<p>Jana Gana Mana has a fascinating history, from Rabindranath Tagore’s original Bengali composition to its adoption as India’s national anthem. Here are 10 facts worth knowing.</p><img><p>India’s national anthem originated from Rabindranath Tagore’s Bengali composition ‘Bharoto Bhagyo Bidhata’. The song originally contained five stanzas, but only its first stanza was selected for the national anthem.</p><img><p>Rabindranath Tagore wrote the composition that eventually became India’s national anthem. He is also the only person credited with writing the national anthems of both India and Bangladesh.</p><img><p>‘Jana Gana Mana’ was first performed publicly on December 27, 1911. The performance took place during the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress.</p><img><p>The composition was first referred to as the “National Anthem” by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in 1942. This happened during a meeting of the German-Indian Society.</p><img><p>India officially adopted ‘Jana Gana Mana’ as its national anthem on January 24, 1950. The announcement was made by Dr Rajendra Prasad, shortly before India became a republic.</p><img><p>Tagore’s original Bengali song was considerably longer than the anthem heard at official ceremonies today. It contained five stanzas, while the first stanza was selected for India’s national anthem.</p><img><p>The officially prescribed full version of ‘Jana Gana Mana’ takes approximately 52 seconds to play. This is the version generally heard during formal national ceremonies and events.</p><img><p>A shorter rendition of the anthem also exists for occasions where the full version is not required. This abbreviated version uses the first and last lines and lasts around 20 seconds.</p><img><p>‘Jana Gana Mana’ had already entered popular culture before becoming India’s official national anthem. It was used in the 1945 film ‘Hamrahi’, several years before its formal adoption in 1950.</p><img><p>Rabindranath Tagore’s contribution to South Asian national identity extends beyond India. He also wrote ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’, which later became the national anthem of Bangladesh.</p>
