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National Emblem
Lion Capital of Ashoka – National Emblem of India
Armiger | Republic of India |
---|---|
Adopted | 26 January 1950 |
Motto | Satyameva Jayate "Truth Alone Triumphs" |
Preserved in the Sarnath Museum at Sarnath, The Lion Capital of Ashoka had been adapted as an Indian emblem or national emblem of the country.
Today’s Varansi in the Uttar Pradesh state of India was once the main capital Sarnath capital where the four Asiatic lions stand back to back that is a metaphor for strength, courage, power, pride and last but not the least confidence being defined through the circular abacus mounted there. Being fixed with the sculpture panels the abacus stands in the high relief position of symbolic elephant in eastern portion, the horse in southern side, bull in the western side while northern side indicating lion. They all are separated through the wheels being intervened on the full bloomed lotus flower. It indeed demonstrate the source of creative inspiration and liveliness. Double polished sandstone block is used for carving it while the crowing of capital is through the Dharma Chakra or Wheel of the Law as designed.
Indian Government adopted this emblem in the year 1950 in which mere three lions can be seen as the rest one remains hidden and can’t be viewed easily. The abacus center has the wheel and best seen there especially due to the presence of one bull on right side while left side witnesses a dashing horse while Dharma Chakra outlines are also seen in both right and left extremes. Lotus shaped bell in abacus underneath is not used in the emblem.
As guided by his first wife Empress Samragyi Vidisha Devi, the Great Emperor Ashoka erected Buddhist capital due to his wife’s religion being Buddhism. It was meant to mark a particular place at which the Gautama Buddha would have taught religion for the first time henceforth Buddhist Sangha existed here. The motto inscribed below the abacus is a crucial part of this emblem that describes in Devanagari script the famous quote from Mundaka Upanishad, “Satyameva Jayate” translated in English “Truth Alone Triumphs.” This sacred Hindu text from the Vedas explain much about truth.
It was on January 26, 1950 that Indian Government adopted this National Emblem on the day while India became a republic country.
This emblem plays major role in Indian governance system for it forming part of almost all Government official letterheads so does this emblem appear in the currency notes in India. This emblem acts as a national emblem representing India on different countries or places and has prominent appearance in the passports issued by the Ministry of External Affairs. The national flag of India witnesses the "Ashoka Chakra" or wheel on its central portion which have been taken from the base of this emblem.
Emplem of the Supreme Court of India and Emplem of the Central Bureau of Investigation
National Emblem Today
As adopted by Government of India on January 26, 1950, the state emblem showcases three lions only and fourth one isn’t visible due to that remaining hidden. This emblem is metaphor for power, courage and confidence which is best defined through abacus in which smaller animals guard it from each side explaining four important guardians to direct. It is best shown in north with lion, east by elephant, horse in southern portion while western side is covered by the bull. Superseding wheels as Dharma Chakras or Eternal wheels of law separate each animal in the emblem. It has omitted inverted bell-shaped lotus that formed the original sculpture and isn’t shown in the abacus.
The motto mentions sacred text, “Satyameva Jayate” as explained in English “Truth Alone Triumphs” in the Devanagari scrip. It is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad which is a sacred text. That quote is an important part from sacred Hindu Vedas. The edicts of the Ashoka mentions in the original Sarnath pillar that “No one shall cause division in the order of monks” and is worth reading.
Selection of this national emblem explains present day India’s symbol for reiteration to commitment from ancient period whose global peace and benevolence mesmerizes. Those touring India best observe national emblem for too many times while exploring the country. One sees lion capital on currency notes of India and passports issues by government to its citizens and of course all government seals, buildings from both Center and State offices showcasing its presence.