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The State Emblem of India is an adaptation of the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. The state emblem was incorporated in the Constitution, and in the first draft, three lions were envisioned to be part of this emblem. However, three lions could not be accommodated on the circular shield, so these were reduced to two and placed back-to-back, facing right (dexter). These two lions were similar to the lion capital of Ashoka, which was placed on top of the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath, near Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh). These lions are identical in appearance but differ slightly in position.
About State Emblem of India
The National Emblem of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949. This emblem has not been substituted in any new Constitution that the Parliament has yet drafted.
It is also not a State Emblem of India but rather a National one and is therefore independent of the state emblems of India.
However, this emblem does have an important position in all Indian passports and passports issued overseas displaying the Union Jack by British influence in their issuance until Independence in 1947.
The Indian Armed Forces use a modified version of the National Emblem as their badge. Also, the National Emblem forms a part of the design of the Indian passport and all Indian government publications.
The emblem can be seen on vehicles of all Government organisations, in educational institutions and displayed on almost all official communications.
It is also used on most occasions where the presence of the President is expected, such as arrival ceremonies, Republic Day celebrations and Independence day celebrations, among others.
History of State Emblem of India
The idea of an official national emblem for India was first conceived during the British Raj in 1921, when Sir Henry Dixon, the Inspector-General of Designs, was commissioned to make recommendations to Lord Irwin (the then Governor-General of India). In his report to Lord Irwin, Sir Henry expressed his concern over the flag and State Emblem of India, commenting: “We have on the one hand an Indian flag as now hoisted; and on the other, we see a multi-coloured ribbon with a lion in profile in three colours. The image of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, which was built by King Ashoka from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD and situated on the top of a pillar erected by him on the banks of Ganges in what is now Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, was used as a basis for the design of Emblem.
Structure and design of the State emblem of India
The National Emblem is composed of a circular shield containing the arms of the Union. The circular shape of the arms is symbolic of eternity and continuity. The four lions facing right each occupy one-quarter of the circumference. In comparison, two other lions are seen on either side, similarly to the Lion Capital at Sarnath, which is on top of Ashoka Pillar. Two lions face right and two left as per Indian tradition and symbolism. The lion is an important motif associated with Indian culture and tradition.
The inscription in Devanagari Script at the bottom of the Emblem reads “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth alone triumphs). This inscription has been taken from the Mundakopanishad, the concluding part of sacred Hindu scriptures, the Upanishad, where the Mundakopanishad is the concluding part. The Emblem can be seen on vehicles of all Government organisations, in educational institutions and displayed on almost all official communications. The State Emblem of India is not just a symbol of the Union Government, but it has a very important place in Indian culture. The Indian Army also uses it in its uniforms. It is also present in the new edition of books on the history and geography of India.
Usage and description of State Emblem of India
The National emblem is used on all official communication, on vehicles of Government authorities, and prominently displayed in most important buildings, educational institutions and states. The emblem has a very important place in Indian society. It is used like how the Italians use their coat of arms.
The appearance of the emblem has changed over the years. The most recent change took place in 2005 during the 66th Republic Day celebrations when some alterations were made to it and were then incorporated into government documents. The emblem also forms a major part of Indian passports and has been issued since 1950 on such passports. The emblem is embossed at India Gate on a continuous strip that encircles the monument at regular intervals.
Conclusion
India is a democratic nation with a constitution that all the people drafted. All the three lions on our State emblem represent the ideals and spirit of unity, democracy, and equality. The representation of all the three lions on the Indian state emblem is a symbol meant to imply that all the people who live in India are equal and have equal rights. Any discrimination based on caste, gender, religion etc., is strictly prohibited by the Constitution of India. Also, it represents secularism because we believe in one god for one state.
