Do you know that a quarrel on a cricket field once led to the composition of "Vande Mataram"?

Do you know that a quarrel on a cricket field once led to the composition of "Vande Mataram"?

About 145 years ago, a dispute arose at the Barrack Square (now Square Field) ground in Berhampur, West Bengal, which inspired Bankim Chandra Chatterjee to write this patriotic song. If British Colonel Duffin hadn't attacked Bankim Babu during that cricket match, perhaps "Vande Mataram" might never have been written.

The controversy began with a cricket match in 1873, led by Colonel Duffin, the commanding officer of the Berhampur Cantonment. On the evening of December 15, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, then Deputy Collector of Murshidabad district, was returning home in his palki. Unknown to him, the palki bearers took a shortcut through the cricket ground, disrupting the game. In a fit of rage, Colonel Duffin stopped the palki, dragged Bankim Babu out, and punched him four or five times.

The incident occurred in front of several prominent individuals, including Principal Robert Hand, Reverend Barlow, Judge Bainbridge, Raja Jogendra Narayan Ray of Lalgola, Durgacharan Bhattacharya, and several other British and Indian dignitaries.

Bankim Babu filed a case in court, seeking justice for the insult. On December 16, 1873, he filed a complaint against Colonel Duffin in the court of District Magistrate Mr. Winter in Murshidabad. Witnesses were called, but most British officers denied the incident. However, Principal Robert Hand, Raja Jogendra Narayan Ray, and Durgacharan Bhattacharya testified in Bankim Babu's favor.

The next hearing was scheduled for January 12, 1874. On that morning, thousands of Indian and European spectators gathered in court. During the hearing, Judge Bainbridge called the magistrate to his chamber and requested Bankim Babu to withdraw the case. Initially, he refused, but later agreed on the condition that Colonel Duffin apologize publicly. Eventually, Colonel Duffin apologized in court with folded hands.

The Indian youth erupted in applause, laughter, and "Ho-Ho" slogans. The British officers, enraged by the court's decision, secretly planned to assassinate Bankim Babu. Learning of this, Raja Jogendra Narayan Ray invited Bankim Babu to Lalgola, where he relocated in January 1874.

In Lalgola, Bankim Babu visited the Jagaddhatri, Durga, and Kali temples. There, he pondered how to unite India against British rule with a single "mantra". Finally, on January 31, 1874, on the night of Maghi Purnima, he composed the 12-letter "Vande Mataram", igniting patriotism in Indians and striking fear into the British.

Later, parts of his novel "Anandamath" were published in the Bangadarshan magazine (Vol 7) in 1881, and the full book was released in 1882. The British pressured Bankim Babu to change the novel's content, leading to his voluntary retirement from government service in 1885-86.

Even 145 years later, "Vande Mataram" continues to evoke patriotism in us! This incident proves how insult, the fight for justice, and the desire for freedom gave birth to "Vande Mataram". Today, this song still ignites the flame of patriotism in our hearts. Vande Mataram! 🌹 (Collected)

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