Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the area of Indian symbols and national identity. The National Flag of India consists of three horizontal stripes and a navy blue wheel, known as the Ashoka Chakra, at the centre of the white band. Knowing the number of spokes in this wheel is a standard fact repeatedly asked in school exams and competitive tests, as it symbolises important values drawn from the Ashokan tradition and the Dharma Chakra motif.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question focuses on the Ashoka Chakra depicted in the centre of the Indian National Flag.
- We must identify how many spokes the wheel contains.
- Options are 8, 12, 16, and 24.
- No calculation is necessary; only correct factual recall is required.
Concept / Approach:
The Ashoka Chakra on the Indian national flag is derived from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, where the Dharma Chakra symbol represents the wheel of law. In the flag, the wheel is navy blue and contains 24 spokes. These spokes are often interpreted as symbolising the 24 hours of the day or various virtues associated with righteous living. Therefore, among the options given, 24 is the correct answer.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Visualise the Indian national flag and focus on the navy blue wheel in the centre.
Step 2: Recall that this wheel is the Ashoka Chakra, adapted from the Dharma Chakra at Sarnath.
Step 3: Remember that the Ashoka Chakra on the flag has 24 spokes.
Step 4: Check the options and match this number with option 24.
Step 5: Select 24 as the correct answer.
Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by recalling textbook illustrations and official descriptions of the flag. The design specifications clearly state that the Ashoka Chakra must be navy blue with 24 equally spaced spokes. This fact is also mentioned in many GK question banks, and is frequently asked in school-level quizzes, which helps reinforce it in memory.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- 8: This is far fewer than the correct count and does not match the official design.
- 12 and 16: These numbers might appear plausible to the eye in a rough sketch, but the actual design specifies 24 spokes, not 12 or 16.
Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to rely on a rough mental image of the flag and undercount the spokes, leading to choices like 12 or 16. Another pitfall is to confuse symbolic interpretations of the wheel with the precise design requirement. To avoid errors, it is best to simply memorise the exact figure of 24 spokes for the Ashoka Chakra in the national flag.
Final Answer:
The Ashoka Chakra in the centre of the National Flag of India is a wheel with
24 spokes.
