Emblem of India - Definition and Overview

The national emblem of India is an adaptation of the Buddhist Lion Capital of Asoka at Sarnath, near Banaras in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It has been taken from the Stupa in the Sanchi Area.

It has four lions, resting on a circular abacus. The 4th lion is on the rear and hence hidden from view. The emblem symbolizes power, courage and confidence. 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.

Usually inscribed below the abacus in Devnagari script is the motto Satyameva Jayate (Sanskrit: सत्यमेव जयतॆ, "Truth Alone Triumphs"). This is a quote from Manduka Upanishad, the concluding part of the sacred Hindu Vedas.

Today, the emblem forms a part of the official letterhead of the Indian Government, and appears on all Indian currency as well.