UPSC Prelims 2006 Q132: Modern History – Peasant, Tribal & Labour Movements
Which one of the following revolts was made famous by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in his
novel Anand Math?
- (a) Bhil uprising
- (b) Rangpur and Dinapur uprising
- (c) Bishnupur and Birbhum rebellion
- (d) Sanyasi rebellion
Answer: (d) Sanyasi rebellion
Explanation
Revolt depicted in Anand Math
| Revolt | Link with Anand Math |
|---|---|
| Bhil uprising | No |
| Rangpur and Dinapur uprising | No |
| Bishnupur and Birbhum rebellion | No |
| Sanyasi rebellion | Yes — the sanyasi and fakir revolt of Bengal in the late 18th century |
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's novel Anand Math (1882), which contains the song *Vande Mataram*, is based on the Sanyasi rebellion.
Answer: (d) Sanyasi rebellion.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Bhil uprising is not the revolt in Anand Math.
- (b) Incorrect. The Rangpur and Dinapur uprising is not the revolt in the novel.
- (c) Incorrect. The Bishnupur and Birbhum rebellion is not the revolt in the novel.
- (d) CORRECT. Anand Math is based on the Sanyasi rebellion of Bengal.
Key point
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's Anand Math is based on the Sanyasi rebellion of Bengal.
Remember
Anand Math is about the Sanyasi rebellion.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a Bengal revolt other than the Sanyasi one.
- Forgetting that the novel carries the Vande Mataram song.
- Confusing it with the later Santhal rebellion.
Exam tip
Anand Math (1882) = Sanyasi rebellion; contains Vande Mataram.
Sources
- Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay — Anandamath (1882)
- Bipan Chandra, Mridula Mukherjee et al. — India's Struggle for Independence (Penguin): peasant and tribal uprisings, the Sannyasi rebellion