Independence Day: When the Tiranga had the Vajra and ‘Vande Mataram’, check the interesting evolution of our Tricolour flag

As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day on August 15, the National Flag, the Tricolour or Tiranga, remains a symbol of the country’s sovereignty, unity, and history. Adopted in its current form on July 22, 1947, the flag reflects the journey of India’s freedom struggle and the principles it upholds today.

Adoption of the National Flag

The present form of the National Flag was formally adopted by the Constituent Assembly on July 22, 1947, days before independence from British rule.

Meaning of the Tricolour

The flag consists of three equal horizontal bands: saffron at the top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom. In the centre of the white band is the navy blue Ashok Chakra, a depiction of the Dharma Chakra from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka.

• Saffron stands for courage and strength.
• White represents peace and truth.
• Green signifies fertility, growth, and auspiciousness.

Ashok Chakra
The Ashok Chakra has 24 spokes and its diameter approximates the width of the white band. It symbolises movement and the idea that life is in action, while stagnation leads to decline.

Size and proportions
The flag must be rectangular, with a length-to-height ratio of 3:2. There is no restriction on size, provided the proportions are maintained.

Evolution of the Tiranga

Early designs of the Indian flag emerged during the freedom struggle. In 1904, Sister Nivedita, an Irish disciple of Swami Vivekananda, created a design featuring the ‘Vajra’ symbol, a white lotus, and the phrase “Bonde Mataram.” The early version of the Indian flag designed by Sister Nivedita featured red and yellow colours, with a ‘Vajra’ symbol representing strength and the phrase ‘Vande Mataram’ in Bengali, symbolising freedom and victory. Two years later, on August 7, 1906, the first public unfurling of a national flag took place at Parsee Bagan in Kolkata (now Girish Park), displaying three equal horizontal stripes of green, yellow, and red, with lotus flowers on the green panel and ‘Vande Mataram’ inscribed in Devanagari script on the yellow band.

During the 1917 Home Rule Movement, led by Annie Besant and Lokmanya Tilak, a distinctive flag was used. It featured nine alternating horizontal stripes — five red and four green — with the Saptarishi constellation depicted through seven stars placed across them. In the top left corner near the flagpole was the Union Jack, while the top right corner displayed a white crescent and star.

The design credited to Pingali Venkayya, first proposed in 1921 at Mahatma Gandhi’s request, included the spinning wheel (Charkha) to symbolise self-reliance. In 1931, a flag committee in Karachi recommended modifications. By July 1947, the spinning wheel was replaced with the Ashok Chakra, and the Tricolour was officially adopted.

Rules for flying the Tricolour

The Flag Code of India, 2002, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, outline how the National Flag should be displayed. The flag should occupy a position of honour, never be damaged, and should not be used below the waist on clothing or printed on everyday items such as cushions or napkins.

Avoiding incorrect display
The flag should not be flown upside down, dipped in salute, touch the ground or water, or be used for decoration as festoons or bunting. It should not be displayed alongside other flags on the same masthead.

Disposal of the flag
Damaged flags should be destroyed privately, preferably by burning, in a manner that maintains dignity. Paper flags used by the public should also be disposed of respectfully and not discarded in public spaces.

Materials permitted
As per the 2021 amendment to the Flag Code, the National Flag may be made of handspun, handwoven, or machine-made cotton, polyester, wool, silk, or khadi bunting.