The Roaring Face of India's Emblem

By Sadhika on

Co-authored by Ankit and Sadhika on January 01, 2024

What is one thing you would find on the currency, a passport, and official buildings in India? 

It is the Ashoka Emblem, featuring four lions standing back to back, an iconic symbol that holds significant historical and cultural importance in India. Commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, this emblem has a rich legacy that transcends time. The legacy of the Ashoka Emblem endured through the ages, surviving the rise and fall of empires and the passage of centuries. It gained renewed recognition and significance when it was adopted as the national emblem of India on January 26, 1950, coinciding with the country's adoption of the Constitution and declaration as a republic.

The emblem represents the principles of dharma (righteousness) and unity. The four lions symbolise power, courage, confidence, and pride, standing together in harmony despite their individual strength. The positioning of the lions conveys the idea of a collective strength that arises from unity, emphasising the importance of working together for the greater good. It serves as a timeless symbol of a nation that values unity in diversity, righteousness, and collective progress.

Recent Developments

Upon the unveiling of a new statue atop the newly erected parliament building by the Indian prime minister, discussions ensued within the opposition, media, and various circles that labelled the structure to be distorted in representation of the original. These lions are portrayed with snarling expressions and exposed fangs, a departure from the closed-mouthed and unassuming stance of the original design.

Historical context

A look at the past four centuries of Indian history reveals that the nation, informed by the Vedic teachings of ahimsa (non-violence), humility and detachment from worldly pleasures, and later influenced by the Gandhian ideal, has often been subjected to tyranny by foreign invaders and regimes. Without getting into the intricacies of why India was the target of such aggression, it is important to introspect on whether the values we espouse serve the nation’s need for autonomy, resilience and freedom on a macro level. 

To say that India necessarily buckled under foreign rule as a consequence of weakness would be an oversimplification. Having said that, it is also crucial to note that the greatest strides made by the nation were when it assumed a more active and assertive role, two of which come to mind - the freedom struggle that culminated in independence in 1947, and the economic reforms of 1991 that reorganised the economy on capitalist lines with emphasis on liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation. The first milestone encompassed the ousting of a foreign oppressor, while the latter marked a liberation from the self-imposed constraints of a regulated economy with socialist inclinations.

The architects of the policies of the 20th century inherited the Gandhian legacy with its focus on non-violence and tolerance, alongside the Nehruvian vision of socialism. While noble in intention, these principles outlived their purpose and India’s bid to uphold them was fraught with practical impediments. Furthermore, the attainment of independence cannot be singularly attributed to Gandhi, Nehru or any one school of thought. The role of revolutionary movements led by Mangal Pandey, Bhagat Singh, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and others, along with the naval mutiny cannot be overlooked when examining the freedom struggle against the British. 

The essence of the argument lies in viewing Indian history through a diverse lens of values, challenging the reduction of its narrative solely to an enterprise of non-violence. Furthermore, even a superficial analysis of Indian history is enough to show that assertiveness is not just a modern or a borrowed value; it is rooted in ancient Indian wisdom as evident by the presence of a formidable class of warriors and warrior-kings.

Modern Context

It must not be missed that the foundation of the modified emblem, while laid by the current political dispensation, represents the emergent undercurrents of the society at large. For a people separated from Gandhi’s vision by two generations, the newfound values of aspiration, self-reliance and a yearning for greatness — whether on an individual or national level — hold more appeal. This pivot in values should not be seen as a regression to a belligerent society, rather a progressive move towards a nation that is self-assured on the global stage. 

Although the value of ahimsa has eclipsed every other value of significance in the reading of Indian history, it cannot supersede the ultimate truth of Atman. This profound Vedic concept emphasises the pursuit of growth and the actualisation of one's innate capabilities. The acknowledgment of Atman propels the understanding that assertiveness, when aligned with virtuous intentions, becomes an essential tool for realising one's potential and contributing positively to the world. 

On the other hand, an exclusive focus on ahimsa, while noble in its promotion of non-violence, can foster a misguided humility that impedes individual and collective progress. The overly cautious approach, if not balanced by a recognition of one's intrinsic potential, may lead to complacency and a reluctance to embrace the challenges necessary for growth. Ahimsa, when misinterpreted, could discourage assertiveness and the pursuit of goals that contribute positively to the well-being of oneself and society.

Conclusion

The baring of teeth is a primal and evolutionary instinct deeply rooted in biology. This display communicates the animal's readiness to defend itself and its territory. By revealing their teeth, animals not only establish a visual deterrent for potential adversaries, but also demonstrate their physical prowess, deterring potential threats and minimising the need for actual physical combat, which can be energetically costly and risky. 

Extending this analogy to the contemporary context, the stance adopted by the four lions in the new emblem could be seen as a metaphor for the posture that individuals in India should be willing to assume in the current geopolitical climate. It's essential to clarify that this metaphorical stance isn't a literal call to aggression but rather a shift in outlook. The pursuit of greatness should not be perceived as malevolent, and our efforts toward it should not be hindered by a misguided sense of humility preventing us from taking action or demonstrating prowess to command respect.

In this context, Carl Jung's notion of incorporating the shadow finds resonance. A prominent figure in analytical psychology, Jung proposed the insightful idea that recognising and integrating the hidden, often darker aspects of the self is crucial for developing a stronger personality. Just as embracing concealed facets of the self leads to personal growth, acknowledging the nuanced shifts reflected in the emblem presents an opportunity for society to confront its collective "shadow," fostering a more authentic and assertive national identity.

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