Topper’s Copy

GS2

Governance

15 marks

"Vande Mataram" has been a symbol of India’s freedom struggle and was adopted as the National Song in 1950 with only two stanzas. Discuss the historical significance of "Vande Mataram" in India’s nationalist movement and the rationale behind adopting only two stanzas officially. In your answer, also examine the relevance of the song in contemporary India.

Student’s Answer

Evaluation by SuperKalam

icon

Score:

8/15

0
5
10
15

Demand of the Question

  • Discuss the historical significance of "Vande Mataram" in India’s nationalist movement
  • Discuss the rationale behind adopting only two stanzas officially
  • Examine the relevance of the song in contemporary India

What you wrote:

'Vande Matram', written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875 in 'Anandmath' which later became national song on 24 January, 1950. 2025 marks 150th anniversary of the song.

'Vande Matram', written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875 in 'Anandmath' which later became national song on 24 January, 1950. 2025 marks 150th anniversary of the song.

Suggestions to improve:

  • Could enhance by briefly contextualizing the political climate of 1875 (post-1857 revolt period when cultural nationalism was emerging) to show why such a song resonated with the independence movement

What you wrote:

Historical Significance

1. It became a Rallying cry during Swadeshi movement of 1905 and unified masses.

2. Represent devotion to motherland. and inspired freedom fighters (eg-> Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai, Subhash C. Bose).

3. Gandhiji Promoted it during Independence era gathering and became Symbol of Pride among masses.

4. Used by freedom fighters as symbol of unity and sacrifice. which became a tool of Resistance against Colonial Rule.

5. used in Bengal protests, QIM, oath of Anusilan Samithi.

Historical Significance

1. It became a Rallying cry during Swadeshi movement of 1905 and unified masses.

2. Represent devotion to motherland. and inspired freedom fighters (eg-> Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai, Subhash C. Bose).

3. Gandhiji Promoted it during Independence era gathering and became Symbol of Pride among masses.

4. Used by freedom fighters as symbol of unity and sacrifice. which became a tool of Resistance against Colonial Rule.

5. used in Bengal protests, QIM, oath of Anusilan Samithi.

Suggestions to improve:

  • Trace the song's journey from Bengal (1905 Swadeshi) to pan-Indian adoption during later movements, showing how it evolved from regional to national symbol
  • Add specific incidents like how revolutionaries sang it before execution (Khudiram Bose) or during protests to demonstrate its emotional impact
  • Mention how different linguistic communities translated and adapted it, showing its unifying power across diverse regions

What you wrote:

Rationale for adopting 2 stanzas

1. Secular approach → later stanzas has reference to Hindu deities. (Durga, Lakshmi), then leaders adopted initial stanzas to keep Secular approach in national elements.

2. Religious Integration → Due to diverse nature of India and to uphold communal harmony among all communities.

3. Universal appeal → Initial 2 stanzas talk about motherland, Nation's beauty, national Pride which appeals to masses without hurting anyone's sentiments. and upholding Nation's unity.

Rationale for adopting 2 stanzas

1. Secular approach → later stanzas has reference to Hindu deities. (Durga, Lakshmi), then leaders adopted initial stanzas to keep Secular approach in national elements.

2. Religious Integration → Due to diverse nature of India and to uphold communal harmony among all communities.

3. Universal appeal → Initial 2 stanzas talk about motherland, Nation's beauty, national Pride which appeals to masses without hurting anyone's sentiments. and upholding Nation's unity.

Suggestions to improve:

  • Reference the Constituent Assembly debates where members like Pandit Nehru and others discussed balancing cultural heritage with secular principles
  • Mention how the decision reflected India's approach to unity in diversity - honoring cultural roots while ensuring inclusivity

What you wrote:

[DRAWING: A mind map with "Contemporary Relevance" in the center. Arrows point outwards to five surrounding points.
Top-right point: "Cultural Nationalism -> Blending Patriotism, Sacrifice, nation's Pride. and Portraying Nation as Mother figure together upholding Nationalism".
Bottom-right point: "Symbol of Unity of diverse India, united together. by upholding Nationalism".
Bottom-middle point: "Still used in contemporary Cinema. (movies, songs) marking Relevance".
Bottom-left point: "Symbol of Patriotism, remembrance to struggle of freedom fighters without hurting Secular fabric".
Top-left point: "Parliamentarians debated in winter session, 2015 marking its significance then & even now; highlighting Secular nature".]

[DRAWING: A mind map with "Contemporary Relevance" in the center. Arrows point outwards to five surrounding points.
Top-right point: "Cultural Nationalism -> Blending Patriotism, Sacrifice, nation's Pride. and Portraying Nation as Mother figure together upholding Nationalism".
Bottom-right point: "Symbol of Unity of diverse India, united together. by upholding Nationalism".
Bottom-middle point: "Still used in contemporary Cinema. (movies, songs) marking Relevance".
Bottom-left point: "Symbol of Patriotism, remembrance to struggle of freedom fighters without hurting Secular fabric".
Top-left point: "Parliamentarians debated in winter session, 2015 marking its significance then & even now; highlighting Secular nature".]

Suggestions to improve:

  • Include specific examples like its use in international sporting events (Olympics, Commonwealth Games) where it represents India globally
  • Discuss how digital platforms and social media have given it new life among younger generations through patriotic content
  • Address contemporary challenges like balancing respect for the song with freedom of expression debates

What you wrote:

Vande Matram is our national Pride which beautifully blends Patriotism, Sacrifice, nationalism. maintaining Secular nature in a diverse Country. Our efforts should always be in direction to uphold its true sanctity without making national song as Part of Political issue.

Vande Matram is our national Pride which beautifully blends Patriotism, Sacrifice, nationalism. maintaining Secular nature in a diverse Country. Our efforts should always be in direction to uphold its true sanctity without making national song as Part of Political issue.

Suggestions to improve:

  • Could strengthen by reflecting on how Vande Mataram represents India's unique approach to nationalism - rooted in cultural heritage yet inclusive and forward-looking, serving as a model for diverse democracies worldwide

Your answer demonstrates solid understanding of the topic with good factual knowledge and creative presentation. The mind map approach for contemporary relevance shows innovative thinking. However, adding more specific examples and chronological depth would enhance the analytical quality significantly.

Marks: 8/15

Demand of the Question

  • Discuss the historical significance of "Vande Mataram" in India’s nationalist movement
  • Discuss the rationale behind adopting only two stanzas officially
  • Examine the relevance of the song in contemporary India

What you wrote:

'Vande Matram', written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875 in 'Anandmath' which later became national song on 24 January, 1950. 2025 marks 150th anniversary of the song.

'Vande Matram', written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875 in 'Anandmath' which later became national song on 24 January, 1950. 2025 marks 150th anniversary of the song.

Suggestions to improve:

  • Could enhance by briefly contextualizing the political climate of 1875 (post-1857 revolt period when cultural nationalism was emerging) to show why such a song resonated with the independence movement

More Challenges

View All
  • GS2

    Governance

    25 Dec, 2025

    Artificial Intelligence is increasingly being integrated into India’s judicial ecosystem through the e-Courts project. Explain the role of AI in improving judicial efficiency and access to justice. Also examine the limitations and ethical concerns associated with the use of AI in the judiciary.

    View Challenge
  • GS2

    International Relations

    Yesterday

    India recently signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Oman. Examine the key features of the India–Oman CEPA and analyse its strategic and economic significance for India’s West Asia trade policy. Also discuss the challenges associated with the agreement.

    View Challenge
  • GS2

    Indian Geography

    23 Dec, 2025

    Dense fog episodes are increasingly affecting northern India during winter months. Explain the formation of fog and its major types. Examine the impacts of persistent fog on weather conditions and socio-economic activities in India.

    View Challenge
SuperKalam is your personal mentor for UPSC preparation, guiding you at every step of the exam journey.

Download the App

Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store
Follow us

ⓒ Snapstack Technologies Private Limited