Satyameva Jayate
Topic: State, Government and Governance: Organs, Levels and the Citizen · NCERT: Class 6, Ch 10 "Grassroots Democracy – Part 1: Governance"
Meaning
Satyameva Jayate means "Truth alone triumphs". The phrase comes from the Mundaka Upanishad, an ancient Indian text. It is India's national motto and is inscribed below the State Emblem, which was adopted on 26 January 1950. It expresses the idea that the government should stand on truth.
Example
You can see Satyameva Jayate under the lion capital emblem on government documents, currency notes and official buildings.
Don't confuse with
- Yato Dharmastato Jayah: this is the Supreme Court's motto. It means "Where there is dharma, there is victory" and comes from the Mahabharata, not the Mundaka Upanishad.