The national anthem of Bangladesh, 'Amar Sonar Bangla', was written by which literary figure?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Rabindranath Tagore

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Several national anthems around the world were written by prominent poets and composers. Bangladesh national anthem, 'Amar Sonar Bangla', is a patriotic song that praises the beauty of the land. This question asks you to identify the literary figure who composed its lyrics. Knowing which poet is connected with which national symbol is an important part of South Asian general knowledge.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The song mentioned is 'Amar Sonar Bangla', the national anthem of Bangladesh.
  • The task is to identify its writer.
  • Options provided are Rabindranath Tagore, Sarojini Naidu, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Taslima Nasrin, and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
  • Exactly one of these authors wrote the lyrics that later became the anthem.


Concept / Approach:
Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel Prize winning poet from Bengal, wrote both the Indian national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' and the song 'Amar Sonar Bangla'. A portion of the latter was adopted as the national anthem of Bangladesh. Sarojini Naidu is known as the Nightingale of India but did not write this song. Kazi Nazrul Islam and Taslima Nasrin are important Bengali writers, yet 'Amar Sonar Bangla' specifically belongs to Tagore. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote 'Vande Mataram', which became a national song for India, not for Bangladesh.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the question focuses on the origin of the anthem 'Amar Sonar Bangla'. Step 2: Recall that Rabindranath Tagore composed many patriotic and devotional songs in Bengali, including this one. Step 3: Note that Kazi Nazrul Islam is famous as the national poet of Bangladesh but did not write this particular anthem. Step 4: Remember that Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote 'Vande Mataram', which is linked to India, not Bangladesh. Step 5: Select Rabindranath Tagore as the writer of 'Amar Sonar Bangla'.


Verification / Alternative check:
Verification comes from recalling that Tagore connection with both India and Bangladesh is frequently highlighted in history and literature textbooks. They often mention that he is the only person to have written the lyrics for two different national anthems in the subcontinent, one for India and one for Bangladesh. In contrast, even though Kazi Nazrul Islam is honoured as the national poet of Bangladesh, official records clearly attribute the national anthem to Tagore. This repeated statement in reliable sources confirms the answer.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Sarojini Naidu wrote many English poems and patriotic verses but had no role in composing 'Amar Sonar Bangla'. Kazi Nazrul Islam wrote revolutionary poems and songs, but none of them were adopted as the national anthem. Taslima Nasrin is a contemporary writer known for her controversial works, not for canonical patriotic songs. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay composed 'Vande Mataram', which played a significant part in the Indian freedom movement, but that is a different song. Therefore, none of these names fit the specific requirement of the question.


Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse the roles of Tagore and Nazrul Islam because both are key figures in Bengali literature, and Nazrul Islam is called the national poet of Bangladesh. Another common error is to mix up 'Vande Mataram' and 'Amar Sonar Bangla', especially when revising both Indian and Bangladeshi national symbols together. To avoid these mistakes, it helps to create a simple table: Tagore with 'Jana Gana Mana' and 'Amar Sonar Bangla', Bankim with 'Vande Mataram', and Nazrul with revolutionary songs but not the anthem. This visual association strengthens memory.


Final Answer:
The national anthem of Bangladesh, 'Amar Sonar Bangla', was written by Rabindranath Tagore.

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion