What is India's National Emblem, the Lion Capital of Ashoka?

Jul 13, 2022, 12:01 IST

In the article, you will read about the National Emblem of India, the Lion Capital of Ashoka Chakra. Also, know about the ongoing row on the unveiling of the National Emblem in the new Parliament building. 

National Emblem Of India
National Emblem Of India

 

The National Emblem of India row has been in news for some time now. PM Narendra Modi unveiled the National Emblem cast atop the new building of the Indian Parliament on Monday which attracted heavy criticism. The complete row is over the alleged change in the moulds of the four lions of Ashoka Stambh or the Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar (based in Sarnath). The new statue following a ceremony was attended by PM Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. 

Take a look at the National Emblem of India, the Lion Capital of Ashoka below. 

National Emblem: What is it?

The National Emblem represents the seal of the Republic of India which was adapted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar that is based in Uttar Pradesh's Sarnath. India adopted it as the Emblem on 26th January 1950. T

What is the motto?

The motto of the Indian National Emblem is Truth Alone Triumphs, or what is commonly referred to as Satyamev Jayate.  Slogan ‘Satyameva Jayate’ is a quote from the Mundaka Upanishad, the closing part of the holy Hindu Vedas.

National Emblem: Structure & Details | Lion Capital Of Ashoka

The statue is a three-dimensional emblem showing four lions mounted back to back on a circular abacus. It features a Dharma Chakra, a bull and a horse underneath. 

Each pillar is around 40 to 50 feet in height, and weighing up to 50 tons each, was pulled to where they were raised.

Animals on National Emblem thus are 4 Asiatic lions, an elephant, a bull and a horse. 

India has only one national emblem which was designed by Dinanath Bhargava. The National Emblem of India is a symbol of Buddhist Dharmachakra, represented with 24 spokes.

What do the four lions, elephant, horse and bull signify?

The four lions of Ashoka's pillars are erected back to back implying courage, power and confidence. It represents the pride of India. 

The elephant denotes Buddha's outset or his conception. 

The bull is the zodiac sign of Buddha- Taurus and the horse signifies the animal Buddha rode while leaving his citadel. 

Lion is indicative of enlightenment. 

National Emblem: Other details

National Emblem is the official seal of the President of India and Central and State Governments and a part of the official letterhead of the Government of India.

It can be displayed in the following public buildings:

  1. Rashtrapati Bhawan
  2. Parliament House
  3. Supreme Court
  4. Central Secretariat buildings
  5. Raj Bhawan or Raj Niwas
  6. State Legislature
  7. High Courts
  8. Secretariat buildings of the States or the Union territories
  9. Premises of India’s Diplomatic Mission abroad
  10. Residences of Heads of Missions in the countries of their accreditation
  11. At the entrance doors of buildings occupied by India’s Consulates abroad

In the National emblem, accepted by the Government of India, only three lions are noticeable, the fourth lion is hidden from view as it is seated back.

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Tulika Tandon is an Education Reporter & Writer with an experience of 5+ years. An MBA graduate and a long-time UPSC aspirant, she has devoted her life to helping the students find the right path to success. In her free time, Tulika likes to read, travel or bake. Read her stories in GK, UPSC and School sections at Jagranjosh.com. She can be reached at tulika.tandon@jagrannewmedia.com.
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