Bharat 02 - The Emblem of India (Bhārat, भारत)

The National Emblem of India is derived from the time of the Emperor Ashoka (Devanāgarī: अशोकः). The emblem 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 emanicipation to the four quarters of the universe. The national emblem is thus symbolic of contemporary India’s reaffirmation of it’s 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 is from the Mundaka Upanishad.