The Indian national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana," was originally composed in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore, not in Hindi or Sanskrit. However, it incorporates a significant number of words directly derived from Sanskrit, known as Tatsama words, which gives it a formal and elevated character.
The Linguistic Blend of "Jana Gana Mana"
While its foundational language is Bengali, the rich inclusion of Sanskrit vocabulary is a key characteristic of "Jana Gana Mana." This blend is a common feature in many Indian languages, where Sanskrit has historically served as a profound source of vocabulary and linguistic structure.
- Bengali Origin: The anthem was penned in a highly Sanskritized form of Bengali.
- Sanskrit Influence: The presence of numerous Tatsama words—words borrowed from Sanskrit without change—makes the anthem's language highly formal and pan-Indian in its appeal, transcending regional dialects.
- Perception as Hindi: Due to the extensive use of Sanskrit-derived words, the anthem's language often sounds akin to Hindi or a classical hymn to listeners, contributing to the common misconception about its primary language. Many words are common to both Bengali and Hindi, particularly those with Sanskrit roots.
The original version, with its significant Sanskrit vocabulary, was the one officially adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India as the national anthem. This choice reflected a desire for a text that resonated across various linguistic groups due to its classical and inclusive nature.
Key Aspects of the National Anthem's Language
To clarify the linguistic nature of "Jana Gana Mana," consider the following points:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Original Language | Bengali, written by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. |
| Linguistic Influence | Heavily infused with Tatsama (Sanskrit) words, which are words borrowed directly from Sanskrit. |
| Adopted Version | The official national anthem is the original Bengali version, recognized for its universal appeal and profound message. |
| Common Misconception | Often perceived as a Hindi or Sanskrit composition due to the formal, Sanskrit-heavy vocabulary and its similarity to classical Indian languages. |
This unique linguistic composition ensures the anthem's broad accessibility and reverence across India's diverse linguistic landscape, even though it is rooted in Bengali.
