Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 59

The national emblem of India consists of ..... lions.

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Think about the number of lions depicted in the national emblem.

Correct Answer: B) Four

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, CLAT

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The national emblem of India is a significant symbol that represents the country and is used on official documents and government buildings. It is derived from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka, which was originally erected in the 3rd century BCE by Emperor Ashoka. The capital was discovered in 1910 and was adopted as the national emblem of India in 1950, shortly after India gained independence from British rule.

The emblem features four lions standing back to back, with only three visible in the design. The fourth lion is hidden from view but is part of the overall structure. The lions are depicted in a seated position, with their heads facing outward. The lions symbolize power, courage, pride, and confidence, which are qualities that the Indian government aims to embody.

Below the lions, there is a circular base with an inscribed motto in Devanagari script, which reads "Satyameva Jayate," meaning "Truth Alone Triumphs." This motto is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad, an ancient Indian text. The circular base also features a wheel, known as the Dharma Chakra, which is a symbol of the eternal law of righteousness and is associated with the teachings of Buddha.

The national emblem of India is a powerful symbol that combines historical, cultural, and philosophical elements. It is a representation of India's rich heritage and its commitment to the principles of truth and justice. Understanding the national emblem is important for students preparing for competitive exams, as it is a common topic in general knowledge sections.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. While only three lions are visible in the emblem, the total number of lions is four. The fourth lion is hidden from view but is part of the design.
  • Option B: This option is correct. The national emblem of India consists of four lions standing back to back, with only three visible in the emblem. The lions are taken from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. The national emblem does not feature six lions; it features four lions standing back to back.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The national emblem does not feature five lions; it features four lions standing back to back.

Mnemonic: Remember the number of lions as the number of sides in a square.

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