BANDEMATARAM PRERONA O BITARKA

Book Details

• Title: Bande Mataram: Prerna O Bitarka

• Editor: Ashok Kumar Ray

• Publisher: Parul Prakashani Pvt. Ltd.

• Language: Bengali

• Cover Type: Paperback

About The Book

"Bande Mataram: Prerna O Bitarka" (Inspiration and Controversy), edited by Ashok Kumar Ray, is a significant and thought-provoking volume that delves deep into the role of the iconic song Vande Mataram in India's national life. This book presents a well-researched account of how the song, originally composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, evolved from a literary piece to a rallying cry during India's freedom struggle.

Following Bankim’s demise, the song featured in his novel Anandamath became a symbol of resistance and inspiration for Indian revolutionaries. The colonial administration, recognizing its power, even went to the extent of banning the chant "Vande Mataram" as a punishable offense.

However, from the 1920s onward, the song also became the subject of communal controversy. Accusations of religious bias emerged, raising questions about its appropriateness as a national symbol.

This book offers a comprehensive and well-documented analysis of these debates, born out of the editor’s years of rigorous research. It includes critical essays, historical references, and academic reflections on the subject, making it an essential read for scholars, students, and history enthusiasts alike.

A perfect resource for those who wish to explore the layered significance of Vande Mataram—as an anthem, as an idea, and as a contested symbol in India’s socio-political discourse.