# flag of India

> national flag of the Republic of India

**Wikidata**: [Q41673](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q41673)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_India)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/flag-of-india

## Summary  
The flag of India is the national flag of the Republic of India, adopted on July 22, 1947, shortly before the country's independence from British rule. Designed by Indian independence activist Pingali Venkayya, it is also known as the Tiranga (Tricolor) and features three equal vertical bands of saffron, white, and green, with a navy blue wheel (Ashoka Chakra) at the center. It serves as a key symbol of India's sovereignty and national identity.  

## Key Facts  
- Adopted on **July 22, 1947**, prior to India's formal independence on August 15, 1947.  
- Designed by **Pingali Venkayya** (1876–1963), an Indian independence activist.  
- Classified as a **national flag** and part of the **National symbols of India**.  
- Officially recognized aliases include *La bandera Nacional India*, *La Tricolor*, and *Indian flag*.  
- Features three colors: **saffron** (top), **white** (middle), and **green** (bottom), with a 24-spoke **Ashoka Chakra** at the center.  
- Legally protected under the **Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971**.  
- Wikidata sitelink count: **95**; Wikipedia title: *Flag of India*.  

## FAQs  
**Q: When was the flag of India adopted?**  
A: The flag was adopted on **July 22, 1947**, by the Constituent Assembly of India, just weeks before the country gained independence from Britain on August 15, 1947.  

**Q: Who designed the flag of India?**  
A: The flag was designed by **Pingali Venkayya** (1876–1963), an artist and independence activist from the Madras Presidency.  

**Q: What do the colors and symbols of the flag represent?**  
A: The saffron represents courage and sacrifice, white symbolizes peace and truth, and green signifies faith and chivalry. The central **Ashoka Chakra** (a 24-spoke wheel) represents *dharma* (righteousness) and the eternal wheel of law.  

**Q: Is the flag of India part of a broader set of national symbols?**  
A: Yes, it is one of India's key **National symbols**, alongside the national emblem, anthem, and animal, among others.  

**Q: Are there laws governing the use of the flag?**  
A: The **Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971** prohibits disrespect to the flag, though citizens are permitted to fly it freely under the **Flag Code of India, 2002**.  

## Why It Matters  
The flag of India is a unifying emblem of the nation's history, values, and independence. As a successor to pre-independence flags used during the freedom struggle, it symbolizes the transition from colonial rule to self-governance. Its design reflects philosophical principles rooted in India's cultural and spiritual heritage, while its legal protection underscores its role as a cherished national icon. The flag's adoption shortly before independence solidified its status as a symbol of unity amid diversity, representing over 1.4 billion people globally.  

## Notable For  
- **Unique Design**: The only national flag with an **Ashoka Chakra**, derived from the Lion Capital of Ashoka.  
- **Historic Adoption**: One of the few national flags adopted **before** the country's formal independence.  
- **Cultural Significance**: Integral to India's **National symbols**, featured prominently in government events, public institutions, and civilian celebrations.  
- **Legal Distinction**: Protected under specific legislation to prevent desecration, reflecting its revered status.  
- **Global Recognition**: Widely displayed at international forums, including the United Nations, to represent India's diplomatic presence.  

## Body  

### History  
The flag of India evolved from earlier designs used during the Indian independence movement. Pingali Venkayya, a freedom fighter and artist, submitted initial designs to Mahatma Gandhi in 1921, which included a spinning wheel (*charkha*) symbolizing self-reliance. The final version, adopted on **July 22, 1947**, replaced the *charkha* with the **Ashoka Chakra** to emphasize the nation's commitment to justice and secularism.  

### Design and Symbolism  
- **Colors**:  
  - **Saffron** (top band): Courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of renunciation.  
  - **White** (middle band): Peace, truth, and purity.  
  - **Green** (bottom band): Faith, fertility, and prosperity.  
- **Ashoka Chakra**: The 24-spoke wheel, inspired by the 3rd-century BCE Ashoka Pillar, represents the eternal wheel of *dharma* (moral law) and the pursuit of righteousness.  

### Legal and Cultural Status  
The flag is governed by the **Flag Code of India, 2002**, which permits citizens to fly the flag freely while prohibiting disrespect. Amendments in 2002 allowed private citizens to display the flag, previously restricted to government institutions. Culturally, it is central to national festivals like Republic Day (January 26) and Independence Day (August 15), where it is ceremonially hoisted across the country.  

### Related Entities  
- **Pingali Venkayya**: The flag's designer, honored posthumously for his contributions to India's freedom struggle and national identity.  
- **India**: The flag represents the Republic of India, a sovereign nation established on **August 15, 1947**.  
- **National symbols of India**: The flag is featured alongside symbols like the **Lion Capital of Ashoka** (national emblem) and *Jana Gana Mana* (national anthem).  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Proportions**: The flag's width-to-length ratio is **3:4**.  
- **Chakra Details**: The Ashoka Chakra has 24 spokes, positioned exactly 3/10th of the flag's width from the top and bottom edges.  
- **Color Standards**: The exact shades are defined by the **Flag Code of India**, using specific dye standards for consistency.  

### Global Recognition  
The flag is a key symbol of India's diplomatic identity, displayed at international events such as the Olympics and the United Nations General Assembly. Its tricolor design and central chakra make it visually distinct from other national flags, reinforcing its uniqueness in global iconography.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Quora
3. Name Suggestion Index