Where the mind is without fear and the head if held is.. Let my country awake!
goes the poem that was written by Rabindranath Tagore.
Imagine the heads held high while they sang “Jana Gana Mana” when India got its freedom! Patriotic Songs of India are the heartbeat of the nation, pulsating with pride, sacrifice and bravery.
Join us as we revisit some of the most powerful Indian patriotic songs that shaped the country’s spirit through rhythm and melody.
Ae Watan: Honoring Sacrifices Through a Song
This song is a modern ballad usually accompanied with soft orchestration. Always on the top spot of list of patriotic songs, this version features in the movie Raazi, 2018 and is performed by Arijit Singh and Suinidhi Chauhan.
The controlled vibratos in the end of each phrase and a gentle inflection keeps this Indian patriotic song dignified. ‘Ae Watan’ is soft, slow paced and loosely based on Raag Yaman. The use of Tivra Ma gives it a solemn tone.
Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon
A eulogy to the fallen soldiers, grief, respect and gratitude in Lata Ji’s voice is Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon, next up on the bollywood patriotic songs list. Raag Desh’s emotional characteristics and major intervals echoes a folk-tingled yet semi-classical aura. Simple crafting of the melody also brings out the emotional weight of the lyrics.
How to Sing Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon?
One of the greatest Patriotic Songs of India, needs clear diction and right articulation to convey the sentiments while performing. Be sure to begin the song softly and open up vocally during the last verse.
Did You Know?
Lata Ji’s performance on Jan 26th 1963, was so moving that then Prime Minister Nehru cried in public.
Tere Mitti: A Soldier’s Final Letter to his Homeland
Just another most popular patriotic song of India, Tere Mitti is a soul-stirring melody in a slow tempo that pays tribute to sacrifices of a soldier. It features in the 2019 film ‘Kesari.’
It falls into an Indian Classical-Pop, set in F major. I must say, B Praak’s vocal delivery is emotionally charged with strong ornamentations and sustained notes. Notice a subtle crack in his voice that adds raw realism. All in all, Tere Mitti is one of the most beloved patriotic songs in Hindi lyrics.
Chak De India: Passion Meets Patriotism
Next up on the Desh bhakti songs list is‘ Chak De India’ that combines high energy, national pride and motivation. It serves as a title track of the movie ‘Chak De India.’
Originally set in a moderate tempo, this most popular patriotic song of India features electronic beats, orchestral arrangement and traditional Indian rhythms. The ‘Chak De’ chant goes on and on throughout the song. This was designed to mimic the crowd cheering in an arena.
Maa Tujhe Salaam: A Salute to the Motherland
Did You Know?
The Guinness world record for a song that’s sung in the most number of languages goes to ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’
This beautiful song is one of the best patriotic songs that takes our breath away! The fusion between the traditional Indian elements with modern electronic music creates a new sound for Bharat pride. One can hear the hints of raag desh adding its flavours
Jana Gana Mana: India’s Soul Set to Music
Written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1911, ‘Jana Gana Mana’ was then adopted as the national anthem in 1950. It is a majestic blend of poetry, melody and pride.
The melody of this patriotic song of India is based on raag Alhaiya Bilawal. Through a musician’s lens, this anthem is set in 4/4 time signature and builds gradually, dynamically.
- Singing this patriotic song isn’t just about hitting the right or the high notes. It’s about singing with respect and clarity.
- Sing exactly like the official version of 52 seconds in the only approved rhythm, tempo and melody Singing this patriotic song isn’t just about hitting the right or the high notes. It’s about singing with respect and clarity.
- Do not alter or improvise the melody.
- Pronounce the Jana Gana Mana lyrics with clarity and with right diction.
Lehra Do: A Heroic Anthem
One of the top patriotic songs with modern cinematic grandeur is ‘Lehra Do.’ It’s perfect for students, performers or anyone who likes to sing their heart out! This track features in the movie ‘83’ released in 2021.
Typically set in a minor scale, the tempo builds from slow to moderate. Lush orchestral arrangements with Indian classical ornamentations makes this Indian patriotic song’s lyrics, a heroic anthem.
Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera: An Eternal Patriotic Ballad
Part of the soundtracks of the film ‘Swades’,’ Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera’ stands out for the emotional pull it creates toward our homeland. undoubtedly, patriotic song’s lyrics that stay so close to our hearts.
Subtle percussion, soft strings and the sound of shehnai evokes an introspective state. A.R.Rahman sings with a vulnerable tone that reflects the conflicts faced by the protagonist. One of the beloved patriotic instrumental songs of India.
Vande Mataram: A Timeless Patriotic Hymn
Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the lyrics of Vande Mataram, patriotic song of India, was Sanskritized from Bengali. The meaning of Vande Mataram, “I bow to thee, Mother” reflects both spiritual devotion and national pride.
Did You Know?
Rabindranath Tagore was the first person to compose and perform ‘Vande Matram’ at the 1896 congress session.
Des Rangila: An Ode to Indian Cultural Flavor
Des Rangila, a perfect patriotic song for kids, celebrates the vibrant diversity of India. It’s a fusion of Indian Folk and contemporary music featuring in the film ‘Fana’.
The melody is catchy with folk motifs and modern arrangements. The energetic and bright tone of the song also makes this one of the patriotic songs for kindergarten too.
History of Indian Patriotic Songs
One can trace back to the emergence of Patriotic songs of India back to the 19th century. It was during the freedom struggle against the British, early works like ‘Vande Matram’ or the ‘poems of Subramnia Bharathiyar’ inspired unity in resistance.
“Achamillai, Achamillai, Achamenthabailliye” said Bharathiyar and I remember singing this in grade 1 back in 2001.
These famous patriotic songs of India in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam or Bengali continue to evoke civic pride, honor sacrifice and celebrate the spirit of India.
Classical vs Modern Patriotic Songs
| Features | Classical Patriotic Songs | Modern Patriotic Songs |
|---|---|---|
|
Era |
Pre-independence to early post-independence (1800s–1950s) |
Late 20th century to present (1990s–2020s) |
|
Examples |
Vande Mataram, Jana Gana Mana, Achamillai Achamillai |
Maa Tujhe Salaam, Teri Mitti, Desh Mere, Lehra Do |
|
Languages used
|
Sanskrit, Tamil, Hindi, Bengali |
Hindi, Urdu, Hinglish |
|
Popular Artists |
Rabindranath Tagore, Lata Mangeshkar |
A.R. Rahman, Arijit Singh, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, B Praak |
|
Themes and subjects |
Freedom, sacrifice, nationalism, cultural pride |
Tribute to soldiers, unity in diversity, emotional patriotism |
|
Style of Music |
Classical ragas, folk elements, choral or bhajan style |
Orchestral, electronic, cinematic, fusion |
Final Thoughts
Well, they say that “Music speaks where words fail”. I must say that this list of patriotic songs, India, do just that. Each melody reminds us of the freedom fighter’s courage, toil and sacrifice.
As long as we song and celebrate these desh bhakti songs, lets remember what Mahatma Gandhi said,
“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and souls of its people”.
To learn to sing or play these melodies right, book a Free Demo with Musicmaster today!
FAQs
Vande Mataram, is the oldest Indian independence song
Jana Gana Mana, national anthem written by Rabindranatha Tagore while Vande Mataram is the best patriotic song written by Bankim Chattopadhyay.
Saare Jahan Se Achha is yet another patriotic song for children. It means “Our India is better than the entire World”.
Some of the classics include Ae watan, Sare Jahan Se, Vande Mataram. Modern patriotic songs for singing include Tere Mitti, Jai Ho, Rang De Basanti etc.
