Emblem of India

The state emblem of India is an adaptation from the Lion Capital of Asoka at Sarnath, near Benares in the north Indian province of Uttar Pradesh.

It features four lions (the 4th being hidden from view), symbolizing power, courage and confidence, resting on a circular abacus. The abacus is girded by four smaller animals - guardians of the four directions: the lion of the north, the elephant of the east, the horse of the south and the bull of the west. The abacus rests on a lotus in full bloom, exemplifying the fountainhead of life.

Usually inscribed below the abacus in Devnagari script is the motto Satyameva Jayate, meaning 'Truth Alone Triumphs' in Sanskrit. This is a quote from Manduka Upanishad, the concluding part of the Vedas.