Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 100

Who has written our National Song of India?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the cultural and literary contributions of the given figures.

Correct Answer: D) Rabindranath Tagore.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, CLAT

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The National Song of India, "Jana Gana Mana," is a significant cultural and historical symbol of the country. It was written by Rabindranath Tagore, a multifaceted personality who made substantial contributions to Indian literature, music, and philosophy. Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, making him the first non-European to receive the prize. His work spans various genres, including poetry, novels, and music, and he is widely regarded as a key figure in the Bengal Renaissance.

The song "Jana Gana Mana" was originally written in Bengali and was first performed on December 27, 1911, at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress. It was later officially adopted as the national anthem of India on January 24, 1950, following India's independence from British rule. The lyrics of the song express a sense of unity and devotion to the nation, reflecting the spirit of the Indian people during the struggle for independence.

It is important to distinguish between the National Song and the National Anthem. While "Jana Gana Mana" is the National Song, it is also the National Anthem of India. The song's authorship is often a point of confusion, as some may mistakenly attribute it to other prominent figures in Indian history, such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, or Indira Gandhi. However, these individuals, while significant in their own right, did not author the National Song.

Jawaharlal Nehru, for instance, was a key figure in India's struggle for independence and served as the first Prime Minister of India. Mahatma Gandhi was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement, known for his philosophy of non-violence and civil disobedience. Indira Gandhi was the first and to date the only female Prime Minister of India, known for her political leadership and policies. None of these individuals wrote "Jana Gana Mana."

Understanding the authorship of the National Song is crucial for students of Indian history and culture, as it reflects the rich literary and cultural heritage of the country. Rabindranath Tagore's contributions to Indian literature and philosophy are significant, and his authorship of the National Song underscores his importance in the cultural landscape of India.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Jawaharlal Nehru did not write the National Song of India. He was a key figure in India's struggle for independence and the first Prime Minister of India, but he is not associated with the authorship of "Jana Gana Mana."
  • Option B: Mahatma Gandhi, a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement, did not write the National Song. He is known for his philosophy of non-violence and civil disobedience, but not for authoring "Jana Gana Mana."
  • Option C: Indira Gandhi, the first and to date the only female Prime Minister of India, did not write the National Song. She is known for her political leadership and policies, but not for authoring "Jana Gana Mana."
  • Option D: Rabindranath Tagore is the correct author of India's National Song, "Jana Gana Mana." He was a prolific writer and a significant cultural figure in India, known for his contributions to literature, music, and philosophy. The song was written in Bengali and later adopted as the national anthem.

Mnemonic: Rabindranath Tagore, R for "Rana" in "Jana Gana Mana"

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