The National Emblem

An adaptation of the Sarnath Lion taken the pillar preserved in the Sarnath Museum was adopted by the Government as the National emblem of India on 26th January 1950. The emblem has four lions standing back to back (only three are visible), mounted on an abacus with a frieze carrying sculpture in high relief of an elephant, a gallping horse, a bull and a lion separated by intervening wheels (chakras). Carved out of a single block of polished sandstone, the Capital is crowned by the Wheel of the Law (Dharma Chakra). The words, "Satyameva Jayate" from Mundaka Upanishad meaning 'Truth alone triumphs', are inscribed below the abacus in Devangari script.