The national motto of India, 'Satyameva Jayate' inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from
Contents8
- AKatha Upanishad
- BChandogra Upanishad
- CAitareya Upanishad
- DMundaka Upanishad
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Answer: (D) Mundaka Upanishad
'Satyameva Jayate' (Truth Alone Triumphs) is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad (Mantra 3.1.6).
It is inscribed below the State Emblem of India (the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath).
Don't confuse the Upanishads:
- Mundaka Upanishad — 'Satyameva Jayate' + the metaphor of two birds on a tree (Jiva and Atman).
- Katha Upanishad — story of Nachiketa and Yama (Death); discusses the nature of the soul.
- Chandogya Upanishad — 'Tat Tvam Asi' (Thou Art That) — one of the Mahavakyas.
- Aitareya Upanishad — deals with creation and the nature of Atman.
For UPSC, memorise: Mundaka = Satyameva Jayate. This is a frequently repeated question across years.
(Ref: India Year Book)
Satyameva Jayate from Mundaka Upanishad is inscribed on India's State Emblem, making it constitutionally significant beyond just being a philosophical text.
UPSC tests whether students can distinguish between the four major Upanishads and their key contributions - Mundaka has Satyameva Jayate, Chandogya has Tat Tvam Asi, Katha has Nachiketa's story, and Aitareya deals with creation.
Satyameva Jayate - National Motto
Art And Culture Satyameva Jayate national motto Emblem of India
Satyameva Jayate: National Motto & State Emblem Connection
Satyameva Jayate (Truth Alone Triumphs) is India's national motto from Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.6
Inscribed below the State Emblem of India (Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath)
Adopted as national motto on 26 January 1950 along with the Constitution
Satyameva Jayate means 'Truth Alone Triumphs' and serves as India's national motto. It appears in Devanagari script below the State Emblem, connecting ancient Vedic wisdom with modern constitutional values.
Key Facts
Original Sanskrit: सत्यमेव जयते (Satyameva Jayate)
Complete verse context: 'Truth alone triumphs, not falsehood'
Appears on Indian currency notes, government documents, and official seals
Symbolizes India's commitment to truth and dharma in governance
Question Connection
This PYQ tests direct factual recall - Mundaka Upanishad is the source, not the other three Upanishads listed. The connection between national symbols and ancient texts is a frequent UPSC theme.
Don't confuse with other Mahavakyas - 'Tat Tvam Asi' is from Chandogya, not Mundaka
Mundaka Upanishad = Satyameva Jayate (memorize this direct link)
State Emblem vs National Flag - motto appears on emblem, not flag
Mundaka Upanishad
Art And Culture Mundaka Upanishad
Mundaka Upanishad: Key Teachings & UPSC Relevance
Mundaka Upanishad belongs to Atharva Veda and contains the national motto
Famous two birds metaphor explains Jiva (individual soul) and Atman (universal soul)
Divided into 3 sections (Mundakas) with 2 parts each
The Mundaka Upanishad is a principal Upanishad of the Atharva Veda, known for its philosophical teachings on the nature of Brahman and the path to self-realization.
Core Teachings
Para and Apara Vidya - distinguishes between higher (spiritual) and lower (material) knowledge
Two birds on a tree - one eats fruit (Jiva experiencing), other watches (Atman witnessing)
'Satyameva Jayate' appears in Mantra 3.1.6 in context of truth vs falsehood
Emphasizes meditation and self-knowledge over mere ritualistic practices
Mundaka = 'shaved head' - refers to renunciation, not to be confused with other Upanishads
Atharva Veda connection - only major Upanishad from Atharva Veda in common UPSC lists
Major Upanishads Comparison
Art And Culture Katha Upanishad Chandogra Upanishad Aitareya Upanishad
Major Upanishads: Key Distinctions for UPSC
Katha Upanishad - Nachiketa story, nature of Atman, from Yajur Veda
Chandogya Upanishad - 'Tat Tvam Asi' Mahavakya, from Sama Veda
Aitareya Upanishad - creation doctrine, from Rig Veda
Upanishads Comparison
Upanishad | Veda Source | Key Teaching/Story | Famous Quote/Concept |
|---|---|---|---|
Mundaka | Atharva Veda | Two birds metaphor | Satyameva Jayate |
Katha | Yajur Veda | Nachiketa & Yama dialogue | Nature of Atman |
Chandogya | Sama Veda | Svetaketu's education | Tat Tvam Asi |
Aitareya | Rig Veda | Creation from Atman | Prajnanam Brahma |
UPSC Memory Hooks
Katha = Katha means story (Nachiketa's story with Death/Yama)
Chandogya = Chand means rhythm (Sama Veda is about chants/music)
Aitareya = Adi creation (discusses primordial creation process)
Mundaka = Motto (Satyameva Jayate - national motto)
Don't mix Mahavakyas - Tat Tvam Asi (Chandogya) ≠ Satyameva Jayate (Mundaka)
Veda connections matter - each Upanishad belongs to specific Veda, often tested
Nachiketa story is Katha Upanishad, not Mundaka - common confusion