The song, whose title translates to “I bow to thee, Mother,” was first composed between 1872 and 1875. It gained widespread recognition as a revolutionary chant during the early 20th century, particularly after the launch of the English daily Bande Mataram in 1906 by Bipin Chandra Pal, with Sri Aurobindo as joint editor. By 1905, it had become the rallying cry of nationalists across Bengal and other provinces, echoing in protests, student movements, and workers’ strikes.
Revolutionaries frequently invoked the song during acts of defiance. In 1908, Khudiram Bose, facing execution, began his final speech with the words Vande Mataram, while Pradyot Bhattacharya concluded his gallows farewell in the same manner. Large-scale mobilisations were also sparked by its chanting, including a Calcutta mill strike involving nearly 9,000 workers.
Despite its unifying effect, the song faced opposition from the Muslim League, which claimed Anandamath portrayed Muslims negatively. Historians argue that the novel primarily symbolised resistance against oppression, rather than communal bias. Leaders including Rafi Ahmed Kidwai and writer Rezaul Karim highlighted that British authorities sought to exploit perceived religious divisions to weaken the nationalist movement.
Prominent figures like Rabindranath Tagore, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Mahatma Gandhi endorsed the song for its patriotic spirit. Tagore supported adoption of the first two stanzas, while Nehru emphasised its inclusive appeal. Gandhi, though wary of communal misappropriation in later years, acknowledged its enduring significance as a war cry and emblem of national unity.
Over a century later, Vande Mataram remains a powerful symbol of India’s struggle for independence and patriotic fervour, ranking among the country’s most cherished songs, as confirmed by a 2002 BBC World Service survey. Its legacy continues to inspire generations, transcending religion and region to embody India’s national spirit.
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