Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 126

The wheel placed on the national emblem is know as.

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the historical and religious significance of the emblem.

Correct Answer: C) Wheel of the law.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, CLAT

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The national emblem of India features a wheel known as the Dharma Chakra, which is a significant symbol in Indian history and culture. The Dharma Chakra, also known as the Wheel of the Law, is derived from the Ashoka Chakra, a symbol associated with Emperor Ashoka, who ruled the Maurya Empire in the 3rd century BCE.

Emperor Ashoka was known for his promotion of the principles of dharma, which in this context refers to the moral and ethical laws that govern human conduct. The Dharma Chakra symbolizes the eternal law of dharma and the cycle of life and rebirth. It is a representation of the moral and ethical principles that Ashoka sought to promote throughout his empire.

The Dharma Chakra is depicted on the national emblem of India, which was adopted on January 26, 1950, the day India became a republic. The emblem is based on the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath, which features four lions standing back to back, and the Dharma Chakra is placed below the lions on a bell-shaped lotus. The emblem is a symbol of India's commitment to the principles of dharma and the rule of law.

It is important to note that the Dharma Chakra is not to be confused with other religious symbols or terms such as the Wheel of fortune or the Wheel of justice. The term "Wheel of the law" specifically refers to the Dharma Chakra and its historical and religious significance in Indian culture and history.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. The wheel on the national emblem is not known as the Wheel of fortune. The term "Wheel of fortune" is not associated with Indian national symbols or historical emblems.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. The wheel on the national emblem is not known as the Wheel of justice. While justice is an important value, the specific term "Wheel of justice" is not used in the context of the national emblem.
  • Option C: This option is correct. The wheel on the national emblem is known as the Wheel of the law, or Dharma Chakra. It symbolizes the eternal law of dharma and is derived from the Ashoka Chakra, a symbol from Emperor Ashoka's reign.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. While the wheel is derived from the Ashoka Chakra, it is not specifically named the Wheel of Ashoka. The correct term is the Wheel of the law, or Dharma Chakra.

Mnemonic: Dharma Chakra: Dharma means law, Chakra means wheel.

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