The sovereignty of India and the authority of the government are represented by the Indian national emblem. It is used on official documents, currency, and government buildings and has been officially adopted by the Indian government. The Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, which was built by the emperor Ashoka in the third century BC, is the model for the national emblem.
The national emblem is a picture of four Asiatic lions facing each other on an abacus with sculptures in high relief of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull, and a lion separated by wheels over a lotus in the shape of a bell. The semicircle-shaped arrangement of the lions represents the nation’s sovereignty. The Wheel of the Law (Dharma Chakra) in the center of the capital is the symbol of morality and justice.
In addition, the national motto “Satyameva Jayate,” which translates to “Truth alone triumphs” in Sanskrit, is engraved on the emblem. The emperor Ashoka’s principles of truth, non-violence, and peace served as inspiration for both the motto and the emblem.
Animals featured on Indian National Emblem
The Indian national emblem features four animals:
- The lion represents power, courage, and strength.
- The bull represents hard work, perseverance, and stability.
- The elephant represents wisdom, prudence, and royal authority.
- The horse represents energy, speed, and loyalty. All these four animals are depicted in abhaya mudra which means fearlessness, to show the nation’s commitment to peace and non-violence.
Significance of each animal on Indian National Emblem
The four animals on the Indian national emblem symbolize different qualities and values:
The Lion:
The lion represents power, courage, and strength, representing the sovereignty of the nation.
The Bull:
The bull represents hard work, perseverance, and stability, representing the steadfastness of the nation.
The Elephant:
The elephant represents wisdom, prudence, and royal authority, representing the intellectual and spiritual heritage of the nation.
The Horse:
The horse represents energy, speed, and loyalty, representing the dynamic nature and aspirations of the nation.
To demonstrate the nation’s commitment to nonviolence and peace, each of these four animals is depicted in abhaya mudra, which means fearlessness.
Over a lotus in the shape of a bell, wheels separate each animal, which is carved in high relief. The lions are positioned in a semi-circle. In addition, the national motto “Satyameva Jayate,” which translates to “Truth alone triumphs” in Sanskrit, is engraved on the emblem.
Adoption
On January 26, 1950, the day the Indian Constitution went into effect, the Government of India officially adopted the Indian national emblem. The Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, which Emperor Ashoka built in the third century BC, serves as the model for the design of the national emblem. At the beginning of the 1950s, the Indian government decided to use the Lion Capital as the country’s official symbol. On January 26, 1950, the design was officially adopted by the Indian government.
Importance
The rich cultural and historical heritage of India, as well as the nation’s dedication to the ideals of truth, nonviolence, and peace, are embodied in the Indian national emblem. It is a symbol of India’s unity and national identity for all of its citizens, as well as a reminder of the nation’s past and hopes for the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Indian national emblem is a representation of the authority and sovereignty of the Indian government. It is used on official documents, currency, and government buildings and was officially adopted by the Indian government on January 26, 1950. The national emblem is a reinterpretation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, which Emperor Ashoka built in the third century BC. It represents the nation’s history, culture, and values and represents unity and national identity. It is a significant representation of India’s heritage and history, the country’s dedication to the ideals of truth, nonviolence, and peace, and its extensive cultural and historical heritage. It is a symbol of India’s unity and national identity for all of its citizens, as well as a reminder of the nation’s past and hopes for the future.
