The words 'Satyameva Jayate' inscribed in Devanagari script below the abacus of the State Emblem of India have been taken from

The correct answer is Mundaka Upanishad.

Key Points

• The Mundaka Upanishad is one of the principal Upanishads, a collection of philosophical texts forming the foundation of Hindu philosophy. It is associated with the Atharvaveda. The Mundaka Upanishad contains profound teachings on the nature of reality, the soul (Atman), and the Supreme Being (Brahman). The phrase 'Satyameva Jayate', meaning 'Truth alone triumphs', is a significant mantra from this Upanishad. It emphasizes the ultimate victory of truth over falsehood and has been adopted as the national motto of India, symbolizing the nation's commitment to truth and integrity.

Additional Information

• The Katha Upanishad is another important Upanishad, associated with the Krishna Yajurveda. It narrates the story of Nachiketa, a young boy who ventures into the abode of Yama, the god of death, and receives profound teachings about the nature of life, death, and the afterlife. The Katha Upanishad explores themes of self-realization, the impermanence of the physical body, and the eternal nature of the soul. While it contains many significant philosophical insights, the national motto 'Satyameva Jayate' is not derived from this Upanishad.
• The Samaveda is one of the four Vedas, the ancient Hindu scriptures. It primarily consists of melodies and chants derived from the Rigveda, intended to be sung during Vedic rituals and sacrifices. The Samaveda focuses on the musical and liturgical aspects of worship, emphasizing the importance of sound and rhythm in spiritual practice. While it is a crucial text in Hinduism, containing hymns and musical notations, the phrase 'Satyameva Jayate' is not found within its verses.
• The Yajurveda is another of the four Vedas, focusing on the procedures for Vedic rituals and sacrifices. It contains mantras and sacrificial formulae recited by priests during yajnas (sacrifices). The Yajurveda exists in two recensions, the Krishna Yajurveda and the Shukla Yajurveda, each with its own arrangement and content. While it provides detailed instructions for performing religious ceremonies, the national motto 'Satyameva Jayate' is not taken from this Veda.