India’s National Emblem: Symbol of the republic, dharma & truth | Fusion - WeRIndia

Republic Day marks one of the most defining moments in India’s history.

On January 26, 1950, the nation stepped into its new identity as a sovereign republic by enforcing the Constitution.

Along with this historic transformation, India adopted a national emblem that would visually represent its values, authority, and civilisational legacy.

The State Emblem of India is derived from the Lion Capital of Emperor Ashoka, a masterpiece of Mauryan art created over two millennia ago.

This ancient sculpture features four Asiatic lions standing back to back, symbolising vigilance and power in all directions.

Chosen as the emblem on January 26, 1950, it has since become the official seal of the Government of India and appears on constitutional documents, currency, and government institutions.

The adoption of the Ashoka Pillar was deeply symbolic. Each of the four lions represents courage, strength, pride, and confidence.

Beneath the lions is inscribed the national motto Satyameva Jayate, meaning “Truth alone triumphs.” Drawn from the Mundaka Upanishad, the phrase reinforces India’s commitment to truth, justice, and moral governance.

In its official two-dimensional form, the emblem shows three visible lions, with the fourth implied at the back.

At the base lies the Ashoka Chakra, flanked by a galloping horse on one side and a bull on the other. These figures are believed to represent key phases in the life of Gautam Buddha.

The elephant, though not visible in the emblem’s front view, symbolises his birth, while the horse signifies renunciation and the bull reflects his zodiac sign, Taurus.

The original Lion Capital stands at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh, the site where Buddha delivered his first sermon.

Constructed around 250 BC, the pillar was rediscovered during excavations in 1905-06 by Friedrich Oscar Oertel.

The Ashoka Chakra carved on it represents the Dharma Chakra, or Wheel of Law, and has 24 spokes. These spokes symbolise the cycle of suffering and the path toward enlightenment. The same chakra now forms the heart of India’s national flag.

The Constitution further reinforces national values through the President’s oath of office.

As outlined in Article 60, the President pledges to faithfully uphold the Constitution and dedicate service to the people of India.

Together, the Constitution, the emblem, and the oath embody the moral and democratic foundation of the Indian Republic.

Image Credit: Yashu poojarigadde, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:74_th_Alva%27S_Republic_Day_1.jpg