When and where was "Jana Gana Mana", which later became the National Anthem of India, officially sung in public for the first time?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to the area of Indian national symbols and modern history. Jana Gana Mana, composed by Rabindranath Tagore, is the National Anthem of India. It is important to know not only the composer but also when and where it was first sung publicly in a formal setting. Many exam questions test this specific detail, as it connects the freedom movement, the Indian National Congress, and the later adoption of the song as the National Anthem.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The song in question is Jana Gana Mana, later adopted as the National Anthem.
• Different dates and locations are offered, including years 1911, 1942 and 1950, and cities Allahabad, Delhi and Calcutta.
• The task is to identify the combination that corresponds to the first public rendition in an official session.
• We assume standard historical accounts of Congress sessions and national symbols.

Concept / Approach:
Jana Gana Mana was first sung on 27 December 1911 during the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress. This was a formal political gathering that provided a national platform for the song. Much later, on 24 January 1950, it was officially adopted as the National Anthem by the Constituent Assembly, but that is a separate event. The important distinction is between first sung and officially adopted. The question clearly asks about the first singing, which points to 27 December 1911 in Calcutta.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Recall that Jana Gana Mana was composed by Rabindranath Tagore in the early twentieth century. 2. The first public rendition in a formal political context took place at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress. 3. That session took place on 27 December 1911. 4. The dates in 1950 relate to its adoption as the National Anthem, not its first singing. 5. Therefore, the correct option is 27 December 1911 in Calcutta.

Verification / Alternative check:
History texts on the national movement and reference works on national symbols consistently state that Jana Gana Mana was first sung at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress on 27 December 1911. They also mention that the Constituent Assembly adopted it as the National Anthem on 24 January 1950. By comparing the events, one can see clearly that 1911 and Calcutta are associated with the first singing, while 1950 is associated with adoption. This dual timeline confirms that option d is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 24 January 1950 in Allahabad: The adoption of the Anthem took place in Delhi, not Allahabad, and this date concerns adoption, not first singing.
• 24 January 1950 in Delhi: This is the date and place of adoption as National Anthem but not the first public rendition.
• 26 December 1942 in Calcutta: No major event regarding the first singing of Jana Gana Mana took place on this date.
• 15 August 1947 in New Delhi: Although an important date for independence, it is not the date of the first singing of Jana Gana Mana in a formal session.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse the date of adoption of the National Anthem with the date of its first singing. This is because both events are important and often mentioned together. Another confusion arises from mixing up cities, since both Calcutta and Delhi are historically significant. To avoid mistakes, remember the pattern: first sung at the Congress session in Calcutta in 1911, formally adopted as National Anthem by the Constituent Assembly in Delhi in January 1950.

Final Answer:
Jana Gana Mana was first sung publicly in a formal setting on 27 December 1911 in Calcutta.