The real story of Vande Mataram lies in how Bankim defied British arrogance

Aug. 14, 2024, 6:30 a.m.

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In the annals of India’s struggle for independence, Vande Mataram stands as an emblem of resistance, evoking deep emotions of patriotism and unity. This powerful anthem, conceived by the bureaucrat-novelist Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the 1870s, was not just a mere song but a calculated response to British arrogance. Its origins are steeped in an incident that showcased the rising tide of Indian defiance against colonial subjugation.

The India of Bankim Chandra

Advertisement The setting of Vande Mataram is a time when British colonial rule was firmly established throughout the Indian subcontinent. Despite this, the memory of Mughal and Nawabi rule still existed, and many regional powers dreamt of reclaiming their authority from the British. Bengal, the birthplace of Bankim Chandra, was a region in turmoil. The Bengal Presidency, a crucial administrative division of British India, included what are now West Bengal, parts of the Northeast, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bangladesh, making it a hub of political and cultural change.

An idea takes root

The precise date of Vande Mataram's composition remains unclear, though it first appeared in the magazine Bangadarshan in 1875. The song gained widespread acclaim after Bankim Chandra included it in his influential novel Anandmath, serialized in the same magazine in 1881 and published as a book the following year. While some historians, like RC Majumdar, have dismissed Anandmath as a work of fiction lacking historical foundation, recent research reveals a different perspective—one that provides Vande Mataram with a tangible historical context.

A humiliating encounter

The roots of Vande Mataram can be traced back to 1873 when Bankim Chandra served as the Deputy Collector of Murshidabad district, stationed in Berhampore. A significant incident during this period ignited a fervent patriotic spirit within him. While returning home in a palanquin after a day's work, Bankim Chandra inadvertently disrupted a cricket match involving a British officer, Colonel Duffin. Infuriated by the interruption, Colonel Duffin physically assaulted Bankim Chandra, forcefully pulling him out of his palanquin and striking him in front of onlookers. This public humiliation of a high-ranking Indian official by a British officer served as a stark reminder of the colonial contempt towards Indians. Deeply offended, Bankim Chandra sought legal redress. The ensuing court proceedings culminated in Colonel Duffin being ordered to publicly apologize to Bankim Chandra. The apology, delivered in open court, marked an unprecedented victory for an Indian against the British, evoking an overwhelming public response.

While some initially doubted the authenticity of this event, independent researchers (retired bureaucrats) Kishanchand Bhakat and Pradip Bhattacharya have presented evidence suggesting that the incident was real and served as a significant catalyst for the creation of Vande Mataram.

While the assault on Chattopadhyay was a significant catalyst, it’s crucial to recognize that Vande Mataram was more than a personal response. It was a reflection of the broader anti-colonial sentiment and a celebration of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The song’s portrayal of India as a nurturing motherland, a victim of oppression, and a force to be reckoned with resonated deeply with the aspirations of a nation seeking to reclaim its identity and sovereignty.

Advertisement A song is born

Following the incident, Bankim Chandra took a leave of absence and sought refuge at the Lalgola Palace, following the advice of Raja Joginder Narayan, who had witnessed the assault. It was here, amidst the tranquil surroundings of the palace, that Bankim Chandra embarked on a period of deep religious and spiritual reflection. The image of Goddess Kali, adorned with a garland of skulls, resonated with him as a potent symbol of the suffering and sacrifice of the motherland. This potent blend of spiritual reflection and the recent colonial humiliation crystallized into the creation of Vande Mataram.

The song was first published in Bangadarshan in 1875, initially as a filler piece. Composed in Sanskrit and written in the Bengali script, it quickly gained widespread popularity, capturing the imagination of a people longing for freedom.

Advertisement Vande Mataram in the freedom struggle

A full decade before the formation of the Indian National Congress, Vande Mataram had already begun to stir the hearts of Indians. Its first public performance at a Congress session was by none other than Rabindranath Tagore in 1896, who also composed its melody. Tagore, the only individual to compose the national anthems of two countries, India and Bangladesh, even recorded the song in his own voice in 1904.

The song became a powerful rallying cry during the anti-partition movement in Bengal in 1905, symbolizing national unity against British efforts to divide the region along religious lines. However, as the Indian independence movement progressed, Vande Mataram also became a subject of contention, especially with the rise of the Muslim League.

The controversy and acceptance

The Muslim League, under leaders like Syed Ali Imam and Mohammed Ali Jinnah, opposed Vande Mataram on religious grounds, particularly due to references to Goddess Durga in the later stanzas. This opposition created a rift, with some viewing the song as emblematic of Hindu nationalism rather than a unifying national anthem. Even Jawaharlal Nehru sought clarification from Tagore on the song’s religious connotations, leading to the Indian National Congress officially adopting only the first two stanzas as the national song in 1937.

Vande Mataram after Independence

Despite the controversy, Vande Mataram continued to hold a special place in India’s national consciousness. In the final sessions of the Constituent Assembly in 1950, President Rajendra Prasad affirmed its status, declaring it equal in honour to the national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana”. Yet, intriguingly, while respect for the national anthem is mandated in the Constitution under Article 51-A(a), there is no such mention of the national song.

Vande Mataram remains a testament to India’s complex journey to independence—a symbol of resistance, a source of controversy, and ultimately, an enduring legacy of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s defiance against British arrogance.