The National Emblem of India

The Four Lions of Sarnath

The national emblem of  is an adaptation from the Lion Capital seal of Ashoka at Sarnath. In the original (shown above), there are four lions, standing back to back, mounted on lotus, carrying reliefs of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull and a lion separated by intervening wheels of.  Dharma Chakras. 

In the State emblem, adopted by the Government of India on January 26, 1950, only three lions are visible, the fourth being hidden from view. The wheel appears in relief in the center of the abacus with a bull on right and a horse on left and the outlines of other wheels on extreme right and left. The bell-shaped lotus has been omitted. The words Satyameva Jayate from Mundaka Upanishad, meaning ‘Truth Alone Triumphs', are inscribed below the abacus in Devanagari script. It is shown below.

See Also:

• Four Headed Ashokan Edict

• Indian Coins and Currencies - Table of Contents

• Emperor Ashoka -- Emperor Ashoka is be the first great statesman who spread peace in the world

Kamat's Potpourri Geographica Indica Insignia