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India Today
22-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Before the tricolour, there were symbols: A timeline of India's historical identity
The tricolour in the hands of school children is one of the most common sights on the streets during August 15 and January 26. The tricolour, which is now India's pride, was not always the same -- it took years to come into 1947, as different factions were fighting for India's independence, it gave them the chance to design various versions of a flag that could be used against British rule. This journey began in have you ever wondered what India's great kings like Ashoka, Chandragupta Maurya, Harshavardhan, or rulers from the Gupta Empire, used as a flag? Back then, the boundaries were not like they are today, and maps looked very different from our present-day context. Flags still existed, but in a different form. They represented empires, dynasties, and authority, and in many ways, symbolised rule over the land we now call India. Over centuries, the land has been referred to as Bharata, Aryavarta, or, in later periods, we explore how the flags/symbols of several empires came to represent this land across different centuries.A flag, in any nation, is a symbol that unites citizens under one visible expression of pride and identity. Historians say that a flag is something that reminds us of who we are and where we belong. Reconstruction of Mauryan Flag as mentioned by Chanakya (Image: Wikimedia Commons) Sadan Jha, in his book, Reverence, Resistance and Politics of Seeing the Indian National Flag writes: "History reveals that the flag does not merely act as an entry point in unearthing meanings of political and cultural practices, but also becomes a site where claims of nationhood and citizenship are made, resisted, and negotiated."FLAGS BEFORE THE TRICOLOURBefore the modern idea of a nation-state, flags in India were markers of dynasties and empires. These were the symbols of political authority, military identity, and spiritual the Mauryan Empire, the most recognisable symbol was the Ashoka Chakra, seen on pillars and coins. While no fixed rectangular flag survives from that era, the chakra, as a symbol, was used to project state Ashoka turned to Buddhism, the dharma chakra spread across his empire as an emblem of moral and administrative Guptas, who presided over a classical age of learning and administration, used garuda-like symbols on their coinage and and sculptures suggest flags were flown from military chariots and city were less about nationhood and more about dynasty and in the early medieval period, the Chalukyas and Palas used flags as insignia during war and the rise of the Rajputs and the Chauhans, flags began to represent valour and clan flags were often painted with family symbols, animals, or war Rajput banner was held high during battles against both invaders and rival kingdoms. It represented honour, not UNDER SULTANATES AND MUGHALSWhen the Delhi Sultanate rose to power, flags began to follow Islamic heraldry, solid colours, crescents, calligraphic Mughals, as successors, brought a more imperial approach. Their banners were recorded in chronicles like the Mughal standard often featured a green backdrop with symbols of the lion and sun, combining Islamic symbolism with a claim to universal Mughal empire, at its peak, unified much of India, and its standard came to be seen as the umbrella under which India functioned, if not fully united. Flag of Mughal empire (Image: Wikimedia Commons) However, these flags still signified dynasties rather than collective identity. There was no 'Indian' flag, only the flags of rulers who governed Indian MARATHAS AND REGIONAL POWERSWith the decline of the Mughals, the Marathas emerged as challengers to imperial rajmudra, his royal seal, was a statement of Swarajya, self-rule. His forces carried saffron flags, a colour later to be found in India's national flag. Swarajya Flag (AI-generated image) The Marathas, though decentralised, expanded across the subcontinent, and their flags began to symbolise a Hindu resurgence against foreign domination. Still, the idea of one India under one flag remained regional powers, the Sikhs, the Mysore rulers under Tipu Sultan, and even the Nizams, had their own flags, often reflecting spiritual motifs or military insignia. By the 18th century, India was a land of many flags but no national COLONIAL FLAG DURING THE BRITISH RAJAfter 1857, the British Crown established direct rule. The Union Jack dominated the colonial flag, with a royal emblem, the Star of India, marking imperial princely states retained local flags, the British sought to project a singular imperial image. But this created a was still no Indian flag to rally around, and as the nationalist movement grew, so did the need for a common RISE OF NATIONAL FLAG OF INDIAIn 1904, Sister Nivedita designed a red and yellow flag with 'Bande Mataram' inscribed on 1906, the 'Calcutta Flag', featuring lotus symbols and 'Vande Mataram' written in Devanagari, was unfurled. With horizontal stripes of orange, yellow and green, this flag came to be known as the 'Calcutta flag' or the 'Lotus flag', as it had eight half-opened lotuses on the orange strip. In 1907, Bhikaji Cama raised a different tricolour in Stuttgart. These were experimental attempts, each reflecting fragments of Indian 1916 and 1921, Pingali Venkayya submitted designs combining religious colours and symbols. Gandhi recommended the spinning wheel as a sign of economic his tricolour, red, green, and white, was later adjusted to saffron, white, and green, to remove religious Congress adopted this new tricolour in 1931, with the charkha at its unofficial, this flag became the face of protests, satyagrahas, and mass movements. When Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose hoisted the flag in Port Blair in 1943, it was no longer symbolic. It was a declaration. Netaji hoisted this flag in Port Blair FROM CHARKHA TO CHAKRAWith Independence in sight, the Constituent Assembly formed a committee to finalise the national flag. The design kept the tricolour but replaced the charkha with the Ashoka Chakra, an ancient, non-sectarian symbol of law and flag was adopted on July 22, 1947. (Image: Wikimedia Commons) This shift was more than aesthetic. The Chakra made a historical connection back to Ashoka and the idea of moral rule, a return to symbols that had once tried to bind the land through ethics, not just flag now is regulated by the Flag Code of India. Its usage has expanded over the years. From schools to stadiums, from courtrooms to battlefields, the Tiranga is seen and its meaning is still made by the people who carry it. Every era has redefined journey of India's flag, from the chakra of Ashoka to the saffron of the Marathas, from the crescent of the Mughals to the charkha of Gandhi, is a history of attempts to say: this is who we Arundhati Virmani's A National Flag for India, she observes: 'A national flag acquires meaning only when it is invested with emotions and memory by the people. Without this, it is just cloth.' Empires rose and fell, but each left behind a thread in the fabric we now call the flag is not just three colours. It is a long conversation across time, geography, and struggle, now stitched into a single still asks the question: who are we? And it still answers: we are many, but we are one.- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vishal Aditya Singh to play the other male lead in Aami Dakini producer's next show
Vishal Aditya Singh After casting Aham Sharma , the makers of Aami Dakini have now finalised Vishal Aditya Singh to play the second male lead in their upcoming television show. The story will centre around two male protagonists and one female lead. While Aham and Vishal will portray the male leads, Bengali star Sandipta Sen has been roped in to play the female protagonist. A source associated with the show informed us, 'The story is based on the popular Bengali OTT series Noshtoneer, which featured Sandipta in the lead role. She has been cast to reprise the same character in its television adaptation. The narrative will begin with Sandipta and Aham, with other important characters entering as the plot progresses. Nishi Singh has been finalised to play the parallel lead in the new show. Aham will be seen as a heart surgeon, while Vishal will play a police officer. This will be a finite series, currently planned for 130 episodes, and will be shot in Chandigarh.' Vishal remained unavailable for comment. The actor, known for his work in shows like Chandragupta Maurya, Sasural Simar Ka, Begusarai, Chandrakanta, and Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala, was last seen in Chand Jalne Laga. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The upcoming show marks his return to television after nearly a year and a half. Aham, too, is making a comeback to the small screen after a considerable break. In an earlier conversation with us about his mythological project Bhagwaan Parashuraam, Vishal had shared, 'India has deep roots in mythology, and the Indian entertainment industry has brought forth some incredible stories. While we are familiar with Lord Vishnu's tales, his avatars are less explored. As a spiritual person, when I got the opportunity to play Lord Parashuraam, I was excited to dive into the unknown. The show is not just entertaining — it also offers insight into the lesser-known origins of this powerful figure. I am thrilled to be part of a project that aims to bring viewers closer to Indian history and culture.'
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
You have to say no a few times to get what you want: Sourabh Raaj Jain
Sourabh Raaj Jain, recognized for his portrayal of Krishna, discusses his conscious decision to avoid being typecast in mythological roles. H Best known for playing Krishna in Mahabharat and other mythological shows like Mahakali and Chandragupta Maurya, Sourabh Raaj Jain talks about being stereotyped in the genre and how he managed to break free from that. He says, 'After Krishna, I kept getting calls to play similar roles — Krishna, Vishnu, etc. But I turned them down because it felt repetitive. If someone comes with a fresh take, I won't think twice. A role has to be different from what you have done earlier.' Talking to Mumbai Mirror about how his patience paid off, Sourabh says, 'It's a choice. You have to say no a few times to get what you want. That also depends on your financial stability and how focused you are on what you want to do.' He recently returned to television with Tu Dhadkan Mein Dil after five years. 'I am happy to play characters with different layers, whether it's performance-based or writer-driven. I started my career with fiction shows. I did Remix, Uttaran, Parichay, among others. I want to be a part of different genres and do a variety of roles,' he says.
Time Business News
10-05-2025
- Time Business News
Enjoy Jain Food in running Train with your Family and Friends
With origins dating back to the prehistoric era, Jain Dharma is one of the oldest religious systems on the Indian subcontinent. It used to govern most of India and was preferred by some of the most well-known kings of ancient India, but today it is only practiced by a small number of people in India and abroad. Toward the end of his reign, Chandragupta Maurya, the first emperor of India, became a Jainist and died fasting in accordance with the customs of a Jain monk. Many fruits and vegetables grown on trees are consumed by Jains, who gather them without letting them fall to the ground or harming the trees. to ensure the Jain community is comfortable. Additionally, Railways provides Jain Food Delivery in Train rides. It is completely up to them to decide. Foods like garlic and onions that should not be consumed should not be added. Vegetables like eggplant, onions, garlic, and the like are prohibited in Jain cuisine, which is vegan. Satvik is an essential part of Jain food. Onions and garlic are not simply removed; there are additional procedures involved in preparing them. Jain texts state that meat, wine, honey, and the five Udumbara fruits—Gular, Pipal, Anjir, Banyan, and Pakar—are forbidden in sravakas, or houses. Misting root vegetables is a terrific approach to assist the soil retain water or energy. The survival of the creatures in the vicinity is guaranteed by these storage organs. Jains avoid eating outside because of this. IRCTC e-Catering Jain Food Delivery in Train, nevertheless In Train currently provides an online Jain food ordering service. On the train, you can visit the zoop. Janet's food is prepared with great care by Zoop partner restaurants. We provide a range of choices for Jains. in order to indulge in your favorite cuisine while on the go. Frequently, this is an unreliable Indian app. This app is the main one associated with the official IRCTC website. We will provide the greatest advantage to our customers. With this software, passengers must choose from a variety of options. It becomes easy to order dinner on the prepare. Breakfast and lunch, as well as snacks and beverages, are too easily accessible. This program uses the latest innovation to interface with trains, restaurants, and travelers. The Zoop app greatly simplifies the process of delivering food at Indian train stations. Follow the instructions below. First, download the application. Open the app, then input your prepaid number or PNR number. Decide on your restaurant and transportation area. After that, you want to select your preferred item from the restaurant's menu. Then select the delivery station for example if you are in lucknow you can Order Food on Train at Lucknow with Zoop app. Payment in installments On the conveyance, you will also pay in cash. After then, watch for a prearranged affirmation message. There are also a lot of deals and rebates on this app. Jain followers only consume vegetarian food that is free of garlic and onions. Additionally, foods like potatoes, carrots, and other produce cultivated underground should be avoided. They despise violence, and I oppose harming small creatures. They thus abstain from eating meat, including lamb and chicken, and fish. Additionally, because they contain meat and animal products, wine, honey, pork, and oil are unfit for human consumption. Through the Zoop Jain Food Delivery in Train service, you may also order food to be delivered online while traveling by train. Indeed, there are a number of eateries close to the railroad where Jain citizens can place train orders. This eatery follows all safety regulations when preparing Jain cuisine. Jane provides you with a range of delectable meals to savor while traveling. Paneer tikka, bay soup, cabbage, paneer paratha, and other dishes are among the numerous alternatives. Here is a structure for tracking your nutrition that you can use immediately. Among the best and most popular train apps is Zoop. In order to provide online food in trains at more than 160 stations, the company has teamed with this IRCTC. Both websites and applications work well for online learning administrations and provide clients with prompt service. Using this app to place an internet food order on an Indian train is just too easy. In addition to choosing the item and conveyance location, you must input the PNR number. You will then simply be required to pay the fee. That's all. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rumi khan joins the starcast of upcoming TV show Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan- Exclusive
Actor , who was last seen in Sunny Deol and Ameesha Patel starrer blockbuster movie, ' : The Katha Continues', has now joined the cast of upcoming historical television drama, . The show also features and . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He said, "I enjoy playing promising roles and I'm glad to find one in this show. My audience will see me playing the role of , he is a renowned figure discussed in the narration of Prithviraj Chauhan's tale and Indian history. I'm playing a grey-shaded role." Khan continued, "I'm enjoying the vibes around. The atmosphere on sets is helping me to experience the ancient times era. Be it the kingdom made on sets to the royal look we get into while shooting. I'm amazed with the fun here. I must say audience will see a completely fresh setup, though the story is discussed on television several times earlier on television but here's no comparison. Audience will love the efforts made by makers and our hardwork. " Rumi, last seen in which aired from 22 August 2022 to 14 January 2023, on television screen is making a comeback after 3 years. He added, "I was last shooting for TV show during 2023, and it was for Alibaba, almost same genre. And later I took a break and was focusing into films. I enjoyed opportunity to feature in , Gadar 2 and few OTT releases. I'm happy to get back on TV screens. I know the makers and have an amazing experience while working with them. So, when I was offered the role, I didn't think twice." Rumi has been part of shows like Sher-e-Punjab: Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Chandragupta Maurya, Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat, Bharat Ka Veer Putra – Maharana Pratap, Mahabharat among others.
