Song of India: New book clarifies why Tagore composed the national anthem

Several songs competed to become India's anthem after Independence. Dr Mukherjee's book debunks myths about why Tagore composed his song and how it came to be chosen

Song of India: A Study of the National Anthem

by Rudrangshu Mukherjee

Published by Aleph

86 pages ₹399

  At a time when the idea of India as a pluralist society is being questioned in certain circles, a book explaining the basic premise of the country’s national anthem is appropriate. More importantly, such a book serves as a timely reminder of the principles of harmony and unity in diversity, enshrined in a song that Rabindranath Tagore composed in December 1911 and which was adopted as India’s national anthem in 1950.

 

With this short book under review, eminent historian and academic Rudrangshu Mukherjee has achieved