Question

Who translated the ‘Vande Mataram’ into English?

• A. Mahatma Gandhi
• B. B. C. Chatterjee
• C. Sri Aurobindo Ghosh
• D. S. C. Bose

Hint:

Always remember: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee = Composer (Anandamath) and Sri Aurobindo = English translator of Vande Mataram.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: “Vande Mataram” is a patriotic song originally composed by

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in his novel Anandamath (1882). It became one of the most powerful nationalist symbols during the Indian freedom struggle, especially during the Swadeshi Movement. Because the song was originally written in a mix of Sanskritized Bengali, it was later translated into English by nationalist leaders to make its meaning accessible to a wider audience, both in India and abroad.

Step 1: Identifying the original composer The original composition of “Vande Mataram” was done by

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. Therefore, option B (B. C. Chatterjee) refers to the composer, not the translator.

Step 2: Identifying the English translation The widely accepted English translation of “Vande Mataram” was done by

Sri Aurobindo Ghosh in 1909. He translated it in a deeply spiritual and lyrical form under the title:

• “Mother, I bow to thee”
This translation preserved the emotional intensity and nationalistic spirit of the original Sanskritized Bengali text while making it understandable for English readers.

Step 3: Historical significance of the translation Sri Aurobindo’s translation appeared in nationalist publications and became widely circulated during the revolutionary phase of the freedom struggle. It played an important role in spreading the ideological message of nationalism beyond linguistic barriers.

Step 4: Eliminating incorrect options

• Mahatma Gandhi: Associated with freedom movements but not with translation of the song.

• B. C. Chatterjee: Original composer, not translator.

• S. C. Bose: Leader of INA, not related to translation work.
Thus, Sri Aurobindo Ghosh is the correct answer.