The State Emblem of India is the official seal that is used by the government of India and its various organizations, for this reason, it is known as the National Emblem. The state emblem of India was adopted on 26 January 1950 which marked the first republic day of India and enforcement of the Constitution of India. The state emblem of India is the Lion capital of Ashoka at Sarnath but in some modified form. In this article, we shall discuss the state emblem of India in detail.

National Emblem of India: Origin, Structure, and Design

The state emblem of India has been adopted from Ashoka’s Lion capital at Sarnath. It is situated on top of the pillar made out of polished sandstone. The original lion capital and the one adopted by India are slightly different.

The original lion capital of Ashoka has four lions that face the four directions but in the adopted emblem 3 lions can only be seen as the 4th lion coming behind the lion in the center. These lions stand above an abacus that has “Satyameva Jayate” inscribed on it in the Devanagari script. This phrase taken from Mundaka Upanishad means “Truth alone triumphs”. The original abacus in the Ashokan capital has a bull, lion, elephant and horse which are separated by wheels or chakras having 24 spokes. In the original capital only one chakra can be seen in the centre and horse and bull standing on the left and right of the chakra. The original capital stands on a bell shaped inverted lotus but it was not adopted in the official state emblem of India.

Each animal or symbol in the state emblem has a specific meaning attached to it such as:

• The 4 lions in the emblem signify the 4 values of courage, power, pride and confidence.
• The bull represent dedication and hard work whereas horse represents swiftness, energy, and agility.
• The wheel with 24 spokes is taken from Buddhist philosophy of Dhamma and is the wheel of Dharma.
• The inscription “Satyameva Jayate” emphasises the importance of truth in life.

Official Rules Regarding State Emblem of India

The State Emblem of India rules which were formed by an act of the Parliament in 2007 lay down the rules and guidelines to use the state emblem of India. These rules are:

• Governments of the state and UTs can adopt the national emblem as it is or any part of it for the official purposes without requiring any permission from the central government.
• Only those vehicles that are listed in this act can make use of the state emblem of India.
• Any person other than those mentioned in this act cannot use the state emblem in any way.
• Any organisation, PSU, university, municipality, NGO, etc. other than those specified in this act cannot use the state emblem in any way.

National Emblem on The New Parliament of India

Recently, PM Modi inaugurated the New Parliament House of India made under the Central Vista Project. The new Parliament building has the state emblem of India on top of it. Some facts about this emblem are:

• It has been constructed using bronze and weighs 9500 kg.
• This emblem was designed by Sunil Deore and Laxman Vyas.
• It was completed by 100 artisans from all over India in 9 months.
• It has been casted using the Cire Perdue process.

Significance of The State Emblem of India or The Ashokan Pillar

The state emblem of India or the Ashokan pillar has the following cultural significance in India:

• Lion is also associated with the enlightenment of Buddha.
• The bull depicted on the abacus, is an animal which is related to the birth of Buddha as Buddha was born in sun star with symbol bull i.e. Vrishabha.
• Many Ashokan pillars make use of lion such as the Single lion capital at Lauriya Nanadangarh, Rampurva, etc.
• The horse on the emblem is a symbol of the Parinirvana of Buddha which means the act of Buddha leaving his home in search of nirvana or enlightenment.

Frequently Asked Questions on National Emblem of India

1. From where has the state emblem of India been adopted?

The state emblem of India has been adopted from the Ashokan lion capital at Sarnath.

2. When was the state emblem of India adopted?

The state emblem of India was adopted on 26 January, 1950.

3. Which animals are depicted in the national emblem of India?

The national emblem of India depicts lion, horse and a bull.

4. What is written below the national emblem?

A part of the shloka from Mundaka Upanishad is written below the national emblem which reads “Satyameva Jayate” meaning “Truth alone triumphs”.

5. From where has the words “Satyameva Jayate” on the national emblem been taken?

The words “Satyameva Jayate” have been taken from Mundaka Upanishad of Atharvaveda.

6. Which rules govern the use of state emblem of India?

The State Emblem of India rules, 2007 govern the use of state emblem of India.

7. Who designed the state emblem on top of the new Parliament House of India?

The state emblem on top of the new Parliament House of India was designed by Sunil Deore and Laxman Vyas.

8. How many lions can be seen in the state emblem of India and why?

Only 3 lions can be seen in the state emblem of India because 4th one is hidden from the view and comes behind the lion in the centre.