Indian National Symbols

The Lion Capital of Asoka at Sarnath is India's national emblem. It features four lions standing back to back and appears on the Indian currency and official documents. The Chakra is part of it but not the emblem itself.

The Saka Calendar is India's official national calendar, adopted in 1957. It starts from 78 AD, marking the beginning of the Saka era. The Gregorian calendar is used for official purposes alongside it.

Jana Gana Mana, composed by Rabindranath Tagore, is India's national anthem. It was adopted in 1950. Vande Mataram is the national song, while Mile Sur Mera Tumhara and Saare Jahan Se Achha are popular patriotic songs but not official anthems.

Vande Mataram, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, is India's national song. It's different from the national anthem Jana Gana Mana. The options C and D are incorrect - Pappu Can't Dance is a popular song reference, and Saare Netaa Chor Hain is not an official song.

Rabindranath Tagore is unofficially regarded as India's national poet due to his immense contribution to literature, including both national anthem and national song. Harivansh Rai Bachchan, Kabir, and Dinkar are all renowned poets but don't hold this unofficial title.

Lotus is India's national flower. It holds cultural and religious significance in Indian tradition. Water Lily is similar but different, while Rose and Jasmine, though popular, are not the national flower.

Mango is the national fruit of India, officially designated due to its cultural significance and widespread cultivation across the country. Apple, pineapple, and banana are important fruits but do not hold national status.

The Ganges was declared the national river of India in 2008 due to its cultural and religious significance in Indian civilization. The Brahmaputra, Indus, and Kaveri are major rivers but don't hold this status.

The Indian Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) is the national tree of India, adopted for its cultural significance and longevity. Sal, Indian Elm, and Babul are important tree species but don't hold national status.

The Royal Bengal Tiger is the national animal of India, chosen for its majesty and cultural significance. The Asiatic Lion, Brahminy Kite, and Indian Rhinoceros are important species but don't hold national status.

The Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica) is the national aquatic animal of India, designated in 2009 to raise conservation awareness. Indian pike-conger, Bombay duck, and Rohu are important fish but don't hold this status.

The Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus), commonly known as the peacock, was officially declared the national bird of India in 1963. This choice was made due to the bird's cultural and religious significance in Indian tradition, as well as its widespread distribution across the country. The male bird's spectacular plumage makes it instantly recognizable.

Field Hockey is officially recognized as the national game of India, having enjoyed immense success during the pre-independence era. The Indian men's hockey team dominated the Olympics, winning eight gold medals between 1928 and 1964. Despite cricket's current popularity, hockey retains this official status due to India's legendary performances in the sport.

India Gate, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, is often considered the unofficial national monument of India. This war memorial was built to honor the 82,000 Indian soldiers who died during World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. Standing 42 meters tall, it bears the names of over 13,000 soldiers and serves as a symbol of national pride.