Anandamath and Vande Mataram: Historical and Political Context
The novel Anandamath, written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1881-82, is central to discussions about the song Vande Mataram. Set against the backdrop of the Sanyasi Rebellion of the late 18th century, the novel is less about historical accuracy and more about its impact on readers and the idea of national identity.
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's Background
- Born in 1838 to a Brahmin family in Bengal, part of the English-educated middle class.
- One of the first graduates of Calcutta University.
- Noted for his literary contributions with 11 novels, short stories, essays, and treatises.
- Regarded as a crucial figure in the development of Bengali prose.
Significance of Anandamath
- First serialized in 1881-82 in Banga Darshan and published as a book in 1882.
- Set in 1773, amidst the Bengal famine and the Sanyasi Rebellion.
- Though initially not a historical novel, later editions acknowledged the events of 1773.
- Reflected the rise of nationalism in Bengal and aimed to create a national myth.
Plot Overview
- Main character Mahendra Singha joins a band of sanyasis, santans, rebelling against the Nawab's misrule.
- The novel ends with a prophetic vision advising submission to British rule temporarily for religious reformation.
Vande Mataram's Role
- Originally composed before the novel, around 1875.
- Incorporated into Anandamath with the first 12 lines in quotation marks to indicate its earlier origin.
- Serves as a pivotal song within the novel, sung at five crucial points.
Reception and Criticism
- Widely read among educated Bengalis, and influenced nationalist thought.
- The song became a revolutionary anthem in the early 20th century.
- Criticized for its communal overtones and portrayal of Muslims.
Notable Opinions and Critiques
- Gandhi appreciated the song but criticized its communal implications.
- Criticism from the All-India Muslim League for its portrayal of Muslims.
- Debates on its anti-Muslim, anti-Buddhist, and anti-Vaishnavism rhetoric.
Legacy and Continued Debates
The debates around Anandamath and Vande Mataram continue, underscoring the need to understand the novel's context within the intellectual and political currents of the 1880s, rather than through modern perspectives.
