On This Day: 7th Nov 1875 Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay Wrote “Vande Mataram”
When Bankim Chandra Wrote “Vande Mataram” — The Song That Lit India’s Spirit
The song “Vande Mataram”, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay on November 7, 1875, is one of the most iconic pieces that exemplifies nationalism, unity and pride in India. It was composed not as a protest piece, but out of the pure affection of a writer for his beloved Land.
The Birth of Vande Mataram
Bankim Chandra was a highly regarded Bengali writer. During the then British rule in India, people were losing hope and he wanted to instil strength in the people. Bankim Chandra started writing the poem “Vande Mataram”, for it meant “I bow to thee, Mother”.
The song for the poem was included in his 1882 novel Anandamath and it became a significant piece in the awakening of the nation. In the song, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay personified India as a mother, divine and strong.
Meaning and Significance
The Vande Mataram meaning is deep and celebrates India as a nation. It captured the essence of the rivers, the beauty of the land and most importantly, the motherland. It was a great piece of work that served as an inspiration for the Indian people during the Indian freedom movement and was later adopted as the national song.
At the Indian National Congress session in 1896, Rabindranath Tagore’s performance inspired the song to become a rallying cry for Indian liberation. Whenever Vande Mataram was sung, the people were united, not just in effort, but in soul.
Legacy That Lives On
Alongside Jana Gana Mana, Vande Mataram was formally acknowledged as India’s national song in 1950. It is still more than just a song today; it serves as a reminder of the power of words to inspire bravery and solidarity.
On November 7, 1875, we commemorate the day that Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay gave India a song that continues to inspire millions of people.
A timeless ode to India’s soul is Vande Mataram.
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