UPSC Prelims 2014 Q54: Art & Culture – Philosophy & Religion
The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken
from
- (a) Katha Upanishad
- (b) Chandogya Upanishad
- (c) Aitareya Upanishad
- (d) Mundaka Upanishad
Answer: (d) Mundaka Upanishad
Explanation
'Satyameva Jayate'
The national motto means 'Truth alone triumphs'.
It is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Script | Written in Devanagari below the State Emblem |
| Emblem | Adapted from the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath |
| Adopted | 26 January 1950 |
| On the emblem | Three lions visible, a wheel (Dharma Chakra) in the centre, a bull and a horse |
The other Upanishads:
| Upanishad | Known for |
|---|---|
| Katha | Dialogue of Nachiketa and Yama |
| Chandogya | 'Tat tvam asi' (That thou art) |
| Aitareya | Attached to the Rig Veda; 'Prajnanam Brahma' |
The Mundaka Upanishad belongs to the Atharva Veda.
Answer: (d) Mundaka Upanishad.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Katha Upanishad has the story of Nachiketa and Yama.
- (b) Incorrect. The Chandogya Upanishad gives 'Tat tvam asi'.
- (c) Incorrect. The Aitareya Upanishad belongs to the Rig Veda and has other sayings.
- (d) CORRECT. 'Satyameva Jayate' is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad.
Key point
'Satyameva Jayate' (Truth alone triumphs): Mundaka Upanishad; below the State Emblem adapted from the Sarnath Lion Capital; adopted 26 January 1950.
Remember
Satyameva Jayate = Mundaka Upanishad.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Mundaka with the Mandukya Upanishad.
- Giving the motto to the Rig Veda or the Gita.
- Forgetting that the emblem comes from Sarnath.
Exam tip
Mundaka = motto. Both start with M; do not confuse it with Mandukya.
Sources
- State Emblem of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act, 2005
- Mundaka Upanishad, III.1.6 ("Satyam eva jayate nānṛtam")