Lotus is the National Flower of India. The scientific name of Lotus is Nelumbo Nucifera Gaertn. It is one of the important National Symbols of India. The topic, ‘National Flower of India’ is mentioned in the India Year Book which is a source of potential questions asked in the IAS Exam Preliminary stage. This article will provide you with some relevant and interesting facts about Indian National Flower for the IAS Exam.
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Why Lotus is our National Flower?
In 2017, to one of Right to Information queries, it was responded that Botanic Survey of India has not named any flower to be the National Flower of India but Indian Government website mentions Lotus as the National Flower of India. The reason of Lotus to be the National Flower can be:
- National Emblem of India which was adopted on 26th January 1950 stands on full-bloomed inverted Lotus flower showing the importance of the flower.
- Lotus epitomizes beauty and signifies non-attachment
- Despite growing in dirt, it smells of myrrh which is taken as a message to humankind.
Interesting Facts about National Flower of India
Some of the relevant facts about Lotus – The National Flower of India are mentioned in the table below:
| National Flower of India – Lotus – Interesting Facts |
| The National flower of India is the icon of supreme veracity. The Hindu religion and mythology depict goddess Saraswathi, on a lotus flower as a goddess of Learning/Education |
| The lotus flourishes in freshwater lakes in the semitropical climates |
| The lotus is found in white, red, blue, pink, and purple color and is found mainly in Asian countries |
| Lotus denotes wealth, mysticism, knowledge, productiveness and enlightenment. In India, it is considered as the sign of triumph |
| It is a sacred flower and occupies a distinctive position in the art and mythology of ancient India |
| Along with cultural significance, the seeds of Lotus are used for medicinal purposes like the treatment of heart ailments, spleen, and kidney |
| The seeds, leaf, roots and leaf stalk of the Lotus are edible and they are consumed as vegetable in India |
| It has been a fortune symbol of Indian culture since time immemorial |
| Lotus is adored and considered as a sacrosanct flower in Buddhism as well |
Aspirants reading about National Flower of India, can also read about other National Symbols of India linked in the table below:
Why is it important to read about National Flower of India for UPSC?
The questions about the National flower, National Emblem, National symbols, National Anthem, and the Official language of India are common in UPSC IAS Prelims Exam. The second chapter in the India Yearbook deals with the National Identity Elements of India.
The National symbols are essential to the Indian uniqueness and legacy. Indians of all demographics circumstances over the world are proud of these National Symbols as they imbue a sense of pride and nationalism in every Indian’s heart. India is rich in flora as well as fauna. As per available recent data, India is fourth in Asia in plant diversity.
Lotus has a message to deliver to the human race. Even though the lotus is an epitome of beauty, it signifies non-attachment. There are numerous verses praising the love between the sun and the flower in Indian literature in particular. It represents both magnificence and non-attachment. There is a saying that although it grows in mud, it smells of myrrh.
National Flower of India – UPSC Notes:-Download PDF Here
Frequently Asked Questions on Facts About National Flower of India
Q 1. Why is Lotus the National Flower of India?
Q 2. What does the golden lotus signify in Buddhism?
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