The Ashok Stambh: A Symbol of India's Strength, Unity, and History

The Ashok Stambh, an iconic emblem adorned with four lions standing back-to-back on a circular base, is an enduring symbol of India's rich history and enduring spirit. Adopted as the national emblem of India in 1950, it stands tall atop the Indian Parliament building, a testament to the nation's commitment to democracy and self-governance.

Historical Significance of the Ashok Stambh

The origins of the Ashok Stambh can be traced back to the Maurya Empire, which ruled over much of the Indian subcontinent from the 3rd to 2nd century BCE. The emblem first appeared on the lion capital of the Ashoka pillar, a monolith erected by Emperor Ashoka to commemorate his victory in the Battle of Kalinga.

Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism after witnessing the horrors of war led him to adopt non-violence as a core principle of his reign. The Ashok Stambh, with its four lions representing courage, strength, pride, and confidence, became a symbol of his Dharmachakra, or wheel of law, which emphasized the importance of righteousness and morality.

Evolution of the Ashok Stambh as the National Emblem

After the collapse of the Maurya Empire, the Ashok Stambh fell into obscurity. However, it was rediscovered and revived in the 20th century as a symbol of India's national identity. In 1947, when India gained independence from British rule, the Constituent Assembly adopted the Ashok Stambh as the national emblem of the sovereign republic.

The emblem was modified slightly to remove the Dharmachakra and add three smaller lions, representing the additional presidencies that joined the Indian Union. The final design, which has remained unchanged since 1950, consists of:

• Four lions: Standing back-to-back, representing strength, courage, pride, and confidence.
• Dharmachakra: Removed from the original Ashoka pillar, but inscribed on the base below the lions, representing righteousness and morality.
• Bull: Below the Dharmachakra, symbolizing hard work and agricultural prosperity.
• Elephant: Below the bull, representing intelligence and power.
• Horse: Below the elephant, representing speed and military strength.
• Inscription: At the base, the motto "Satyameva Jayate" (Truth Alone Triumphs) in Devanagari script.

Ashok Stambh in Modern India

Today, the Ashok Stambh is a ubiquitous symbol of India, emblazoned on official documents, government buildings, and national flags. It represents not only the country's rich history but also its core values of strength, unity, democracy, and righteousness.

The Ashok Stambh has been recognized internationally as a symbol of India's peaceful and non-aligned stance. It appears on Indian passports, embassies, and international organizations, projecting an image of a proud and confident nation.

Note: The Ashok Stambh is also known as the Sarnath Lion Capital, as it was originally discovered in the archaeological site of Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon.

Interesting Stories about the Ashok Stambh

1. The Mischievous Monkey

Once upon a time, a playful monkey was sitting on the Ashok Stambh at the Indian Parliament building. As the tourists passed by, the monkey would jump on their heads and pull their hair. The tourists were both amused and annoyed, but none dared to approach the sacred animal.

One day, a wise old man came to the Parliament and saw the monkey's antics. He smiled and said, "My dear monkey, you may be a mischievous creature, but you are also a symbol of our nation's strength and unity. Please behave with dignity and respect."

The monkey seemed to understand the old man's words. It stopped jumping on the tourists and sat down quietly on the base of the Ashok Stambh. From that day forward, the monkey became known as the "Guardian of the Stambh".

Lesson: Even the smallest of creatures can play a role in protecting and upholding a nation's symbols.

2. The Lion King's Roar

One stormy night, as the thunder roared and the winds howled, a powerful lion escaped from the Delhi Zoo and made its way to the Indian Parliament building. The lions on the Ashok Stambh seemed to come to life, their eyes glowing in the darkness.

The lion king stood before the real lion, its mane flowing in the wind. It let out a mighty roar that echoed through the halls of Parliament. The intruder lion, startled by the unexpected challenge, turned and ran back to the zoo.

Lesson: The Ashok Stambh is not just a symbol, but also a source of inspiration and strength for the Indian nation.

3. The Elephant's Surprise

A group of children were playing near the Ashok Stambh at a park. One of the children, a little girl, accidentally kicked a football towards the base of the stambh.

The football rolled under the elephant and got stuck. The girl crawled under the elephant to retrieve it, but she was too afraid to reach out and touch the sacred animal.

Just then, the elephant lowered its trunk and gently lifted the football up for the girl to take. The children were amazed and overjoyed.

Lesson: Even the largest and most powerful animals can be kind and compassionate.

Tables

Table 1: Dimensions of the Ashok Stambh

Table 2: Historical Milestones of the Ashok Stambh

Table 3: Elements of the Ashok Stambh

FAQs

Q1: What does the Ashok Stambh represent?
A: The Ashok Stambh symbolizes India's strength, unity, democracy, and righteousness.

Q2: When was the Ashok Stambh adopted as the national emblem of India?
A: 1947

Q3: What is the motto inscribed on the Ashok Stambh?
A: Satyameva Jayate (Truth Alone Triumphs)

Q4: How many lions are on the Ashok Stambh?
A: Four

Q5: What is the significance of the lion capital of the Ashoka pillar?
A: It commemorates Emperor Ashoka's victory in the Battle of Kalinga and his conversion to Buddhism.

Q6: Where is the Ashok Stambh located?
A: Atop the Indian Parliament building and on official documents, government buildings, and national flags.

Q7: What is the height of the Ashok Stambh?
A: 5.6 meters

Q8: What material is the Ashok Stambh made of?
A: Bronze

Call to Action

The Ashok Stambh is a powerful reminder of India's rich history, enduring strength, and commitment to peace and unity. As citizens of India, we must strive to uphold the values embodied by this iconic symbol and work together to build a nation that is strong, prosperous, and true to its principles.