Explainer: Amid fall-out over new National Emblem cast, here’s what your child should know about its history and significance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday unveiled a new statue of the national symbol on top of the new parliament building, calling it an “aggressive” look and an “insult to India’s national symbol” after criticism from opposition leaders.

A minister in the ruling party, however, rejected the criticism, saying the statue was a “perfect replica” of the original “without shape”.

The new national symbol cast, adopted from the lion capital of Sarnath, built during the reign of Emperor Ashoka in 250 BC, is a 9,500 kg (20,943 lb) bronze and 6.5 m high structure, located at the top of the Central Fountain. Of the new parliament building.

According to officials, Clay has gone through eight different stages of preparation, from modeling / computer graphics to bronze casting and polishing.

While the debate is still ongoing, here is what your child should know about the history and significance of the national symbol.

History and significance

The national emblem is the symbol of national identity and is a transformation of an ancient sculpture of 280 BC during the reign of the Mauryan Empire, the lion capital of Ashoka at Sarnath.

It became the symbol of the Sovereignty of India in December 1947 and later on 26 January 1950 it became the symbol of the Republic of India. In addition, the symbol was adopted from the Mundak Upanishads with the principle of ‘Satyamev Jayate’, meaning ‘Truth always wins’.

The national symbol is a three-dimensional structure where four Asiatic lions face backwards and look at the four main directions and represent courage, pride, strength and confidence. The cylindrical base on which the lions are located has four Ashoka chakras corresponding to the bust of each lion. In addition, it has carved animals like a bull, a horse and an elephant.

According to certain Buddhist interpretations, all these creatures are said to be the Buddha’s own symbol and can carry forward the principles of religion.

Another explanation might be that the four animals represent different stages of the life of Lord Buddha.

The Ashoka Chakra is a representation of the Buddhist Chakra.

The original Lion Capital sits on an inverted lotus abacus, which does not include the national symbol.

It is located at the site of the Buddha’s first sermon, where he shared four Nobel truths with his disciples.

At present, the national symbol is the symbol of the Government of India and is the official seal of the President of India, the Central and State Governments.

The State Symbols of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005 prohibits the improper use of the State Symbols of India for professional and commercial purposes.