National Emblem
The National Emblem of India is a replica of the Lion of Sarnath, near Varanasi in Uttar
Pradesh. The Lion Capital was erected in the third century BC by Emperor Ashoka to mark
the spot where Buddha first proclaimed his gospel of peace and emancipation to the four
quarters of the universe.The National emblem is thus symbolic of contemporary India's
reaffirmation of its ancient commitment to world peace and goodwill.
The four lions (one hidden from view) - symbolising power, courage and confidence - rest
on a circular abacus. The abacus is girded by four smaller animals - guardians of the four
directions: the lion of the north, the elephant of the east, the horse of the south and the
bull of the west.The abacus rests on a lotus in full bloom, exemplifying the fountainhead
of life and creative inspiration. The motto 'Satyameva Jayate' inscribed below the emblem
in Devanagari script means 'truth alone triumphs'.
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