National Symbols is part of Indian Polity and Governance. Below are notes on 7 sub-topics, followed by practice MCQs from State PSC and UPSC papers.

  • Bharat Ratna: India's highest civilian award, instituted in 1954.
  • Bharat Ratna: Does not carry any monetary grant. TOC): Includes a 'Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air'.
    • United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC): Mandated to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC.
  • Other Relevant Mechanisms/Terms:
    • Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC): Recommended the abolition of the Official Secrets Act, 1923.
    • Aadhaar:
      • Mandatory for getting benefits funded out of the Consolidated Fund of India.
      • Not mandatory for obtaining insurance products as per Supreme Court rulings.
      • Aadhaar metadata can be stored for up to six months (not three months as per some older proposals/interpretations).
    • Legitimate Expectation: The expectation must be based on express representation, established past action, or settled conduct.
    • Tele-Law: A pre-litigation advice mechanism.
    • National Legal Services Authority (NALSA): The President of India is its Patron-in-Chief.
    • Commercial Courts: Dedicated courts exist at various places, and some are paperless Digital Commercial Courts.
    • White Paper: An official document related to India.
  • Bharat Ratna: First recipients in 1954 were C. Rajagopalachari, S. Radhakrishnan, and C.V. Raman.
  • Bharat Ratna: First foreigner recipient was Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan (1987).
  • Bharat Ratna: Nelson Mandela was awarded in 1990.
  • Bharat Ratna: Key posthumous awardees include Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (1990), Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya (2015), Nana ji Deshmukh (2019), and Bhupen Hazarika (2019).
  • Padma Awards: In Balaji Raghavan v. Union of India (1996), the Supreme Court held that these awards are not "titles" under Article 18 of the Constitution.
  • Gallantry Awards: Param Veer Chakra (PVC) is India's highest military decoration for valor during wartime.
  • Param Veer Chakra Awardees include Sanjay Kumar, Manoj Kumar Pandey, and Yogendra Singh Yadav.

National Animal (Tiger): Declaration, significance, and conservation initiatives

  • India's National Animal: Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris).
  • Declaration Year: 1972.
  • Replaced: Lion, which was the National Animal prior to 1972.
  • Significance: Embodies strength, agility, power; represents India's rich biodiversity.
  • Key Conservation Initiative: Project Tiger, launched in 1973.
  • Project Tiger Objective: To ensure a viable population of tigers in their natural habitats and to protect them from extinction.
  • Legal Protection: Tiger is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, granting it the highest level of protection.
  • Apex Statutory Body for Tiger Conservation: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
  • NTCA Establishment: Constituted in 2005, following the recommendations of the Tiger Task Force.
  • NTCA Functions: Oversees Project Tiger, approves new Tiger Reserves, monitors tiger populations (e.g., M-STrIPES monitoring system).
  • India's Share: Home to approximately 70% of the world's wild tiger population.
  • International Status: Tiger is listed in Appendix I of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
  • Distinction: National Heritage Animal of India is the Elephant (declared 2010).

National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana): Composition, adoption, and rules for rendition

  • Composed by Rabindranath Tagore, originally in Bengali.
  • Original title: 'Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata'.
  • First publicly sung on Dec 27, 1911, at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress.
  • Adopted by the Constituent Assembly as the National Anthem on January 24, 1950.
  • Full version playing duration: Approximately 52 seconds.
  • Short version (first and last lines) playing duration: Approximately 20 seconds.

National Aquatic Animal (Gangetic Dolphin): Declaration and conservation status

  • India's National Aquatic Animal: Gangetic Dolphin (also known as Susu, Platanista gangetica).
  • Declared in 2010 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF).
  • Conservation Status:
    • IUCN Red List: Endangered.
    • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Protected under Schedule I.
    • CITES: Listed in Appendix I.
  • Functionally blind, navigates and hunts using echolocation.
  • Primarily found in the Ganga-BrahmaputraMeghna river system.

National Flag (Tiranga): Design, adoption, and Flag Code of India

  • The National Flag, 'Tiranga', was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on July 22, 1947.
  • It was designed by Pingali Venkayya.
  • The flag is a horizontal tricolour of deep saffron (top), white (middle), and dark green (bottom) in equal proportion.
  • The ratio of the width (height) of the flag to its length is 2:3.
  • In the centre of the white band is a navy blue wheel, the Ashoka Chakra, with 24 spokes.
  • Symbolism of Colours:
    • Saffron (top): Signifies courage, sacrifice, and renunciation.
    • White (middle): Signifies peace, truth, and purity.
    • Green (bottom): Signifies fertility, growth, and auspiciousness of the land.
    • Ashoka Chakra: Represents the Wheel of Law (Dharma Chakra), signifying progress and constant movement.
  • Flag Code of India, 2002:
    • Came into effect on January 26, 2002.
    • It consolidated all laws, conventions, practices, and instructions regarding the display of the National Flag.
    • Prior to 2002, the use of the National Flag by private persons was generally prohibited except on National Days.
    • The Flag Code of India, 2002, specifically allowed private citizens to fly the National Flag on all days, subject to dignity and honour.
    • This right was upheld by the Supreme Court in the case of Union of India v. Naveen Jindal (2004), ruling that flying the National Flag freely with respect and dignity is a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(a) and consistent with the fundamental duty under Article 51A(a).
    • The Code was amended in 2007 to permit the display of the National Flag on articles of clothing, uniforms, etc., above the waist.
    • Further amendments in December 2021 allowed the use of machine-made and polyester flags.
    • An amendment in July 2022 allowed the flag to be flown day and night in the open or on a house of a member of the public.

National

Song

(Vande

Mataram):

Composition, adoption, and status

  • Composer: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

13. State and Union Territories

  • Language of Composition: Originally composed in Sanskrit.
  • Source: Part of his Bengali novel, 'Anandamath'.
  • Adoption: Constituent Assembly adopted it as the National Song on January 24, 1950.
  • Status: Has equal status with the National Anthem.
  • First Public Performance: At the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress.

State Emblem of India (Lion Capital of Ashoka): Design, adoption, and usage regulations

  • The State Emblem of India is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath.
  • It features four Asiatic lions standing backto-back (only three visible from the front) on a circular abacus.
  • The abacus has a Dharma Chakra (wheel of law) in the centre, a bull on the right, and a galloping horse on the left, separated by other Dharma Chakras.
  • The Constituent Assembly adopted the State Emblem on January 24, 1950.
  • It was officially adopted by the Government of India as the National Emblem on January 26, 1950.
  • The motto "Satyameva Jayate" (Truth alone Triumphs) is inscribed below the abacus.
  • "Satyameva Jayate" is written in Devanagari script.
  • Dinanath Bhargava sketched the National Emblem for the original copy of the Constitution.
  • The usage of the State Emblem is regulated by The State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005.
  • Other National Symbols include the Mango (Fruit), Dolphin (Aquatic Animal), and Lotus (Flower).
  • The Coconut Tree is NOT a National Symbol of India.

Practice MCQs: National Symbols

  1. Which of the following statements with regard to Bharat Ratna Award is/are correct? 1. It was instituted in the year 1972. 2. The award does not carry any monetary grant. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    Asked in: UPSC CDS 1 2024

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 2 only

    Statement 1 is incorrect. The Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, was instituted on January 2, 1954. Statement 2 is correct. The award does not carry any monetary grant. The recipient receives a certificate (Sanad) signed by the President and a medallion.

  2. Which of the following personalities was bestowed with the 'Bharat Ratna' award posthumously?

    Asked in: KPSC KAS Prelims 2017

    1. Dr. Ambedkar
    2. Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya
    3. Nana ji Deshmukh
    4. Bhupen Hazarika
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Dr. Ambedkar

    All four listed personalities were indeed awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously. However, given the multiple-choice format expecting a single correct answer, and assuming the question is from a period where only one of these individuals had received the award posthumously among the specific options listed, Dr. Ambedkar (awarded in 1990) is the most likely intended answer if the question predates the posthumous awards to Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya (2015), Nana ji Deshmukh (2019), and Bhupen Hazarika (2019).

  3. To which foreigner was 'Bharat Ratna' awarded in 1990 ?

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 1994

    1. Mother Teresa.
    2. Nelson Mandela
    3. Mikhail Gorbachov
    4. Saddam Hussain
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Nelson Mandela

    Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid revolutionary and future President of South Africa, was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1990. He was the first non-Indian recipient.

  4. In which case the Hon’ble Supreme Court has held that Padma Awards are not in contrivance of Article 18?

    Asked in: Paper I 4

    1. N.B. Khare v. Union of India
    2. P.A. Inamdar v. State of Maharashtra
    3. Balaji Raghavan v. Union of India
    4. Sadho Samsher v. State of Pepsi
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Balaji Raghavan v. Union of India

    Article 18 of the Indian Constitution abolishes titles and prohibits the State from conferring any titles, except those which are academic or military. The question pertains to a landmark Supreme Court judgment that clarified the constitutional validity of national awards.

  5. Who among the following is NOT a Param Veer Chakra Awardee?

    Asked in: RO ARO pre 2016

    1. Sanjay Kumar
    2. Manoj Kumar Pandey
    3. Neeraj Kumar Singh
    4. Yogendra Singh Yadav
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Neeraj Kumar Singh

    This question requires knowledge of India's highest military awards, specifically the Param Vir Chakra, and the individuals who have received it. It distinguishes between gallantry awards given in wartime (Param Vir Chakra) and peacetime (Ashok Chakra).

  6. Bharat Ratna Award is given by which country ?

    Asked in: Jail Warders Exam 2022

    1. (a) U.S.A.
    2. (b) England
    3. (c) Australia
    4. (d) India
    Show answer

    Answer: D. (d) India

    The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India.

  7. Who among the following was the first Indian to be awarded the 'Bharat Ratna'?

    Asked in: RO ARO pre 2023

    1. C. Rajagopalachari
    2. Pranab Mukherjee
    3. Abdul Ghaffar Khan
    4. Nelson Mandela
    Show answer

    Answer: A. C. Rajagopalachari

    The Bharat Ratna is awarded for exceptional service towards the advancement of art, literature, and science, and in recognition of public service of the highest order.

  8. Which is Highest Gallantry Award (battlefield) in India

    Asked in: TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICER(TIO) 2017

    1. Bharat Ratna
    2. Mahaveer Chakra
    3. Paramveer Chakra
    4. Ashok Chakra
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Paramveer Chakra

    Paramveer Chakra is the highest gallantry award in India given for supreme acts of bravery in the battlefield.

National Animal (Tiger): Declaration, significance, and conservation initiatives

  1. Consider the following pairs regarding National symbols of India: (i) National animal - Royal Bengal Tiger (ii) National heritage animal - Hanuman Langur (iii) National mammal of India - Elephant (iv) National bird - Peacock Which of the above pairs are correct?

    Asked in: KPSC KAS Prelims 2014

    1. (i) and (ii)
    2. (iii) and (iv)
    3. (i) and (iii)
    4. (i) and (iv)
    Show answer

    Answer: D. (i) and (iv)

    - National Animal of India: Royal Bengal Tiger - National Bird of India: Indian Peacock - National Aquatic Animal of India: Ganges River Dolphin - National Heritage Animal of India: Indian Elephant

National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana): Composition, adoption, and rules for rendition

  1. Playing time of full version of the National Anthem is

    Asked in: JPSC CS Prelims 2011

    1. 50 seconds
    2. 45 seconds
    3. 52 seconds
    4. 55 seconds
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 52 seconds

    The standard duration for the full performance of the National Anthem is 52 seconds.

  2. In which year Jana gana mana adopted as the national anthem of India:

    Asked in: RPSC RAS Prelims 2003

    1. 1948
    2. 1949
    3. 1950
    4. 1951
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 1950

    Jana Gana Mana was officially adopted as the National Anthem of India just two days before the Republic Day of India in 1950.

  3. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The Constituent Assembly adopted the National Anthem on January 24, 1950. Statement-II: The National Anthem was originally titled 'Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata'. Which one is correct in the context of the above statements?

    Asked in: Asst. Prof. (College Education) 2020

    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are indi‐ vidually true and Statement-II is the correct explanation of Statement-I.
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are indi‐ vidually true but Statement-II is NOT the correct explanation of Statement-I.
    3. Statement-I is true but Statement-II is false.
    4. Statement-I is false but Statement-II is true.
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are indi‐ vidually true but Statement-II is NOT the correct explanation of Statement-I.

    The National Anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' was adopted on January 24, 1950, and its original title was 'Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata'.

National Aquatic Animal (Gangetic Dolphin): Declaration and conservation status

  1. What is the National aquatic animal of India?

    Asked in: WBCS Main Paper 4 2019

    1. River Dolphin
    2. Green Sea Turtle
    3. Seahorse
    4. Dugong
    Show answer

    Answer: A. River Dolphin

    The Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica) was officially declared as the National Aquatic Animal of India on May 10, 2009.

National Flag (Tiranga): Design, adoption, and Flag Code of India

  1. Consider the following statements : a. Originally the use of the National Flag by private persons was prohibited except on National Days. b. The Code was amended again in 2007. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    Asked in: MPSC CS Prelims 2015

    1. a only
    2. b only
    3. a and b
    4. Neither
    Show answer

    Answer: C. a and b

    - The Flag Code of India governs the display and use of the Indian National Flag. - Before 2002, private display of the flag was significantly restricted. - The Flag Code of India, 2002, allowed private citizens to display the flag respectfully. - The Flag Code has been amended subsequent to 2002.

  2. On which of the following dates, Constituent Assembly of India adopted the National Flag?

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 2020

    1. 22 January, 1950
    2. 24 January, 1950
    3. 22 July, 1947
    4. 22 July, 1948
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 22 July, 1947

    - The National Flag is a tricolor flag (saffron, white, and green) with the Ashoka Chakra (a 24- spoke wheel) in navy blue at its center. - The design was based on the Swaraj flag designed by Pingali Venkayya.

  3. The National Flag of Indian Union was adopted on _____.

    Asked in: WBCS Main Paper 5 2023

    1. 15th August, 1947
    2. 26th November, 1949
    3. 22nd July, 1947
    4. 26th January, 1950
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 22nd July, 1947

    The flag adopted was the tricolour (saffron, white, and green) with the Ashoka Chakra in the center of the white band. This design was based on the Swaraj flag used by the Indian National Congress.

  4. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: The Constituent Assembly elected the National Flag on July 22, 1947. Statement-II: The National Flag was designed by the Design Department of the Indian Standards Institution. Which one is correct in the context of the above statements?

    Asked in: Asst. Prof. (College Education) 2020

    1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are indi‐ vidually true and Statement-II is the correct explanation of Statement-I.
    2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are indi‐ vidually true but Statement-II is NOT the correct explanation of Statement-I.
    3. Statement-I is true but Statement-II is false.
    4. Statement-I is false but Statement-II is true.
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Statement-I is true but Statement-II is false.

    The question pertains to the adoption and design of India's National Flag by the Constituent Assembly. It tests factual knowledge about the date of adoption and the designer of the flag.

  5. In which of the following cases of the Supreme Court of India has stated that "flying a National flag freely with respect and dignity is consistent with the duty in Clause (a) of Article 51-A of the Constitution of India" ? - (5) Question not attempted

    Asked in: Sr. Teacher (Sec. Edu.) Comp. Exam 2024 group b 2024

    1. Union of India V/s Naveen Jindal (2004)
    2. Bijoe Emmanuel V/s State of Kerala (1986)
    3. Surya Narain Choudhary V/s Union of India (1982)
    4. Charu Khurana V/s Union of India (2015)
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Union of India V/s Naveen Jindal (2004)

    Union of India V/s Naveen Jindal (2004) This landmark judgment recognized the right to fly the national flag as a fundamental right flowing from freedom of speech and expression (Article 19(1)(a)) and also consistent with the fundamental duty to respect the Constitution and uphold its ideals (Article 51-A(a)). Article 51-A(a) This clause states that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem. Other Cases Bijoe Emmanuel V/s State of Kerala (1986): Dealt with the singing of the National Anthem. Surya Narain Choudhary V/s Union of India (1982): Related to election matters. Charu Khurana V/s Union of India (2015): Dealt with gender discrimination in the context of temple priests.

  6. The saffron colour in the Indian National Flag signifies

    Asked in: ae 2020

    1. unity
    2. sacrifice
    3. service
    4. integrity
    Show answer

    Answer: B. sacrifice

    ae -2025 The saffron colour in the Indian National Flag symbolizes sacrifice.

  7. How many spokes are there in the Asoka Chakra in National Flag? - [a] 12 - [c] 48 - [b] 24 - [d] 36

    Asked in: Research Assistant 2014

    1. 12
    2. 24
    3. 48
    4. 36
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 24

    There are 24 spokes in the Ashoka Chakra, symbolizing continuous progress.

National Song (Vande Mataram): Composition, adoption, and status

  1. Consider the following statements: - The Constituent Assembly adopted the National Song on January 24, 1950. - The National Song was originally titled 'Anandamath'. - The National Song was written in Bengali language. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Asked in: Asst. Prof. (College Education) 2020

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 1 and 3 only

    The National Song 'Vande Mataram' was adopted on January 24, 1950. It was written in Bengali and is part of the novel 'Anandamath'.

State Emblem of India (Lion Capital of Ashoka): Design, adoption, and usage regulations

  1. Consider the following statements: 1. The Flag Code of India superseded the 'Flag Code-India'. 2. The state emblem of India is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    Asked in: UPSC CDS 2 2024

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Both 1 and 2

    - Statement 1: The Flag Code of India, 2002 is a compilation of laws, conventions, and practices that govern the display of the National Flag. It superseded the 'Flag Code - India' (an executive instruction issued by the Government of India) and also incorporates provisions of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. Thus, the Flag Code of India superseded the earlier framework, including the 'Flag Code-India'. This statement is correct. - Statement 2: The State Emblem of India is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath. It features four Asiatic lions standing back to back on a circular abacus, with sculptures of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull, and a lion, separated by dharma chakras. This statement is correct.

  2. The Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act was implemented in the year :

    Asked in: HAS Prelims 2019

    1. 2006
    2. 2004
    3. 2005
    4. 2003
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 2005

    - The Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act was enacted by the Parliament of India in the year 2005. - The Act regulates the use of the Emblem of India for official purposes and prohibits its improper use for commercial or other purposes that may bring disrepute to the emblem.

  3. Which one of the following is NOT a National Symbol?

    Asked in: TNPSC CS Prelims 2014

    1. Mango Fruit
    2. Dolphin
    3. Lotus
    4. Coconut Tree
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Coconut Tree

    - India has several recognized National Symbols, including the National Flag (Tiranga), National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana), National Song (Vande Mataram), National Emblem (Lion Capital of Ashoka), National Animal (Royal Bengal Tiger), National Bird (Indian Peafowl), National Flower (Lotus), National Fruit (Mango), National Tree (Banyan), National River (Ganga), and National Aquatic Animal (Gangetic Dolphin). - The Mango is the National Fruit of India. - The Gangetic Dolphin is the National Aquatic Animal of India. - The Lotus is the National Flower of India. - The Coconut Tree is not officially designated as a National Symbol of India.

  4. The motto "Satyameva Jayate" - Truth alone Triumphs is written in which one of the following scripts ?

    Asked in: UPSC SO Steno 2018

    1. Kannada
    2. Marathi
    3. Telugu
    4. Devanagari
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Devanagari

    - "Satyameva Jayate" (सत्यमेवि जयते) means "Truth alone triumphs". - It is a mantra from the ancient Indian scripture Mundaka Upanishad. - It is the national motto of India. - It is inscribed in Devanagari script at the base of the State Emblem of India, which is based on the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath.

  5. Which artist sketched the National Emblem in the original copy of the Constitution ?

    Asked in: APPSC Group II Prelims 2016

    1. Nandlal Bose
    2. Dinanath Bhargava
    3. Jatin Das
    4. Kanu Desai
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Dinanath Bhargava

    While the entire artistic work for the original manuscript of the Constitution of India was overseen by Acharya Nandlal Bose of Shantiniketan, the specific sketch of the National Emblem (the Lion Capital of Ashoka) on the first page of the Preamble was done by his student, Dinanath Bhargava.

  6. Consider the following statements: - The Constituent Assembly elected the National Emblem on January 24, 1950. - The National Emblem is a replica of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath. - The National Emblem has the words 'Satyameva Jayate' inscribed below the base of the Lion Capital. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Asked in: Asst. Prof. (College Education) 2020

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

    The question tests knowledge about the adoption and features of the National Emblem of India, specifically the date of adoption, its origin, and the inscription below it.

  7. What is the motto incorporated under our National Emblem - A) Jai Hind - B) Satyameva Jayate - C) Satyam Shivam Sundara - D) Jai Jawan Jai Kisan

    Asked in: ASSISTANT AUDIT OFFICER 2017 18 2017

    1. Jai Hind
    2. Satyameva Jayate
    3. Satyam Shivam Sundara
    4. Jai Jawan Jai Kisan
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Satyameva Jayate

    The National Emblem of India is the State Emblem of India and is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath. The motto "Satyameva Jayate" is a crucial part of this emblem.

  8. What is the motto incorporated under our National Emblem?

    Asked in: Forest Officer (RFO) 2018

    1. Jai Hind
    2. Satyameva Jayate
    3. Satyam Shivam Sundaram
    4. Jai Jawan Jai Kisan
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Satyameva Jayate

    The National Emblem of India is based on the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. The motto is an integral part of its symbolism, emphasizing the importance of truth in Indian philosophy and governance.