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'.