The National Flag of India, affectionately known as the Tiranga or Tricolour, is a powerful symbol of the nation’s sovereignty, unity, and heritage. It represents the hopes and aspirations of the people of India and stands as a testament to the long and arduous Indian freedom struggle. Every element of the flag, from its colours to the emblem at its centre, has a deep meaning. This 2026 guide delves into the history, evolution, and significance of India’s national flag, telling the story behind this revered national symbol.
Quick Answer
India’s National Flag, the Tricolour or ‘Tiranga’, features three horizontal stripes: saffron at the top for courage, white in the middle for peace and truth, and green at the bottom for fertility and growth. In the centre is the navy-blue Ashoka Chakra with 24 spokes, representing righteousness and progress. It was adopted on July 22, 1947.
The Evolution of the Indian Flag
The flag as we see it today is the culmination of a long evolutionary process. Several different flags were designed and used during the freedom struggle, each reflecting the political and social sentiments of the time.
Early Flags of the Freedom Movement
- The Calcutta Flag (1906): One of the first unofficial flags of India, it was hoisted in Calcutta (now Kolkata). It had three horizontal stripes of green, yellow, and red. The green stripe had eight lotuses, the yellow had ‘Vande Mataram’ in Devanagari, and the red had a sun and a crescent moon.
- The Berlin Committee Flag (1907): Similar to the Calcutta flag, this version was hoisted by Madam Bhikaji Cama in Stuttgart, Germany. The colours were changed to saffron, yellow, and green, and it had a different arrangement of symbols.
- The Home Rule Movement Flag (1917): Designed by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant, this flag had five red and four green horizontal stripes. It featured the Union Jack at the top left and a crescent moon and star on the right. It also had seven stars in the Saptarishi constellation.
The Gandhi Flag (1921)
A major milestone came in 1921 when Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi proposed a flag to the Indian National Congress. This flag, designed by Pingali Venkayya, had two stripes, red for Hindus and green for Muslims. Gandhi later suggested adding a white stripe for other communities and a spinning wheel (Charkha) in the centre to represent self-reliance and the common man.
The Swaraj Flag (1931)
In 1931, the Indian National Congress officially adopted a new flag, which became a powerful symbol of the independence movement. Known as the ‘Swaraj Flag’, it featured three horizontal stripes: saffron, white, and green, with the Charkha (spinning wheel) in the centre. This flag was the direct predecessor of the current national flag.
The Adoption of the Modern Tricolour
As India neared independence, the Constituent Assembly was tasked with selecting a national flag for the free nation. An Ad Hoc Committee on the Flag was formed, headed by Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
The committee decided to adapt the Swaraj Flag of 1931. They retained the three colours—saffron, white, and green—as they had become deeply associated with the freedom struggle and were widely accepted. The only change was to replace the Charkha with the Dharma Chakra (Wheel of Law) from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka.
This final version of the flag was officially adopted by the Constituent Assembly on July 22, 1947, just a few weeks before India gained independence on August 15, 1947.
The Symbolism and Meaning of the Tricolour
Every part of the Indian flag is rich with meaning, as explained by Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan in the Constituent Assembly.
The Three Colours
- Saffron (Kesari): The top band is saffron-coloured, signifying courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation. It represents the valour of the nation and reminds citizens of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters.
- White: The middle band is white, representing purity, honesty, peace, and truth. It is a call for all Indians to maintain peace and live in harmony.
- Green (Hara): The bottom band is green, symbolizing fertility, faith, and prosperity. It represents the nation’s connection to the soil and its vibrant agricultural life, which was later revolutionized by movements like the Green Revolution in India.
The Ashoka Chakra
In the centre of the white band is the Ashoka Chakra, a navy-blue wheel. This emblem is a representation of the Dharma Chakra from the Sarnath Lion Capital of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka.
- Symbolism: The Chakra represents righteousness, justice, and forwardness. It is the ‘wheel of law’ that signifies that there is life in movement and death in stagnation. It inspires the nation to constantly move forward on the path of progress.
- The 24 Spokes: The wheel has 24 spokes, which are interpreted in various ways. They are said to represent the 24 hours of the day, symbolizing the continuous nature of progress. They are also linked to 24 religious virtues.
The Flag Code of India
The use and display of the National Flag are governed by the Flag Code of India, 2002. This code brings together all laws, conventions, and practices related to the flag. It provides detailed instructions on how the flag should be displayed and respected.
Key Protocols for Displaying the Flag:
- The flag should always be hoisted in a position of honour and distinction.
- When displayed horizontally, the saffron band must be at the top. When displayed vertically, the saffron band must be on the right (from the viewer’s perspective).
- The flag should not be used for commercial purposes or as a decoration.
- A damaged or dishevelled flag should not be displayed. It should be destroyed in a dignified manner, preferably by burning.
- The flag should be made of hand-spun and hand-woven wool, cotton, silk, or Khadi. The use of materials like Khadi vs. cotton is deeply symbolic of the Swadeshi movement.
‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Campaign
Recent initiatives like the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ (Tricolour on Every House) campaign have encouraged citizens to hoist the flag at their homes to mark significant national events, fostering a deeper sense of patriotism and connection to the flag. This has been made possible by amendments to the Flag Code, which now permit the flag to be flown day and night (if properly illuminated) and allow for machine-made polyester flags.
Manufacturing the National Flag
The official manufacturing and supply of the National Flag in India are highly regulated. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets the specifications for the flag’s material, colour, and dimensions. The Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha (KKGSS) in Hubli, Karnataka, is the only authorized unit to manufacture and supply the Indian flag made of Khadi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the three colours of the Indian flag represent?
The top saffron stripe represents courage and sacrifice. The middle white stripe stands for peace, truth, and purity. The bottom green stripe symbolizes fertility, growth, and the auspiciousness of the land.
What is the wheel in the centre of the flag called?
The wheel in the centre is called the Ashoka Chakra. It is a navy-blue wheel with 24 spokes, taken from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka. It represents the eternal wheel of law (Dharma), righteousness, and progress.
Who designed the current National Flag of India?
The current flag is based on the ‘Swaraj Flag’ designed by Pingali Venkayya. The final version, with the Ashoka Chakra replacing the spinning wheel (Charkha), was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on July 22, 1947.
When was the Indian National Flag officially adopted?
The National Flag of India in its current form was officially adopted during a meeting of the Constituent Assembly held on July 22, 1947. It became the official flag of the Dominion of India on August 15, 1947.
What is the Flag Code of India?
The Flag Code of India, 2002, is a set of laws and conventions that govern the display and use of the national flag. It provides detailed guidelines on the flag’s dimensions, material, and the proper protocol to be followed to show it respect.