PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
PSC Miscellaneous Prelims 2018
Answer
Indian
Explanation
'Anandamath' is a famous Bengali novel written by the prominent Indian author Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. It was published in 1882. The novel is set in the background of the Sannyasi Rebellion in the late 18th century. India's national song, 'Vande Mataram', was first published in this novel and became the battle cry of the Indian independence movement. Thus, the author is an Indian.
Key Points
- > Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote 'Anandamath' in 1882.
- > The novel's background is the Bengal famine of 1770 and the Sannyasi Rebellion.
- > India's National Song 'Vande Mataram' is taken from this novel.
- > Bankim Chandra is often referred to as 'Sahitya Samrat' (Emperor of Literature).
- > His first Bengali novel was 'Durgeshnandini', published in 1865.
- > 'Vande Mataram' was first sung in a political context by Rabindranath Tagore at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress.
- > Rabindranath Tagore composed the tune for 'Vande Mataram'.
Additional Information
Important Works of Bankim Chandra
| Book Name | Type | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durgeshnandini | Novel | 1865 | First major Bengali novel |
| Kapalkundala | Novel | 1866 | A highly romanticized novel |
| Bishabriksha | Novel | 1873 | Social novel dealing with widow remarriage |
| Anandamath | Novel | 1882 | Contains the song 'Vande Mataram' |
Memory Tips
- Song vs Anthem: Remember Vande Mataram is the National Song (Bankim Chandra), while Jana Gana Mana is the National Anthem (Rabindranath Tagore).
- Context: Anandamath is deeply tied to the Sannyasi Rebellion.