Many of India's best-known patriotic songs were written in the twentieth century by poets who died less than sixty years ago, so their words are still protected by copyright. We describe them here, with their history, but do not reproduce their lyrics. Please use authorised publications or recordings for the full texts.
Vijayi Vishwa Tiranga Pyara (Jhanda Uncha Rahe Hamara)
Written in 1924 by the Kanpur poet Shyamlal Gupta "Parshad" and sung at Congress gatherings, this flag song became one of the most popular songs of the freedom struggle and is still sung on Independence and Republic Days. Shyamlal Gupta died in 1977, so the lyrics remain in copyright in India until the end of 2037.
Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo
Written by Kavi Pradeep after the 1962 war with China and first sung by Lata Mangeshkar in Delhi on 27 January 1963, in the presence of Prime Minister Nehru, this tribute to fallen soldiers remains one of India's most moving patriotic songs. It is in copyright.
Songs of the shakha
Volunteer shakhas sing patriotic songs (geet) in Hindi, Sanskrit and regional languages, many written after 1950 and published in songbooks by their organisations. These songs are in copyright and are not reproduced here; they are available from the publishers' own songbooks.
Public-domain songs on this site
Frequently asked questions
Why are the lyrics of some patriotic songs not given here?
In India, literary works remain in copyright for 60 years after the author's death (counted from the following year). We give full texts only for songs whose authors died more than 60 years ago.
Sources & copyright status
- Copyright Act, 1957, Section 22 (term of copyright) — government record
- Historical facts: not subject to copyright.
- Commentary and translations on this page: original to The Hindu Book. © The Hindu Book, all rights reserved.
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