What Is The National Song Of India?
Here is the full text of the Vande Mataram song written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, originally in Sanskritized Bengali. It was included in his 1882 novel Anandamath and later became a rallying cry for India’s independence movement.
Vande Mataram
Sanskrit Text:
वन्दे मातरम्
सुजलां सुफलां मलयजशीतलाम्,
शस्यश्यामलां मातरम्।
शुभ्रज्योत्स्ना पुलकितयामिनीम्,
फुल्लकुसुमित द्रुमदलशोभिनीम्,
सुहासिनीं सुमधुर भाषिणीम्,
सुखदां वरदां मातरम्॥
सप्तकोटि कण्ठ कलकल निनाद कराले,
द्विसप्त कोटि भुजैर्धृतखरकरवाले।
अबला केनो मा एतो बोले,
बहुबलधारिणीं नमामि तारिणीम्,
रिपुदलवारिणीं मातरम्॥
तुमि विद्या, तुमि धर्म,
तुमि हृदि, तुमि मर्म,
त्वं हि प्राणा: शरीरे।
बाहुते तुमि मा शक्ति,
हृदये तुमि मा भक्ति,
तोमारई प्रतिमा गडि मन्दिरे मन्दिरे॥
त्वं हि दुर्गा दशप्रहरणधारिणी,
कमला कमलदलविहारिणी,
वाणी विद्यादायिनी,
नमामि त्वाम्,
नमामि कमलां अमलां अतुलाम्,
सुजलां सुफलां मातरम्॥
वन्दे मातरम्।
Translation in English
I bow to thee, Mother,
richly-watered, richly-fruited,
cool with the winds of the south,
dark with the crops of the harvests,
the Mother!
Her nights rejoicing in the glory of the moonlight,
her lands clothed beautifully with her trees in flowering bloom,
sweet of laughter, sweet of speech,
the Mother, giver of boons, giver of bliss.
Introduction: The Origin of Vande Mataram
Vande Mataram is more than a song; it is an enduring symbol of India’s unity, culture, and nationalism. Written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875 and later included in his novel Anandamath, it became the battle cry during India’s fight for independence against British colonial rule. Composed in Sanskritized Bengali, the song celebrates the motherland as a divine figure, drawing parallels with the goddess Durga and invoking a sense of patriotic fervor among Indians.
The term “Vande Mataram” translates to “I bow to thee, Mother,” where the “Mother” refers to Bharat Mata (Mother India). This song uniquely fuses India’s spiritual essence with its natural beauty, creating a vivid portrayal of the land’s prosperity, strength, and resilience.
The Poetic Brilliance of Vande Mataram
The structure of Vande Mataram is poetic and deeply metaphorical. Bankim Chandra used Sanskrit, a language steeped in India’s historical and spiritual heritage, to evoke a sense of timelessness. The imagery of lush fields, rivers, and flowers represents India’s abundant natural wealth. At the same time, the description of the mother as Durga, equipped with ten weapons, reflects the people’s strength and determination to fight oppressors.
Each stanza of the song alternates between praising India’s physical beauty and acknowledging her spiritual significance. For instance, while the lines “richly-watered, richly-fruited” reflect abundance, the invocation of Durga in “You are Durga, bearer of ten weapons” symbolizes protection, power, and resistance.
Role in India’s Freedom Struggle
Vande Mataram became a cornerstone of the Indian freedom struggle. First sung at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress by Rabindranath Tagore, it resonated with the masses and leaders alike. During the partition of Bengal in 1905, the song was a unifying force against the British policy of “divide and rule.”
Revolutionaries and freedom fighters such as Bipin Chandra Pal, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Lala Lajpat Rai often invoked the song to inspire people. It became a symbol of resistance, with its verses echoing through rallies, meetings, and protests. The powerful chorus “Vande Mataram” would often energize crowds and infuse them with a sense of purpose.
For many, Vande Mataram was more than just words; it was an expression of their love for their country and their determination to achieve freedom. Some even sacrificed their lives with “Vande Mataram” on their lips, a testament to the song’s impact.
Philosophical and Cultural Significance
Beyond its patriotic undertones, Vande Mataram embodies India’s civilizational ethos. The song speaks to a profound connection between the people and the land, treating the motherland as a living, breathing entity deserving of reverence.
The invocation of Durga symbolizes the fight against injustice, while the references to nature highlight India’s agricultural roots and the dependence of its people on the land. The emphasis on “sweet speech” and “giver of bliss” underscores the harmonious and inclusive values that have defined Indian culture for centuries.
Influence on Art, Music, and Literature
Vande Mataram has transcended its origins to become an integral part of India’s artistic and cultural fabric. Numerous musicians, including Rabindranath Tagore and A.R. Rahman, have composed their versions of the song, each bringing a unique interpretation to its timeless words. Rahman’s rendition, released in the late 1990s, became an anthem for modern India, blending tradition with contemporary sounds.
The song has also inspired countless works of literature and art. Its themes of patriotism and devotion have been echoed in poetry, prose, and paintings, reinforcing its enduring relevance.
Global Recognition
Though deeply rooted in Indian culture, Vande Mataram has also gained recognition on the global stage. It represents the universal themes of love for one’s homeland and the fight for justice and freedom. Scholars and historians worldwide have acknowledged its role in India’s independence movement and its poetic brilliance.
Conclusion: A Timeless Anthem
Vande Mataram continues to inspire generations of Indians. Its words encapsulate the beauty, strength, and spiritual essence of India, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made for the country’s independence. While it may not hold the title of National Anthem, its emotional and historical significance is unparalleled.
As India progresses into the future, Vande Mataram remains a testament to the power of art and literature in shaping a nation’s destiny. It is not just a song but a legacy—a call to honor the motherland and uphold the values that define her.
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