The seal or symbol of each Indian state symbolizes their history, culture, and government. Kerala’s symbol or rather the Emblem of Kerala is India’s most symbolized and wise state emblem. Royal heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and state authority in modern times come together to portray it.
This article tells you in a simple language what the Kerala symbol is, what it stands for, and how it symbolizes the state identity. You learn its history, official use, and values enshrined in the symbol.
What Is the Kerala Symbol
The Emblem of Kerala is the Government of Kerala’s official emblem. It is used on all of the government documents, seals, and buildings. Two elephants, a conch shell, and a state crest in the middle are the emblem’s constituents.
| Feature | Description |
| Official Name | Emblem of Kerala |
| Adopted | When the state was formed in 1956 |
| Main Elements | Two elephants, Shankha (conch shell), crest, and motto |
| Motto | “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth Alone Triumphs) |
| Use | Government documents, official flags, seals, and letterheads |
The symbol represents Kerala’s nature, culture, and beauty.
Description of the Kerala Symbol
The Kerala coat of arms is Indian classical design and symmetrical. Two royal elephants with their faces facing opposite directions are present on either side with a circular crest in between.
Around which is a conch shell (Shankha), a highly sanctified symbol in Hinduism, representing prosperity, power, and heritage. Perched above it is the Lion Capital of Ashoka, the Indian national emblem.
Below the crest, a ribbon with the English and Malayalam words for “Government of Kerala” is placed.
Design Elements of the Kerala Symbol
The crest is a blend of Kerala’s natural, cultural, and historical characteristics.
| Element | Meaning |
| Elephants | Representing strength, stability, and cultural pride |
| Conch (Shankha) | Representing auspiciousness, power, and sea-faring connection with Kerala |
| Lion Capital of Ashoka | National emblem of India representing sovereignty and power |
| Motto “Satyameva Jayate” | Adapted from “Truth Alone Triumphs” of ancient Indian scripture Mundaka Upanishad |
| Ribbon with state name | Representing official identification and administration |
All of the symbols in the crest tell something about Kerala’s history, nature, and values.
The Kerala Symbol of the Elephant
Elephants are found in Kerala festivals and culture. Elephants are such beautiful creatures and are employed mainly in classical arts, temple rituals, and parades.
Two elephants face each other in the Kerala symbol, representing unity and harmony.
They have the crest in the center, representing protection and assistance.
Elephants represent grandeur, strength, and patience, values most valued by Kerala people.
The elephant also happens to be the state animal of Kerala and hence its presence in the emblem is emotionally valuable in itself intrinsic to the nature of the state.
The Conch Shell (Shankha)
Shankha or conch shell in the center perhaps is the most vertically important component of the Kerala symbol. Shankha is a highly symbolic component in Hinduism and stands for prosperity, peace, and purity.
In Kerala context:
- It symbolizes Kerala’s large coastline and sea-faring culture.
- It is devotional to Lord Vishnu, who is considered to have a Shankha.
- The tone of Shankha is chaste and is employed in temples and rituals across the state.
It thus symbolizes Kerala’s religious life and nature-loving life.
The Lion Capital
A Lion Capital of Ashoka crowns the Kerala symbol, which is the same as that of India’s national symbol. It consists of four lions set backwards and signifies courage, confidence, and power.
Its usage shows that Kerala, as prosperous as it is at the state level, is a proud member of the Republic of India. It links the nation and its solidarity, and the constitution, to the state government.
Colors Used in the Symbol of Kerala
The symbol was typically drawn in red and gold or black and white forms, depending on usage.
- Red is the color for daring, enthusiasm, and power.
- Gold signifies achievement and tradition.
They may be used officially in black and white script or golden embossed on paper and buildings.
Background
Before Travancore and Cochin came to be united as one state in 1956, Travancore and Cochin each possessed a royal emblem.
- Travancore adopted the conch shell as their royal emblem.
- The umbrella and the elephant were utilized by Cochin as emblems of power.
When the states combined to become Kerala, the good of each was combined in today’s emblem. The emblem was embracing Travancore’s conch and Cochin’s elephants in a joyful manner to represent the union of the new state.
| Symbol | Represents |
| Elephants | Power and protection |
| Conch | Prosperity and culture |
| Lion Capital | National unity |
| Satyameva Jayate | Truth and justice |
| Red and Gold colors | Bravery and wealth |
| Balanced composition | Equality and harmony |
It symbolizes the virtues of Kerala citizens of strength, truth, culture, and concordance with nature.
Use of the Kerala Symbol
The symbol is used on almost all state government documents in place.
It is used for the following purposes:
- Government offices and letterheads
- Official stamps and seals
- State government buildings and vehicles
- State flags which are used in state events
- Identity cards and certificates
- Public service announcements
- Documents and tourism promotion
It represents the Kerala Government and empowers state affairs.
Artistic Design and Style
The Kerala symbol is shown in heraldic style, conventional, complex and balanced. The elephants are balanced with one another, and the elephant trunks majestically cover the conch shell having an arched shape.
Indian art concepts are incorporated with royal symbols in the design so that it becomes regal and balanced in nature.
The Kerala symbol is midway between art and symbolism. The elegant decoration of the elephants and the position of the central crest show professional competence.
Also Read: Murugan Vel Symbol: What It Represents, How Strong It Is, and What Its Secret Spiritual Meaning Is
Legal Protection
Similar to all state symbols, the Kerala symbol is also protected by law. The symbol shall be replicated only on official or personal level with the sanction of the government. Replication or misuse is banned by the State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005.
This gives the symbol dignity and strength that exudes respect, and not of utilitarian function to earn money or to adorn something.
Identification with Kerala’s Culture and Identity
The Kerala state is also known as “God’s Own Country” due to its culture and natural heritage. The symbol reminds one of this:
- Elephants have identification with temple culture and festivals like Thrissur Pooram.
- Conch shell reminds one of sea, religion, and peace.
- The colour reminds one of art and culture since it is employed in handicraft and art.
- The motto reminds one of justice and honesty in government and life.
It symbolizes tradition, religion, and contemporary style, the three aspects of Kerala’s personality.
Comparison with Other State Symbols
Every Indian state has a symbol, but that of Kerala is special both from a cultural and an artistic perspective.
| State | Main Symbol | Themes |
| Tamil Nadu | Temple tower (Gopuram) | Architecture and culture |
| Karnataka | Lion and Gandaberunda bird | Strength and heritage |
| Kerala | Elephants and conch shell | Tradition and balance |
| Maharashtra | Gateway arch | Progress and pride |
The Kerala symbol stands out among the others in that it combines nature, religion, and history into one symbol.
Lessons from the Kerala Symbol
- Unity in diversity: Combines Travancore and Cochin symbols.
- Respect of culture: Respects the tradition and religion of Kerala.
- Strength and balance: Shows that tradition and power are not conflicting.
- Truth and justice: Promotes moral government.
- Art and meaning: Illustrates that beauty and symbol are not diametric opposites.
These are things which make the emblem no longer just an image, it is a message to everyone who is a citizen.
The national crest of Kerala, two elephants, Shankha, and national symbol is not just a show of culture, but also illustrates the citizens’ strength, pride, spirituality, and heritage.
Being a representative of both imperial legacy and modern leadership, the Kerala symbol is an evolutionary forward step from the past and its union with the present. Every single thing, the elephants, the Shankha, and the slogan, represents truth, balance, and power.
It is a reminder to us that Kerala’s wealth is harmony, culture, and honesty. The symbol still shines on as the face of one of India’s most fair and progressive states.