The correct option is Twenty-four.
Explanation
The Lion Capital at Sarnath was erected by Emperor Ashoka to commemorate the Dharmachakrapravartana, or the first sermon of the Buddha. It is a quintessential example of Mauryan court art, characterized by highly polished sandstone, and serves as the basis for the National Emblem of India.
Detailed Analysis
The capital consists of four Asiatic lions standing back to back, mounted on a circular abacus. The abacus is adorned with sculptures in high relief of an elephant, a galloping horse, a bull, and a lion, separated by intervening wheels (chakras).
- The Chakra (wheel) depicted on the abacus is known as the Dharmachakra or the Wheel of Law.
- This wheel contains exactly 24 spokes.
- This specific design was adopted as the Ashoka Chakra in the center of the Indian National Flag on July 22, 1947.
Key Takeaway
The Chakra on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital features 24 spokes, representing the eternal wheel of law (Dharma), and is the source for the wheel depicted on the Indian National Flag.