lion capital of ashoka

India’s national emblem is based on the Lion Capital of Ashoka, excavated by German archaeologist Friedrich Oertel in 1905.

The design of India's national emblem was adopted from the Lion Capital of an Ashokan pillar excavated in Sarnath by German-born engineer Friedrich Oscar Oertel.

The man who sketched and illuminated India's national emblem, the Lion Capital of Ashoka, Dinanath Bhargava's work also adorns the front pages of the original manuscript of the Indian Constitution.