Dharmachakra (the wheel of dharma) is an ancient Indian symbol, so it is used in many places beyond the modern Jain emblem. In simple terms:

1. In Buddhism

- A dharmachakra with 8 spokes is very common. - It stands for the “Noble Eightfold Path” and the Buddha’s teaching turning the “wheel of dharma.” - You will see it on Buddhist flags, monastery gates, thrones, and artwork.

1. In the flag of India

- The blue wheel in the center of the Indian national flag is a dharmachakra called the “Ashoka Chakra.” - It has 24 spokes. Historically it comes from the Lion Capital of Ashoka, where the wheel signified righteous rule and moral law. - Today it is explained as a symbol of righteousness, progress, and constant movement.

1. General Indian art, seals and government emblems

- Many Indian government bodies and educational institutions use some form of a dharmachakra to represent justice, morality, and duty. - In such uses, it is taken as a general symbol of “dharma” (right conduct / law), not specifically Jain or Buddhist.

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How this relates to Jainism

• In Jainism, the dharmachakra (often with 24 spokes) in the palm of the hand represents:

- the 24 Tirthankaras, - the path of dharma (right faith, right knowledge, right conduct), - and the resolve to stop violence and the cycle of birth–death. ( jainknowledge.com)

• Other traditions (Buddhist, national, etc.) use the same basic wheel form but give it their own meaning:

- Buddhist use: Buddha’s path and teachings. - Indian flag / state use: moral law, justice, and progress. - Jain use: Tirthankaras’ path, ahimsa, and liberation.

So, the shape (a wheel with spokes) is shared, but the inner meaning depends on the tradition.