The title Vande Mataram means “I praise the motherland. An ode to the motherland, It Played a vital role in the Indian Independence movement. This was first sung in Political Context by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress.
Origin and Ownership
Author: Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay (Bankim Babu).
Year / Context: Written in the late 19th Century and included in his novel Anandamath (Published in 1882). It later became a powerful patriotic song during the Indian Freedom movement. The song became widely known through Bangadarshan and its association with Anandamath.
Political Adoption and Truncation (1937)
In 1937, the Indian National Congress formally approved a shortened version, mainly the first two stanzas. Based on the Committee recommendations to address communal sensitiveness of the time.
Vande Mataram at Constituent Assembly (1950)
On 24 January 1950, the Constituent Assembly adopted Vande Mataram as the National song of India, distinct from the National anthem Jana Gana Mana.
Reasons for Controversy / Communal Sensitivity
Certain later stanzas of this song were viewed as potentially alienating by some communities in the 1930s-40. This led to political debate over its public use. While leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose supported the full song, others expressed concern about communal reactions, prompting the Congress to adopt only the first two stanzas for official and public use.
Cultural and Historical Significance of Vande Mataram
This song was a powerful rallying cry in the freedom movement, widely invoked during mobilisation. This includes Dandi March because it personified the motherland. It remains a potent cultural symbol in modern India, revered by many while still carrying contested interpretations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote the national song of India, Vande Mataram?
It was written by a pioneer of modern Indian literature, Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
Is Vande Mataram a religious song?
It is not a religious song. However, certain parts of the song evoke imagery and pay homage to goddess Durga and Lakshmi.
What is the full form of Vande Mataram?
The title of this song means “I praise the motherland. An ode to the motherland.
Is Vande Mataram a slogan?
Yes, It was a slogan. It was used in meetings, processions and public gatherings during the freedom struggle.
How many years in Vande Mataram?
The year 2025 marks 150 years of our national song.
Who sang Vande Mataram first?
It was First Sung by Rabindranath Tagore.
Is Vande Mataram Bengali or Sanskrit?
It is in the Sanskrit language.
What is the difference between Vande Mataram and Jana Gana Mana?
On 24 January 1950, the Constituent Assembly adopted Vande Mataram as the National song of India, distinct from the National anthem Jana Gana Mana.
What is called the national anthem?
The national anthem of India is Jana Gana Mana.
What was the original language of the national anthem?
The National Anthem was originally written in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore.
Who is the father of the Indian national song?
Shri Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
Who wrote our first national anthem?
Rabindranath Tagore wrote the national anthem in Bengali.
Who wrote Rashtra Geet?
Rabindranath Tagore wrote it.
What is the old name of Jana Gana Mana?
“Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata was the original composition of Jana Gana Mana.
• Vande Mataram – 150 Years of Patriotism (DD News)
• PIB Reference Document (PDF)