National Emblem of India
Topic: Early Indian Art and Architecture: Stupas, Rock-cut Caves, Temples · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 5 "The Rise of Empires"
Meaning
The National Emblem of India is the official seal of the Indian government. It was adopted on 26 January 1950. It is adapted from Ashoka's lion capital at Sarnath, which has four lions standing back to back. Only three lions can be seen in the emblem. Below them is the abacus (the flat base slab). It shows a dharmachakra (wheel of law) in the centre, with a bull on one side and a horse on the other. Under it is the motto Satyameva Jayate, "Truth alone triumphs", in Devanagari script.
Example
The original lion capital from Sarnath (c. 3rd century BCE) is kept in the Sarnath Museum in Uttar Pradesh. The emblem copied from it appears on Indian currency notes, passports and government papers.
Don't confuse with
- Ashoka Chakra on the national flag: this is only the wheel, with 24 spokes. The emblem is the whole lion group with its base and motto.