As India prepares to celebrate Independence Day on August 15, one patriotic song will once again resonate across the country — Vande Mataram.
Written nearly 150 years ago, the song became one of the most powerful symbols of India’s freedom struggle. But who wrote it, when was it written, and how did it become the National Song of India?
Who wrote Vande Mataram?
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote Vande Mataram. According to the Government of India’s records for the 150-year commemoration of the song, it was first published on November 7, 1875, in his literary journal Bangadarshan. It was later included in his famous Bengali novel Anandamath, published in 1882.
Bankim Chandra was also a British-era civil servant and one of the most influential writers of 19th-century Bengal. His works explored Indian society, history, culture and identity at a time when nationalist ideas were beginning to emerge.
His well-known works include Anandamath, Devi Chaudhurani, Kapalkundala and Durgeshnandini.
Bankim Chandra died on April 8, 1894, more than five decades before India gained independence. However, his words went on to become an important part of the freedom movement.
What does Vande Mataram mean?
The phrase “Vande Mataram” broadly means “I bow to the Mother” or “I salute the Mother”, referring to the motherland.
The opening verses describe India through images of natural beauty and prosperity, including the famous words “Sujalam, Suphalam, Malayaja Shitalam, Shasya Shyamalam.”
The verses portray a land blessed with water, abundant crops, cool fragrant breezes and lush greenery.
By presenting India as a mother — nurturing, beautiful and worthy of devotion — Bankim Chandra gave the composition a strong emotional and patriotic appeal.
Vande Mataram and the freedom struggle
Vande Mataram gradually moved from the pages of literature into India’s nationalist movement.
In 1896, Rabindranath Tagore sang Vande Mataram at the Indian National Congress session in Calcutta, giving the song a prominent public platform.
Its importance grew significantly after the Partition of Bengal in 1905. During the Swadeshi and anti-Partition movements, Vande Mataram became a popular rallying cry among protesters who opposed British policies, promoted Indian-made goods and called for a boycott of British products.
The British authorities recognised the song’s growing political influence. In 1906, public chanting of Vande Mataram was prohibited at Barisal.
The song had evolved from a literary composition into a powerful expression of political resistance.
Several generations of nationalists also embraced it. Sri Aurobindo wrote about the song, while revolutionary groups adopted it as a slogan. The Indian National Army associated with Subhas Chandra Bose also used versions of the song during its mobilisation efforts.
Vande Mataram vs Jana Gana Mana
A common question is whether Vande Mataram is India’s National Anthem.
No. Jana Gana Mana is India’s National Anthem, while Vande Mataram is the National Song.
On January 24, 1950, the Constituent Assembly recognised Vande Mataram as India’s National Song and adopted Jana Gana Mana as the National Anthem.
The two compositions have different histories and occupy distinct places among India’s national symbols.
The first two stanzas of Vande Mataram primarily celebrate the beauty and abundance of the motherland. Later portions contain religious imagery, including references to Hindu goddess forms. This became an important part of discussions about the song in India’s religiously diverse society.
The decision gave Vande Mataram an honoured position as the National Song while Jana Gana Mana became the National Anthem.
From Lata Mangeshkar to A.R. Rahman
Vande Mataram has been interpreted by numerous singers and composers over the decades.
Rabindranath Tagore performed an early version of the song, while Lata Mangeshkar’s rendition in the 1952 film Anand Math, composed by Hemant Kumar, helped give it a wider popular and cinematic identity.
Decades later, A.R. Rahman’s “Vande Mataram” and “Maa Tujhe Salaam” introduced the patriotic theme to a younger generation through a contemporary musical style.
The musical arrangements changed with the times, but the central emotion remained the same.
Vande Mataram and Independence Day
The song was also part of the historic transition to independence.
On August 14, 1947, the Constituent Assembly proceedings began with Vande Mataram, sung by Sucheta Kriplani. On August 15, Pandit Omkarnath Thakur rendered the song on All India Radio.
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay did not live to see India become independent or witness the Tricolour being hoisted over the Red Fort. Yet his words became deeply connected with the country’s journey to freedom.
From its first publication in 1875 to its continued presence at Independence Day celebrations in 2026, Vande Mataram has travelled across generations.
It is more than a patriotic composition. For millions of Indians, the words continue to carry a powerful message of love and devotion to the motherland:
Vande Mataram — I bow to the Mother.