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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'.
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