Difference between National Anthem and National Song

The ‘Azad Hind’ team decided “Jana Gana Mana” as India’s National Anthem and “Vande Mataram” as the National Song, representing the country’s culture/history. Check out Difference between National Anthem and National Song in the article below.

The terms National Anthem and National Song are often mentioned together, leading many to overlook confusions in the differences between them. However, for UPSC CSE aspirants, understanding these distinctions is essential as they can be relevant to questions on Indian polity, history, or culture. So, to make that easier for you we have created an elaborated Difference between National Anthem and National Song for your ease, which includes not only the difference but other important facts that an aspiring candidate should know.

Difference between National Anthem and National Song

In most countries, the topic Difference between National Anthem and National Song is a bit confusing as they don’t have the National Song separately and usually mix up the terms as well. In the table below, we have highlighted the major Difference between National Anthem and National Song for your reference. 

Meaning of National Anthem

In India’s democracy, the true ruler is not a king or a government, but the people—the citizens who form the backbone of this vibrant nation. Rabindranath Tagore, in his masterpiece Jana Gana Mana, beautifully expresses this sentiment, invoking Kala (Time) as the destiny maker of India, symbolising the collective will of its people. 

This national anthem is more than just a song; it is a tribute to India’s unity, diversity, and shared heritage. It tunes the nation to move forward and still stay united, celebrating the cultural and geographical richness of regions like Punjab, Sindh, Gujarat, Bengal, and the Dravidian heartlands. The anthem’s words honour the sacred rivers, mighty mountains, and the unbreakable spirit of the land. It acknowledges the courage of soldiers guarding the borders and the efforts of farmers sustaining the nation. Tagore’s words remind us that India’s strength lies in its citizens—those shaping the nation’s future.

Key Features of Jana Gana Mana

1. Title: Jana Gana Mana
2. Composer and Lyricist: Rabindranath Tagore
3. Musical Scale: Based on Raag Alhiya Bilawal, blending classical melody with universal appeal.
4. Date of Composition: December 11, 1911
5. First Performance: December 27, 1911, at the Indian National Congress session in Kolkata.
6. Adopted as National Anthem: January 24, 1950
7. Duration: 52 seconds, embodying profound meaning in brevity.
8. Original Language: Bengali (Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata)
9. Theme: Unity in Diversity

About the National Song

“Vande Mataram,” written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in a blend of Sanskrit and Bengali, is the National Song of India. First featured in his novel Anand Math in 1882, with its tune composed by Yadunath Bhattacharya, it became a symbol of patriotism during India’s freedom struggle. 

Adopted as the national song by the Congress in 1905 and officially recognized in 1950, its powerful verses inspired unity and resistance during movements like Bengal’s partition and Gandhi’s non-cooperation. Even today, it evokes pride and devotion during national celebrations. Globally, it gained recognition when ranked second in a 2003 BBC poll of the world’s greatest songs, reflecting its enduring legacy as a unifying anthem for India.

Why is Jana Gana Mana the National Anthem but not Vande Mataram?

In 1941, after escaping to Berlin, Subhas Chandra Bose formed a group of Indians determined to challenge British rule. During a meeting on November 2, 1941, the ‘Azad Hind’ team decided that “Jana Gana Mana” would be India’s National Anthem and “Jai Hind” its greeting, as these represented the country’s culture and history. 

There was debate over “Vande Mataram,” which was opposed by Abid Hasan for being difficult for the masses to sing. Bose, however, believed “Jana Gana Mana” better represented India’s diverse regions. Months later, Bose introduced the 55-second version of the anthem at the inauguration of the German-Indian Society, where both Indian and German National Anthems were played by the Chamber Orchestra of Radio Hamburg.