Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay - The composer of National Song ‘Vande Mataram’

Uniqueness of ‘Vande Mataram’, the ‘Deeksha-mantra’ of patriotism and importance of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay !

A great patriot, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the composer of national song ‘Vande Mataram’ that became a source of inspiration for revolutionaries ……

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, a great patriot was born on 26th June 1838 in Bengal. Bankim Chandra is the composer of the national song ‘Vande Mataram (I worship my Motherland for she truly is my mother)’.

‘Vande Mataram’ is a part of a his famous novel titled ‘Anandmath’ which is based on a true historical incident. That historical incident is known as ‘The Sannyasi Rebellion’ in Indian history. This rebellion took place during 1762 and 1774 in Bengal. The novel calls for the rise of Hindu nationalism. The novel was published in 1882 and soon, ‘Vande Mataram’ became an inspirational song for Indian freedom fight, and is now the National Song of India. The novel was banned by the British. The ban was lifted later by the Government of India after independence. The following incident will show hatred felt by the British towards this song.

British Govt. holds trial for acclaiming ‘Vande Mataram’

On 27th September 1906, the day of Dassera, young men from Kalika Temple in Nashik were returning after ‘Seemollanghan’ when they raised slogans of ‘Vande Mataram’. A policeman heard the acclamation and shouted at the young men to stop the same while raising hand over Babarao Savarkar; but that policeman had to later repent because everyone including Babarao thrashed him.

The British Government, enraged due to the above incident, filed case against 11 young men which was known as ‘Vande Mataram Abhiyog’ and Babarao was the main accused in the case. The case was heard at various places in Nashik District for six months because the Judge used to be on tour and it was heard at the place wherever the Judge used to be. In this case, Babarao was fined Rs. 20/- so also bail was granted with large amount as guarantee. Other young men were charged with similar punishments.

-Shri. Sanjay Mulye, Ratnagiri (2007)

The above incident was an example to realize that ‘Vande Mataram’ had become a part of freedom fight or it wouldn’t be wrong to say that without ‘Vande Mataram’, Indian freedom fight would have been incomplete. Even today i.e. after 150 years since its composition, ‘Vande Mataram’, the national song plays a lion’s share in generating intense patriotism and astonishing love towards Bharatmata; therefore, it is worth mentioning fact that how much ever gratitude expressed towards the composer of this song i.e. Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay would be inadequate !