-size flag for official use
  • 90 cm × 60 cm – small flag for indoor or limited display
  • 45 cm × 30 cm – table flag or ceremonial use
• The National Flag consists of three equal horizontal bands of saffron, white, and green, each occupying one-third of the total height of the flag.
• The Ashoka Chakra is placed exactly at the centre of the white band and is navy blue in colour.
• The diameter of the Ashoka Chakra is approximately equal to the height of the white stripe, ensuring perfect visual balance.
• The Ashoka Chakra contains 24 evenly spaced spokes, which must be clearly visible and identical on both sides of the flag.
• The National Flag was traditionally made only of khadi fabric, symbolising self-reliance and the freedom movement.
• The exact shades of saffron, white, green, and navy blue are fixed by BIS to avoid colour variation across flags.
• A damaged, faded, torn, or improperly sized flag must not be displayed, as it is considered disrespectful to national honour.

Flag Code of India Rules and Provisions

The Flag Code of India lays down the rules, traditions, and guidelines for the proper display, hoisting, and use of the National Flag. It ensures that the Tricolour is always displayed with dignity, honour, and respect by citizens, institutions, and governments.

• The Flag Code of India, 2002 came into force on 26 January 2002, replacing earlier fragmented instructions related to the National Flag.
• It is divided into three parts dealing with the general description of the flag, its use by the public, and its use by governments and official bodies.
• The National Flag may be hoisted by any citizen, private institution, or public body on all days, including national days, subject to respect and dignity.
• As per recent amendments, the flag may be flown day and night, provided it is in an open place or on a flagstaff and is clearly visible.
• The flag must not touch the ground, water, or floor, nor be used as a drapery, costume, or decorative material.
• The National Flag should not be used for commercial purposes, advertising, or as a part of clothing below the waist.
• When the flag is displayed with other flags, it must always occupy a position of honour and should not be smaller or lower than other flags.
• No other flag or emblem should be placed above or to the right of the Indian National Flag.
• A damaged, faded, or soiled flag should be disposed of respectfully, preferably by burning in private while maintaining dignity.
• Any act of disrespect or insult to the National Flag is punishable under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.