In 1921, freedom fighter Pingali Venkayya designed a flag with two colours — red for Hindus and green for Muslims. At Mahatma Gandhi’s suggestion, white was added in the middle for other communities and peace, with a spinning wheel symbolising self-reliance.
By 1947, as independence approached, leaders decided the flag must represent all Indians. The colours were reinterpreted beyond religion:
Saffron for courage and sacrifice
White for truth and peace
Green for growth and prosperity
The spinning wheel was replaced by the Ashoka Chakra — a 24-spoke navy-blue wheel from Emperor Ashoka’s Sarnath Lion Capital — representing law, justice, and constant progress.
Adopted on 22 July 1947, the tricolour became not just a national emblem, but a symbol of unity, values, and the timeless spirit of a free India.
By 1947, as independence approached, leaders decided the flag must represent all Indians. The colours were reinterpreted beyond religion:
Saffron for courage and sacrifice
White for truth and peace
Green for growth and prosperity
The spinning wheel was replaced by the Ashoka Chakra — a 24-spoke navy-blue wheel from Emperor Ashoka’s Sarnath Lion Capital — representing law, justice, and constant progress.
Adopted on 22 July 1947, the tricolour became not just a national emblem, but a symbol of unity, values, and the timeless spirit of a free India.
