National Symbols
Key Concepts & Formulas
| # | Concept | Quick Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | National Flag Proportions | Length to width ratio = 3:2; Ashoka Chakra has 24 spokes, radius = 1/4th of flag width |
| 2 | National Emblem Components | Taken from Sarnath Lion Capital; 4 lions (3 visible), bull, horse, wheel on abacus |
| 3 | National Anthem Duration | Full rendition takes 52 seconds; shortened version (first+last lines) takes 20 seconds |
| 4 | State Emblem Adaptation | Only 3 lions visible on currency/official use; motto “Satyameva Jayate” added below |
| 5 | National Calendar | Based on Saka Era; Chaitra 1 falls on March 22 (March 21 in leap years) |
| 6 | National Song Status | Vande Mataram - national song (not anthem); from novel Anandamath by Bankim Chandra |
| 7 | Symbol Adoption Years | Flag: 1947, Anthem: 1950, Song: 1950, Emblem: 1950, Calendar: 1957 |
10 Practice MCQs
Q1. How many spokes are there in the Ashoka Chakra of the National Flag? A) 12 B) 24 C) 32 D) 48
Answer: B) 24
Solution: The Ashoka Chakra in the center of the white band of the National Flag has exactly 24 spokes, representing the 24 hours of the day.
Shortcut: Remember “24 hours = 24 spokes” - both represent a complete day cycle
Concept: National Symbols - National Flag specifications
Q2. The National Emblem of India is adapted from which historical monument? A) Sanchi Stupa B) Sarnath Lion Capital C) Nalanda University D) Ajanta Caves
Answer: B) Sarnath Lion Capital
Solution: The National Emblem is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, featuring four lions standing back to back.
Shortcut: “Sarnath” has “Lion” in pronunciation connection - both have strong ‘S’ and ‘N’ sounds
Concept: National Symbols - National Emblem origin
Q3. Who composed the National Anthem 'Jana Gana Mana'? A) Rabindranath Tagore B) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee C) Subhash Chandra Bose D) Mahatma Gandhi
Answer: A) Rabindranath Tagore
Solution: Rabindranath Tagore composed ‘Jana Gana Mana’ in 1911, which became India’s National Anthem on January 24, 1950.
Shortcut: Tagore = Anthem (both start with ‘T’ sound in connection)
Concept: National Symbols - National Anthem composer
Q4. If a train journey from Delhi to Mumbai takes exactly 52 minutes, this equals the duration of what? A) Full National Anthem B) Half National Song C) Complete National Anthem D) National Anthem + Song
Answer: C) Complete National Anthem
Solution: The full rendition of our National Anthem takes exactly 52 seconds, which interestingly matches the minute count in this journey time.
Shortcut: 52 seconds = Full Anthem (remember: “Five-two = Full view” of patriotism)
Concept: National Symbols - Anthem duration specifications
Q5. The ratio of length to width of the National Flag is 3:2. If a flag at Howrah Station is 6 meters long, what should be its width? A) 2m B) 3m C) 4m D) 5m
Answer: C) 4m
Solution: Given ratio 3:2 means for every 3 units length, width = 2 units Length = 6m, so width = (6 × 2)/3 = 12/3 = 4m
Shortcut: Width = (Length × 2) ÷ 3
Concept: National Symbols - Flag dimension calculations
Q6. In the National Calendar, if Chaitra 1 falls on March 22 in a normal year, what date will it fall in the next leap year? A) March 21 B) March 22 C) March 23 D) March 20
Answer: A) March 21
Solution: In leap years, Chaitra 1 falls on March 21 due to the extra day in February. This adjustment keeps the calendar synchronized.
Shortcut: Leap year = -1 day (March 22 becomes March 21)
Concept: National Symbols - National Calendar leap year adjustments
Q7. A railway platform displays the National Emblem with motto. If the emblem has 4 lions but only 3 are visible, what percentage is hidden? A) 20% B) 25% C) 30% D) 33.33%
Answer: B) 25%
Solution: Total lions = 4, Visible = 3, Hidden = 1 Percentage hidden = (1/4) × 100 = 25%
Shortcut: 1 out of 4 = 25% (like 1 quarter)
Concept: National Symbols - Emblem visibility mathematics
Q8. The National Song and National Anthem were both adopted in 1950. If Vande Mataram was written in 1882 and Jana Gana Mana in 1911, what is the average gap between creation and adoption? A) 33.5 years B) 43.5 years C) 53.5 years D) 63.5 years
Answer: B) 43.5 years
Solution: Vande Mataram: 1950 - 1882 = 68 years Jana Gana Mana: 1950 - 1911 = 39 years Average = (68 + 39)/2 = 107/2 = 53.5 years
Shortcut: Calculate individual gaps, then average them
Concept: National Symbols - Historical timeline calculations
Q9. At a railway junction, four flags are displayed with different aspect ratios. Which combination correctly represents the National Flag proportions? A) 450×300cm B) 360×240cm C) 180×150cm D) 600×350cm
Answer: B) 360×240cm
Solution: National Flag ratio = 3:2 Check each option: A) 450:300 = 3:2 ✓ but let’s check others B) 360:240 = 3:2 ✓ C) 180:150 = 6:5 ✗ D) 600:350 = 12:7 ✗ Both A and B are correct, but B is the standard size
Shortcut: Divide both numbers by 3: first should give 120, second should give 80
Concept: National Symbols - Flag ratio verification
Q10. If the 24 spokes of Ashoka Chakra represent 24 hours, and a train covers 1440 km in 24 hours, what is the symbolic speed per spoke? A) 50 km/spoke B) 60 km/spoke C) 70 km/spoke D) 80 km/spoke
Answer: B) 60 km/spoke
Solution: Total distance = 1440 km, Total spokes = 24 Speed per spoke = 1440 ÷ 24 = 60 km/spoke
Shortcut: 1440 ÷ 24 = 60 (24 × 60 = 1440)
Concept: National Symbols - Chakra spoke mathematics
5 Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1. The ratio of length to width of the National Flag is 3:2. If the length is 12 meters, what is the width? [RRB NTPC 2021 CBT-1]
Answer: B) 8 meters
Solution: Given ratio 3:2, Length = 12m Width = (12 × 2)/3 = 24/3 = 8m
Exam Tip: Always cross-multiply when dealing with ratios - (Given length × Ratio width) ÷ Ratio length
PYQ 2. How many lions are visible in the National Emblem of India? [RRB Group D 2022]
Answer: C) 3
Solution: The National Emblem shows 4 lions (from Sarnath Lion Capital) but only 3 are visible in the 2D representation used officially.
Exam Tip: Remember “4 total, 3 visible” - the fourth is always at the back
PYQ 3. The National Calendar is based on which era? [RRB ALP 2018]
Answer: B) Saka Era
Solution: India’s National Calendar, adopted in 1957, is based on the Saka Era which began in 78 AD.
Exam Tip: Saka Era = 78 AD starting point, remember “Saka-Seventy-eight”
PYQ 4. Which National Symbol was adopted first among these? [RRB JE 2019]
Answer: A) National Flag
Solution: National Flag: July 22, 1947 (before independence) National Anthem: January 24, 1950 National Emblem: January 26, 1950 National Song: January 24, 1950
Exam Tip: Flag came before independence, others after Republic Day 1950
PYQ 5. The motto 'Satyameva Jayate' is taken from which Upanishad? [RPF SI 2019]
Answer: C) Mundaka Upanishad
Solution: “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth alone triumphs) is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad, part of the Atharvaveda.
Exam Tip: “Mundaka” has “Mun” like “Truth” in many Indian languages
Speed Tricks & Shortcuts
| Situation | Shortcut | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Flag dimension calculation | Length × 2 ÷ 3 = Width | 9m length → 9×2÷3 = 6m width |
| Remembering Anthem duration | “52 seconds = 1 anthem” | Like 52 cards = 1 deck, 52 seconds = 1 full anthem |
| Saka Era year conversion | Current year - 78 = Saka year | 2024 - 78 = Saka 1946 |
| Emblem animals sequence | “Bull-Wheel-Horse” (BWH) | Think “Bullock cart Wheel Horse cart” - left to right |
| National Song vs Anthem | Vande = Song, Jana = Anthem | First letters: VS = Song, JA = Anthem |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why Students Make It | Correct Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Confusing National Song with Anthem | Both patriotic songs, similar importance | Song = Vande Mataram, Anthem = Jana Gana Mana |
| Thinking all 4 lions visible in emblem | Logic says if 4 exist, all should show | Only 3 visible in 2D, 4th at back |
| Wrong flag ratio calculation | Assuming 2:3 instead of 3:2 | Always Length:Width = 3:2, never reverse |
| Forgetting leap year calendar change | Most years March 22, so assume same | Leap years: Chaitra 1 = March 21 |
| Mixing up Sarnath with Sanchi | Both Buddhist sites with Ashoka connection | Emblem = Sarnath (lion capital), Sanchi = stupa |
Quick Revision Flashcards
| Front (Question/Term) | Back (Answer) |
|---|---|
| National Flag ratio | 3:2 (Length:Width) |
| Ashoka Chakra spokes | 24 spokes |
| National Anthem duration | 52 seconds |
| Visible lions in emblem | 3 lions |
| Saka Era start year | 78 AD |
| Vande Mataram source | Anandamath novel |
| National motto meaning | Truth alone triumphs |
| Chaitra 1 normal year | March 22 |
| Emblem motto source | Mundaka Upanishad |
| First adopted symbol | National Flag (1947) |
Topic Connections
Direct Link:
- Indian Polity: Constitutional provisions for National Symbols (Article 51A)
- History: Freedom struggle connection (Vande Mataram as slogan, flag evolution)
- Geography: Sarnath location (where emblem originated)
Combined Questions:
- National Symbols + Important Dates (adoption years)
- National Symbols + Famous Personalities (Tagore, Bankim Chandra)
- National Symbols + Constitutional Articles (fundamental duties include respecting symbols)
Foundation For:
- International Relations: Comparing with other countries’ symbols
- Culture: Understanding significance in festivals and ceremonies
- Current Affairs: Recent controversies/amendments related to symbols
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