India is a land of diversity, rich culture, and patriotism. Among the many symbols of India's identity, the National Song of India holds a special place. The National Song of India is “Vande Mataram”, which played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle. It has inspired generations with its powerful lyrics and nationalistic fervor.
Written in Sanskrit by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the song was first published in his 1882 novel Anandamath. The tune of Vande Mataram, later composed by Rabindranath Tagore, is still played at national ceremonies and events.
Importance of National Song in India
The National Song of India, "Vande Mataram," holds immense historical, cultural, and emotional significance in the hearts of every Indian. Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and later set to tune by Rabindranath Tagore, this song became a unifying force during India's freedom struggle.
It inspired countless freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Lala Lajpat Rai, and served as a rallying cry against British rule. The song beautifully personifies India as a divine mother and evokes deep respect, love, and patriotism towards the motherland.
"Vande Mataram" was first introduced in the novel Anandamath in 1882 and gained popularity as a revolutionary anthem that cut across religious and regional boundaries. On January 24, 1950, the Constituent Assembly of India gave it the status of the national song, recognizing its powerful role in shaping the country's identity.
While Jana Gana Mana is the national anthem, Vande Mataram in english holds equal reverence and continues to be sung at schools, official ceremonies, and national events.
The song also carries rich literary and cultural value, blending Sanskrit and Bengali in a poetic form that praises the beauty, fertility, and spirit of India. It connects citizens emotionally to their roots and inspires young generations to honor and serve their country.
Even today, its melody and message ignite feelings of unity, devotion, and national pride, making Vande Mataram an inseparable part of India's soul and identity.
50 GK Questions on National Song of India with Answers
Q: What is the national song of India?
Answer- Vande Mataram
Q: Who wrote the national song of India?
Answer- Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
Q: In which language was “Vande Mataram” originally written?
Answer- Sanskrit
Q: In which novel was “Vande Mataram” first published?
Answer- Anandamath
Q: In which year was “Vande Mataram” published in Anandamath?
Answer- 1882
Q: Who composed the music for “Vande Mataram”?
Answer- Rabindranath Tagore
Q: When was “Vande Mataram” first sung?
Answer- 1896
Q: Who first sang “Vande Mataram” in public?
Answer- Rabindranath Tagore
Q: At which Congress session was “Vande Mataram” first sung?
Answer- 1896 Indian National Congress session
Q: What does “Vande Mataram” mean in English?
Answer- I bow to thee, Mother
Q: Which part of “Vande Mataram” is used as the national song?
Answer- The first two stanzas
Also Read: GK Questions on National Emblem of India
Q: When was “Vande Mataram” declared the national song of India?
Answer- January 24, 1950
Q: Is “Vande Mataram” the national anthem of India?
Answer- No, it is the national song
Q: What is the national anthem of India?
Answer- Jana Gana Mana
Q: What is the difference between the national song and national anthem?
Answer- National song is not constitutionally mandatory to be sung; the anthem is
Q: Which language was the novel Anandamath written in?
Answer- Bengali
Q: Was “Vande Mataram” part of India’s freedom movement?
Answer- Yes
Q: Name the book where “Vande Mataram” is found.
Answer- Anandamath
Q: What is the genre of “Vande Mataram”?
Answer- Patriotic song
Q: How many stanzas are there in the full version of “Vande Mataram”?
Answer- Six
Q: Who was the Viceroy of India when “Vande Mataram” was written?
Answer- Lord Ripon
Q: Why is “Vande Mataram” controversial in some parts of India?
Answer- Due to religious interpretations and use of certain words
Q: Was “Vande Mataram” ever proposed as the national anthem?
Answer- Yes
Q: Which Prime Minister reaffirmed “Vande Mataram” as national song?
Answer- Jawaharlal Nehru
Q: Who translated “Vande Mataram” into English?
Answer- Sri Aurobindo
Q: Who referred to “Vande Mataram” as the "national song" officially?
Answer- Constituent Assembly
Q: Which Indian revolutionary used “Vande Mataram” as a slogan?
Answer- Bhagat Singh
Q: What is the theme of “Vande Mataram”?
Answer- Love and reverence for the motherland
Q: Was “Vande Mataram” banned during British rule?
Answer- Yes, at times
Q: In which script is “Vande Mataram” written in Anandamath?
Answer- Bengali script
Q: Which award-winning film features “Vande Mataram”?
Answer- Anand Math (1952)
Q: Who choreographed the famous Vande Mataram dance in Bharatnatyam?
Answer- Rukmini Devi Arundale
Q: What is the significance of the line "Sujalam suphalam"?
Answer- It praises the natural beauty of India
Q: Is there a fixed time duration for singing “Vande Mataram”?
Answer- No
Q: Which musical instruments are commonly used for Vande Mataram?
Answer- Harmonium, tabla, veena
Q: What kind of song is “Vande Mataram” – prose, poem, or hymn?
Answer- Hymn
Q: Is “Vande Mataram” part of school prayers in India?
Answer- In many schools, yes
Q: Who said “Vande Mataram is a mantra for India’s freedom”?
Answer- Subhas Chandra Bose
Q: Did Mahatma Gandhi support “Vande Mataram”?
Answer- Yes
Q: What is the cultural impact of “Vande Mataram”?
Answer- It united people during the freedom struggle
Q: Which singer’s version of “Vande Mataram” became iconic in modern India?
Answer- Lata Mangeshkar and A.R. Rahman
Q: When did A.R. Rahman release his version of “Vande Mataram”?
Answer- 1997
Q: What was the title of A.R. Rahman’s album featuring “Vande Mataram”?
Answer- Maa Tujhe Salaam
Q: Can “Vande Mataram” be sung at government functions?
Answer- Yes
Q: What musical scale is “Vande Mataram” composed in?
Answer- Mostly Raag Desh
Q: Is “Vande Mataram” associated with any political movement?
Answer- Yes, the Swadeshi Movement
Q: Can citizens be forced to sing “Vande Mataram”?
Answer- No, it is voluntary
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Q: Is “Vande Mataram” protected under any law?
Answer- Yes, under laws protecting national symbols
Q: Which Indian state once debated singing “Vande Mataram” in schools?
Answer- Tamil Nadu
Q: What does “Mataram” refer to in “Vande Mataram”?
Answer- Motherland or Mother India
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans. Vande Mataram is the national song of India.
Ans. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote Vande Mataram.
Ans. The national song (Vande Mataram) is not constitutionally mandatory to sing, while the national anthem (Jana Gana Mana) has official protocol and legal standing. Both are symbols of national pride, but the anthem is used in official functions more often.
Ans. It was officially declared the national song on January 24, 1950 by the Constituent Assembly.
Ans. The music was first composed by Rabindranath Tagore.
Ans. No, Vande Mataram is the national song. The national anthem of India is Jana Gana Mana.