National Emblem

A National Emblem is an emblem that is reserved for use as a symbol of a national-state or multinational state. In addition to a national flag and coat of arms, many nations have a seal or emblem. Other national symbols, such as national birds, plants, and flowers, are included in national symbol lists. A heraldic device or symbolic object used as a distinguishing insignia of a nation, organisation, or family is defined as an emblem. A country's national symbol is a seal that is only used by the government for legal purposes. The National Emblem is a sign of power and the foundation of a country's constitutional philosophy.

The National Emblem of India

The National Emblem of India is a mixture of the National Motto Satyameva Jayate and the Lion Capital atop the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. On January 26, 1950, the Lion Capital was designated as India's National Emblem. It was an official announcement of India's newly gained Republic status. The National Emblem is exclusively used for official reasons and is held in high regard by Indian nationals. It serves as the official seal for all national and state government offices, and it is a necessary element of every government letterhead. It is proudly featured on all currency notes as well as diplomatic identification documents such as the Republic of India's passports. India's National Emblem is a symbol of sovereignty.

Information About National Emblem of India

The National Emblem is a pictorial representation of the Lion Capital that formerly adorned the summit of Sarnath's Ashok Stambh of Ashoka Pillar, as well as the National Motto written underneath it. The Lion Capital, which sits on top of the Ashok Pillar, is carved out of a single block of yellow sandstone and depicts four Asiatic Lions seated side by side. However, the two-dimensional version of the National Emblem only shows three, with the fourth lion hidden, hence it is called three lions symbols. The four lions are set on a short cylindrical base with four Ashok Chakras corresponding to each lion bust and reliefs of four more animals in between them, including a lion, a bull, an elephant, and a galloping horse. 

At the front of the 2D National Emblem, just one Ashok Chakra can be seen, with the galloping horse on the left and the bull on the right. The Buddhist Dharma Chakra is a version of the Ashok Chakra. The Lion Capital is seated atop an inverted lotus abacus, which is not seen on the National Emblem. Instead, the words Satyameva Jayate, which is also India's national motto, are inscribed in Devnagari Script beneath the depiction of the Lion Capital. The statement comes from the Mundaka Upanishad, the final and most intellectual of the four Vedas, and means "Truth alone triumphs."

Importance of National Emblem of India

The interesting design of the Sarnath capital, which prominently features lions and the Dharma Chakra, is intriguing. Four lions standing back to back in the Emblem, with just three of them visible. The lions are perched above a circular abacus, behind which a galloping horse and bull are divided by the Wheel of the Law (aka Dharma Chakra in Hindi). Inscribed in Devanagari writing underneath the Abacus is the now-famous phrase from the Mundaka Upanishad, Satyameva Jayate, which translates to Truth Alone Triumphs. The ancient Sarnath capital, on the other hand, had a full-bloomed lotus, symbolising the source of life.

The three lions symbol is proudly displaying the country's dedication to peace, justice, and tolerance. The Emblem's form emphasises the reality that India is a melting pot of civilizations, with its legacy seeped into the austere spiritual principles of Buddhism and a deep appreciation for the Vedas philosophical canons.

History and Symbolism of Indian National Emblem

The original Lion Capital is believed to be erected at the top of the Ashoka pillar at Sarnath, which is a significant Buddhist monument and the location where Buddha first announced the gospel of peace. The pillar, also known as Aoka Column, was built in 250 BC and is still standing today. After the massive carnage in Kalinga, Emperor Ashoka rethought his life choices. He chose the path of nonviolence and Buddhism because he was filled with guilt. He created a lot of sculptures, Stupas, and religious places after turning to Buddhist. The Lion Capital is the most well-known structure bearing its name. 

The Buddha's teachings and ideology have a strong effect on the Lion Capital. The four lions are indeed a symbol of the four noble truths. The capital, shown as a wheel, symbolises Dharma's spread in all directions. Archaeological investigations and ancient coins have claimed that a horse, bull, elephant, lion, and a pair of feet symbolise the Buddha himself. Furthermore, the lions placed in all four directions symbolise vigilance in all directions.

The Dharma Chakra, which sits underneath the four lions, contains 24 spokes that represent the 24 hours in a day, implying that time is unbounded and inevitable. It also teaches the importance of moving forward in life. The two creatures have shown below the abacus, the horse and the bull, are additionally significant. The horse represents loyalty, speed, and vitality, while the bull represents hard work and steadfastness.

Facts About National Emblem of India

• Emperor Ashoka constructed the Ashoka pillar, which has four lions seated back to back, representing power, courage, confidence, and pride.

• Horse, bull, elephant, and lion are among the other creatures depicted on the pillar.

• The elephant represents Buddha's beginning (Buddha's mother dreamed of a white elephant entering her womb at the moment of Buddha's conception).

• The bull represents Buddha's zodiac sign, Taurus.

• The horse is a representation of Buddha's steed, which he rode when he left the fortress.

• Enlightenment is symbolised by the lion.

• Craftsmen from the same location sculpted all of the Ashoka Pillars out of stone from Chunar and Mathura.

• Each pillar, which stands 40 to 50 feet tall and weighs up to 50 tonnes, was carried to the site where it was raised.

• Only six of the pillars with animal capitals and nineteen of the pillars with inscriptions have survived.

• The pillars' carvings depicted proclamations about virtue based on Buddhist beliefs.

• Below the National Emblem is inscribed the motto "Satyameva Jayate," which means "Truth Alone Triumphs."

• The slogan "Satyameva Jayate" is a phrase from the Mundaka Upanishad, which concludes the sacred Hindu Vedas.

Conclusion

A National Emblem is reserved for use as a symbol of a nation-state or multinational state. Other national symbols, such as national birds and plants, are included in national symbol lists. The National Emblem of India is a mixture of the National Motto Satyameva Jayate and the Lion Capital. The National Emblem is a graphic representation of the Lion Capital of Sarnath's Ashok Stambh or Ashoka Pillar. The Lion Capital atop the Ashok Pillar is carved out of a single block of yellow sandstone.