GK Quiz on National Symbols: What Do the 24 Spokes in the Ashoka Chakra Represent?

In August each year students search for information about national symbols of India that may be required for school functions and exams. There are official guidelines by the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding how to the hoist the national flag and about all the state emblem. But basic information may prove difficult for students to remember during exams.

This gk quiz on national symbol of india covers everyday questions about these official icons starting with what the 24 spokes in the Ashoka Chakra actually stand for to try ahead of Indepndence Day celebration on 15 August 2026. 

10 GK Quiz on National Symbols of India with Answers and Explanations

Q1. What do the 24 spokes in the Ashoka Chakra on the Indian National Flag represent?

a) 24 states of ancient India

b) 24 hours of the day and 24 principles of life

c) 24 freedom fighters of 1857

d) 24 main rivers of India

Answer: b) 24 hours of the day and 24 principles of life

Explanation: The navy blue wheel stands for constant progress round the clock with each spoke representing human values like honesty, peace, and patience.

Q2. On which date did the Government of India officially adopt the National Emblem?

a) August 15, 1947

b) November 26, 1949

c) January 26, 1950

d) August 14, 1950

Answer: c) January 26, 1950

Explanation: India adopted the Lion Capital from Ashoka’s pillar at Sarnath on the same day the country became a republic.

Q3. Where does the motto 'Satyameva Jayate' printed below the National Emblem come from?

a) Rigveda

b) Mundaka Upanishad

c) Bhagavad Gita

d) Arthashastra

Answer: b) Mundaka Upanishad

Explanation: The phrase translates to ‘Truth alone triumphs’ and comes from an ancient text called the Mundaka Upanishad.

Q4. Which four animals appear on the circular base right under the four lions in the National Emblem?

a) Lion, Elephant, Bull, and Horse

b) Tiger, Lion, Elephant, and Peacock

c) Lion, Cow, Deer, and Horse

d) Elephant, Rhino, Horse, and Bull

Answer: a) Lion, Elephant, Bull, and Horse

Explanation: The base shows an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull, and a lion separated by small wheels.

Q5. Who designed the basic layout of the Indian National Flag adopted in July 1947?

a) Rabindranath Tagore

b) Pingali Venkayya

c) Gopal Krishna Gokhale

d) Sarojini Naidu

Answer: b) Pingali Venkayya

Explanation: Pingali Venkayya from Andhra Pradesh created the original design that became the base for our current flag.

Q6. What is the fixed ratio of length to height for the Indian National Flag?

a) 2:1

b) 4:3

c) 3:2

d) 5:3

Answer: c) 3:2

Explanation: According to the Flag Code of India the flag must always be rectangular with length measuring 1.5 times its height.

Q7. Which aquatic species was named the National Aquatic Animal of India in 2009?

a) Blue Whale

b) Gangetic River Dolphin

c) Dugong

d) Green Sea Turtle

Answer: b) Gangetic River Dolphin

Explanation: The freshwater dolphin of the Ganga river was chosen to help protect its shrinking population and clean river habitats.

Q8. Who wrote the National Song of India Vande Mataram?

a) Rabindranath Tagore

b) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay

c) Kazi Nazrul Islam

d) Sri Aurobindo

Answer: b) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay

Explanation: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote the poem in Sanskritized Bengali as part of his 1882 novel Anandamath.

Q9. How long does a standard full playing of the National Anthem Jana Gana Mana take?

a) 45 seconds

b) 52 seconds

c) 60 seconds

d) 65 seconds

Answer: b) 52 seconds

Explanation: Government rules set the exact timing for playing or singing the complete version at 52 seconds.

Q10. Which tree is the official National Tree of India?

a) Neem Tree

b) Peepal Tree

c) Banyan Tree

d) Mango Tree

Answer: c) Banyan Tree

Explanation: The Indian Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) was picked because its spreading branches and roots symbolise long life and shelter.

Q11. Which fruit holds the status of National Fruit of India?

a) Apple

b) Mango

c) Banana

d) Guava

Answer: b) Mango

Explanation: The native mango (Mangifera indica) has been grown across India for thousands of years and represents warm summers.

Q12. Which animal is officially named as the National Heritage Animal of India?

a) Royal Bengal Tiger

b) Indian Elephant

c) Snow Leopard

d) Asiatic Lion

Answer: b) Indian Elephant

Explanation: The tiger remains the National Animal but the government added the Indian Elephant as the National Heritage Animal in 2010 to boost forest conservation.