Correct Option
The correct option is Rhinoceros.
Explanation
The Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath is a sculpture originally placed atop the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. It commemorates the site of the Buddha's first sermon, known as the Dharmachakrapravartana. This sculpture was adopted as the National Emblem of India in 1950.
Detailed Analysis
The capital consists of four Asiatic lions standing back to back, mounted on a circular abacus. The abacus itself rests on a bell-shaped lotus. The frieze of the abacus features high-relief sculptures of four animals moving in a clockwise direction, separated by four wheels (Dharmachakras). These animals are:
- The Elephant: Represents the dream of Queen Maya (Buddha's mother), symbolizing the conception of the Buddha.
- The Bull: Represents the zodiac sign Taurus, the month in which the Buddha was born.
- The Horse: Represents the horse Kanthaka, which the Buddha used during his Great Departure (Mahabhinishkramana) from royal life.
- The Lion: Represents the attainment of enlightenment.
Consequently, the Rhinoceros is not depicted on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital.
Key Takeaway: The four animals depicted on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital are the Elephant, Bull, Horse, and Lion, interspersed with the Ashoka Chakra.