The National Emblem of India is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath, adopted on January 26, 1950, the day India became a republic. It features four Asiatic lions standing back-to-back, symbolizing power, courage, confidence, and pride. However, only three lions are visible at a time. Below them is a circular abacus featuring a horse and a bull, and in the center is the Dharma Chakra (Wheel of Law).
The emblem stands as a symbol of India’s sovereignty and heritage, and its use is regulated under strict laws to prevent misuse. The motto inscribed below is “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth Alone Triumphs), taken from the Mundaka Upanishad.
50 General Knowledge Questions on the National Emblem of India
Q: What is the National Emblem of India adapted from?
Answer- Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath
Q: How many lions are depicted in the original Lion Capital?
Answer- Four lions
Q: How many lions are visible in the Indian National Emblem?
Answer- Three lions
Q: When was the National Emblem of India adopted?
Answer- January 26, 1950
Q: Who built the original Lion Capital of Ashoka?
Answer- Emperor Ashoka
Q: What animal is shown on the right side of the abacus in the emblem?
Answer- A bull
Q: What animal is shown on the left side of the abacus in the emblem?
Answer- A horse
Q: What is inscribed below the National Emblem of India?
Answer- Satyameva Jayate
Q: What does "Satyameva Jayate" mean in English?
Answer- Truth Alone Triumphs
Q: From which ancient text is the motto “Satyameva Jayate” taken?
Answer- Mundaka Upanishad
Also Read: GK Questions on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Q: Where is the original Lion Capital located?
Answer- Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh
Q: What does the wheel in the National Emblem signify?
Answer- Dharma (righteousness)
Q: What is the name of the wheel shown in the emblem?
Answer- Ashoka Chakra
Q: How many spokes are there in the Ashoka Chakra?
Answer- 24 spokes
Q: Which ministry regulates the use of the National Emblem?
Answer- Ministry of Home Affairs
Q: Can individuals use the National Emblem for personal use?
Answer- No
Q: Which act governs the use of the Emblem?
Answer- State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005
Q: In which year was the Lion Capital built by Ashoka?
Answer- Around 250 BCE
Q: Which animals are carved on the abacus besides the horse and bull?
Answer- Lion and elephant (on the original sculpture)
Q: What does each animal on the abacus represent?
Answer- Different stages of Buddha's life
Also Check: GK Questions on Space with Answers
Q: What does the lion symbolize?
Answer- Courage and power
Q: What does the bull symbolize?
Answer- Hard work and steadfastness
Q: What does the horse symbolize?
Answer- Energy and speed
Q: What is the base of the emblem known as?
Answer- Abacus
Q: Which government office uses the National Emblem as its official seal?
Answer- President of India, Prime Minister, Supreme Court, and many others
Q: Which denomination of Indian currency bears the National Emblem?
Answer- All denominations
Q: What is the background color of the National Emblem on Indian currency?
Answer- Varies, typically contrasting the note's color
Q: Is the Ashoka Chakra also used in the Indian national flag?
Answer- Yes
Q: How many lions are visible on the ₹10 Indian coin?
Answer- Three lions
Q: What is the shape of the base (abacus) in the original sculpture?
Answer- Circular
Q: Which place is home to the original Lion Capital monument?
Answer- Sarnath Museum
Q: Can the National Emblem be used in advertisements?
Answer- No
Q: What is the penalty for misuse of the National Emblem?
Answer- Fine and/or imprisonment as per law
Q: Which side of Indian currency notes is the emblem printed on?
Answer- Right side (front side)
Q: Which sculpture technique was used to carve the Lion Capital?
Answer- Mauryan polish technique
Q: Which Indian Prime Minister unveiled the 3D replica of the National Emblem atop the new Parliament building in 2022?
Answer- Narendra Modi
Q: What was the controversy around the 2022 National Emblem atop the Parliament building?
Answer- The lions were said to appear more aggressive than the original
Q: What is the height of the original Lion Capital at Sarnath?
Answer- About 2.15 meters
Q: Which state features the Lion Capital on its state emblem too?
Answer- Uttar Pradesh
Q: Are the lions in the emblem facing each other?
Answer- No, they face four different directions (originally)
Q: What is the direction faced by the lions in the National Emblem?
Answer- East, West, North, South (original sculpture)
Q: Who among the following cannot use the National Emblem—President, Private company, or Chief Minister?
Answer- Private company
Q: Can the National Emblem be used on letterheads of NGOs?
Answer- No
Q: Is the motto “Satyameva Jayate” written in English or Hindi in the emblem?
Answer- Hindi (Devanagari script)
Q: What is the symbolic meaning of the four lions standing back-to-back?
Answer- Vigilance in all directions
Q: Which famous leader revived interest in Ashoka's symbols in independent India?
Answer- Jawaharlal Nehru
Q: What type of structure is the Lion Capital considered?
Answer- A sculpture
Q: Can state governments use the National Emblem?
Answer- Yes, with proper authorization
Q: Is the National Emblem embossed on Indian passports?
Answer- Yes
Q: What is the color of the National Emblem when used in official documents?
Answer- Generally black and white (sometimes gold)
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans. It is called the State Emblem of India, which is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath.
Ans. The National Emblem wasn't written, but designed based on the Ashokan Lion Capital. The motto "Satyameva Jayate" below it was taken from the Mundaka Upanishad, an ancient Hindu scripture
Ans. The Star of India was a symbolic order and emblem used during British rule in India, associated with the Order of the Star of India, a chivalric order founded by Queen Victoria in 1861.
Ans. The original Lion Capital of Ashoka features four animals on the abacus: lion, bull, elephant, and horse.
Ans. The Lotus is the National Flower of India.
Ans. The Indian flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya.
Ans. The cars of the President of India, Vice President, Prime Minister, and a few other top constitutional authorities display the National Emblem.