Independence Day: Tricolour hoisted in 1947 at Chennai’s Fort St George still survives

The only surviving vintage national flag in India, hoisted at Fort St George in Chennai on the first Independence Day on August 15, 1947, is being conserved by the Archaeological Survey of India It was put on public display for the first time at the Fort Museum in Fort St George complex in Chennai on January 26, 2013 Some portions of the flag though is in tatters due to age

The only surviving vintage national flag in India, hoisted at Fort St George in Chennai on the first Independence Day on August 15, 1947, is being conserved by the Archaeological Survey of India through multi-pronged efforts.

The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has been preserving this unique flag which has been in its ‘reserve collection’ for decades.

It was put on public display for the first time at the Fort Museum in Fort St George complex in Chennai on January 26, 2013.

The flag is placed in an air tight wooden-glass showcase and surrounded by six bowls of silica gel to regulate humidity and absorb moisture all the time.

A lux meter (used to measure light intensity) is used to ensure appropriate lighting inside the hall and over the showcase.

An ASI official told PTI, “We even do not allow natural light to fall on the showcase. There is also a robust security apparatus in place which includes a trigger siren.”

Appropriate temperature is maintained inside the hall by round-the-clock air conditioning. Human sensor enabled LED lighting is used around the showcase and the lights will turn on only if there are visitors around.

The 12 feet by 8 feet pure silk flag was hoisted after lowering the British Union Jack on August 15, 1947 at 5.05am at Fort St George and was witnessed by thousands of people.

“Unfortunately, we do not have records with us to establish who hoisted the flag that day at Fort St George,” the official said.

“This is the one and only national flag that has been conserved to this day and it is also the only flag that was hoisted on the first Independence day to survive till now,” the official said.

Asked about some portions of the flag appearing to be in tatters, the official said it was due to age.

“We are doing our very best to protect and conserve it, since it is our national heritage and pride and there is no similar flag available anywhere else in our country.”

(With inputs from PTI)