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1. 150 Years of Vande Mataram

150 Years of Vande Mataram

Why in News ?

• 7 November 2025 marks 150 years since Vande Mataram was first published in Bangadarshan (1875).
• The Government of India launched nationwide commemorations to celebrate its enduring legacy as India’s National Song—a symbol of unity, resistance, and nationalism.

Relevance

GS-1 (History & Culture):

• Reflects the evolution of Indian nationalism, Bengal Renaissance, and cultural awakening through literature.
• Highlights Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s contribution to shaping patriotic and literary consciousness.

Basic Facts

• Author: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (1838–1894)
• First Publication: Bangadarshan magazine, 7 November 1875
• Incorporated in: Anandamath (1882)
• First Sung by: Rabindranath Tagore, 1896 Indian National Congress session, Calcutta
• National Song Status: Adopted by Constituent Assembly on 24 January 1950
• Translation: “Mother, I Bow to Thee”
• Musical Composition: Set to tune by Rabindranath Tagore

Historical Context

• Composed during British colonial rule, the song personified India as the Mother Goddess, invoking divine reverence and national pride.
• Initially a literary expression, it evolved into a political and spiritual anthem during the anti-colonial struggle.
• The “religion of patriotism” central to Anandamath reflected early nationalist consciousness.
• Anandamath depicted India as three forms of the mother:
  • Glorious Past
  • Subjugated Present
  • Resurgent Future

Cultural & Political Evolution

• 1875: Published independently in Bangadarshan.
• 1882: Included in Anandamath.
• 1896: Sung at Congress session by Tagore.
• 1905 (7 August): Used as political slogan during the Swadeshi & anti-partition movement in Bengal.
• 1906: Adopted at Varanasi session of INC as all-India patriotic song.
• 1907: Madam Bhikaji Cama inscribed “Vande Mataram” on the tricolour flag raised in Stuttgart, Germany.
• 1908: Chanted during Tilak’s arrest; symbol of unity across linguistic and religious lines.

Symbol of Resistance

• 1905–1911 Bengal Partition Era:
  • Became the rallying cry of the Swadeshi Movement.
  • British authorities banned its recitation in schools and colleges.
  • Students in Rangpur fined ₹5 each for chanting it.
  • Bipin Chandra Pal & Aurobindo Ghose edited the newspaper BandeMataram, spreading nationalist ideology.
  • Prabhat Pheris led by Bande Mataram Sampradaya in North Calcutta promoted patriotic awakening.

Impact Beyond India

• 1907: Tricolour with “Vande Mataram” raised in Europe by Madam Cama.
• 1909: Madan Lal Dhingra’s last words before execution—“Bande Mataram”.
• 1909: Bande Mataram magazine published from Geneva by Indian patriots.
• 1912: South Africans welcomed Gokhale with cries of Vande Mataram.

Constitutional Recognition

• 24 January 1950:
  • Dr. Rajendra Prasad declared in Constituent Assembly:
    • Jana Gana Mana — National Anthem.
    • Vande Mataram — National Song, equal status and honor.
• No formal debate; consensus reflected emotional reverence attached to it.

Thematic Significance

• Literary Dimension: Blends devotion (bhakti) and patriotism—symbol of cultural renaissance.
• Political Dimension: Served as India’s first nationalist hymn, linking emotional nationalism with political mobilization.
• Social Dimension: Fostered unity beyond religion, caste, and language.
• Philosophical Core:
  • Bankim envisioned the nation as divine motherhood.
  • Sri Aurobindo called it “the mother with seventy million arms”—symbol of empowerment and resistance.

Data & Legacy Highlights

Overview

• Bankim’s Contribution: Created India’s first literary articulation of Motherland as Goddess, blending spiritual nationalism and political activism.
• Role in Freedom Struggle: Unified educated elite and masses through shared symbolism; influenced leaders like Aurobindo, Tilak, Cama, and Pal.
• Cultural Continuity: The song still resonates through public ceremonies, school recitations, and patriotic art—bridging colonial resistance and postcolonial nationhood.
• Modern Relevance: Reinforces civic nationalism and environmental symbolism (tree plantation theme linking “Mother Earth” with “Mother India”).

Conclusion

• Vande Mataram remains the moral and emotional foundation of India’s national identity.
• It transformed from poetry to protest, art to action, and song to symbol of independence.
• The 150-year commemoration is not merely a tribute to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee but a reaffirmation of India’s unity in diversity, cultural pride, and spiritual nationalism.