A Symbol of India’s Freedom Struggle

“Vande Mataram” is a patriotic song that became the war cry of India’s independence movement. Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, it inspired freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Mahatma Gandhi.

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1. Origin of “Vande Mataram”

• Written by: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
• First appeared in: The novel Anandamath (1882).
• Language: Originally in Sanskrit and Bengali.
• Meaning: “I bow to thee, Mother” (referring to Mother India).

First Public Singing

• Sung for the first time by Rabindranath Tagore in 1896 at the Indian National Congress session.

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2. Lyrics & Meaning

The first two stanzas of “Vande Mataram” were adopted as India’s National Song in 1950.

Original Sanskrit Lyrics

वन्दे मातरम्।  
सुजलां सुफलां मलयजशीतलाम्  
शस्यशामलां मातरम्।  
वन्दे मातरम्।  
शुभ्रज्योत्स्ना पुलकितयामिनीम्  
फुल्लकुसुमित ध्रुमदलशोभिनीम्  
सुहासिनीं सुमधुर भाषिणीम्  
सुखदां वरदां मातरम्।  
वन्दे मातरम्।  

English Meaning

“I bow to thee, Mother,
Richly-watered, richly-fruited,
Cool with the winds of the south,
Dark with the crops of the harvests;
Mother! I bow to thee!”

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3. Role in India’s Freedom Movement

• “Vande Mataram” became the anthem of Indian nationalists.
• Used in Swadeshi Movement (1905), Non-Cooperation Movement (1920s), and Quit India Movement (1942).
• Freedom fighters sang it during protests, marches, and revolutionary activities.
• Banned by the British in schools and public gatherings as it was seen as anti-British.

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4. Controversies & National Song Status

• Not adopted as the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana was chosen instead) because:
  • Some Muslim leaders opposed its “Hindu religious imagery” (Mother Goddess Durga).
  • The first two stanzas were selected as a compromise and given the status of “National Song” in 1950.

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5. “Vande Mataram” in Modern India

• Sung at official government functions, schools, and Independence Day celebrations.
• Used in patriotic films, songs, and military parades.
• Inspired songs like A.R. Rahman’s 1997 version of “Vande Mataram.”

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MCQs on “Vande Mataram”

1. Who wrote “Vande Mataram”?

a) Rabindranath Tagore
b) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
c) Subhas Chandra Bose
d) Lala Lajpat Rai
Answer: (b) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay

2. In which book did “Vande Mataram” first appear?

a) Anandamath
b) Geetanjali
c) India Wins Freedom
d) Hind Swaraj
Answer: (a) Anandamath

3. Who first sang “Vande Mataram” in public?

a) Mahatma Gandhi
b) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
c) Rabindranath Tagore
d) Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: (c) Rabindranath Tagore

4. In which year was “Vande Mataram” first sung at the Indian National Congress session?

a) 1857
b) 1896
c) 1920
d) 1942
Answer: (b) 1896

5. Why was “Vande Mataram” not adopted as the National Anthem?

a) Its tune was not melodious
b) It was written in English
c) It had religious imagery that some communities opposed
d) It was too long
Answer: (c) It had religious imagery that some communities opposed

6. Which freedom movement saw the mass use of “Vande Mataram”?

a) Revolt of 1857
b) Swadeshi Movement (1905)
c) Quit India Movement (1942)
d) Both (b) and (c)
Answer: (d) Both (b) and (c)

7. In which year was “Vande Mataram” given the status of India’s National Song?

a) 1942
b) 1947
c) 1950
d) 1969
Answer: (c) 1950

8. Which music composer gave a modern version of “Vande Mataram” in 1997?

a) A.R. Rahman
b) Lata Mangeshkar
c) R.D. Burman
d) Jagjit Singh
Answer: (a) A.R. Rahman

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Conclusion

“Vande Mataram” is more than just a song; it is a symbol of India’s struggle for freedom. Even today, it evokes deep patriotism in Indians worldwide.

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