National Anthem Composition

The national anthem of India, known as "Jana Gana Mana," was composed by the eminent poet, writer, and Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore. This song was originally composed in Bengali and first sung publicly on December 27, 1911, at the Calcutta (now Kolkata) Session of the Indian National Congress.

On January 24, 1950, the Constituent Assembly of India officially adopted "Jana Gana Mana" as the national anthem.

Rabindranath Tagore's Contribution

Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941) was a towering figure in Indian literature and a global icon. He was the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his collection of poems, "Gitanjali." His works greatly influenced Bengali literature and music, and his legacy extends beyond India, as he also composed the national anthem of Bangladesh, "Amar Shonar Bangla."

Understanding Other Options

Let's consider why the other options are not the correct answer for composing the national anthem:

• Mahatma Gandhi: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement. While he played a crucial role in India's freedom, he was not a composer of national songs.
• Bankim Chandra Chatterjee: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee was another revered Bengali writer. He is famously known for composing "Vande Mataram," which is India's national song, not the national anthem. "Vande Mataram" holds a significant place in Indian history as an inspiration during the freedom struggle.
• Madan Mohan Malviya: Madan Mohan Malviya was an Indian scholar, educational reformer, and politician known for founding Banaras Hindu University. He was not a composer of national anthems or songs.

Therefore, the composer of India's national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana," is undoubtedly Rabindranath Tagore.