In modern Indian history, in which year was the peacock officially declared the National Bird of India?

Introduction / Context:
This question concerns national symbols in post-independence India. Along with the national flag, emblem, anthem and animal, the national bird also carries symbolic meaning and is frequently asked in general knowledge exams. The Indian peacock, with its distinctive colourful plumage, was chosen as the National Bird. Knowing the year of this official declaration is a factual detail that often appears in objective questions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The symbol in question is the National Bird of India.
• The bird chosen is the peacock.
• We are asked the year when this declaration was made.
• Options: 1963, 1960, 1953, 1950.
• We rely on standard GK references on national symbols.

Concept / Approach:
Although India attained independence in 1947 and adopted its Constitution in 1950, some national symbols were finalised and notified later. The peacock was officially declared the National Bird of India in 1963. This timing reflects evolving discussions on which species best represents India's heritage and biodiversity. Other years in the options, such as 1950 or 1960, are plausible sounding but do not match the formal declaration date given in exam-focused sources.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Indian peacock was chosen as National Bird after some years of independence. Step 2: Remember that the widely cited year is 1963. Step 3: Compare this with alternatives like 1950 or 1960, which are often used as distractors. Step 4: Confirm from your GK preparation that 1963 appears in most tables of national symbols. Step 5: Select 1963 as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Charts of national symbols in competitive exam books usually include a short note like “National Bird – Indian peacock (declared in 1963).” Articles on the history of India’s national symbols also mention that the peacock was chosen officially in the early 1960s, not immediately in 1950 or 1953. 1960 appears nowhere as a standard date in these references, confirming that 1963 is the properly accepted year used in objective questions.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b (1960) and option c (1953) are earlier dates that may seem reasonable but do not reflect the official notification year repeated in standard GK sources. Option d (1950) corresponds to the adoption of the Constitution and other foundational decisions, but the national bird was not declared at that time. These dates serve mainly as distractors for candidates who only vaguely remember that the decision was taken “after independence” but do not recall the exact year.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to assume that all national symbols were finalised immediately in 1950 with the Constitution, which leads some candidates to choose 1950 without checking specific facts. Another pitfall is to interchange 1960 and 1963 due to their closeness. To avoid mistakes, memorise a simple association: “Peacock – National Bird – declared in 1963,” and differentiate this from 1950, which is mainly linked with the Constitution and Republic Day.

Final Answer:
The peacock was officially declared the National Bird of India in the year 1963.