Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 195

Who wrote the Indian national anthem "Jana Gana Mana"?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

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

Correct Answer: A) Rabindranath Tagore.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, CLAT

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Indian national anthem "Jana Gana Mana" is a significant cultural and historical symbol in India. It was written by Rabindranath Tagore, a multifaceted personality who was a poet, philosopher, and a key figure in the Indian Renaissance. Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, making him the first non-European to receive this prestigious award. His contributions to literature and culture are immense, and "Jana Gana Mana" is one of his most celebrated works.

The anthem was first sung on December 27, 1911, at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress. It was originally written in Bengali and later translated into Hindi. The anthem is a hymn to the unity and diversity of India, celebrating the country's rich cultural heritage and the spirit of its people.

It is important to distinguish between Rabindranath Tagore and other notable figures in Indian history. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, for instance, is known for writing "Vande Mataram," which is another significant patriotic song in India. However, "Vande Mataram" is not the national anthem. Subhash Chandra Bose was a prominent nationalist leader who played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence, but he did not write the national anthem. Sarojini Naidu, known as the "Nightingale of India," was a renowned poet and independence activist, but she is not associated with the writing of "Jana Gana Mana."

Understanding the authorship of the national anthem is essential for students of Indian history and culture. It helps in appreciating the contributions of Rabindranath Tagore and the significance of "Jana Gana Mana" in the context of India's national identity and cultural heritage.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Rabindranath Tagore wrote the Indian national anthem "Jana Gana Mana." He was a celebrated poet, philosopher, and the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote "Vande Mataram," which is a significant patriotic song in India but not the national anthem. He was a prominent author and is known for his contributions to Bengali literature.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Subhash Chandra Bose was a prominent Indian nationalist leader who played a significant role in India's struggle for independence. He is not associated with the writing of the national anthem.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Sarojini Naidu was a prominent Indian independence activist and poet, known as the "Nightingale of India." She is not the author of the national anthem "Jana Gana Mana."

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

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