The Linguistic Nuances in Vande Mataram: Understanding the Pronunciations and Transliterations

Vande Mataram is a well-known patriotic song in India, traditionally associated with Bengali literature. This article explores the intricacies of its pronunciation and script, highlighting the differences between Bengali and Sanskrit versions.

The Origins of Vande Mataram

Vande Mataram was originally written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in his Bengali novel Anandamath. The song, composed as a poem in Bengali script, incorporates Sanskrit words and Bengali pronunciations, a unique blend that has led to variations in its spelling and pronunciation.

Bengali Script Nuances

Bengali script, like Devanagari, uses two 'Ba' characters. However, in Devanagari, these characters symbolize the hard 'Ba' and the soft 'Wa' (V). In contrast, Bengali script represents these sounds with two 'Ba' characters that are visually identical and pronounced identically as 'Ba'. This uniformity presents a unique challenge when writing Vande Mataram in Bengali script, as both 'Ba' and 'V' (Wa) are represented by the same character.

Despite this challenge, the first stanza of the song in Anandamath is written in Bengali script, which inherently uses the 'Ba' character. Therefore, the 'Vande' in 'Vande Mataram' is spelled with a 'Ba', reflecting the local Bengali pronunciation of 'Bande'. This is not an exception but the natural choice given the script.

Pronunciation in Bengali Dialect

When spoken in its Bengali dialect, Vande Mataram is often pronounced as 'Bande Mataram'. The soft 'Wa' (V) sound is typically omitted, reflecting the prevalent pronunciation in Bengali regions. This aligns with the practice of many Indian languages, where the soft sounds are often softened or omitted in common speech.

Transliteration in Sanskrit and Bengali

When Vande Mataram is written in Devanagari script, the song is more closely aligned with its Sanskrit origins, where the soft 'Wa' sound is preserved, leading to the transliteration 'Vande Mataram'. This version is often used in formal and educational contexts, emphasizing the song's Sanskrit roots.

It is important to note that the 'V' in English transcription corresponds to the 'Wa' in Bengali, not the 'Bha' sound. 'Wa' is transliterated as 'V', similar to how 'Vishakha' is written. In contrast, 'Bha' is transliterated as 'Bh', as in 'Bheem'. Therefore, the word 'Vande' is correctly spelled in English, and it should not be confused with the 'Bha' sound.

Additional Note

This linguistic distinction is not just a matter of spelling but also a reflection of the diverse linguistic traditions within Indian literature. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's Anandamath is a testament to the rich tapestry of linguistic influences in Bengali literature. Understanding these nuances is crucial for preserving the true spirit of the song across different regional and linguistic contexts.

In conclusion, the spellings 'Vande' and 'Bande' in 'Vande Mataram' reflect the different linguistic traditions and pronunciations in Bengali and Sanskrit. This article aims to clarify these distinctions, ensuring a more accurate and respectful appreciation of this historic song.