The words “Satyameva Jayate” on the State Emblem of India have been adopted from which one of the following Upanishads?

Introduction / Context:
This question links Indian national symbols with ancient spiritual literature. The phrase “Satyameva Jayate”, which appears below the State Emblem of India, has its roots in the Upanishads. Knowing its exact source helps in both cultural literacy and exam preparation, because it connects modern India's motto with classical Sanskrit texts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The phrase is “Satyameva Jayate”, meaning “Truth alone triumphs”.
• We are asked from which Upanishad this phrase is taken.
• Options list Mundaka, Brahma, Mudgala and Maitreyi Upanishads.
• We assume awareness that not all these names are equally prominent in basic exam syllabi.

Concept / Approach:
“Satyameva Jayate” comes from the Mundaka Upanishad, one of the major Upanishads associated with the Atharvaveda. The full line states that truth alone triumphs, not falsehood, and that the path of truth leads seekers to the highest reality. When India adopted its national emblem, this phrase was chosen to reflect a commitment to truth and moral integrity. Other Upanishads in the options are not cited in standard references as the source of the national motto.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the national motto “Satyameva Jayate” is from an Upanishadic verse.Step 2: Remember from civics and GK lessons that this verse is specifically from the Mundaka Upanishad.Step 3: Scan the options to identify Mundaka Upanishad among them.Step 4: Confirm that none of the other Upanishads listed are usually quoted as the source of this phrase in textbooks.Step 5: Select Mundaka Upanishad as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
School textbooks on civics and Indian symbols, as well as many official explanations of the State Emblem, explicitly mention that “Satyameva Jayate” is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad. Exam-preparation books summarise national symbols in charts and again repeat this fact. There is no contradictory standard source that attributes the motto to another Upanishad, so the identification is clear.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Brahma Upanishad: A minor Upanishad, not commonly cited in relation to the national motto.Mudgala Upanishad: Also a lesser-known text, not associated with “Satyameva Jayate” in exam literature.Maitreyi Upanishad: The name may remind students of Maitreyi from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, but it is not the source of India's motto.

Common Pitfalls:
Because there are many Upanishads and several sound unfamiliar, some candidates guess randomly. Others may confuse Mundaka with similarly sounding names. To avoid such errors, memorise a simple association: “Satyameva Jayate – Mundaka Upanishad – State Emblem of India”. Recalling this trio ensures a quick and correct response in the exam.

Final Answer:
The words “Satyameva Jayate” on the State Emblem of India have been adopted from the Mundaka Upanishad.