Civil services Current affairs - Issues Surrounding the National Emblem

Issues Surrounding the National Emblem

Context:

  • The National Emblem which has come up over the new Parliament house has become a matter of conflict, many have opposed it claiming that there is deviation from the original emblem.

Background:

  • The national emblem which consists of the Four Asiatic lions and with three visible to the viewer depicts courage, power and pride.
  • It is known that the National Emblem the National Emblem is inspired from the Sarnath Lion Capital of the Mauryan emperor Asoka.
  • This was built in 250 BC to commemorate the first sermon of Gautama Buddha.
  • It is known from history that Buddha revealed the four Noble Truths of life in this first sermon at Sarnath.
  • This seven-foot structure is made of polished sand stone.
  • It is mounted on a circular abacus which has tiny sculptures in it including a horse a lion, a bull and an elephant which are moving in a clockwise direction.
  • These animal figures are separated by a wheel, which is believed to be the dharmachakra of Buddhism.
  • This abacus was mounted on an inverted lotus which is a symbol of Buddhism.
Reason behind its adoption:
  • The Constituent Assembly deliberately chose the Sarnath Lion Capital as the National Emblem because it epitomizes power, courage and confidence of a just born free nation.
  • The quote – “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth alone triumphs) is chosen from the Mundaka Upanishad.
  • The persons who created this were the students of the well known artist Nandlal Bose, among them were Jagdish Mittal, Kripal Singh Shekhawat, Gauri Bhanja and Dinanath Bhargava.

 

           Source The Hindu

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