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 Emperor Asholsa to mark the spot where Buddha first proclaim'
his gospel of peace am emancipation.
The National emblem is thus
symbolic of contemporary India's reaffirmatiol of its ancient commitment
to world peace and goodwill.
The four lions (one hidden from view) -
symbolizing power, courage and confidence - rest on a circular abacus.
Four smaller animals guardians of the four directions gird the
abacus: the lion of the north, the elephant of the east, the horse of the
souti-and the bull of the west.
The abacus rests on a lotus ii
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'.
»