The Indian flag, also known as the Tiranga, is more than just a piece of cloth fluttering in the wind. It is the embodiment of a nation’s pride, unity, and the sacrifices made to achieve freedom. Every year on Independence Day, millions of Indians look at the tricolour with respect and patriotism, remembering the long struggle that brought the nation its liberty. The journey of the Indian flag—from its earliest versions during the freedom movement to the official national flag we see today—is a fascinating story of vision, resilience, and symbolism.
The Earliest Concepts of the Indian Flag
The idea of a national flag for India emerged in the early 20th century when the freedom struggle against British colonial rule was gaining momentum. In 1906, the first unofficial Indian flag was hoisted at the Parsee Bagan Square in Calcutta (now Kolkata) on August 7.
This flag had three horizontal stripes—green, yellow, and red—with symbols representing unity and faith. The green stripe had eight white lotuses, the yellow stripe displayed Vande Mataram in Devanagari script, and the red stripe featured a sun and crescent moon.
Though it was never officially recognized, this flag became a rallying point for revolutionaries. For many, it marked the beginning of a visual identity for the nation, something they could unite under, especially during protests and gatherings.
The Berlin Committee Flag of 1907
In 1907, another version of the flag was created by Madam Bhikaji Cama, an Indian freedom fighter in exile, along with fellow revolutionaries in Paris.
This flag was similar to the 1906 version but had slight modifications. Known as the Berlin Committee Flag, it was first unfurled at the International Socialist Conference in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1907.
Cama’s gesture was historic—it was the first time an Indian flag was presented on a global platform, symbolizing India’s demand for self-rule.
The 1917 Home Rule Movement Flag
During the Home Rule Movement led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant in 1917, yet another version emerged. This flag featured five red and four green horizontal stripes arranged alternately, with seven stars representing the Saptarishi (Ursa Major) constellation. In the top-left corner was the Union Jack, and next to it was a white crescent and star.
Although it combined elements of British and Indian symbolism, it was used more for political campaigns than as a national emblem.
Gandhi’s Call for a National Flag
By the 1920s, the Indian freedom struggle had entered a more organized phase under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. In 1921, during the All India Congress Committee meeting in Bezwada (now Vijayawada), a young man named Pingali Venkayya presented a design to Gandhi.
This design had two colours—red for Hindus and green for Muslims—along with a spinning wheel (charkha) in the center symbolizing self-reliance and the Swadeshi movement.
Gandhi appreciated the idea but suggested adding a white stripe to represent other communities in India and the ideals of peace and truth. This three-coloured design became widely popular and was the closest predecessor to today’s Indian flag.
The 1931 Tricolour
By 1931, it became necessary to adopt a standard flag for the independence movement. After several discussions, the Congress Working Committee accepted a tricolour with saffron at the top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom, with the charkha in blue at the center.
This was the first time saffron officially replaced red, emphasizing courage and sacrifice over the earlier religious interpretations.
This 1931 flag is often considered the direct forerunner of the present-day Tiranga. It became a unifying emblem during protests, marches, and national gatherings leading up to Independence Day in 1947.
The Birth of the Modern Indian Flag (1947)
As India approached independence, the Constituent Assembly decided that the national flag should be based on the 1931 design, but with a few modifications. The spinning wheel was replaced by the Ashoka Chakra, a 24-spoked wheel in navy blue, taken from the Lion Capital of Ashoka. The chakra represented eternal law, progress, and movement—values essential for the new republic.
On July 22, 1947, just weeks before the nation’s first Independence Day, the Constituent Assembly adopted the present design of the Indian flag. This was the tricolour with saffron on top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom, with the Ashoka Chakra in the center.
Symbolism of the Indian Flag
The Indian flag is rich in meaning:
- Saffron: Courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation.
- White: Truth, peace, and purity.
- Green: Prosperity, growth, and fertility of the land.
- Ashoka Chakra: The wheel of law and dharma, representing movement and progress.
Each Independence Day, as the Tiranga is hoisted across the nation, these values are celebrated and renewed.
Flag Code of India
For many years after independence, the use of the Indian flag by private citizens was restricted, and it could only be flown on certain days like Independence Day and Republic Day. However, in 2002, the Government of India amended the Flag Code, allowing citizens to hoist the flag on any day, provided they respected its dignity and followed the prescribed guidelines.
Some key rules include:
- The flag should never touch the ground or water.
- It must be hoisted in a way that keeps saffron at the top.
- No other flag should be placed higher than the national flag.
The Indian Flag on Independence Day Celebrations
Every year on August 15, the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi, followed by the singing of the national anthem and a grand parade. Across the country, schools, offices, and communities organize flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programs, and patriotic songs. The Tiranga becomes a symbol of unity, reminding citizens of the sacrifices made during the struggle for freedom.
For Indians living abroad, Independence Day is equally significant. Embassies, community centers, and diaspora groups organize celebrations, where the national flag is proudly displayed, reaffirming the connection to the homeland.
The Flag Beyond Earth
The pride in the Tiranga is not confined to the nation’s borders. In 1984, astronaut Rakesh Sharma carried the Indian flag into space during his mission aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11. More recently, during international sports events like the Olympics and Cricket World Cup, the flag waves high as athletes represent India on the global stage. The moment an Indian sportsperson wins gold and the flag ascends is as emotionally stirring as Independence Day itself.
Modern Respect and Digital Representation
In the 21st century, the flag has also found a place in the digital realm. Social media platforms light up with tricolour themes on Independence Day, with millions changing their profile pictures to incorporate the flag. The government’s “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign in 2022 encouraged citizens to hoist the national flag at their homes, turning the entire country into a sea of saffron, white, and green.
Conclusion: The Flag as a Living Symbol
The history of the Indian flag is not just about design changes; it is a reflection of the nation’s evolving identity. From its earliest versions in the freedom struggle to its modern presence on Independence Day, the Tiranga has been a constant reminder of unity, resilience, and hope.
When the flag is hoisted and the national anthem plays, it is not just a ritual—it is a tribute to the countless freedom fighters who dreamed of a free India. The tricolour is a living symbol, inspiring future generations to uphold the values it represents. Whether it flies atop the Red Fort, in a small village, at an Olympic podium, or in the hearts of millions, the Indian flag remains an eternal emblem of the nation’s spirit.
