The National Emblem of India is derived from the time of the Emperor Ashoka. 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 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 Horse of the West, The Bull of the South and The Elephant of the East. 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'.
Extracted from PDF version of 'ACT NO. 50 OF 2005' (direct PDF URL THE STATE EMBLEM OF INDIA (PROHIBITION OF IMPROPER USE) ACT, 2005 ACT NO. 50 OF 2005 (2005-12-20). Archived from the original on 2022-07-12.)
Government of India