National Symbols
Class 6 | Social Science — Civics | Unit 1
Class 6 Unit 1 Civics
Unit 1. NATIONAL SYMBOLS
Learning Objectives
To know about the natural national symbols of India.
To understand the importance to protect nature.
To know the other national symbols and appreciate them.
To know the about different national festivals and celebrate them with joy.
Path way: This lesson deals with the natural national symbols and the other national symbols. It also explains about the different national festivals.
Velan and Ponni went on a forest trip to Pulivanam. The thought that they were going to visit the forest, made them ecstatic and they were filled with excitement and adventurous spirit. Veena, a wildlife reasearcher was with them. That forest had a legendary river running across. The forest also had 2,000-metre-high mountain.
As per the plan, they had reached the forest area by a vehicle. "We are waiting for you" said the forest officer Manimaran, smilingly to the enthusiastic young researchers. Veena introduced Velan and Ponni to the officer. The personal vehicles had to be stopped there as they were restricted to go further. After that they had to travel only by vehicles run on battaries that are pollution free. These vehicles also called as 'Jeep' were covered with glass. A jeep was waiting for them. The forest officer Manimaran, Veena and the team boarded the vehicle.
"I think you are eagerly waiting to watch the tiger, but it is possible only when you are lucky enough. Though it is the tiger's habitat, there are many birds, insects, reptiles, aquatic life and amphibians which make the eco-system. So please don't wait only for the tigers but enjoy watching other animals too. And remember you shouldn't speak loudly" said Manimaran.
In a few minutes they had a chance to see a beautiful pond with lotus. The vehicle was moving slowly. The lotuses were smiling back at them. "Lotuses are of different types. Those which are pink are called pink lotuses. The lotus has a very special structure" said Veena.
Just behind a big tree near the pond, a peacock was fanning out its feathers gracefully. Without making noise, Velan and Ponni were admiring it. "Uncle Manimaran, usually peacocks do this during rainy days. Will it rain now?" said Ponni.
"Maybe. It dances only during rainy days. But once a chieftain Began, wondered whether the peacock was shivering in cold and covered the peacock with his shawl. This chieftain belonged to the classical Sangam age of Tamils and also revered as one of the seven most generous personalities of ancient Tamil land. You know very well that the peacock is our national bird. For a long time, the Peacock has a significant place in our culture, art and heritage. It's beauty, stately appearance and its even distribution all over India makes it our national bird" said Manimaran.
The vehicle moved forward silently. They admired the beauty on either side even without blinking. "We have come very close to the bank of the river. Now we have to go along the river. I am going to show you a different animal. You have to remain silent; only then you can see it. Please take your binoculars" said Manimaran.
Veena had instructed the team to bring their binoculars on the visit. Velan and Ponni had borrowed the binoculars from their neighbours. They focused their binoculars towards the gap between the bushes. That gave them a view of the river. Veena said, "Look, there is something black like a Gharial crocodile moving". They could not see the animal clearly due to the glare caused by the morning sun.
Manimaran said, "Turn away from the Sun's rays and watch carefully. It is not a Gharial. Veena said, "no it does not look like a fish. It looks like an aquatic mammal – a river dolphin."
Velan and Ponni exclaimed, "What? Is it a dolphin? Marine acrobatic animal? How can it live in a river?"
Manimaran said, "there are river dolphins in our country. The dolphins that live in the rivers have a long snout similar to the Gharial crocodiles. Just like bats, they use the ultrasound waves to catch their prey. They are essentially blind."
Velan said, "that was an interesting detail. Do you know the name of the river beside which we are now on? The rich harvests of the fertile plains of Ganges was mentioned in one of Bharathiyar's famous songs. Am I on the same banks of Ganges? My father asked me to collect some information about this place before visiting it," said Ponni.
"No doubt about it. Do you know that this river is 2,525 kilo meter long and is the longest river in India?" said Velan stunning everyone around.
"Though Brahmaputra is 2900 km long, it does not flow across India. So, What Velan said is right" said Veena.
Manimaran said, "we have seen a lot of things. Now let us relax. Come, let us have these pieces of mangoes. These mangoes are very tasty, what kind of mangoes are these?" asked Veena eagerly.
"This kind of mango is known as Imam pasand a variety of mango that was cultivated during the Mughal reign for the royal family. This is occasionally found in the forest. Even this was picked from the mango grove at the fringes of this forest" said Manimaran.
Eveyone got into the vehicle and were ready to go. "Now we are going to see another wonder" said Manimaran and drove the vehicle around a big banyan tree with countless roots around. He travelled around it for a few minutes and came back to the starting point.
"Such a big banyan tree?" exclaimed Ponni and Velan.
"This is a very big banyan tree and is the oldest in this forest. It is the habitat of thousands of birds. It is as famous as the banyan tree in the Indian Botanical Garden in Howrah (Calcutta)," said Manimaran.
"There is another big banyan in Adyar (Chennai). It is as big as that. I saw that when I visited the Theosophical Society and wondered at it." said Ponni.
"Let us now go slowly because there is a herd of elephants climbing the mountains right behind the banyan tree" said Manimaran.
Velan replied at once, "Oh! Aren't the wild elephants ferocious? Are we in danger?"
Manimaran said "First and foremost we are not supposed to trouble the wild animals because the forest is their home. We can admire them without disturbing them." Manimaran continued "We should know how to safeguard ourselves from the encounters of the wild animals. That is the reason why we try to explore the forests with the guides who belong to the forest tribal community. Even though the animals are quite huge, they will not harm you unless you hurt them. Let us also climb the hills along with the elephants. There is another surprise waiting for you on the top of the hills" said Manimaran.
After climbing the hill, they came across a plain. He parked the vehicle and asked the team to see something using their binoculars. "Look there," There was a cone shaped nest built with dried leaves. Manimaran asked, "can you guess which animal's nest is that?"
"I know that birds build nests on the ground, but this seems a bit strange," said Veena.
"It is a snake's nest, the nest of king cobra. What? Snakes build nests?" said Velan.
"This is the only reptile that builds a nest of its own and reproduces. Thus, snake's average length is 18 feet and is the longest of the poisonous snakes" said Manimaran.
"We have explored the forest and climbed the hills but we have not seen a tiger till now" said Ponni.
"Don't worry Ponni. We have come across many wonders. The Tiger is a very shy animal. While descending down the hills we may see one on the rocky area on the slope" said Manimaran.
They had seen many unusual things that day. But they were very disappointed because they had not seen ever a tiger. "I have visited several forests but they are not identical. I got some new information from Mr.Manimaran and the tribals. I have visited forestes many times regarding my research. But I was not able to see the tiger. Don't worry, we will see a tiger some time later" comforted Veena.
Natural national symbols
Natural National Symbols
Banyan tree 1950 – It is a symbol of pride and has many medicinal values
Peacock 1963 - It is native to Asia and the only bird which has a tail
River Ganges 2008 – is a perennial river and many royal capitals flourished on the banks of this river.
River Dolphin - 2010 - It is the reliable indicator of the health of the entire river eco-system. It is in the endangered list.
King cobra- Ophiophagus Hannah - It is the world's longest venomous snake and lives in the rain forests and plains of India.
Lotus-1950 - Though it grows in muddy water it blooms with beauty.
Tiger-1973 - It is the largest cat species. India has 70% of tiger's population in the world.
Elephant-2010 - It is native to mainland Asia and plays a critical role in maintaining the regions forests.
Lactobacillus - 2012 - They are friendly bacteria. They are a major part of the lactic and bacteria group.
Mango – 1950 - It is a rich source of vitamins A, C and D and mainly cultivated in the plains.
They descended down the hill and come to the same place where they had watched the river dolphins. They parked the vehicle and rested for a while. Ponni came out of the vehicle and watched through the binoculars. She noticed something strange. She couldn't control herself she whispered "Uncle, look there." All of them quickly turned to look with their binoculars. They saw a tigress with her three cubs drinking water from the river. Veena captured the beautiful scene with her camera. Nobody dared to see anything other than the tigress, till it left the river bank and vanished away.
"This is the real king of the forest" said Manimaran. "It is absolutely true" said Veena.
They all got back to the vehicle and were returning. Veena asked the team a question. "Do you know, there is something common between all the wonders you have seen today?"
"What is common?" asked Velan. "Please, tell us quickly. We are very eager to know" said Ponni.
"All that we saw today are our natural national symbols" said Veena
"You are right, Veena. This didn't strike me." said Manimaran.
Other Symbols of our Country
National flag:
The tricolour flag is our National flag. The three colours are of the same width and are arranged horizontally. The saffron at the top represents valour and sacrifice. The green at the bottom represents fertility and prosperity. The white band in between represents honesty peace and purity. The Ashoka chakra or the wheel in navy blue represents truth and peace. Out National Flag's length and width proportion is 3 is to 2 respectively and the Ashoka's chakra has 24 spokes in it.
National Emblem
The four lions on top of the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath was chosen to be our National emblem. The national emblem was accepted on 26th January 1950.
HOTS: Who has been given the right to manufacture the National flag?
Satyameva Jayate has been inscribed at its bottom. It means 'Truth alone triumphs. The National emblem consists of two parts-the upper and the lower parts. The upper part has four lions facing the North, South, East and West. This is on a circular pedestal. One can only see three lions at a time. The lower part has an elephant (energy), a horse (speed), a bull (hardwork) and a lion (majestic). The 'Wheel of righteousness' is placed between them. This emblem is found at the top of the government communication, Indian currency and passport.
National Anthem
Jana Gana Mana is our National anthem. It symbolises the sovereignty and integrity of our nation. This anthem was written by Rabindranath Tagore in Bengali. This was Tran scripted in Hindi and was accepted by the Constituent Assembly on 24th January 1950.
The rules to be observed while singing the Anthem
This anthem has to be sung at a duration of 52 seconds. Everyone should stand erect while singing the national anthem. One should understand the meaning while singing.
National song
The song Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, was a source of inspiration to the people of India in their struggle for freedom. It has an equal status with Jana Gana Mana. On January 24, 1950, the then President, Doctor Rajendra Prasad came up with a statement in the Constituent Assembly, "the song Vande Mataram, which has played a historic part in the struggle for Indian freedom, shall be honoured equally with Jana Gana Mana and shall have equal status with it." The song was a part of Bankim Chandra's most famous novel Anand Math.
National pledge
"India is my country. All Indians are my brothers and sisters" is our national pledge. The pledge was written by Pydimarri Venkata Subba Rao in Telugu.
National Micro organism
The curd which we consume every day is curdled from milk by a microorganism called lacto bacillus delbrueckii. This was accepted as our national microorganism in the year 2012. This microorganism makes the milk undergo a chemical reaction and changes the protein content of the milk. Curd is known for its digestive quality and cooling capacity.
Currency of India- (INR) ₹
The Indian currency is the Indian Rupees. The currency released by SherShah Sur in the sixteenth century was 'Rupiya'. This 'rupiya' has been transformed, into 'Rupees'. The symbol of rupees is ₹. This was designed by D. oothayakumar from Tamil Nadu in the year 2010.
National Calender
During the reign of Emperor Kanishka he began following a new calendar in the year 78 CE/AD. The year begins from the spring equinox which falls on March 22nd. During a leap year, it begins on March 21st. Our country follows this calendar. The famous astronomer Meghnad Saha headed the Calendar Reformation Committee on 22nd March 1957. It was then accepted by the committee as our national calendar.
The National symbols help in uniting the diversified sections of India and to instill patriotism.
National Holidays
Independence Day
Every year, August 15 is celebrated as the Independence Day to commemorate India's freedom from British rule. This auspicious day is also marked as a birth of the world's biggest democracy, India. On the day India gained independence, Mahakavi Bharathiyar's poem Aaduvome Pallu Paduvome and it was sung over the AIR (All India Radio) by T.K. Pattammal, a famous singer of Carnatic Music. The celebration of Independence Day continues every year. The Prime Minister unfurls the National Flag on the Independence Day at the Red Fort, New Delhi.
Republic Day
On 26th January 1950, India was declared as a Republic state. Every year this day is commemorated as the 'Republic Day'. The constitution commenced on 26th January 1950. From August 1947 to 26th January 1950, the Queen of Britain was the honorary head of India. The day India was declared as a Republic state, the President became the first citizen of India. On Republic Day, the President of India unfurls the National flag on Kartavya path (the path of duty), New Delhi.
Gandhi Jayanthi
The birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of our Nation, was declared one of the National festivals. It falls on 2nd October. In 2007, the United Nations declared October 2nd as the 'International Day of Non-violence'
Glossary
Independence (n) Freedom from control of another country or organization. Republic (n) A country in which the Head of State is an elected person. Heritage (n) The art, buildings, traditions and beliefs that a society considers important to its history and culture. Aquatic (adj) Growing or living in or near water. Astrophysicist (n) An expert in astrophysics.
Re cap
Tiger, Elephant, River dolphin of Ganges, Peacock, King Cobra, Banyan tree, mango, The Ganges and lotus are the natural national symbols. The constitutional Assembly accepted the tricolour flag as the national flag on 22nd July 1947. The National Flag, the National emblem, the National Anthem and the National song etc., are the other national symbols. Independence Day, Republic day, Gandhi Jayanthi are our important National festivals.
Do You Know
1. There is a Peacock Sanctuary at Viralimalai in the district of Pudukottai (Tamilnadu)
Kodi Kaatha Kumaran
Tirupur Kumaran was born in Chennimalai of Erode district. As a youth, he actively participated in the freedom struggle for India. In 1932, when Gandhiji was arrested, protests were held against the arrest all over the country. When protests were held for Gandhiji's release, Tirupur Kumaran took active part in it. He lost his life when the police attacked violently. He held on to the tricolor flag even when he died. He was honoured with the title, 'Kodi Kaatha Kumaran'. The Government of India has released a postal stamp on his centenary year to remember Tirupur Kumaran's sacrifice and dedication to the nation.
Do You Know
3. The National flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya from Andhra Pradesh. The first Indian Flag was woven at Gudiyatham in Vellore district of Tamilnadu. This flag was hoisted by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on 15th August 1947 at Red Fort (Delhi) This flag is now an exhibit at the St.George's Fort Museum, Chennai.
4. The four lions, chosen from the Sarnath pillar of Ashoka as our emblem, is now placed in the Sarnath Museum.
5. On 27th December 1911 this National anthem was sung for the first time during the Congress committee meet held at Kolkata.
6. On January 29, the third day of the Republic day, the celebrations are ended with the Beating Reteat ceremony. This is performed by the bands of Indian Army, Navy and Airforce. The President of India is the chief guest of this day. Rashtrapati Bhavan will be illuminated at 6pm as a part of the celebration.
Exercises
Exercise I. Choose the correct answer
1. The National Song Vande Mataram was composed by ____
a) Pingali Venkayya b) Rabindra Nath Tagore c) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee d) Gandhiji
2. Which is the National Anthem of India?
a) Jana Gana Mana b) Vande Mataram c) Amar Sonar Bangla d) Neerarum kaduluduththa
3. Who wrote the most famous novel Anand Math?
a) Akbar b) Rabindra Nath Tagore c) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee d) Jawaharlal Nehru
4. ____ birthday is celebrated as the International Day of nonviolence?
a) Mahatma Gandhi b) Subash Chandra Bose c) Sardar Vallabhai Patel d) Jawaharlal Nehru
5. The colour of the Asoka chakra found in our National flag is ____
a) sky blue b) navy blue c) blue d) green
6. The first flag ever flown after the Independence is stored in ____
a) Chennai fort Museum b) Delhi Museum c) Saranath Museum d) Kolkata Museum
7. The National Anthem was written by ____
a) Devandranath Tagore b) Bharathiyar c) Rabindranath Tagore d) Balagangadhar Tilak
8. The time taken to play the National Anthem is ____
a) 50 seconds b) 52 minutes c) 52 seconds d) 20 seconds
9. Vande Mataram was first sung by ____ at the 1896 session of the National Congress
a) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee b) Rabindranath Tagore c) Mahathma Gandhi d) Sarojini Naidu
10. ____ hoists the flag on Independence Day in Delhi
a) The Prime Minister b) The President c) Vice President d) Any Political leader Exercise II. Fill in the blanks.
1. The National emblem was adopted from the Ashoka pillar of
2. The National fruit of India is
3. The National Bird of India is
4. Our National tree is the
5. The Flag which was flown in 1947 Independence Day was weaved in
6. The Indian National Flag was designed by
7. started the Saka Era
8. The longest river in India is
9. The Indian Rupee symbol was designed by
10. The Chakra of the National Flag has spokes
Exercise III. Choose the correct answer
1. The Lion Capital is now in the ____ museum
(Kolkata) (Sarnath)
2. The National Anthem was adopted in ____
(1950) (1947)
3. ____ is declared as our National Microorganism
(Lacto bacillus) (Rhizobium) Exercise IV. Fill in the blanks
1. Saffron – Courage; White -
2. Horse – Energy; Bull -
3. 1947 – Independence Day; 1950 -
Exercise V. Choose the Correct Option
| 1. Rabindranath Tagore | |
| 2. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee | |
| 3. Pingali Venkayya | |
| 4. Meghnad Saha | |
a) 1 a, 2 d, 3 b, 4 c b) 1 d, 2 a, 3 c, 4 b c) 1 d, 2 a, 3 b, 4 c Exercise VI. Match and choose the wrong pair: 1. National Reptile – Tiger 2. National Aquatic Animal – Lacto bacillus 3. National Heritage Animal – King Cobra 4. National Microorganism – Dolphin Exercise VII. Choose the wrong sentence:
1.
a) The ratio of our National Flag's length and breadth is 3:2 b) The Chakra has 24 spokes c) The Chakra is Sky Blue in colour
2.
a) The National Flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya b) The First ever flown Flag after the Independence is stored in Kolkata Museum c) The First National Flag was weaved in Gudiyattam Exercise VIII. Choose the correct sentence:
1.
a) August 15 is celebrated as the Independence Day b) November 26 is celebrated as the Republic day c) October 12 is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti Exercise IX. Answer the following.
1. What do the colours in our National Flag represent?
2. What are the parts of our National emblem?
3. What are the salient features of the National anthem?
4. Draw and define the Indian Rupee symbol
5. Where do we use our National emblem?
6. Who wrote the National pledge?
7. What are the animals found in the bottom of the emblem?
8. What are the natural national symbols?
9. Where is the peacock sanctuary located in Tamil Nadu?
Exercise X. Activities
Draw the natural National symbols as a scenery / Frame a story
Exercise X. Activities
Prepare a logo for your class/school of your own
Exercise X. Activities
What should we do to protect the endangered plants and animals – Discuss
Exercise X. Activities
Celebrate the national events in your school and prepare a news item for a local newspaper.
Exercise XI. Life skill activity:
Why are certain organisms adopted as natural National symbols? Analyse.
ICT CORNER
Symbols of India and Indian States
Let us learn about The Constitution of India
Step 1: Go to play store and install National symbols App.
Step 2: Open the app. Click any national symbol like National Flag, National Bird etc. to know more about the symbol.
Step 3: Click the Back button and scroll below to see States. Select states and click Tamil Nadu for instance.
Step 4: Now you can see the symbols about Tamil Nadu.
URL: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cdac.symbol
Book-back Exercises — Questions & Answers
Answers generated strictly from the Samacheer Kalvi textbook content. Attempt each question first, then click "Show Answer" to check.
I. Choose the Correct Answer
1. The National Song Vande Mataram was composed by ____
a) Pingali Venkayya b) Rabindra Nath Tagore c) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee d) Gandhiji
Answer: c) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
Explanation: The song Vande Mataram, composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, was a source of inspiration to the people of India in their struggle for freedom.
2. Which is the National Anthem of India?
a) Jana Gana Mana b) Vande Mataram c) Amar Sonar Bangla d) Neerarum kaduluduththa
Answer: a) Jana Gana Mana
Explanation: Jana Gana Mana is our National anthem. It symbolises the sovereignty and integrity of our nation.
3. Who wrote the most famous novel Anand Math?
a) Akbar b) Rabindra Nath Tagore c) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee d) Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: c) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
Explanation: The song was a part of Bankim Chandra's most famous novel Anand Math.
4. ____ birthday is celebrated as the International Day of nonviolence?
a) Mahatma Gandhi b) Subash Chandra Bose c) Sardar Vallabhai Patel d) Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: a) Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation: In 2007, the United Nations declared October 2nd as the 'International Day of Non-violence', which is the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.
5. The colour of the Asoka chakra found in our National flag is ____
a) sky blue b) navy blue c) blue d) green
Answer: b) navy blue
Explanation: The Ashoka chakra or the wheel in navy blue represents truth and peace.
6. The first flag ever flown after the Independence is stored in ____
a) Chennai fort Museum b) Delhi Museum c) Saranath Museum d) Kolkata Museum
Answer: a) Chennai fort Museum
Explanation: This flag is now an exhibit at the St.George's Fort Museum, Chennai.
7. The National Anthem was written by ____
a) Devandranath Tagore b) Bharathiyar c) Rabindranath Tagore d) Balagangadhar Tilak
Answer: c) Rabindranath Tagore
Explanation: This anthem was written by Rabindranath Tagore in Bengali.
8. The time taken to play the National Anthem is ____
a) 50 seconds b) 52 minutes c) 52 seconds d) 20 seconds
Answer: c) 52 seconds
Explanation: This anthem has to be sung at a duration of 52 seconds.
9. Vande Mataram was first sung by ____ at the 1896 session of the National Congress
a) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee b) Rabindranath Tagore c) Mahathma Gandhi d) Sarojini Naidu
Answer: Refer to the chapter text for this answer.
10. ____ hoists the flag on Independence Day in Delhi
a) The Prime Minister b) The President c) Vice President d) Any Political leader
Answer: a) The Prime Minister
Explanation: The Prime Minister unfurls the National Flag on the Independence Day at the Red Fort, New Delhi.
II. Fill in the Blanks
1. The National emblem was adopted from the Ashoka pillar of ____
Answer: Sarnath
2. The National fruit of India is ____
Answer: mango
3. The National Bird of India is ____
Answer: peacock
4. Our National tree is the ____
Answer: banyan tree
5. The Flag which was flown in 1947 Independence Day was weaved in ____
Answer: Gudiyatham
6. The Indian National Flag was designed by ____
Answer: Pingali Venkayya
7. ____ started the Saka Era
Answer: Emperor Kanishka
8. The longest river in India is ____
Answer: Ganges
9. The Indian Rupee symbol was designed by ____
Answer: D. Udayakumar
10. The Chakra of the National Flag has ____ spokes
Answer: 24
III. Choose the Correct Answer
1. The Lion Capital is now in the ____ museum (Kolkata/Sarnath)
Answer: Sarnath
2. The National Anthem was adopted in ____ (1950/1947)
Answer: 1950
3. ____ is declared as our National Microorganism (Lacto bacillus/Rhizobium)
Answer: Lacto bacillus
IV. Fill in the Blanks
1. Saffron – Courage; White - ____
Answer: honesty, peace and purity
2. Horse – Energy; Bull - ____
Answer: hardwork
3. 1947 – Independence Day; 1950 - ____
Answer: Republic Day
V. Choose the Correct Option
1.
| 1. Rabindranath Tagore | a. National Song |
| 2. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee | b. National Flag |
| 3. Pingali Venkayya | c. Astro Physicist |
| 4. Meghnad Saha | d. National Anthem |
a) 1-a, 2-d, 3-b, 4-c b) 1-d, 2-a, 3-c, 4-b c) 1-d, 2-a, 3-b, 4-c
Answer: c) 1-d, 2-a, 3-b, 4-c
VI. Match and Choose the Wrong Pair
1.
1. National Reptile – Tiger 2. National Aquatic Animal – Lacto bacillus 3. National Heritage Animal – King Cobra 4. National Microorganism – Dolphin
Answer: All pairs are wrong. Correct pairings from the chapter: National Reptile – King Cobra, National Aquatic Animal – River Dolphin, National Heritage Animal – Elephant, National Microorganism – Lacto bacillus
VII. Choose the Wrong Sentence
1.
a) The ratio of our National Flag's length and breadth is 3:2 b) The Chakra has 24 spokes c) The Chakra is Sky Blue in colour
Answer: c) The Chakra is Sky Blue in colour
Explanation: The Ashoka chakra or the wheel in navy blue represents truth and peace.
2.
a) The National Flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya b) The First ever flown Flag after the Independence is stored in Kolkata Museum c) The First National Flag was weaved in Gudiyattam
Answer: b) The First ever flown Flag after the Independence is stored in Kolkata Museum
Explanation: This flag is now an exhibit at the St.George's Fort Museum, Chennai.
VIII. Choose the Correct Sentence
1.
a) August 15 is celebrated as the Independence Day b) November 26 is celebrated as the Republic day c) October 12 is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti
Answer: a) August 15 is celebrated as the Independence Day
Explanation: Every year, August 15 is celebrated as the Independence Day to commemorate India's freedom from British rule.
IX. Answer the Following
1. What do the colours in our National Flag represent?
Answer: The saffron at the top represents valour and sacrifice. The green at the bottom represents fertility and prosperity. The white band in between represents honesty, peace and purity. The Ashoka chakra or the wheel in navy blue represents truth and peace.
2. What are the parts of our National emblem?
Answer: The National emblem consists of two parts-the upper and the lower parts. The upper part has four lions facing the North, South, East and West on a circular pedestal. The lower part has an elephant (energy), a horse (speed), a bull (hardwork) and a lion (majestic). The 'Wheel of righteousness' is placed between them.
3. What are the salient features of the National anthem?
Answer: Jana Gana Mana is our National anthem that symbolises the sovereignty and integrity of our nation. It was written by Rabindranath Tagore in Bengali and accepted by the Constituent Assembly on 24th January 1950. The anthem has to be sung at a duration of 52 seconds and everyone should stand erect while singing.
4. Draw and define the Indian Rupee symbol
Answer: The symbol of rupees is ₹. This was designed by D. Udayakumar from Tamil Nadu in the year 2010.
5. Where do we use our National emblem?
Answer: This emblem is found at the top of the government communication, Indian currency and passport.
6. Who wrote the National pledge?
Answer: The pledge was written by Pydimarri Venkata Subba Rao in Telugu.
7. What are the animals found in the bottom of the emblem?
Answer: The lower part has an elephant (energy), a horse (speed), a bull (hardwork) and a lion (majestic).
8. What are the natural national symbols?
Answer: Tiger, Elephant, River dolphin, Peacock, King Cobra, Banyan tree, mango, The Ganges, lotus and Lactobacillus are the natural national symbols.
9. Where is the peacock sanctuary located in Tamil Nadu?
Answer: There is a Peacock Sanctuary at Viralimalai in the district of Pudukottai (Tamilnadu).
📝 Summary
- Velan and Ponni went on a forest trip to Pulivanam with wildlife researcher Veena and forest officer Manimaran to learn about India's natural national symbols.
- The lotus flower is India's national flower, which they observed blooming in a beautiful pond during their forest visit, with Veena explaining its special structure and different types including pink lotuses.
- The peacock is India's national bird, known for its beauty, stately appearance, and even distribution across the country, holding significant place in Indian culture, art and heritage for a long time.
- During their river exploration, they discovered river dolphins living in Indian rivers, which are aquatic mammals with long snouts similar to Gharial crocodiles and use ultrasound waves like bats to catch prey.
- The forest trip was conducted using battery-operated, pollution-free glass-covered vehicles to protect the ecosystem, while learning about various wildlife including birds, insects, reptiles, and aquatic life that make up the forest's eco-system.