One topic that gets the adrenaline kicking in for most is India VS Pakistan. In terms of military and sports, the two countries have always been a hot topic for most journalists. Having intense history together with smiles as well as tears, the competitive aura between the two nations prevails to date, leaving the flags of each of them as no exception. Both the country’s flags represent patriotism, nationalism and a sense of pride.
As hard as it is to believe that India and Pakistan were once a whole country, it is true. With many cultural elements being similar, the differences seemed to have been blurry. From similar cuisines, similar climates, to similar languages and national sports, the countries have a lot in common. Considering the ongoing disputes and tension lasting for over decades, it’s safe to assume that many are unaware of the times when these two actually shared good times together.
Back to the flags element - ever since independence, when both nations splitter apart, so did their national flags. Representing strong sense of patriotism and idealistic beliefs, both the nation’s have been successful at maintaining the flag’s reputation globally. The flags are flown with honor and dignity, and the citizens have immense respect for them. Though the culture may have been similar, it’s quite evident how their flags are drastically different from each other.
To acknowledge the differences that exist in terms of their flags, let’s evaluate the basic description of each of them.
Basic Description
India's Flag The flag of India, officially adopted in 1947, after the independence, consists of a horizontal tricolour design which is in equal proportions. With deep saffron (orange) stripe on the top and white stripe in the middle along with a green one at the bottom, it makes a vibrant flag. At the centre of the white stripe, is a blue wheel with 24 strokes. This is known as Dharma Chakra, which is a Buddhist symbol.
Pakistan's Flag The flag of Pakistan, officially adopted 1947, after the independence, consists of a dark green field with a white vertical stripe. At the centre, there is a white crescent moon and a white five pointed star which represents positivity and growth. All in all, the flag makes an appealing presence and has a vibrant aura too.
Thoughts About Basic Description:
After discussing the basic description of both the flags, we are now aware of the fact that though both the flags share a similar colored stripe, which is of white color. But the rest of the flag design is different. Where there are vibrant colors like orange in the Indian flag along with it being a tricolor flag, the Pakistani flag features two colors only with a simplistic look.
Notably, the symbols are different too. Where the crescent moon and stars represent most of the Arab-Muslim culture in the Pakistani flag, the blue wheel with 24 strokes represents a Buddhist symbol marked by Buddhist beliefs. The religious element sets them both apart as well. All in all, the flags have major differences according to the basic description.
Having covered the basic description part, let’s assess what each of these flags symbolize.
Symbolism
India's Flag The tricolored flag has many different meanings and hidden symbolism. The saffron color represents strength and sacrifices made for the country by its brave heroic fighters. On the other hand, the white color represents how the country stands up for truth, peace as well as cleanliness. Besides that, navy blue symbol represents the belief that life is in movement and death is in stagnation. Finally, the green color symbolizes growth, fertility as well as the sacredness of the land.
Pakistan's Flag The simplistic flag of Pakistan has many hidden meanings. The color white represents peace and honesty, as well as religious minorities. On the other hand, the color green, represents hope, peace as well as prosperity. The green color is also associated with Islam. Besides that, the crescent moon and stars represent the traditional symbols of Islam, present in most Middle East countries’ flags.
Thoughts About Symbolism:
The symbolism part was quite interesting to discover about both the flags. To a great extent, the symbolism is the same for both the countries, the only difference is the symbols present on both the flags have a different meaning – each to their own religious significance. Moreover, the symbolism of Pakistani flag is more in line with the Arab flags than the Indian flag.
All in all, both the flags symbolize peace, religious significance, independence, prosperity as well as hope.
Having said that, let’s head on to our next aspect, which is the height-to-width ratio of each flag.
Height-To-Width Ratio
Indian Flag Ratio The flag ratio of the Indian flag is 2:3
Pakistani Flag Ratio The flag ratio of the Pakistani flag is 2:3 too
Thoughts About Height-To-Width Ratio:
This aspect is pretty straightforward and the numbers speak for themselves. There isn’t any difference in the proportions of both the flags, as they’re both divided between the ratio of 2:3.
Having discussed the major aspects about both the flags, it is important to highlight some of the interesting flags about each of the flags too.
Interesting Facts About The Flags
India's Flag Notably, there are many interesting facts about the Indian flag and one of them is that Gandhi had proposed a flag with the charkha at the centre long before India ever had the present flag. Many versions of Indian National Flag were adopted, but the present, tricolor one came into existence after independence. The flag is made with special hand-spun cotton and silk fabric which is also known as ‘khadi.
Pakistan's Flag Pakistan’s flag is filled with nationalism and dense history. With nationalism and dense history also come interesting, undiscovered facts about it. The green color of the flag is a specific dark green color with a code ‘#006600’. Also, the largest flag of Pakistan stretched all the way from Mastung to Quetta.
Thoughts About Interesting Facts:
It’s quite interesting how Indian flag is crafted with special cloth and not just in an ordinary way, which explains the kind of love the nation has for its flag. On the other hand, the specifically chosen green color is not like ordinary colors either of the Pakistani flag. It is evident how both the nations have immense respect for their national flags and have made it special in one way or the other which exhibits sheer patriotism.
Concluding Note:
On a concluding note, both flags are meaningful in their own way, yet barely have things in common. Notably, it is important to take a hold of the key differences in order to recognize the uniqueness of each of the flags on an international level. Interestingly, both flags do stand out on an international spectrum, especially during international cricket matches and so on and so forth.