Part of: West Bengal Gk set 8

The slogan raised by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee

Category: West Bengal Gk

Hint: Consider the literary works of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.

Correct Answer: A) Vande Matharam.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank Exams, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (1838-1894) was a significant figure in the Indian independence movement and a prolific writer in the Bengali language. He is best known for his novel "Anandamath," which was published in 1882. In this novel, Chatterjee introduced the patriotic song "Vande Mataram," which translates to "I praise thee, Mother" and is an ode to the motherland. The song quickly became a symbol of the Indian nationalist movement and was widely used during the struggle for independence from British rule.

The song "Vande Mataram" is composed of several stanzas, but the first two stanzas are the most commonly sung and recognized. The song's lyrics evoke a sense of national pride and unity, and it has been adopted as a national song of India, alongside the national anthem "Jana Gana Mana." The song's popularity and significance in the Indian independence movement are a testament to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's contribution to the cultural and political landscape of India.

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's literary works, including "Anandamath," were instrumental in shaping the national consciousness and fostering a sense of identity among Indians. His writings often reflected the social and political conditions of the time and were influential in inspiring the Indian people to fight for their freedom. The slogan "Vande Mataram" encapsulates the spirit of patriotism and the desire for self-rule that characterized the Indian independence movement.

It is important to distinguish "Vande Mataram" from other patriotic slogans such as "Jai Hind," which was popularized by Subhas Chandra Bose, and "Inquilab Zindabad," which was used by revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh. Each of these slogans has its own historical context and significance, but "Vande Mataram" is specifically associated with Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and his literary contributions to the Indian nationalist movement.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This is the correct answer. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote the patriotic song "Vande Mataram" in his novel "Anandamath," which became a significant symbol of the Indian independence movement.
  • Option B: Incorrect. "Jai Hind" was popularized by Subhas Chandra Bose and is not associated with Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
  • Option C: Incorrect. "Inquilab Zindabad" was a slogan used by revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh and is not related to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
  • Option D: Incorrect. This slogan is attributed to Subhash Chandra Bose and is not associated with Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.

Mnemonic: BCC: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, Vande Mataram

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