Seal of Tamil Nadu
The Seal of Tamil Nadu is the official state emblem of Tamil Nadu and is used as the official state symbol of the Government of Tamil Nadu. It consists of the Lion Capital of Ashoka without the bell lotus foundation and flanked on either side by an Indian flag. Behind the capital, is the image of a gopura or temple tower based on the gopura of the Meenakshi Amman Temple in the city of Madurai in southern Tamil Nadu.[1]
The state emblem was designed in 1949 by artist R. Krishna Rao who was a native of Madurai.[1] Krishna Rao was honoured with awards and titles for his contribution to the state.[1]
Around the rim of the seal runs an inscription in Tamil script, one at the top தமிழ் நாடு அரசு ("Tamil Nadu Arasu" which translates to "Government of Tamil Nadu") and other at the bottom வாய்மையே வெல்லும் ("Vaymaiye Vellum" which translates to "Truth Alone Triumphs" also commonly known as "Satyameva Jayate" in Sanskrit). It is the only state that has Indian Flag on its seal.
