The National Emblem of India is an adaptation of the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka.
The sculpture shows The four lions (one hidden from view) – symbolising power, courage, pride 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’.
It was adopted as the National Emblem of India on 26 January 1950, the day that India became a republic.
