National Anthems of the World

Lyrics, history and anecdotes

🇮🇳 India

The national anthem of India is called: « Jana Gana Mana ».

Continent: Asia

Bordering Countries:
🇧🇩 Bangladesh
🇧🇹 Bhutan
🇲🇲 Myanmar
🇳🇵Nepal
🇵🇰 Pakistan
🇷🇺 Russian Federation

History of « Jana Gana Mana »

« Jana Gana Mana » (Thou Art the Ruler of the Minds of All People) is the national anthem of India. The anthem reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage, its unity in diversity, and the enduring spirit of its people.

Key Dates and People

  • 1911: The lyrics of « Jana Gana Mana » were written by Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali polymath, poet, and Nobel laureate in Literature. The song was first sung at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress on December 27, 1911.
  • 1950: « Jana Gana Mana » was officially adopted as the national anthem of India on January 24, 1950, by the Constituent Assembly of India.
  • 1919: The music for the anthem was composed by Rabindranath Tagore himself, and it was later orchestrated by Captain Ram Singh Thakuri for official use.

Anecdotes

  • First Performance: The anthem was first performed at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress in 1911. It was sung by a group of schoolchildren, and its performance was met with great enthusiasm and pride.
  • Misinterpretations: There have been various interpretations and misinterpretations of the anthem’s lyrics over the years. Some initially believed it was written in praise of the British monarch, but Tagore clarified that it was a hymn to the divine spirit of India.
  • Cultural Significance: « Jana Gana Mana » is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Indian people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Indians.

Lyrics Excerpt

In Bengali

জন গণ মন অধিনায়ক জয় হে
ভারত ভাগ্য বিধাতা
পঞ্জাব সিন্ধু গুজরাট মরাঠা
দ্রাবিড় উৎকল বঙ্গ
বিন্ধ্য হিমাচল যমুনা গঙ্গা
উচ্ছল জলধি তরঙ্গ
তব শুভ নামে জাগে
তব শুভ আশিস মাগে
গাহে তব জয়গাথা
জন গণ মঙ্গলদায়ক জয় হে
ভারত ভাগ্যবিধাতা
জয় হে, জয় হে, জয় হে
জয় জয় জয়, জয় হে

In English (translation)

Thou art the ruler of the minds of all people,
Dispenser of India's destiny.
Thy name rouses the hearts of Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat, and Maratha,
Of Dravida, Odisha, and Bengal;
It echoes in the hills of the Vindhyas and Himalayas,
Mingles in the music of Yamuna and Ganga,
And is chanted by the waves of the Indian Sea.
They pray for thy blessings and sing thy praise.
The saving of all people waits in thy hand,
Thou dispenser of India's destiny.
Victory, victory, victory to thee.

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