Vande Mataram facts for kids

Vande Mataram is a very important song for India. It is known as the national song of India. It's different from India's national anthem. The words for Vande Mataram were written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. He wrote them using a mix of Sanskrit and Bengali languages. The song was first written in 1876. It was then published a few years later in 1882. The title "Vande Mataram" means "Long live the Mother[land]". An early version of the Flag of India even had "वन्दे मातरम्" (Vande Mataram) written on it.

What is Vande Mataram?

Vande Mataram is a patriotic song that celebrates India as a motherland. It became a powerful cry for freedom during India's fight for independence from British rule. Many people sang it to show their love for their country.

The Story Behind the Song

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote Vande Mataram as part of his novel called Anandamath. This novel was published in 1882. The song quickly became popular among freedom fighters. It inspired many people to join the movement for India's independence. It was first sung in a political meeting in 1896.

What the Song Means

The song praises the beauty and strength of India. It describes the land with its rivers, green fields, and cool breezes. It also talks about the power and wisdom of the motherland. The song shows deep love and respect for India.

Official English Translation

Here is the official English translation of the first part of the song:

Mother, I salute thee! Rich with thy hurrying streams, bright with orchard gleams, Cool with thy winds of delight, Green fields waving Mother of might, Mother thee

Images for kids

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  A rare painting of our national song, Vande Mataram, published in 1923.

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  Cover of a 1909 magazine showing "Mother India" (Bharat Mata) with her diverse children and the rallying cry "Vande Mataram".

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  Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, who wrote the lyrics for Vande Mataram.

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  Mahatma Gandhi supported the first two verses of Vande Mataram as a national song.

See also

In Spanish: Vande Mataram para niños