In Tamil Nadu’s seat of power, the Fort St George Museum safeguards the only surviving vintage national flag raised on the inaugural Independence Day, August 15, 1947.
The flag’s deterioration was influenced by a spectrum of factors, encompassing physio-chemical-anthropogenic elements and environmental conditions, it seems.
Featuring a modern aesthetic highlighted by updated lighting and wallpapers, the gallery proudly showcases the national flag encased in an airtight glass case.
According to Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials, the national flag displayed at the Museum was hoisted after the lowering of the British Union Jack on 15 August, 1947, at 5.05 am.
The original teak wood mast, standing at a height of 150 feet – one of the tallest in the country – stood from 1688 to 1994. Eventually it was replaced with a metal replica.
“The conservation efforts, carried out by a 7-8 member team, happened in 2020-2022. The restoration took place within the gallery, due to its delicate nature,” stated an official.
“Every effort has been made to preserve this national symbol. Its significance is heightened because it is the sole surviving flag that was raised on the first Independence Day.”