Unit-3 Animals in National Identity and Symbolism and sacred animals

 

Unit-3 Animals in National Identity and Symbolism and sacred animals

a) National symbols: tiger (national animal), peacock (national bird), lion emblem (Ashoka’s capital) b)       Animals in state emblems, postal stamps, and currency notes c)  Sacred animals in Puranas (Garuda, Nandi, Matsya, Kurma, Varaha avatars)

(Note: The images in topic are AI-generated and serves purely for illustrative and educational purposes only. They may differ from original representations.)  

a) National Symbols: Tiger, Peacock and Lion Emblem

Animals occupy an important place in India's national identity and are represented through official national symbols. Among these, the tiger, peacock and lion are particularly significant. They represent India's natural heritage, cultural traditions, historical legacy and ideals of strength and sovereignty.

1. Tiger – National Animal

The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is the National Animal of India. It symbolizes strength, courage, power, grace and majesty. The tiger has been deeply represented in Indian art, mythology and literature since ancient times. Its selection as the national animal also emphasizes the importance of conserving India's wildlife and natural ecosystems. The tiger has therefore become both a cultural symbol and an emblem of India's commitment to wildlife conservation.

2. Peacock – National Bird

The Indian peacock (Pavo cristatus) is the National Bird of India. It is admired for its beauty, elegance, colourful plumage and distinctive courtship display. The peacock has a long association with Indian mythology, religion, painting, sculpture and classical literature. It is associated with deities such as Krishna and Kartikeya/Murugan and appears frequently in traditional Indian artistic motifs. As a national symbol, the peacock represents the richness and diversity of India's natural and cultural heritage.

3. Lion Emblem – Ashoka's Lion Capital

The Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath is the basis of India's State Emblem. Originally erected by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, the capital features four lions standing back-to-back, symbolizing power, courage, confidence and sovereignty. Below the lions is the Dharma Chakra (Wheel of Dharma), along with representations of other animals, including a horse and bull. The emblem was adopted by the Republic of India and represents the country's historical connection with the Mauryan period and the ideals of justice and dharma.

 b)  Animals in State Emblems, Postal Stamps and Currency Notes

Animals have played an important role in the visual and symbolic representation of India. Their images appear in state emblems, postal stamps, coins and currency notes, reflecting the country's wildlife, cultural traditions, historical heritage and ideals of governance. These representations demonstrate how animals have been transformed from elements of the natural world into symbols of identity, authority, prosperity and national pride.

1. Animals in State Emblems

The use of animals in official emblems has a long historical tradition in India. Ancient rulers frequently used animals on seals, coins and royal insignia to communicate power, protection, courage and legitimacy. This tradition continued in modern India through state emblems and official insignia.

At the state and regional level, animals have also been incorporated into official symbols to express distinctive geographical and cultural identities. Lions, elephants, tigers, deer, fish, birds and other animals may appear in state insignia, departmental emblems and official seals. Such representations often highlight the natural resources and wildlife heritage of particular regions.

             Indian state emblems prominently feature animals that symbolize cultural heritage, biodiversity, and regional pride  from the Asiatic Lion of Gujarat to the Indian Rhinoceros of Assam. These animals are not just decorative but represent the identity and ecological richness of each state.

• Gujarat – Asiatic Lion Found in the Gir Forest, the lion symbolizes strength, pride, and protection. It is central to Gujarat’s emblem and identity.
• Assam – Indian Rhinoceros The one-horned rhinoceros, unique to Assam’s Kaziranga National Park, represents resilience and natural heritage.
• Karnataka – Indian Elephant Elephants are deeply tied to Karnataka’s culture and festivals, symbolizing wisdom and majesty.
• Uttar Pradesh – Swamp Deer (Barasingha) Known for its distinctive antlers, the barasingha reflects the state’s forest ecosystems.
• Himachal Pradesh – Snow Leopard A rare predator of the Himalayas, symbolizing mystery, beauty, and ecological balance.
• West Bengal – Fishing Cat A skilled swimmer found in mangroves, representing adaptability and survival.
• Tripura – Phayre’s Langur A rare primate with distinctive facial markings, symbolizing uniqueness and biodiversity.

 2. Animals on Postal Stamps

            Postal departments worldwide use animal imagery to celebrate natural heritage, highlight native wildlife, and support global conservation awareness.

Indian postal stamps provide an extensive visual record of the country's relationship with animals and wildlife. Since independence, the postal system has issued numerous stamps depicting mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and aquatic animals. These stamps have helped bring India's biodiversity to public attention and have also served an educational purpose.

Wildlife stamps have featured animals such as the tiger, lion, elephant, rhinoceros, leopard, deer, blackbuck, snow leopard, musk deer and various species of monkeys. Birds such as the peacock, hornbills, cranes, kingfishers, eagles, owls and other native species have also been represented.

Ex.

·         Wild Life Series (1962–1963): One of India's earliest dedicated animal stamp sets, highlighting native wildlife like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Indian Elephant, One-Horned Rhinoceros, and Gaur (Indian Bison).

·         Project Tiger Series (1983): Issued to mark 10 years of India's landmark Project Tiger conservation initiative.

·         Himalayan Fauna Series: Special commemorative issues depicting high-altitude species such as the Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Musk Deer, and Himalayan Brown Bear.

·         Birds of India Series: Dedicated postage stamps showing iconic native birds, including the Indian Peafowl (National Bird), Great Indian Bustard, and Flamingo.

·         Aquatic & Marine Life Series: Featuring marine fauna like the Dugong (Sea Cow), Ganges River Dolphin, and Olive Ridley Sea Turtle.

 3. Animals on Currency Notes and Coins

Animals have also appeared on Indian coins and currency, particularly as representations of historical power, cultural heritage and national identity. The tradition is ancient. Coins issued by Indian kingdoms and empires frequently carried images of animals such as lions, tiger, rhinoceros,  elephants, bulls, horses and other creatures. These images often communicated the authority of the issuing ruler or reflected religious and cultural associations.

The lion has been particularly important in India's monetary and political iconography because of its connection with the Mauryan period and the Lion Capital of Ashoka. The use of the Ashoka emblem on modern Indian currency connects contemporary India with its ancient historical heritage.

Ex-

1. ₹10 Note- The reverse side of the older orange-brown ₹10 banknote prominently features a Elephant, a Royal Bengal Tiger, and a One-horned Rhinoceros.

2. 25 Paise & ₹1 Coin (1988–1990s): The definitive commemorative series featured the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros on the reverse to promote wildlife conservation.

3. National Emblem (All Indian Coins): Every standard Indian coin features the Lion Capital of Ashoka, which depicts four Asiatic Lions standing back-to-back, along with a Bull and a Galloping Horse carved on the abacus base.