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.

It consists of the Lion Capital of Ashoka without the bell lotus foundation and flanked on either side by an Indian flag.

It is the only state emblem that has the Indian Flag and Hindu temple tower on its seal.

The Government of Tamil Nadu can be represented by an image of the emblem of the state placed onto a white background.