Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was a prominent Indian poet, novelist, and journalist born on June 26, 1838, in Bengal. He is best known for his novel Anandamath, which features the famous song Vande Mataram, later adopted as India's national song. His works played a significant role in inspiring the Indian independence movement. Chattopadhyay's literary contributions helped shape modern Bengali literature and culture. He wrote in both Bengali and English, and his themes often revolved around nationalism, social reform, and the complexities of Indian society. He passed away on April 8, 1894, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian literature.