We have a collection of 3 arrangements for Rabindranath Tagore - Jana Gana Mana
Which Nobel laureate composed the national anthem of India? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Rabindranath Tagore: Poet, Composer, and Cultural Icon
Rabindranath Tagore, a prominent figure in Indian literature and culture, wrote the poem "Jana Gana Mana" which later became the Indian national anthem. Here are some interesting facts about Rabindranath Tagore and the national anthem:
Authorship of the Anthem: Rabindranath Tagore wrote the poem "Jana Gana Mana" in Bengali. It was first published in the Tattwabodhini Patrika on January 24, 1912. The poem was later set to music by Tagore himself.
Inspiration for the Anthem: The poem was originally composed to honor King George V, who was visiting India. However, Tagore later clarified that it was meant to honor the inherent spiritual unity of India.
Adoption as National Anthem: "Jana Gana Mana" was officially adopted as the Indian national anthem on January 24, 1950, when India became a republic. It was chosen over "Vande Mataram," another patriotic song penned by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
Multiple Stanzas: The complete version of "Jana Gana Mana" has five stanzas, but only the first stanza is designated as the national anthem. The entire poem reflects Tagore's vision of a diverse and united India.
International Influence: Apart from being the Indian national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana" holds the distinction of being the first Asian song to be sung at the United Nations. It was performed in Bengali by Tagore's students at the UN General Assembly on September 6, 1947.
Multilingual Anthem: While the national anthem is primarily sung in Bengali, the Constitution of India permits the singing of the anthem in any of the recognized languages, with the understanding that the Bengali version will be considered the official one.
Tagore's Nobel Prize: Rabindranath Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, becoming the first non-European to receive this honor. His collection of poems, "Gitanjali" (Song Offerings), played a significant role in earning him the prize.
Rabindranath Tagore's contributions to literature, music, and the national anthem continue to be celebrated, and his impact on Indian culture remains profound.