The National Emblem of India, a profound symbol of the country’s sovereignty and unity, has recently been brought into the spotlight following its unveiling atop the under-construction Parliament building by the Indian Prime Minister. As part of our national symbols, the emblem signifies India’s cultural legacy and its constitutional ethos. This article delves into the history, significance, and uses of the National Emblem, along with an overview of other national symbols and the Mauryan Empire’s architectural marvels.
Understanding the National Emblem of India
Adopted on 26th January 1950 by the Indian Government, the State Emblem of India is an adaptation from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka situated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Originally carved from a single block of polished sandstone, it featured four lions standing back to back, mounted on an abacus carrying high-relief sculptures of an elephant, galloping horse, bull, and lion separated by wheels over a bell-shaped lotus, all crowned by the Wheel of the Law (Dharma Chakra).
In the adopted State emblem, only three lions are visible, with the fourth hidden from view. The wheel appears in relief in the center of the abacus, with a bull on the right, a horse on the left, and the outlines of other wheels on the extreme right and left sides. The bell-shaped lotus is omitted.
Characteristics of the National Emblem
Four animals, each representing a direction, are depicted in the emblem. The west-facing galloping horse symbolizes Buddha’s horse Kanthaka, used for his transition from a princely life. The eastward elephant signifies Queen Maya’s dream where a white elephant enters her womb. A bull facing south stands for the Zodiac sign of Taurus, the month of Budhha’s birth. The north-facing lion represents enlightenment.
A significant feature of the emblem is the inscription ‘Satyameva Jayate’ from Mundaka Upanishad, meaning ‘Truth Alone Triumphs’, scripted in Devanagari under the abacus. The emblem’s crown, the Wheel of Law (Dharma Chakra), symbolizes Buddha spreading Dharma in all directions.
Legal Provisions and Usage of the State Emblem
As per the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act 2005 and the State Emblem of India (Regulation of Use) Rules 2007, unauthorized use of the national emblem is punishable by law, either with imprisonment up to 2 years or a fine up to Rs. 5000. It is used on letterheads of the Central Government, State Governments, and other government agencies, on Indian currency and passports, and in various buildings, both within the country and at diplomatic missions abroad.
Significance of Mauryan Pillars
The Mauryan pillars, erected by Ashoka, showcase the carver’s skills with their exquisite rock-cut carvings. These pillars bear inscriptions and are topped with capital figures like the bull, lion, elephant, etc., standing on square or circular abacuses decorated with stylized lotuses.
National Symbols of India
India’s national symbols include the National Flag, a horizontal tri-color of saffron, white, and green with a navy-blue wheel representing the chakra in the center. The National Anthem ‘Jana-gana-mana’ was composed by Rabindranath Tagore. The National Song ‘Vande Mataram’ was composed in Sanskrit by Bankimchandra Chatterji. Other national symbols include the tiger as the National Animal and the Lotus as the National Flower.
This comprehensive exploration of the National Emblem and other national symbols reveal a deep-rooted connection with India’s cultural and historical legacy, reflecting the country’s pluralism while fostering a sense of unity and national identity. They pay tribute to our past, inspire our present, and lay a foundation for future generations.
