Who composed the National Anthem of India, "Jana Gana Mana"?

Introduction / Context:
Every Indian citizen is expected to know basic facts about national symbols, including the National Anthem. "Jana Gana Mana" is the National Anthem of India and questions about its composer are standard in almost every general knowledge syllabus. This question tests whether you correctly remember which great Indian poet and Nobel laureate created the anthem.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The title of the National Anthem is given as "Jana Gana Mana". • Four well known Indian literary and patriotic figures are listed as options. • You must identify who composed the anthem. • It is assumed that you know basic school level civics and culture.

Concept / Approach:
"Jana Gana Mana" was composed by Rabindranath Tagore, who was also the first Asian Nobel laureate in Literature. The approach is straightforward: link the National Anthem with Tagore and distinguish it from the National Song "Vande Mataram", which is associated with Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. Knowing the difference between these two national compositions is essential in the Indian GK context.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise "Jana Gana Mana" as the official National Anthem of India. Step 2: Recall that Rabindranath Tagore wrote and composed this anthem in Bengali, later adopted in its Hindi version. Step 3: Remember that Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote "Vande Mataram", which is the National Song, not the anthem. Step 4: Observe that R. D. Dinkar and Sarojini Naidu are famous for other contributions but are not linked with the anthem. Step 5: Choose Rabindranath Tagore as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this from any standard school textbook or official government source, all of which clearly state that Rabindranath Tagore composed "Jana Gana Mana". They also describe how it was first sung and later adopted as the National Anthem. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee is mentioned separately in the context of "Vande Mataram". Sarojini Naidu is referred to as the Nightingale of India for her poetry, and R. D. Dinkar is primarily known for patriotic poems in Hindi. These references remove any doubt about the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
R. D. Dinkar is a poet but has no connection with composing the National Anthem. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote the National Song "Vande Mataram", not "Jana Gana Mana". Sarojini Naidu wrote many patriotic poems and speeches but did not compose the National Anthem.

Common Pitfalls:
The main pitfall is mixing up the National Anthem with the National Song because both are associated with the freedom struggle and patriotic feelings. Some students quickly pick Bankim Chandra Chatterjee without noting that the question specifically mentions "Jana Gana Mana". To avoid this confusion, remember the simple key: Tagore for "Jana Gana Mana", Bankim for "Vande Mataram". Keeping a list of national symbols and their creators handy for revision before exams is very helpful.

Final Answer:
The National Anthem "Jana Gana Mana" was composed by Rabindranath Tagore, so Rabindranath Tagore is the correct option.