India’s national symbols, selected with great care, reflect the nation’s identity and cultural heritage. The Royal Bengal Tiger has been designated as India’s national animal due to its significant role in Hindu mythology and the Vedic era. Often depicted as the mount of Goddess Durga in various forms, the tiger holds a powerful symbolic presence. India is home to 80 percent of the world’s tiger population, and the Royal Bengal Tiger has been featured on Indian banknotes and postage stamps.