The Art And History Behind India's Tiranga: How Is The Indian Flag Made?

History of Indian National Flag Tiranga: The Tiranga (Indian National Flag) holds profound significance as a symbol of unity and sovereignty for the country. Indians deeply respect and cherish their flag, viewing it as a personal responsibility. The flag takes center stage during national celebrations, like Independence Day and Republic Day. Its presence alone is enough to boost the morale and confidence of every Indian.

This article explores the history, physical features, and rules associated with the Indian national flag, known as the "Tiranga."

Exploring the Making of the Tricolour

With the nation all set to celebrate its 75th Republic Day, the National Flag is being sold everywhere across the country. While you will find the Tricolour made of paper, cotton and silk, the authentic cloth flag is made only in a small town in northern Karnataka.

The federation is approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to produce the national flag. The BIS is the authority that governs and enforces the manufacturing and correct usage of the national flag according to certain standards, which were created in 1968 and thereafter updated in 2008.

Flag Code of India 2002

According to the Flag Code of India 2002, only Khadi or hand-spun cloth is permitted for making the national flag. Using any other material is a punishable offense, carrying a penalty of imprisonment for up to three years along with a fine. The raw materials allowed for Khadi include cotton, silk, and wool.

The code specifies that any defect in the flag, such as colour, size, thread count, strength of yarn, or fastness of colours used for dyeing, will be considered a serious offense and is subject to fines, imprisonment, or both, as per the provisions.

Flags hoisted at prominent locations like the Red Fort and India Gate, flags for the Army, Navy, Air Force, all government buildings in the country, Indian embassies worldwide, as well as flags on the vehicles of the President, Prime Minister, ministers, and government office tables are exclusively made and supplied by KKGSS. The annual production of flags at KKGSS amounts to Rs 1 crore.

It takes six steps to make a flag:

• Hand Spinning
• Hand weaving
• Bleaching and dyeing
• Chakra printing
• Stitching and toggling.

Nine different sizes of the national flag are produced, adhering to the specifications outlined in the Flag Code of India. The National Flag is rectangular with a ratio of 3:2.

The Tricolour is manufactured in various sizes, each designated for specific displays. For instance, the 450X300 mm size is intended for aircraft on VVIP flights, the 225X150 mm size is designed for motor-cars, and the 150X100 mm size is for table flags.

The largest flag, measuring 14x21 feet, is hoisted at locations like Gwalior Fort, Kolhapur Raigad Fort, and Nalgonda Fort. The flags at the Rampart of the Red Fort measure 8x12 feet, while those at Parliament House and state assembly buildings are 6x9 feet. Government and public service buildings hoist flags with dimensions of 3x4 feet or 2x3 feet.

The material used in the National Flag surpasses the strength of denim. There are 18 quality checks, and even with such stringent measures, there is a 10% cancellation of flags. No compromises are made, and there is no room for discounts or negotiations.

The stitching must be flawless, and any deviation in size or stitching is unacceptable. The organisation incurs a minimum waste of Rs 10 lakh annually. The Ashok Chakra in the flag's center is printed in navy blue ink on a white base using the screen printing technique. Each day, 20 pieces of the Ashok Chakra are printed and left to dry for two days before being stitched with the other two parts (saffron and green bands) of the flag.

Certain rules must be followed during the preparation of national flags. White is always folded inwards, followed by saffron, and then green on top to prevent dirt accumulation. Incorrect folding can cause the flag to get crumpled, making it unfit for hoisting.

The wooden attachment with the national flag is called a toggle, and toggles come in various sizes (4x6, 2x3, and 3x4 and a half) corresponding to the flag's size.

Approximately 50 dedicated women work diligently to meet the growing demands for the National Flag. Their efforts encompass cutting, stitching, steaming, and folding, exemplifying their dedication to quality work.

The Art And History Behind India's Tiranga: Exploring the Making of the Tricolour | Reddit/r/IndiaSpeaks

History of the Indian National Flag (Tiranga)

• Bengal Partition

The need for a national flag became apparent during the announcement of the Bengal Partition. In response, a flag symbolising the anti-partition movement was unfurled, designed by Sachindra Prasad Bose.

• Bhikaji Cama at the 2nd International Socialist Congress

In 1907, Madam Bhikaji Rustom Cama waved a flag during a speech at the second International Socialist Congress in Germany, symbolising the political struggle against the British. The flag was created by Hem Chandra Das.

• Home Rule Movement

In 1917, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Mrs. Anne Besant designed a flag as a symbol of the Home Rule Movement.

• Gandhi Ji¡¯s Idea

In 1921, Mahatma Gandhi suggested the inclusion of a 'Charkha' in the Indian national flag to represent self-reliance, progress, and the common man. Pingley Venkayya was tasked with designing the flag.

• Modification to the Charkha Flag

In 1931, the Gandhi Flag, or Charkha Flag, underwent modification by a seven-member committee in Karachi, including Nehru, Patel, and Azad.

• The Final Look

In 1947, a committee under Dr. Rajendra Prasad modified the Charkha Flag, replacing the Charkha with the emblem of Ashoka¡¯s Sarnath pillar, the wheel, representing free India. The tricolour of Tiranga had no communal significance, leading to its adoption on July 22, 1947.

Colours of the Flag

• Saffron: Strength and courage.
• White: Peace and truth with Dharma Chakra.
• Green: Fertility, growth, and auspiciousness of the land.

The Chakra

The Dharma Chakra represents the "wheel of the law" in the Sarnath Lion Capital, symbolizing life in movement and death in stagnation.

Flag Code

On January 26, 2002, the Indian flag code was modified, allowing citizens to hoist the flag on any day. The code provides guidelines to avoid disrespecting the tricolour.

Do's and Don'ts

• The Do's:

1. Hoist the National Flag in educational institutions to inspire respect.
2. Private citizens and organisations can display the National Flag on all days.
3. Hoist the flag from sunrise to sunset.

• The Don'ts:

1. Avoid using the flag for communal gains, drapery, or clothes.
2. Prevent the flag from touching the ground or trailing in water.
3. Do not place any object above the flag, and avoid using it as festoons, rosettes, or buntings.
4. The Flag Code of India, 2002, outlines detailed rules for the respectful display of the National Flag by individuals, private organisations, and government entities.

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