The Economic Times

In 1873, had Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's palanquin not taken a wrong turn, India might never have got 'Vande Mataram'

An 1873 encounter with a British officer in a palanquin ignited Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's patriotic fervor, leading to the creation of Vande Mataram. This powerful Sanskrit phrase, meaning I bow to thee, Mother, became a rallying cry for India's freedom fighters. Featured in his novel Anandamath, the song's stirring verses inspired generations, ultimately earning it the status of India's national song.