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The national emblem of India features the Lion Capital of Ashoka, which was adopted by the government in 1950. The emblem is a representation of India’s rich cultural heritage and symbolises sovereignty, pride, and unity. The Lion Capital of Ashoka is a sculpture from the Mauryan Empire(led by Chandragupta Maurya), dating back to the 3rd century BCE. It consists of four Asiatic lions, standing back to back, mounted on a circular abacus, with a frieze carrying sculptures in high relief of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull, and a lion, separated by intervening spoked chariot-wheels over a bell-shaped lotus.
The lions on the emblem symbolise power, courage, and confidence, while the lotus represents purity, beauty, and divinity. The motto ‘Satyameva Jayate,’ which means ‘Truth alone triumphs,’ is inscribed below the emblem.
The national emblem of India is used for official purposes, including the official seal of the President of India, and on Indian currency. It is an important symbol of India’s national identity, sovereignty, and cultural heritage. Emblems have a historical or cultural significance attached to them representing a country.
National Emblem of India – Meaning & Significance
The name of the national emblem of India is ‘Lion Capital of Ashoka’. The national emblem of India, the Lion Capital of Ashoka, carries deep significance and meaning. The emblem is an important symbol of India’s cultural, historical, and philosophical traditions, and is used on official documents, passports, currency, and other important national symbols.
The national emblem encapsulates the unity and diversity of India, reflecting its historical and cultural heritage. The choice of the Ashoka Chakra and the lions draws upon historical symbolism and significance. The base of the emblem includes a horse, a bull, a lion, and an elephant, each separated by intervening wheels.
Here are some of the meanings associated with the emblem:
1. Sovereignty: The emblem represents India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity. The four lions facing four directions are a powerful symbol of the nation’s power and might.
2. Buddhism: The original Lion Capital of Ashoka was erected by Emperor Ashoka in Sarnath and had a wheel at the bottom. The wheel represented Buddha’s teachings and served as a symbol of dharma. Hence, the emblem is also associated with Buddhism, one of India’s major religions.
3. Power and Courage: The four lions atop the abacus symbolise power, courage, and confidence. They represent the qualities that are essential for any nation to thrive and succeed.
4. National Identity and Pride: The emblem is an important symbol of India’s national identity and pride. It is displayed on Indian currency notes, government letterheads, and other official documents, signifying that India is a sovereign nation and has a unique identity.
5. History and Culture: The Lion Capital of Ashoka is a representation of India’s rich history and cultural heritage. It has been a part of Indian art and architecture for over two thousand years and continues to be an important symbol of India’s past and present.
Historical Background of the National Emblem
The design of the Indian National Emblem draws inspiration from Ashoka’s Sarnath Lion Capital found in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This emblem features a bull, a charging horse, a lion atop a bell-shaped lotus, and four lions standing in unison on an abacus, all carved in high relief along its border. At the pinnacle of the capital rests the Dharma Chakra, symbolizing the Wheel of the Law, meticulously crafted from a single polished sandstone piece.
Interestingly, the National Emblem of India, officially chosen by the government on January 26, 1950, portrays only three of the nation’s four lions. Curiously, the fourth lion remains concealed from view within the emblem’s design.
Ashoka Stambh Or Ashoka wheels
There is specific significance to the Ashoka Chakra in the emblem. The Ashoka Chakra, a 24-spoke wheel, represents the dharma (law) and has been a symbol of Buddhism. It signifies the dynamic movement of a nation and is also featured on the national flag of India.
Ashoka Stambh is a symbol of the Mauryan Empire and was erected during the reign of Emperor Ashoka in 250 BCE. It is a sandstone column located in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, India and originally had a lion capital with four lions facing different directions at the top.
The Ashoka Stambh is considered a symbol of peace and non-violence and is one of the most important monuments of ancient India. Today, replicas of the Ashoka Stambh can be seen in various parts of India.
Satyamev Jayate
“Satyameva Jayate” (Truth Alone Triumphs), a quote taken from Mundaka Upanishad, the concluding part of the sacred Hindu Vedas. It has been adopted as the national motto of India and is inscribed in the emblem of India’s national symbol. The inclusion of “Satyamev Jayate” reflects the enduring commitment to truth and righteousness. It conveys the essence that truth is the ultimate virtue and will ultimately triumph. It underscores the foundational principles of truth and justice upon which the Indian state is built and serves as a constant reminder of the commitment to these values in the governance and actions of the nation.
In more recent times, “Satyamev Jayate” has been used as a powerful and influential message in modern India.
Today, the phrase “Satyamev Jayate” has come to represent not just the idea of truth, but also the struggle to uphold truth and justice against all odds and to overcome the darkness of falsehood and deceit. It is a powerful message of hope and a call to action for all people to work for a fair and just society.
Important Facts about National Emblem of India
● The national emblem of India features four Asiatic lions standing back to back on a circular abacus. The lions are facing four directions, symbolising power, courage, pride, and confidence.
● The national emblem of India is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka, which is a sculpture from the Mauryan period. And was adopted as the national emblem of India on January 26, 1950.
● The national emblem features four lions standing back to back, and It also includes the Ashoka Chakra, a horse, a bull, and an elephant, which represent various aspects of Indian heritage and strength.
● India adopted it as the State Emblem on 26th January 1950. The motto of the Indian National Emblem is ‘Satyamev Jayate’ or ‘Truth Alone Triumphs.
● Sarnath Ashoka Stambh, also known as the Sarnath Pillar, is an ancient and iconic symbol. The pillar is made of sandstone and originally had a lion capital located at the top, which is the national emblem of India today.
The pillar is considered a work of art and engineering marvel from the ancient world and is a popular tourist destination today. It is also a symbol of India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
● The national emblem of India was adopted on January 26, 1950, which is the same day that the Constitution of India came into effect.
● The State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005, prohibits the improper use of the national emblem for any purpose.
Also Read Related Articles
| National Symbols of India | National Flag of India |
| National Emblem of India | National Anthem of India |
| National Bird of India | National Flower of India |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are there any specific guidelines for the usage of the national emblem?
Yes, the usage of the national emblem is regulated by the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, and there are guidelines to ensure its respectful and proper use.
Who designed the national emblem?
The national emblem was adapted by the artist Beohar Rammanohar Sinha with guidance from the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and other leaders.
What elements are depicted in the national emblem?
The national emblem features four lions standing back to back, symbolising power, courage, confidence, and pride. It also includes the Ashoka Chakra, a horse, a bull, and an elephant, which represent various aspects of Indian heritage and strength.
Where can the national emblem be seen prominently?
The national emblem is prominently featured on official government documents, national currency, and is visible at various government buildings, including the Parliament of India.
