What is the national motto inscribed below the Lion Capital of Ashoka in India's National Emblem?

Introduction / Context:
This question comes from Indian polity and national symbols. India's National Emblem is an adaptation of the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath. Beneath the lions is a motto written in Devanagari script that expresses a core ethical value drawn from the ancient Upanishads. Knowing this exact phrase, as well as distinguishing it from other patriotic slogans, is essential for basic civics and general knowledge exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks about the motto incorporated under the National Emblem.
• Options given include Satyam Shivam, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Satyameva Jayate and Jai Hind.
• We assume the current official form of the Emblem as used on government documents and currency.
• We focus on the exact Sanskrit phrase adopted by the Republic of India.

Concept / Approach:
The motto written in Devanagari under the National Emblem is 'Satyameva Jayate', which translates to 'Truth alone triumphs'. This phrase comes from the Mundaka Upanishad, one of the ancient philosophical texts of India. It was adopted as the national motto after independence to symbolise the importance of truth and righteousness in public life. Other expressions like 'Jai Hind' are patriotic slogans used in speeches and greetings, while 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram' is a philosophical phrase and a popular cultural expression, but not the official motto under the Emblem.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Visualise the National Emblem: four lions standing back-to-back, with a wheel and animals on the abacus below them.Step 2: Recall that beneath this emblem, in Devanagari script, the words 'Satyameva Jayate' are inscribed.Step 3: Translate 'Satyameva Jayate' mentally as 'Truth alone triumphs', linking it to the Upanishadic origin.Step 4: Compare with other options: 'Satyam Shivam' and 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram' are philosophical but not used officially under the Emblem.Step 5: Recognise that 'Jai Hind' is a patriotic slogan and form of salute, not the inscribed motto.Step 6: Select 'Satyameva Jayate' as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Any official government publication or Indian currency note shows the National Emblem with the words 'Satyameva Jayate' below it. School civics textbooks, the Preamble discussion and exam-preparation guides for SSC, UPSC and state services all confirm that this is the national motto associated with the emblem. This widespread and consistent usage confirms our answer beyond doubt.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Satyam Shivam: An incomplete phrase; not the official motto.Satyam Shivam Sundaram: A philosophical phrase meaning 'Truth, Godliness and Beauty'; popular in culture but not adopted as the emblem motto.Jai Hind: A patriotic slogan meaning 'Victory to India', used as a greeting and war cry, not the inscribed motto under the National Emblem.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes mix up patriotic slogans and philosophical expressions with formal constitutional symbols. Because 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram' and 'Satyameva Jayate' both start with 'Satya', some candidates confuse them. To avoid this, remember clearly that 'Satyameva Jayate' is the Upanishadic phrase meaning 'Truth alone triumphs' and is the one inscribed under the National Emblem of India.

Final Answer:
The motto incorporated under India's National Emblem is Satyameva Jayate.