Know who discovered the Ashoka Pillar, the national symbol of India, such is its interesting story
The 'National Emblem' of India is the Ashoka Pillar. This pillar depicting the 'four lions' built during the reign of Emperor Ashoka has become the identity of India today. Today we are going to tell you about how it became the 'national symbol' of the country, who suggested making it a 'national symbol' and who designed it.......
The 'National Symbol' of India is the Ashoka Pillar. This pillar depicting the 'four lions' built during the reign of Emperor Ashoka has become the identity of India today. From Indian currency to government institutions, the Indian Army, Indian passports and vehicles of government officials, the 'Ashoka Pillar' can be seen at many places. Today we are going to tell you about how it became the 'national symbol' of the country, who suggested making it a 'national symbol' and who designed it?
pillars of ashoka
According to historians, this pillar was built by Emperor Ashoka in 280 BC. It is kept in 'Sarnath Museum' of Varanasi. It was adopted in the Republic of India on January 26, 1950. Today the symbol has become an important part of the official letterhead of the Government of India. It is also prominently featured on all Indian currencies, government papers, and Indian passports. However, no individual or private organization is allowed to use this symbol for official correspondence.
Also Read - History of Saree Fall: Know the year -old trend of saree, how and when it started
who discovered ashoka pillar
In 1905, German civil engineer Friedrich Oskar Oertel discovered the 'Ashoka Pillar' (National Symbol) in excavations at Sarnath in UP. Frederick had a great interest in the history and archeology of India. As a civil engineer, Friedrich Oskar began excavations at Sarnath around 1900. In fact, he started the excavation of this area after reading the books of Chinese travelers who came around Sarnath in the early medieval period.
Finally, after 5 years in 1905, Friedrich Oskar found a 7 feet high Ashoka Pillar (National Symbol) in the excavation. Due to being underground for thousands of years, it had deteriorated and was also broken. It was found broken into three parts. But the good thing was that the lion part of the Ashoka Pillar (National Symbol) was safe and was clearly visible. The way the lion was carved very minutely on the pillar, it was a unique piece of art.
Also Read - Why Dilip Kumar had to sell sandwich in Pune, his nickname is related to "Chiku"
Nehru ji proposed and suggested
Shortly before India's independence, on 22 July 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru passed a resolution in the Constituent Assembly regarding the determination of the 'National Flag' and 'National Emblem'. . Also suggested that we should keep the golden period of Mauryan Emperor Ashoka's reign in the National Flag and National Flag in the design of 'Emperor Ashoka'. Modern India must bring to the fore the ideals and values of its rich and glorious past.
The meaning of these 4 lions of 'Emperor Ashoka'
The Ashoka pillar in Sarnath is about 7 feet in height, with roaring lions sitting on top of the pillar in all four directions. These four are symbols of 'power', 'courage', 'pride' and 'confidence'. Actually, during the Maurya rule, these four lions used to demonstrate the power of Chakravarti Emperor Ashoka. But when the 'Ashoka Pillar' (National Symbol) was made the 'National Emblem' of India, it gave the message of 'Social Justice' and 'Equality'.
Also Read - Rajinikanth: These 10 unique style make Thalaiva different
How 'Ashoka Pillar' became 'National Symbol'
When Jawaharlal Nehru asked other leaders in the 'Constituent Assembly' for their opinion in this regard, all were unanimous that the country should have an effective 'National Emblem'. It was also decided that this symbol would be taken from the time of Ashoka. Finally, after everyone's yes in the 'Constituent Assembly', the Ashoka Pillar was declared the 'National Symbol' of India.
Who designed the 'Ashoka Pillar'?
After it was declared the 'National Emblem' of India, students and experts from art schools across the country were called to design the 'Ashoka Pillar'. During this, many people presented their designs, but the 'Constituent Assembly' did not like any of these designs. After this Suraiya Tyabji, wife of an IAS officer Badruddin Tyabji, printed and presented a graphic version of 'Ashoka Pillar' and everyone liked it. The Press of Viceroy's Lodge (Rashtrapati Bhavan) printed it with some changes and since then these four lions have become the 'National Emblem' of India.
Who made the design of the lion on paper
The 'national symbol' of 'lion' that you see on Indian government papers, documents and passports etc. was done by Dinanath Bhargava, a famous painter and disciple of Nandlal Basu, the art teacher of Santiniketan. The painting of the lion of Ashoka Stambh was done by eminent painter Dinanath Bhargava, who was then a fine arts student at Shantiniketan. He also sketched it on the first page of the constitution. The same lion later started appearing on Indian currency, government documents and passports as well.
