Symbols of the Natural World — Animal, Bird, Flower, Tree, Fruit

National Animal — Royal Bengal Tiger

Panthera tigris tigris replaced the lion as the national animal in 1972, the same year "Project Tiger" was conceived (launched 1973) to protect the declining tiger population. It symbolises strength, power and grace, and is associated with several Hindu deities.

National Bird — Indian Peacock

Pavo cristatus, notified in 1963 and protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Native to the subcontinent; the male's iridescent train is used in courtship display.

National Flower — Lotus

Nelumbo nucifera. Sacred in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions; symbolises purity, divine beauty and spiritual awakening because it grows unstained out of muddy water.

National Tree — Banyan

Ficus benghalensis. An extremely long-living tree that spreads via aerial prop roots, forming a canopy that can cover several acres; symbolises immortality and shelter.

National Fruit — Mango

Mangifera indica, the "King of Fruits." India is the world's largest producer of mangoes; the Alphonso and Dasheri varieties are especially prized.