History of Tiranga: The Evolution of the Indian Tricolor
Introduction
The Tiranga, or the Indian National Flag, stands as a powerful symbol of India’s struggle, unity, and identity. Its present form was officially adopted on July 22, 1947, but the journey of the tricolor began decades earlier, woven through the very fabric of India’s freedom movement and its diverse aspirations.
Early Flags and Their Symbolism
The earliest known flag associated with Indian nationalism was designed by Sister Nivedita around 1904–1906. Featuring red and yellow with “Vande Mataram” inscribed, it reflected strength, victory, and purity.
In 1906, during the Swadeshi movement, another flag was hoisted at Parsee Bagan Square in Calcutta. This featured three horizontal strips: red (top), yellow (middle), and green (bottom), with symbols and “Vande Mataram” inscribed.
Madame Cama and the International Stage
In 1907, Madam Bhikaji Cama and Indian revolutionaries unveiled a similar tricolor in Paris, known as the “Berlin Committee Flag.” This flag made India’s aspirations visible on the global stage, appearing even at a socialist conference in Berlin. It featured stripes, a lotus, and stars, representing hope and unity (Sources).
The Home Rule Movement Era
During the Home Rule Movement in 1917, Dr. Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak introduced a new flag. It had red and green stripes with seven stars (the Saptarishi constellation), the British Union Jack in one corner, and a crescent and star, symbolizing India’s demand for autonomy while still under colonial rule.
The Influence of Gandhi and the Popularization of the Tricolor
In 1921, at the Bezwada (now Vijayawada) Congress, Pingali Venkayya presented a unique flag to Mahatma Gandhi. Incorporating red and green to represent Hindu and Muslim communities, Gandhi suggested adding a white stripe for other communities and superimposed a spinning wheel (charkha) to symbolize India’s self-reliance and progress.
Formation of the Modern Tricolor
A significant revision happened in 1931: The charkha flag was officially adopted by the Indian National Congress, but with key changes—red was replaced with saffron for courage, white stood for peace and truth, and green for faith and growth. The charkha remained at the center, and it was decided that the flag must not represent any communal association, but rather the nation as a whole.
Adoption of the Tiranga
On July 22, 1947, after intense discussions and careful design considerations, the Constituent Assembly adopted the present national flag. The original spinning wheel was replaced with the Dharma Chakra (Ashoka Chakra) from the Sarnath Lion Capital, representing law, virtue, and the eternal wheel of progress.
The three colors—saffron, white, and green—gained permanent, unified interpretations: courage and sacrifice (saffron), peace and truth (white), faith and chivalry (green). The navy blue Ashoka Chakra at the center embodies motion, righteousness, and national integrity (Sources).
Legacy and Significance
On 15 August 1947, the Tiranga was unfurled as the official flag of free India. It remains a symbol of unity in diversity and is flown with pride across the country and by Indians worldwide.
The Tiranga’s journey mirrors the nation’s evolution—from colonial subjugation to independence—serving as an enduring beacon of hope, self-reliance, and sovereignty.
Conclusion
The Indian Tricolor we salute today carries over a century of dreams, sacrifices, and ideals. From Sister Nivedita and Madame Cama’s early designs to Pingali Venkayya’s visionary contributions and the collective decisions of the freedom movement, the Tiranga is at once our history and our future—a vibrant emblem of independent India and its spirit.
