Inside the Birthplace of Vande Mataram: A Fight for Survival in Kantalpara
As India commemorates the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, the national song written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, political parties are absorbed in credit battles. The debate has even escalated to comparing Bankim Chandra with Rabindranath Tagore, shifting the spotlight away from the real issue.
In Kantalpara, West Bengal, where Bankim Chandra composed the iconic song, the small room known as the ‘Baithakkhana’ stands as a neglected symbol of India’s cultural heritage. While political narratives dominate headlines, the birthplace of one of India’s most powerful patriotic compositions struggles to survive under layers of apathy and lack of preservation.
The Forgotten Baithakkhana: A Heritage at Risk
Located in the quiet village of Kantalpara, the Baithakkhana is believed to be the exact room where Bankim Chandra penned Vande Mataram in the late 19th century.
However, the site today faces:
Structural deterioration
Absence of proper maintenance
Lack of government funding
Neglect from local administrative bodies
Minimal tourism awareness
Despite its cultural and historical importance, the birthplace of the national song remains largely ignored, overshadowed by political rhetoric.
Why Vande Mataram Still Matters
Written during British rule, Vande Mataram ignited the spirit of freedom across India. Its literary elegance and patriotic fervor placed Bankim Chandra among the nation’s most celebrated writers.
In 2025, as the nation reflects on 150 years of the song, preserving the birthplace becomes not only a cultural responsibility but a tribute to India’s freedom journey.
Politics Overshadows Preservation
Instead of focusing on restoration, a political tug-of-war has begun:
Parties claim credit for promoting the national song
Attempts are made to compare Bankim Chandra with Tagore
Cultural heritage takes a backseat to political posturing
Meanwhile, the Baithakkhana awaits urgent intervention to prevent irreversible damage.
Local Voices Demand Urgent Action
Villagers, cultural activists and historians have repeatedly appealed for:
Declaring Baithakkhana a protected heritage site
Allocating dedicated restoration funds
Setting up a museum or cultural centre
Promoting the site for educational tourism
Their demand is simple: Preserve the birthplace of Vande Mataram for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Where was Vande Mataram written?
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote Vande Mataram in the Baithakkhana of his ancestral home in Kantalpara, West Bengal.
2. Why is the Baithakkhana important?
It is the birthplace of India’s national song, making it a culturally and historically significant location.
3. What is the condition of the site today?
The Baithakkhana is facing severe neglect, structural damage, and a lack of preservation efforts.
4. Why is the site not maintained properly?
Political distractions, limited funding, and low administrative interest have contributed to its decline.
5. How can it be saved?
The site needs urgent heritage protection, government funding, community involvement, and tourism development.
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source credit : Ravik Bhattacharya
Published on : 20th November
Published by : SARANYA
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