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By rohit.pandey1
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Updated on 7 Nov 2025, 15:26 IST
India’s National Song, “Vande Mataram,” holds a special place in the nation’s heart. It symbolizes patriotism, devotion, and India’s struggle for freedom. Every year, questions related to Vande Mataram are asked in SSC, BPSC, UPSC, Banking, Railway, and School GK Exams. This article covers history, author, language, adoption details, and 50+ important GK questions on the National Song of India — written in a student-friendly way.
| Feature | Detail |
| Title | Vande Mataram (वंदे मातरम्) |
| Meaning | “I bow to thee, Mother” |
| Author | Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay |
| Language | Sanskritised Bengali |
| First Appearance | In the novel Anandamath (1882) |
| First Public Singing | 1896, Indian National Congress Session, Calcutta |
| Adopted As National Song | 24 January 1950 |
| Music Composer | Jadunath Battacharya (original tune) |
| Official Recognition | Constituent Assembly of India declared it the National Song; equal respect as National Anthem |
| Official Stanzas Used | First two only |
“Vande Mataram” was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the late 1870s during the Bengal Renaissance, a period of socio-cultural awakening in British India. The poem first appeared in his famous novel Anandamath (1882) — a story about monks fighting British colonial rule while worshipping Mother India as a goddess.
During the Indian freedom struggle, the song became a symbol of national unity and resistance. It was sung at political rallies, revolutionary gatherings, and Indian National Congress sessions, inspiring leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Aurobindo Ghosh.
Boost your general knowledge with these important GK questions on Vande Matram. Learn who wrote the National Song, where it came from, when it was adopted, and other key facts for students and competitive exams.
Q1. What is the National Song of India?
Ans: The National Song of India is "Vande Matram".
Q2. Who wrote Vande Matram?
Ans: Vande Matram was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (also known as Bankim Chandra Chatterjee).
Q3. In which novel did Vande Matram first appear?
Ans: It was published in Bankim Chandra's Bengali novel Anandamath (The Abbey of Bliss).
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Q4. When was the novel Anandamath published?
Ans: The novel Anandamath was published in 1882.
Q5. In what language was Vande Matram originally written?
Ans: It was originally written in Sanskritised Bengali, which is a form of Bengali that is heavily influenced by Sanskrit vocabulary.
Q6. What is the literal meaning of the phrase "Vande Matram"?
Ans: The Sanskrit phrase "Vande Matram" translates to "I bow to you, Mother" or "I praise you, Mother."
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Q7. Who is the "Mother" addressed in the song?
Ans: The "Mother" is the personification of the motherland, Bharat Mata (Mother India).
Q8. When was the poem Vande Matram first composed?
Ans: It is believed to have been composed in the 1870s, several years before it was included in the novel.
Q9. When was Vande Matram first published (before the novel)?
Ans: The poem was first published in Bankim Chandra's magazine Bangadarshan on November 7, 1875.
Q10. What is the total number of stanzas in the original Vande Matram poem?
Ans: The original poem consists of six stanzas.
Q11. When was Vande Matram sung for the first time at a major political event?
Ans: It was first sung at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress in Calcutta.
Q12. Who sang Vande Matram at the 1896 Congress session?
Ans: It was sung by Rabindranath Tagore.
Q13. Who was the President of the 1896 Indian National Congress session?
Ans: The President was Rahmatullah M. Sayani.
Q14. Vande Matram became the theme song of which major national movement?
Ans: It became the main slogan and theme song of the Swadeshi Movement (1905), which began as a protest against the Partition of Bengal.
Q15. Which British Viceroy's decision to partition Bengal led to the Swadeshi Movement?
Ans: Lord Curzon, who announced the Partition of Bengal in 1905.
Q16. Which freedom fighter ed a journal named "Vande Matram" in 1905?
Ans: The journal was ed by Sri Aurobindo and Bipin Chandra Pal, with Sri Aurobindo serving as its editor.
Q17. Why did the British colonial government ban the singing of Vande Matram?
Ans: They saw it as a powerful symbol of sedition and a rallying cry for the Indian independence movement, which threatened their authority.
Q18. What historical event is the novel Anandamath based on?
Ans: It is set in the backdrop of the Sanyasi Rebellion (Fakir-Sanyasi Revolt) of the late 18th century.
Q19. Which freedom fighter was arrested on charges of sedition for his articles in the "Vande Matram" journal?
Ans: Sri Aurobindo was arrested in 1907, although he was later acquitted.
Q20. Who led the first public procession with the "Vande Matram" slogan in Madras?
Ans: Subramania Bharati, the great Tamil poet, led the procession.
Q21. When was Vande Matram officially adopted as the National Song of India?
Ans: It was adopted on January 24, 1950, by the Constituent Assembly of India.
Q22. Who made the statement that Vande Matram would be "honoured equally" with Jana Gana Mana?
Ans: Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the President of the Constituent Assembly, made this statement on January 24, 1950.
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Q23. What is the primary difference between the National Anthem and the National Song?
Ans: Jana Gana Mana is the National Anthem, and Vande Matram is the National Song. While both have equal status, the Anthem has specific protocols (like standing at attention) governed by the Flag Code.
Q24. How many stanzas of the original poem are officially adopted as the National Song?
Ans: Only the first two stanzas are officially recognized as the National Song.
Q25. Why were only the first two stanzas adopted officially?
Ans: To ensure inclusivity, as the later stanzas contain specific references to Hindu deities (like Durga and Lakshmi), which some groups found difficult to sing. The first two stanzas are a non-denominational praise of the motherland.
Q26. Is it compulsory to sing Vande Matram in schools or stand for it?
Ans: No. The Supreme Court of India has ruled that while it must be respected, it is not mandatory to sing, and there is no law requiring one to stand for the National Song.
Q27. Is Vande Matram mentioned in the Constitution of India?
Ans: No, unlike the National Anthem (Article 51A), the National Song is not explicitly mentioned in the text of the Constitution. Its status is based on the declaration by the President of the Constituent Assembly.
Q28. What is the official playing time for the National Song?
Ans: The official playing time for the National Song is 65 seconds (1 minute and 5 seconds).
Q29. Which article in the Constitution mentions the National Anthem?
Ans: The National Anthem is mentioned in the Fundamental Duties (Article 51A(a)), which states that citizens should "abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem."
Q30. Who was the head of the committee that selected the National Anthem?
Ans: The decision was made by the Constituent Assembly, presided over by Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
Q31. Who composed the original tune for Vande Matram?
Ans: The original melody for the poem, as it appeared in the novel, is often credited to Jadunath Bhattacharya.
Q32. The tune sung by Rabindranath Tagore in 1896 was based on which raga?
Ans: Tagore set the song to Raag Desh (Desh Raag), and this is one of the most popular tunes used today.
Q33. Who wrote the famous English prose translation of Vande Matram?
Ans: Sri Aurobindo wrote a widely acclaimed English translation titled "I bow to thee, Mother."
Q34. The tune for the All India Radio (AIR) version of the song was composed by whom?
Ans: The AIR version's tune was composed by Pandit Ravi Shankar.
Q35. Which famous Indian classical vocalist helped popularize the song at Congress sessions?
Ans: Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar played a key role in popularizing the tradition of singing Vande Matram at political gatherings.
Q36. Who composed the famous 1952 film version of Vande Matram in the movie Anandamath?
Ans: The music for the film Anandamath (1952) was composed by Hemand Kumar.
Q37. Which A.R. Rahman album famously features a modern rendition of Vande Matram?
Ans: A.R. Rahman's 1997 studio album, "Maa Tujhe Salaam", includes a modern, popular version of Vande Matram.
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Q38. Which goddesses are mentioned in the later, unadopted stanzas of the poem?
Ans: The later stanzas refer to the Motherland as a form of Goddess Durga (holding ten weapons) and also mention Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati.
Q39. Where was Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay born?
Ans: He was born in Kanthalpara, in the 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.
Q40. What does the title of the novel Anandamath mean?
Ans: Anandamath translates to "The Abbey of Bliss" or “The Monastery of Joy.”
Q41. What major milestone for Vande Matram is being celebrated on November 7, 2025?
Ans: November 7, 2025, marks the 150th anniversary (Sesquicentennial) of the first publication of the poem Vande Matram.
Q42. Why is the date November 7, 1875, significant?
Ans: It is the date when the poem Vande Matram was first published in Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's journal, Bangadarshan.
Which state government in India recently issued a directive for all employees and students to sing Vande Matram?
Ans: In October 2025, the Government of Maharashtra issued a directive urging government employees, school, and college students to sing Vande Matram (or its tune) daily at 11:11 AM.
What was the official occasion for the Maharashtra government's 2025 directive?
Ans: It was part of the celebrations for the 150th anniversary of Vande Matram's publication (Amrut Mahotsav).
The 150th-anniversary celebrations in 2025 aim to highlight what?
Ans: They aim to reaffirm the song's historical significance, promote national pride, and educate the younger generation about its role in the freedom struggle.
What theme is being promoted by the government for the 150th anniversary?
Ans: The theme revolves around "Gaurav Gaan Vande Mataramche" (Singing Vande Matram with Pride) and its role in nation-building.
What is the "Vande Matram Abhiyan" launched in 2025?
Ans: It is a campaign, particularly in states like Maharashtra, to ensure the song is sung widely in educational institutions and government offices to mark its 150th year.
How is the 150th anniversary being observed in West Bengal?
Ans: It is being observed with special programs, seminars, and cultural events, especially in Kanthalpara, the birthplace of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
The 2025 anniversary connects the song's past with its present role as a symbol of what?
Ans: As a symbol of cultural heritage, national unity, and patriotism.
Which ministry is often involved in promoting national symbols like the National Song during such anniversaries?
Ans: The Union Ministry of Culture is typically the nodal ministry for promoting and celebrating such national milestones.
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Yes, "Vande Matram" was a strong contender for the National Anthem given its unparalleled role in the freedom struggle. However, "Jana Gana Mana" was ultimately chosen, and Vande Matram was given the equal and distinct status of "National Song."
The controversy stems from objections raised by some religious groups (particularly some Muslim leaders in the 1930s) to the later stanzas, which personify the motherland as Hindu goddesses like Durga and Lakshmi. This is why only the first two non-denominational stanzas were officially adopted.
Mahatma Gandhi had great respect for the song. He described it as a "song which has moved millions to tears" and felt that it was a "powerful battle-cry" for freedom. However, he also supported the consensus that only the first two stanzas should be used to respect the sentiments of all communities.
No, they are not directly related, but they share a patriotic theme. "Vande Matram" means "I bow to you, Mother (India)." The "Vande Bharat Express" means "I bow to India." The train was named to signify it as a modern, indigenously-built symbol of national pride.
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was a Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector in the British colonial government. It is a remarkable historical fact that a government servant under the British wrote the poem that would become the anthem of the anti-colonial revolution.
The famous English translation was done by Sri Aurobindo. It reads:
"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,4
her lands clothed beautifully with her trees in flowering bloom,
sweet of laughter, sweet of speech,
The Mother, giver of boons, 7giver of bliss."
No, unlike the National Anthem, there is no single, legally mandated official tune. The version most commonly used in official settings is based on Raag Desh, as popularized by Rabindranath Tagore and the All India Radio version. However, many different popular versions exist.