2017-01-31 Tue

That’s what we heard….That you are Indian National Bird……!

Peacock: the large majestic bird was declared the National Bird of India on 31st January 1963. The national bird of a country is a designated representative of that country’s fauna. On the other hand it should be a prominent feature in the cultural history of the country.

Peacock, with its vivid colours and grace commands a lot of attention. Despite the aesthetic sense of the bird, the criteria for this choice were many. The bird must be well-distributed within the country so it could truly 'national'. It must be recognisable to the common man.As Peacock is associated with Indian myths, legends, history and culture it fit the bill.

The significance of peacock is attached to cultures of India. In Hinduism, the image of the god of thunder, rains and war, Indra, was depicted in the form of a peacock. In south India, peacock is considered as a 'vahana' or vehilce of lord Muruga. The figure of peacock is painted in various Islamic religious buildings. In Christianity, the peacock was also known as the symbol of the 'Resurrection'.

Since the ancient period a Peacock has been enhancing the beauty of many Indian monuments in the form of sculptures and carvings. A peacock also dwells beautifully on many coins.

Gold Dinars of KumarGupta depicts the king offering a twig of grapes to a peacock on the obverse while the reverse bears God Kartikeya seated on peacock perched upon a platform. Another Silver coin of KumarGupta features fan tailed peacock in the centre.

In modern days many stamps are issued with a special emphasis on peacock. E.g a Rs. 2.00 stamp issued in the year 1973 to commemorate the Indipex event depicts a fan tailed peacock.

The national bird of India also appears on foreign stamps. An Indo-French joint issue depicts the national birds of the country. €90 stamp features depicts a peacock from the 19th Century piece of jewellery crafted in the Minkari tradition.

Read more about the joint issue Click here