If you’re an Indian passport holder, you may have noticed that your passport is different from those of other countries. Unlike many other countries, the Indian passport has an orange-brown hue. This color has a long history and signifies many things about India and its people. In this article, we’ll dive into the significance and historical background of the Indian passport color.

Key Takeaways

• The orange-brown passport of India is a symbol of the country’s sovereignty and cultural identity
• India first introduced this color in 1978 to distinguish itself from the blue and green colors used by other countries at the time
• The color has undergone several changes over the years but has remained consistent in its hue
• There is no significant difference in the color of Indian passports for ordinary citizens versus diplomats

The Historical Significance of Passport Color

The Indian passport color has a rich history that dates back to the 1970s. Before that period, India used a variety of passport colors, including blue and green. However, the Indian government felt that these colors didn’t adequately represent the country’s cultural identity or sovereignty.

In 1978, the Indian government introduced the orange-brown passport color that we know today. This color was chosen because it represents the Indian soil and stands for purity and courage. The passport color also symbolizes a connection to the country’s Hindu heritage, where the color saffron is associated with purity and spirituality.

Changes to the Indian Passport Color

The Indian passport color has changed several times since its introduction in 1978. In 1986, the Indian government introduced a variant of the orange-brown passport for those who had gone through the Haj pilgrimage. This passport had a green cover and was valid for five years.

In 2002, the format of the Indian passport changed to the current design, which includes a machine-readable zone (MRZ) on the bio-data page. At this time, the color of the passport changed slightly to a more reddish shade.

In 2012, the Indian government introduced new passports with enhanced security features, including a watermark of the Ashoka Pillar emblem and a micro-printed security thread. The color of the passport remained the same.

Passport Color for Diplomats

If you’re a diplomat or a person possessing an official passport, you may have noticed that the color of your passport is slightly different from that of ordinary citizens. Official and diplomatic passports have a navy blue cover instead of the orange-brown cover used for regular passports. The design and layout of the passport are the same across all categories.

Conclusion

The Indian passport color has a long history and significance. The orange-brown hue represents India’s cultural identity, sovereignty, and heritage. While the color of the passport has undergone several changes over the years, it has remained consistent in its hue. The navy blue color for diplomats and officials reflects their separate status and privileges. Overall, the Indian passport color serves as an excellent symbol of India’s proud and diverse heritage.

FAQ

What is the significance of the orange-brown color of the Indian passport?

The orange-brown hue of the Indian passport represents India’s cultural identity, sovereignty, and heritage. It symbolizes the country’s connection to its Hindu heritage, where the color saffron is associated with purity and spirituality. The color also represents the Indian soil and stands for purity and courage.

What is the difference in color between ordinary and official Indian passports?

Ordinary Indian passports have an orange-brown cover, while official and diplomatic passports have a navy blue cover. The design and layout of the passport are the same across all categories.