UPSC Prelims 2014
Art & Culture
The national motto of India, ‘Satyameva Jayate’ inscribed below the Emblem of India is taken from
Explanation
* 'Satyameva Jayate' (Truth alone triumphs ) is a mantra from the ancient Indian scripture Mundaka Upanishad. * Following the independence of India, it was adopted as the national motto of India on 26 January 1950. It is inscribed in the script at the base of the national emblem. The emblem and the words 'Satyameva Jayate' are inscribed on one side of all Indian currency. * The emblem is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka which was erected around 250 BCE at Sarnath, near Varanasi in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is inscribed on all currency notes and national documents.