India is a vast and diverse country with a rich history and culture. As a nation, India has adopted several national symbols, including a national animal and a national bird, that provide unity and identity to its people.
The National Animal of India
The national animal of India is the majestic Bengal Tiger. The Bengal Tiger was officially adopted as the national animal in 1973 due to its historical and cultural significance in India.
Some key facts about the Bengal Tiger:
- The Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is the most numerous subspecies of tiger in the world today.
- It is found primarily in India with smaller populations in Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, China and Myanmar.
- There are estimated to be around 2,500 Bengal Tigers left in the wild.
- The Bengal Tiger has a yellowish orange coat with black stripes and a white underbelly and chest.
- An adult Bengal Tiger can reach up to 9 feet in length and weigh over 500 pounds.
- They are solitary hunters and primarily hunt large mammals like deer, wild pigs, cattle and goats.
- Bengal Tigers inhabit a wide range of habitats including grasslands, subtropical and tropical forests, mangroves and scrub forests.
- They are classified as an Endangered species on the IUCN Red List.
- The Bengal Tiger is revered in Indian culture and also considered India’s national animal.
The Bengal Tiger was chosen as India’s national animal because of its power, strength, elegance and its importance in Indian culture and mythology. The Bengal Tiger symbolizes India’s natural wealth and represents wildlife conservation efforts in the country.
History of the Bengal Tiger as India’s National Animal
The Bengal Tiger has had a special place in Indian culture and mythology for centuries. Tigers were often associated with gods and goddesses and seen as sacred animals in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism which are major religions in India.
In Hinduism, the god Shiva wears a tiger skin and the goddess Durga also rides a tiger. The Bengal Tiger is considered as the vehicle of the Hindu goddess of power, Durga. According to mythology, the tiger was the mount of the Hindu deity Shiva’s doorkeeper, Nandi. The Goddess Kali was said to appear as a tiger in the dense jungle. Therefore, tigers have symbolic significance in Hindu mythology.
In Buddhism, the tiger represents anger. Taming the tiger means to conquer anger within oneself. In Jainism, illustrations of half-human and half-tiger beings are found in sacred texts as early as the C. 3rd century BCE.
Over the centuries, the tiger has become an integral part of folklore, cave paintings and featured prominently in art, literature, advertisements and stories in India. Tigers symbolize beauty, power, strength and valor in Indian culture.
After independence in 1947, India needed to select representative national symbols. There were calls to designate the Bengal Tiger as the national animal due to its significance in Indian history and culture. The Bengal Tiger was officially adopted as the National Animal of India in April 1973 under the government of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
The Bengal Tiger was a strong contender for its historical and cultural importance. The tiger symbolized India’s natural richness and wildlife conservation efforts. At the time fewer than 2,000 Bengal Tigers remained in the country and the adoption of the tiger as the national animal served to raise awareness of its endangered status and promote conservation efforts.
Conservation Efforts for the Bengal Tiger
After being declared the National Animal in 1973, efforts grew to protect and conserve the dwindling numbers of tigers in India. Project Tiger was launched in 1973 which created tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries with measures to protect them and their habitat.
Today, under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, killing a tiger or trading its parts is punishable by up to seven years of imprisonment. There are now 50 tiger reserves across India covering over 73,000 square km of critical tiger habitats.
Thanks to increased conservation efforts and awareness, the wild tiger population in India has rebounded to an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 today from a low of 1,200 in the 1970s. However, the Bengal Tiger remains under threat from habitat loss, poaching, loss of prey and human-tiger conflict situations.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority provides oversight for tiger conservation initiatives and the government has pledged over $300 million for tiger preservation in the last years. Conservation of the Bengal Tiger remains a high priority for India.
The Tiger as a National Symbol
As the majestic national animal of India, the Bengal Tiger is celebrated in many aspects of Indian life and culture. Some examples include:
- The tiger appears on the currency notes of the Indian rupee.
- The tiger is the mascot for many Indian sports teams and athletic programs.
- The Bengal tiger is found on postage stamps, banknotes, and coins of India.
- Project Tiger logo features a tiger to symbolize India’s commitment to preserving their national animal.
- The Bengal tiger is part of India’s tourism promotion showcasing its incredible wildlife.
- The Indian cricket team’s 2011 World Cup win was termed a ‘Roar of the Tiger’.
- The India men’s national field hockey team is called ‘The Men in Blue’ after the tiger’s stripes.
- The India men’s national Kabaddi team is called ‘Men in Orange’ referencing the tiger’s color.
The Bengal Tiger is a powerful symbol of India and its heritage. It represents the incredible biodiversity and wildlife of the country and need for conservation. The majestic tiger remains an integral part of Indian national identity, culture and consciousness.
The National Bird of India
The national bird of India is the Indian Peafowl commonly called the peacock. The peacock was declared the national bird of India in 1963 under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru due to its rich religious and cultural significance in the country.
Here are some key facts about the Indian peafowl:
- The Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) is a large exotic bird indigenous to South Asia.
- The peacock is the male of the species and is brightly colored with an iridescent blue neck and large ornate tail called a train.
- The peahen is the female and has a mixture of dull green, brown, and grey feathers and lacks the long tail.
- Peafowl are found throughout India and also in Sri Lanka, Java and other parts of South Asia.
- They inhabit forest areas, preferring areas with water access.
- In Hinduism, the peacock is associated with Lakshmi who is the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
- Peafowl are omnivores and eat insects, plants, seeds and small creatures.
- They lay 3-8 eggs at a time and take around 28 days to hatch.
- Peafowl can live over 20 years in captivity.
- Peacocks are known for their unique mating dance where they spread their tail feathers to attract peahens.
History and Significance of the Peafowl in India
Peafowl have had a prominent place in Indian culture and mythology for centuries. In Hinduism, the peacock is associated with several deities and the vibrant plumage is said to represent the many colors of the universe.
The peacock, or mayura in Sanskrit, is linked to the Hindu god Krishna who is often depicted with a feather in his headgear. The famous Raslila dance of Krishna with Radha often includes a depiction of Krishna hiding behind a peacock feather.
The peacock is also associated with Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, art, wisdom and nature. Saraswati is often shown accompanied by a peacock which symbolizes color and splendor.
However, the strongest association is with Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, power and beauty. The peacock imagery represents the vibrancy, royalty and splendor associated with Lakshmi. In temples and paintings, Lakshmi is shown with a peacock standing nearby representing good luck and prosperity.
Beyond Hinduism, the peafowl holds cultural significance in India more broadly. The peacock represents qualities like beauty, grace, pride and mysticism across various beliefs. Their feathers are sometimes used in rituals and customs. Peacock motifs are common in Indian architecture, textiles, jewelry and artworks.
Selection as the National Bird of India
After India’s independence in 1947, the search began for a national bird that was uniquely Indian and celebrated the country’s spirit. After much deliberation, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru declared the Indian peafowl or peacock as the national bird in 1963 due to its cultural significance and indigenous nature.
The peacock met the criteria of being a bird commonly found across India. Moreover, it had sacred associations with Hindu and Buddhist deities and featured prominently in Indian mythology and folklore. The peacock had adorned temples, palaces and texts across India for centuries.
The vibrant plumage of the peacock was seen as symbolic of the unity in diversity concept cherished in India. Its grace, color and beauty were representative of the splendor and mysticism associated with India through the ages. The peacock was a strong contender for its longevity as an Indian cultural symbol.
The choice highlighted India’s celebrated traditions and age-old affinity to nature and wildlife. While the tiger represented wilderness, the peacock complemented as a bird so closely entwined with human life and mythology in India.
The Peacock as a National Symbol
Since being declared the national bird, the Indian peafowl has been prominently featured in various aspects of Indian culture and identity.
- The peacock is the logo of the State Bank of India (SBI).
- The peacock logo is used by the Election Commission of India and appears on ballot boxes.
- The peacock features on many postage stamps and postal stationary from India over the years.
- Mayura or peacock is the national airline code for Air India on flight tickets.
- The peacock inspires names of Indian institutions, sports teams, roads, train lines and more.
- The peacock is part of India’s tourism promotion showcasing its incredible nature and wildlife.
- The peacock appears on currency notes and coins of India.
- The peacock is celebrated with dance forms like the Peacock dance in Indian culture.
Over the years, the peacock has remained an integral part of Indian art, rituals, dance, mythology and culture. The national bird continues to be a living symbol of the spirituality, diversity, grace, beauty and richness of India’s traditions.
Comparison of the National Symbols
India’s national animal and national bird make for an interesting comparison as national symbols:
National Animal | National Bird |
---|---|
Bengal Tiger | Indian Peafowl |
Mammal | Bird |
Symbolic of power and strength | Symbolic of beauty and grace |
Solitary hunter | Commonly found in groups |
Endangered species | Numerous species |
Limited to forests and reserves | Found close to human habitation |
Important for conservation | Important culturally |
Lord Shiva and Durga | Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati |
While the tiger highlights India’s wildlife riches, the peacock complements it by representing the country’s cultural and spiritual traditions. Together they reflect the incredible biodiversity of India along with its history, civilization and ideals.
Conclusion
The Bengal Tiger and the Indian Peafowl proudly serve as the national animal and national bird of India respectively. The tiger symbolizes India’s natural heritage and wildlife conservation efforts. The peacock epitomizes the cultural, spiritual and diversity of the country.
Both animals are intricately linked to Hindu mythology and Indian culture. Their selection represents independent India reclaiming its rich history and civilization. The majestic tiger and beautiful peacock are recognizable national symbols projecting India’s spirit to the world.
As enduring national symbols, the protection and preservation of these species is a priority. The tale of the tiger highlights the importance of conservation. The peacock remains a cultural icon and inspiration for art, dance and spirituality in India. Together they showcase the incredible biodiversity, cultural heritage and identity of the country.
The royal Bengal Tiger and the resplendent Indian Peafowl are source of great pride and unity as national symbols of India. They connect India’s past glory with its present ambitions and future aspirations as a nation.