Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | History
Why in news?
Ministry of Minority Affairs to inaugurate the celebration of Commemoration of 150 Years of the National Song “Vande Mataram” on 7th November 2025.
- Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (1838–1894), was a novelist, poet and journalist.
- Early Life & Education
- He was born on 26/27 June 1838 in Naihati, Bengal Presidency.
- He was graduated from the University of Calcutta in 1858.
- He joined the British Indian Civil Service and served as a Deputy Magistrate and Deputy Collector.
- Literary contribution
- Inspiration – His first novel Durgeshnandini (1865) was inspired by the ruins of Gar Mandaran Fort; it is considered the first modern Bengali romance novel.
- Works – He authored 14 novels and numerous satirical, scientific, and critical essays in Bengali.
- Pen name – “Kamalakanta” used for satirical essays.
- Notable works, including Anandamath (1882), Durgeshnandini (1865), Kapalkundala (1866), and Devi Chaudhurani (1884).
- Anandamath – A novel, published in 1882 - introduced the song “Vande Mataram”, later composed by Rabindranath Tagore, which became a symbol of India’s freedom movement.
- Publication – “Vande Mataram” was first published in Bangadarshan, Bankim’s literary magazine.
- Historical Impact – The song gained prominence during the Swadeshi movement, following the partition of Bengal.
- Role in Bengal Renaissance
- He was instrumental in the cultural and intellectual awakening of 19th-century Bengal.
- He promoted national pride, social reform, and literary excellence.
- Awards & Titles
- Known as "Sahitya Samrat" meaning "Emperor of Literature", for his pioneering role in Bengali prose and nationalism.
- In 1891, awarded the title of Rai Bahadur, a colonial honour for distinguished officials.
- In 1894, conferred the title Companion of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire (CMEOIE), a prestigious award for service to the country.
- He died April 8, 1894, Calcutta.
Quick Fact
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Highlights about Vande Mataram
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- Vande Mataram was originally penned in Sanskrit & Bengali.
- 1st sung by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 Congress Session in Calcutta.
- Vande Mataram, as a political slogan, was first used on 7 August 1905.
- Adopted as India’s National Song by the Constituent Assembly in 1950.
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References
- PIB | 150 Years of the National Song “Vande Mataram”
- NDTV | Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
