At Chennai's Fort St George Museum, the last surviving vintage national flag whispers tales of India's freedom movement.
The National flag was hoisted on August 15, 1947, at 5.05 am on the ramparts of Fort St George. (Roshne Balasubramanian/South First)
Celebrating its 75th Republic Day, India is immersed in festive activities such as parades, vibrant floral displays, cultural performances, and the ceremonial unfurling of the national flag. This signifies the hard-earned freedom of the nation and pays homage to the enactment of its Constitution. Amid the nationwide fervour, the coastal city of Madras (now Chennai), holds a significant vestige of national importance.
Within the venerable walls of Tamil Nadu’s seat of power at Rajaji Road, the Fort St George Museum safeguards the only surviving vintage national flag raised at Fort St George on the inaugural Independence Day, August 15, 1947.
A few years ago, when we visited the Fort where Britain’s significant presence in India was established, we noticed the national flag exhibited on the second floor. It became clear to us at that moment that the gallery space required renovation to effectively convey and appropriately reflect its historical significance.
The gallery housing the flag underwent renovation. (Roshne Balasubramanian/South First)
Today, the flag has undergone meticulous conservation and now adorns a newly renovated gallery that stands out prominently within the building. Featuring a modern aesthetic highlighted by updated lighting and wallpapers, the gallery proudly showcases the national flag encased in an airtight glass case. Above, on the wall, the words “Nation’s Pride” complement the display.
Informative displays on the gallery walls offer insights into the flag’s historic hoisting, the evolution of the national flag, and the dedicated conservation efforts aimed at preserving this symbol of national heritage.
The Indian flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya. (Roshne Balasubramanian/South First)
According to Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials, the national flag displayed at the Fort St George Museum was hoisted after the lowering of the British Union Jack on 15 August, 1947, at 5.05 am.
“The flag was raised on the flagstaff located on the ravelin of Fort St George in Madras,” shared an ASI official. The original teak wood mast, standing at a height of 150 feet – one of the tallest in the country – stood the test of time from 1688 to 1994. Eventually, it was replaced with a metal replica by the then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.
The national flag measuring 3.5 meters by 2.40 meters, is crafted from pure silk fabric.
“There is no conclusive information regarding who raised the flag at Fort St George. Historian and author KRA Narasaiah mentioned that it was hoisted by a soldier, but there are no historical records to substantiate this claim. All the available information has been researched and presented for the public at the museum,” stated the official.
According to another museum official, on the same day, Sir Archibald Nye, the then Governor of Madras Presidency, officially raised the flag at the Island grounds. “There are newspaper records substantiating this,” they noted.
Since 2013, it has been on public display. (Roshne Balasubramanian/South First)
Due to its fragile condition, the flag initially found its place in the museum’s Reserve Collection.
“Since 2013, it has been on public display. However, given that the museum is situated inside the fort, foot traffic is limited. On weekdays, we typically see 30-35 visitors, and on weekends, it’s a maximum of 75-100,” the official explained, stressing the importance of raising awareness about the flag.
To mark 75 years of independence, the flag underwent meticulous conservation. (Roshne Balasubramanian/South First)
To mark 75 years of independence, the flag underwent meticulous conservation. “The conservation efforts, carried out by a 7-8 member team, commenced in 2020 and concluded in 2022. Due to the flag’s delicate nature, the restoration took place within the gallery, preventing its removal from the premises,” stated the official.
Following this, the gallery also underwent an extensive renovation, spanning 8 months. In November 2023, coinciding with World Heritage Week, the gallery reopened, revealing the restored national flag.
According to documents detailing the scientific conservation and restoration process, the silk flag was presented in a wooden case with perspex sheets and illuminated by standard incandescent tube lights.
The flag is made of Mulberry silk. (Roshne Balasubramanian/South First)
Upon dismantling, it was discovered that rusting had occurred due to three layers of support fixed with iron nails beneath the flag, leading to damage in various places.
In a museum record, it was noted, “Due to mismanagement in the storage of the National Flag, various issues such as creases, folding marks, wrinkles, wear and tear, loss of fabric, fading of dye, stain marks, frayed and uneven edges, embrittlement, were observed at different sections of the flag. The flag experienced tearing near the creases, likely due to being stored in the reserve collection in a folded manner over some time.”
The flag’s condition before and after conservation. (Roshne Balasubramanian/South First)
The flag’s deterioration was influenced by a spectrum of factors, encompassing physio-chemical-anthropogenic elements and environmental conditions, it seems.
The micro-climatic conditions within the museum, fluctuations in temperature and humidity, and other environmental aspects all contributed to both chemical and biological degradation.
The record stated, “The discolouration of white and dyed textiles occurred due to ageing and oxidation caused by gaseous pollutants. Additionally, insect attacks were identified as a contributing factor to the damage, evident by the discovery of remains of dead insects on certain sections of the flag.”
During the conservation efforts, material characterisation, conducted in collaboration with the Textile Committee under the Government of India, Ministry of Textile, unveiled that Mulberry silk fabric was utilised in the preparation of the flag.
“Every effort has been dedicated to preserving this national symbol. Its significance is heightened because it is the sole surviving flag that was raised on the first Independence Day. While numerous flags may have been unfurled across the nation, this one endures,” added the ASI official.
While numerous flags may have been unfurled across the nation, this one endures. (Roshne Balasubramanian/South First)
The Fort St George Museum is situated on Rajaji Rd, near the Legislature and Secretariat, Fort St George.
The entry fee is ₹20 for Indian Nationals.
Digital tickets can be obtained upon arrival at the museum using a smartphone. (If you require assistance with the digitised ticket system, the security personnel at the entrance will be available to help.)
It is compulsory to carry an ID proof for security checks at the entrance.
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm (The museum is closed on account of Republic Day)
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