Amit Shah Accuses Congress, Nehru of Dividing National Song
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Quick Revision
Amit Shah accused Congress and Jawaharlal Nehru of dividing the national song Vande Mataram.
Shah cited nine instances from 2018 till 2025 during which Congress leaders allegedly insulted the song.
The discussion was held on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.
Key Dates
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Vande Mataram Controversy Timeline
Timeline of key events related to Vande Mataram, including its composition, adoption, and controversies.
Vande Mataram has been a symbol of Indian nationalism since the independence movement. Its adoption as the National Song and subsequent controversies reflect ongoing debates about national identity and historical interpretations.
- 1870sVande Mataram composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
- 1882Vande Mataram included in the novel Anandamath.
- 1896Vande Mataram first sung at an Indian National Congress session.
- 1937Congress Working Committee decided that only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram would be sung.
- 1950Vande Mataram adopted as the National Song of India by the Constituent Assembly.
- 2003Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking to declare Vande Mataram as the National Anthem.
- 2023Allahabad High Court directed the UP government to ensure Vande Mataram is sung in all schools.
- 2024Amit Shah accuses Congress and Nehru of dividing Vande Mataram, leading to protests.
Exam Angles
Historical interpretation of national symbols
Political discourse and national identity
Role of historical figures in shaping national narratives
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Summary
Background
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Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. With reference to the historical context of 'Vande Mataram', consider the following statements: 1. 'Vande Mataram' was composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in Sanskrit. 2. The song was first published in his novel 'Anandamath' in 1882. 3. In 1937, the Indian National Congress officially adopted the first two stanzas of the song as the national song. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three statements are factually correct regarding the historical context of 'Vande Mataram'.
2. In the context of the ongoing debate surrounding 'Vande Mataram', which of the following statements accurately reflects the constitutional position of national symbols in India? A) The Constitution explicitly mandates the singing of the national song at all official functions. B) The Constitution provides a detailed list of national symbols and their associated protocols. C) While there is no explicit constitutional provision mandating the singing of the national song, respect for national symbols is considered a fundamental duty. D) Disrespecting the national song is a cognizable offense punishable under the Indian Penal Code.
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
Show Answer
Answer: C
While the Constitution doesn't explicitly mandate the singing of the national song, Article 51A(a) implies a fundamental duty to respect national symbols.
3. Assertion (A): Jawaharlal Nehru's government is alleged to have limited 'Vande Mataram' to its first two stanzas in 1937. Reason (R): There were concerns that the later stanzas of the song contained imagery that might be offensive to some religious groups. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct? A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A. B) Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A. C) A is true, but R is false. D) A is false, but R is true.
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
Show Answer
Answer: B
While the assertion is debatable and lacks definitive proof, the reason regarding concerns about religious sentiments is a plausible explanation that has been historically cited, though not necessarily the direct cause.
4. Which of the following is NOT a correct statement regarding Bankim Chandra Chatterjee? A) He was one of the earliest graduates of the University of Calcutta. B) He served as a Deputy Collector in the British Indian government. C) He was a strong advocate for Hindu-Muslim unity during the Indian independence movement. D) His novel 'Anandamath' played a significant role in inspiring Indian nationalists.
- A.A
- B.B
- C.C
- D.D
Show Answer
Answer: C
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's writings, particularly 'Anandamath', have been interpreted by some as having a Hindu nationalist leaning, rather than advocating for Hindu-Muslim unity.