The national song of India is “Vande Mataram.”

Quick Scoop: What is the National Song of India?

  • The national song of India is “Vande Mataram.”
  • It was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (also known as Bankim Chandra Chatterjee).
  • The song first appeared in his novel “Anandamath” in the late 19th century.
  • In 1950 , the Constituent Assembly of India gave “Vande Mataram” the official status of the National Song, to be honoured alongside the National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana.”
  • The phrase “Vande Mataram” means “I bow to thee, Mother” , referring to the motherland, India.

In short:
National Song of India → “Vande Mataram”
National Anthem of India → “Jana Gana Mana”

A Bit of Background

  • “Vande Mataram” was originally written in Sanskritised Bengali , blending Sanskrit and Bengali diction.
  • It became a powerful symbol during the Indian freedom struggle , especially in the Swadeshi movement and anti-partition agitations in Bengal in the early 1900s.
  • It was first sung in a political context at the 1896 Indian National Congress session by Rabindranath Tagore.

Mini Timeline

  1. 1870s–1882 – Bankim Chandra composes “Vande Mataram” and publishes it in the novel Anandamath (1882).
  1. 1896 – Rabindranath Tagore sings it at an Indian National Congress session, giving it national prominence.
  1. Early 1900s – Becomes a rallying cry during the Swadeshi movement and other protests against British rule.
  1. 24 January 1950 – Officially adopted as the National Song of the Republic of India , to be given equal honour with the National Anthem.

Key Facts (Quick Reference)

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Aspect Detail
National song of India “Vande Mataram”
Author Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay / Chatterjee
Language Sanskritised Bengali (also used in Bengali and Sanskrit forms)
First appearance Novel “Anandamath” (1882)
Meaning of title “I bow to thee, Mother” (motherland)
Official recognition Adopted as National Song on 24 January 1950
Related national symbol National Anthem: “Jana Gana Mana”

Today’s Context & “Latest News”

  • In recent years and especially around 2025–2026 , India has been marking around 150 years of “Vande Mataram,” highlighting its cultural and historic significance.
  • Media, cultural events, and government communications often revisit its role in the freedom struggle and its continuing legacy as a patriotic symbol.

TL;DR

The national song of India is “Vande Mataram,” written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, first published in Anandamath , and officially recognised as the National Song in 1950 alongside the National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana.”

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.