How Many Animals in National Emblem

Introduction

There are four different animals in the National Emblem. They are:

• Asiatic Lion

• Elephant

• Bull

• Horse

The lion represented enlightenment.

The elephant symbolises Buddha's beginning (Buddha's mother once had a dream that a white elephant rode into her womb to give birth to her son.).

The bull represents the Buddha-Taurus Zodiac sign and the horse is a representation of the Buddha's mount, which he used to flee the citadel.

National Emblem

An emblem is "a heraldic device or symbolic object used as a unique insignia of a nation, organisation, or family." The national emblem of a nation is a seal that may only be used on official documents. The core of a nation's constitutional philosophy is its national emblem, which serves as a symbol of authority.

The Indian national insignia is based on the Lion Capital atop the Ashoka Pillar in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, and is merged with the National Motto Satyameva Jayate. It was a statement of India's freshly obtained Republic status.

The National Emblem is exclusively used for official purposes and is held in high regard by Indian nationals. It serves as the official seal for all federal, state, and local government offices and must be used on all official correspondence. It appears prominently on all monetary notes as well as diplomatic identifying documents such as the Republic of India's passports. The national emblem of India represents sovereignty.

History of National Emblem

The inspiration for the National Emblem can be traced back to the third century BC when the third Mauryan Emperor was a great conqueror who built India's first true empire.

After witnessing the continuous bloodshed his pursuits caused across the country, Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism. Following that, he made nonviolence, spiritualism, compassion, and peaceful coexistence the cornerstones of his government rather than conquests and battles. He created a multitude of statues and stone carvings throughout his kingdom to preach Buddhism to his subjects.

The Lion Capital was built by Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in 250 BC to commemorate the location where Buddha taught Dharma to his five pupils, who then spread the great monk's teachings throughout the world. The Emperor built several more such pillars, although the majority of them just had a single animal on top.

The pillar had previously sunk into the ground and was no longer visible. Following the reports of Chinese travellers throughout the mediaeval period, German-born civil engineer Friedrich Oscar Oertel began excavation of the area.

The Symbolism of National Emblem

Emperor Ashoka built the Ashoka Pillar with the Lion capital on top to commemorate the location where Buddha first shared his 'Bodhi' with students. When he accepted Buddhism, his message of peace, tolerance, and freedom from worldly attachments became the foundation of his penitential life. The Republic of India recognises its allegiance to Buddha's ideals, attests to the positive reforms Ashoka brought to his kingdom, and underlines its commitment to sustaining peace and tolerance by choosing this sculpture as its National Emblem.

The capital's four lions linked back to back represent the emphasis on equality and fairness in all aspects of life. Because Buddha is represented by a lion, the four lions also represent the four main spiritual ideas of Buddha. Strength, Courage, and Confidence are symbolised by the three lions on the national emblem in the portrayal of the capital. It also represents constant attention in all four directions.

Significance of National Emblem

Over 1 billion Indians are inspired by the national insignia, which instils a sense of pride in their hearts. Because the logo is the Government of India's signature of authority, any unlawful usage must be avoided. Anyone found guilty of such disrespect faces up to two years in prison and a monetary fine of up to 5000 rupees.

The three lions stand proudly, proclaiming the country's dedication to peace, justice, and tolerance. The Emblem's structure emphasises the reality that India is a melting pot of cultures, with its heritage infiltrated into the austere spiritual beliefs of Buddhism and a strong admiration for the philosophical canons of the Vedas.

Facts About National Emblem

• Emperor Ashoka built the Ashoka pillar, which has four seated lions representing power, courage, confidence, and pride.

• A horse, a bull, an elephant, and a lion are among the other animals pictured on the pillar.

• The elephant symbolises Buddha's beginning (A white elephant appeared in Buddha's mother's dream as she carried him inside of her).

• The bull represents Buddha's Zodiac sign, Taurus.

• Buddha rode the horse when he escaped the fortress; hence the animal is a representation of his mount.

• The lion represents enlightenment.

• Stone from Chunar and Mathura was used to create all of the Ashoka Pillars by local artisans.

• Each pillar, which can weigh up to 50 tonnes and is 40 to 50 feet tall, had to be hauled to the spot where it would be raised.

• Only six pillars have animal capitals, and nineteen have inscriptions.

• The engravings on the pillars contained moral proclamations based on Buddhist ideas.

• Below the National Emblem, the motto "Satyameva Jayate" (Truth Alone Triumphs) is imprinted.

• The slogan "Satyameva Jayate" is a phrase from the Mundaka Upanishad, the final section of the sacred Hindu Vedas.

State Emblem of India: Features of 4 Animals

The lion is perched atop a circular abacus adorned with engravings of a bull, a horse, and an elephant. The animals are divided into Ashok Chakras or Dharmachakras. The aforementioned structure is supported by an inverted lotus, which is India's National Flower. The animals, along with the lions, are considered to represent the four stages of Gautam Buddha's life.

• The lion represents the first step toward enlightenment.

• Taurus, Buddha's zodiac sign, is represented by the bull.

• The elephant symbolises his beginning.

• The horse represents Jesus riding out of the stronghold where he gave his first sermon.

Usage of the National Emblem of India

• The national anthem, together with the seals of the federal and state governments, acts as the official seal of the President of India. Every Indian passport and other official international documents bear its printing.

• The Central Secretariat, the Supreme Court, Rashtrapati Bhawan, and Parliament House are all permitted to exhibit the insignia.

• The symbol may be displayed at the entrances of buildings occupied by India's Consulates abroad, as well as at the residences of consular mission heads.

• The symbol may be displayed on the grounds of India's Diplomatic Missions around the world, as well as by mission chiefs.

• The insignia may be displayed on the Raj Bhawan or Raj Niwas, as well as state legislatures, high courts, and secretariat buildings, among other places.

National Emblem & Ashoka Pillar

• The Lion Capital of Ashoka, an antique sculpture from the era of the Maurya Empire dating back to 280 BCE, inspired the emblem.

• Four three-dimensional lions are shown in the sculpture. In December 1947, the Dominion of India and later the Republic of India both adopted it as their respective flags.

• Sculptures of an elephant, a bull, a galloping horse, and a lion are carried on the frieze of the original Ashoka pillar in Sarnath by four lions standing back to back on an abacus.

• The Lion Capital, unearthed atop the Ashoka Column in Sarnath around 250 BC, inspired the national emblem.

• Four Asiatic lions sit atop a circular abacus, representing power, courage, pride, and confidence.

Rules & Regulations on Usage of National Emblem of India

• The State Emblem of India Act of 2005 and the State Emblem of India (Regulation of Use) Rules of 2007 both govern how the national crest may be used.

• Rule 10 of the State Symbol of India Rules states that it is unlawful for the following people or organisations to display the national emblem or flag.

• Using national symbols like flags and emblems on official documents is likewise forbidden by the Emblems & Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act of 1950 and the Emblems & Names Rules of 1982.

• The Ashoka Chakra, the national flag, a picture of Mahatma Gandhi or the Prime Minister, a government department's coat of arms, or the President's or Governor's official seal cannot be used, according to the Emblems and Names Act of 1950.

Conclusion

A nation's National Emblem is a seal that is used for official purposes and commands the highest admiration and allegiance. It is a symbol of power and the foundation of a nation's constitutional ideals. Madhav Sawhney accepted the Indian National Emblem on January 26, 1950.

A frieze with high relief sculptures of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull, and a lion separated by intervening wheels was placed over a bell-shaped lotus in the original, which included four lions standing back to back on an abacus.