In this beautifully illustrated book filled with little known facts from Indian history, and pictures and photographs, read some unusual stories: How the tiger took over from the Asiatic lion as our National Animal. The many ways in which the banyan tree features in our cultural and natural history, making it the perfect choice as our National Tree. How there were many contenders for National Bird—the Great Indian Bustard, the myna, swan and sarus crane—but finally the peacock was chosen. The deep love every Indian has for the National Fruit—the mango! And who knew that we even have a National Microbe—the Lactobacillus delbrueckii—the microbe that converts milk to curd.

Read about all the ways in which the tiger and the lion are being saved and conserved in the country. The many myths that surround our National Reptile—the Indian cobra. The various legends and historical accounts that feature the peacock. Teeming with facts from history, natural science, wildlife conservation and Indian culture, this is an unusual book about all the national symbols that were created to show that India is also home to diverse flora and fauna along with a rich cultural legacy that need to be preserved for the ages.

About the Author