The National Emblem of India: All You Need to Know

The National Emblem of India represents the identity and authority of the nation. It is based on the Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka, which is located at Sarnath. This design was officially adopted as the State Emblem of India on January 26, 1950.

The emblem holds great importance and is displayed on prominent buildings like the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, Supreme Court, and Central Secretariat.

The National Emblem is also a key topic in the UPSC Prelims and Mains examinations. Understanding its features and significance is essential for aspirants.

In this article, we will explore the important details and features of the National Emblem of India, making it simple and easy to learn.

Historical Background of National Emblem Of India

• The origins of the National Emblem of India trace back to the 3rd century BCE, during the reign of the Mauryan Empire.

• Emperor Ashoka commissioned numerous stone carvings and sculptures to promote Buddhist teachings. Among these, the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath is the most notable.

• In 1905, the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath was discovered during excavations by Friedrich Oscar Oertel.

• The pillar was found in three fragments, but the upper portion of the Lion Capital remained intact. This piece is now preserved at the Sarnath Museum.

• This historical emblem later became a symbol of India’s sovereignty and pride.

What Does an Emblem Mean?

• An emblem is a symbolic representation used as a unique insignia by a specific body, organization, or country.

• When an emblem is officially assigned to a nation, it becomes the National Emblem of that country. This emblem is used in all official communications by government agencies at both the Central and State levels.

• The National Emblem reflects the authority, power, and historical significance of the nation it represents.

• For India, the National Emblem was officially adopted on January 26, 1950, under the guidance of Madhav Sawhney, signifying the country’s sovereignty and rich heritage.

Criticism

• The newly unveiled National Insignia on the Parliament building has sparked criticism from opposition parties. They claim that the lions appear more “ferocious,” with exposed teeth, differing from the original Lion Capital of Ashoka.

• The opposition also pointed out that the inscription “Satyamev Jayate” is missing from the new structure, which they argue is a significant omission.

• In response, the authorities dismissed these concerns, explaining that the perceived difference in the lions’ demeanor is due to the size and scale of the new structure, rather than any deliberate alteration.

Symbolism of the National Emblem

The lions in the National Emblem of India stand atop a circular abacus, which features engravings of a bull, a horse, and an elephant, separated by Ashok Chakras or Dharmachakras. This design holds deep symbolic meaning related to Gautam Buddha’s life.

• The lions symbolize the step of attaining enlightenment.

• The bull represents Taurus, which is believed to be Buddha’s zodiac sign.

• The elephant represents the beginning of Buddha’s journey.

• The horse signifies the moment when Buddha rode out of the palace, marking the beginning of his spiritual quest.

• Above the abacus is an inverted lotus, which is India’s National Flower. However, this lotus is not part of the emblem itself.

Key Facts About The National Emblem Of India

The National Emblem of India is inspired by the Ashokan Pillar at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh. It symbolizes authority, enlightenment, and the teachings of Buddha. Below are key details about its history, significance, and usage.

Historical Background

• The Lion Capital of Ashoka was recommended as the National Emblem by Badruddin Tyabji and his wife, Surayya Tyabji.

• It was discovered in March 1905 by Friedrich Oscar Oertel, a German-born engineer.

• Stones from Chunar and Mathura were used to carve the pillar, weighing 50 tonnes and standing 40–50 feet tall.

Symbolism of the National Emblem

• The three visible lions represent strength, courage, and confidence.

• The fourth lion, present in the original structure, was excluded in the National Emblem design.

• The animals on the abacus represent aspects of Buddha’s life:
  • Lion: Enlightenment.
  • Bull: Taurus, Buddha’s zodiac sign.
  • Elephant: Buddha’s birth.
  • Horse: Buddha leaving the citadel.

• The inverted lotus at the base symbolizes purity but is not part of the emblem.

Slogan and Inscription

• The motto “Satyamev Jayate” (Truth Alone Triumphs) is inscribed at the base.
• It originates from the Mundaka Upanishad, part of the Hindu Vedas.

Legal and Official Usage

• The State Emblem of India Act, 2005, regulates the use of the emblem to prevent misuse.

• It is authorized for use by:
  • President of India, Central Government, and State Governments.
  • Indian Police Service Officers (on uniforms).
  • Members of Parliament (on letterheads and visiting cards).
  • Indian currency and passports.

• Unauthorized use of the National Emblem is punishable with up to 2 years of imprisonment or a fine of Rs 2000, or both.

Interesting Facts

• Only six pillars retain inscriptions, while others feature animal capitals or lack any engravings.

• Buddha’s moral teachings are depicted through various carvings on the pillars.

The National Emblem of India not only signifies authority but also serves as a reminder of the country’s cultural and historical heritage.

Official Use and Display of the National Emblem of India

The National Emblem of India holds immense significance and is used as a mark of authority and identity by various government bodies. Here’s where and how it is officially displayed:

1. As an Official Seal

• It serves as the President of India’s official seal, as well as the seals of the Central and State Governments.
• It is featured on every Indian passport and other international documents.

2. Display on Major Public Buildings

• The emblem is prominently exhibited on:
  • Rashtrapati Bhawan
  • Parliament House
  • Supreme Court
  • Central Secretariat

3. Use at Diplomatic and Consular Missions

• It may be displayed at the entry doors of buildings occupied by:
  • India’s Consulates overseas
  • Houses of Heads of Consular Missions

• It is also showcased on the premises of India’s Diplomatic Missions worldwide and used by the Heads of Missions.

4. Display at State and Union Territory Buildings

• Within India, the emblem may be exhibited on:
  • Raj Bhawan or Raj Niwas (Governor or Lieutenant Governor’s residence)
  • State Legislature buildings
  • High Courts
  • State Secretariat buildings

The National Emblem signifies the sovereignty and authority of the Republic of India, making its use and display highly regulated and symbolic.

List Of Buildings where the National Emblem of India is represented

• Parliament House
• State Legislature
• Rashtrapati Bhawan
• Raj Bhawan or Raj Niwas
• Supreme Court
• High Courts
• Central Secretariat Buildings
• Secretariat Buildings of the State Governments or UT Governments.
• House of the Indian Diplomatic Missions Abroad
• The Indian Consulates in Foreign Countries authorize Entrance Gates of the Buildings.
• Premises of the Heads of Missions representing India in other countries.

National Emblem Of India & The New Parliament Building

The Indian State Emblem, symbolizing the nation’s authority and heritage, is a marvel of craftsmanship. Below are the key highlights about its creation and installation:

1. Material and Dimensions

• Crafted from high-purity bronze, the emblem weighs a massive 16,000 kg and stands 6.5 meters tall.
• It is supported by a steel structure weighing approximately 6,500 kg.

2. Artists Behind the Masterpiece

• Laxman Vyas from Jaipur and Sunil Deore from Aurangabad led the creation process.

• Over 100 artists from across India contributed their expertise, making it a collective effort of national significance.

3. Design and Preparation

• The emblem’s design drew inspiration from the Sarnath Lion Capital, preserved at the Sarnath Museum.

• The frieze of the abacus features high-relief sculptures of:
  • An elephant
  • A charging horse
  • A bull
  • A lion, separated by Dharma Chakras.

• The process started with a computer graphic sketch, which was transformed into a clay model during the initial stages of design.

• The entire process involved eight steps and took over six months to complete.

4. Installation Challenges

• Positioned on the roof of the New Parliament Building, the emblem stands 32 meters above the ground, making the installation complex and demanding.

• Despite the challenges, the emblem now symbolizes the nation’s strength and unity, proudly crowning the new Parliament structure.

5. Historical Context

• The Indian State Emblem was officially adopted on January 26, 1950, the same day the Constitution of India came into effect.

• For the first handwritten Constitution, Indian artist Dinanath Bhargava was commissioned to create a two-dimensional graphical representation of the Lion Capital, further embedding the emblem into the nation’s history.

This masterpiece not only honors the legacy of the Sarnath Lion Capital but also showcases the skill and dedication of Indian artisans. It stands as a timeless representation of India’s sovereignty and cultural heritage.

The National Emblem of India: Historical and Symbolic Insights

The National Emblem of India is a modern representation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka, a significant relic from the Maurya Empire dating back to 280 BCE. Below are the key details:

1. Historical Significance

• The Lion Capital of Ashoka was sculpted during the reign of Emperor Ashoka and crowned the Ashoka Column at Sarnath in 250 BCE.

• It was rediscovered by Friedrich Oscar Oertel during excavations in 1905.

• The capital became the Emblem of Dominion India in December 1947 and was later adopted as the Emblem of the Republic of India on January 26, 1950.

2. Design Features of the Lion Capital

• The sculpture comprises four Asiatic lions seated back-to-back on a circular abacus.
  • These lions symbolize power, courage, pride, and confidence.

• The abacus features high-relief sculptures of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull, and a lion, separated by intervening Dharma Chakras (wheels).

• Beneath the abacus lies a bell-shaped lotus, though it is not a part of the National Emblem.

3. Symbolism of the Animals

• Elephant: Represents the beginning of Buddha’s journey.
• Horse: Symbolizes Buddha’s departure from the palace.
• Bull: Reflects Taurus, Buddha’s zodiac sign.
• Lion: Signifies Buddha’s attainment of enlightenment.

4. Modern Interpretation

• The National Emblem retains the four lions, but only three are visible in its two-dimensional graphical representation.

• It embodies the values of strength, courage, pride, and confidence, serving as a reminder of India’s historical and cultural heritage.

The National Emblem, inspired by the ancient Ashokan Lion Capital, continues to symbolize India’s sovereignty and rich cultural past.

Laws Governing the Use of the National Emblem of India

The use of the National Emblem of India is strictly regulated to maintain its dignity and prevent misuse. Below is a detailed overview of the key laws and rules:

1. State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005

• Objective: To prohibit unauthorized usage of the National Emblem.

• Section 4:
  • Individuals or organizations are forbidden from using the emblem for purposes such as company registration or patent filing without prior approval from the Central Government.

• Section 5:
  • Registration authorities are prohibited from registering businesses, trades, or patents that incorporate the National Emblem.

2. State Emblem of India (Regulation of Use) Rules, 2007

• Rule 10:
  • Restricts the use of the National Emblem and National Flag by individuals or organizations.

3. Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950

• Prohibits the use of:
  • National Flag
  • Government department coats-of-arms
  • Official seals of the President or Governor
  • Pictorial depictions of Mahatma Gandhi or the Prime Minister
  • Ashoka Chakra

• Restricts the use of these symbols on official documents by governmental agencies unless authorized.

4. Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Rules, 1982

• Provides detailed guidelines on the restricted use of national symbols to prevent their misuse in official and commercial contexts.

Key Takeaways

• Unauthorized use of the National Emblem, flag, or related symbols is strictly prohibited under these acts and rules.

• Violations can lead to penalties, including fines or imprisonment, ensuring the symbols remain a mark of respect and sovereignty.

• Any entity or individual wishing to use these symbols must seek explicit approval from the Central Government.

These laws collectively safeguard the sanctity of India’s national symbols and prevent their exploitation for personal or commercial gain.

End Note

The National Emblem of India symbolizes the nation’s strength, authority, and rich heritage, rooted in the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath. With elements like the majestic lions and the motto Satyamev Jayate, it reflects India’s values of truth and justice. It graces official documents and buildings, safeguarded by strict laws to prevent misuse. This emblem is a powerful link to India’s past and a symbol of pride for its future. Let’s honor and uphold its legacy.

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