Flag of Qatif

The flag of India (भारत का ध्वज) is the flag used as a government and civil ensign of India since the signing of the Royal Decree in 1950. It shows a horizontal rectangular tricolour of deep saffron, white and India green with the royal coat of arms of India in the middle. A different flag is used in times of war.

Symbolism
The three colours of the Indian flag are based of those proposed by. The saffron represents courage and sacrifice, the green chivalry and faith, and the white peace and truth. The royal coat of arms however shows the power of the monarch; the phrase "Our gods, Our ruler, Our India" also the national motto of India, shows the devotion of the people to the Hindu faith, the monarch and the nation overall.

Use
The current flag of India is used as the state and civil flags - i.e, it is used for both official and civilian use. The flag must always be shown the correct way up (the saffron must be at the top). Insults to the flag, such as its desecration, is punishable by imprisonment or a heavy fine as it is considered to be an affront to the royal family. Destroying the flag can impose even greater penalties.

If the flag is displayed to be vertically then a special variant is used, the the coat of arms at the top of the flag. If the normal flag is used instead it is considered an insult to the monarchy.

The flag is only used in the 13 days of mourning after a monarchs death; all flags are required to be at a half mast in that time. If the flag is ever shown at a half mast outside of those 13 days then it is considered to be an improper use of the flag.

Military flag
In times of war, India uses a desperate military flag. As white symbolises peace it is replaced with red, which is used to embody the blood spilled by the Indian people for their homeland. A gold variant of the royal coat of arms is used, as well as a stylised representation of the Jewelled Sword of India. The jewelled sword represents strength and duty with the words "We give our duty and strength to our India" (हम अपने भारत हमारा कर्तव्य और शक्ति दे) inscribed in Devanagari script.