Sare Jahan Se Acha (Better than the entire world) is a patriotic poem written in Urdu by the renowned poet and philosopher Muhammad Iqbal in 1904. It is considered one of the most popular and enduring songs of India, expressing the love and pride for the country and its diverse culture. The poem was originally composed for children, but it soon became a symbol of resistance against the British colonial rule in India.

Sare Jahan Se Acha lyrics:

The History and Context of the Poem

Iqbal wrote the poem in response to the British national anthem “God Save the King”, which was played at the end of every official function in India. He wanted to create a song that would inspire the Indian people to cherish their own land and heritage, and to resist the foreign domination.

The poem is also known as Tarana-e-Hindi (Anthem of the People of Hindustan), as it refers to Hindustan, the land comprising present-day Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. The poem celebrates the beauty and richness of India, from its mountains and rivers to its gardens and flowers. It also acknowledges the hardships and struggles faced by the Indian people, and their resilience and courage in overcoming them. The poem appeals to the unity and harmony among the Indians, regardless of their religion or caste. It also expresses a sense of hope and optimism for the future of India.

The Legacy and Influence of the Poem

The poem has inspired generations of Indians with its patriotic fervor and poetic charm. It has been sung by various artists and musicians, such as Pandit Ravi Shankar, Lata Mangeshkar, Jagjit Singh, A.R. Rahman, and others. It has also been translated into various languages, such as Hindi, English, Urdu Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, Sindhi, Kashmiri, Assamese, Oriya, Nepali, etc.

The poem has also been used in various political and social movements, such as the Indian independence movement, the Quit India movement, the Indian National Army, the Partition of India, the Kashmir conflict, etc. It has also been adopted as an official song by various institutions and organizations, such as the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force, the Indian Navy, the Indian Space Research Organisation, the Bharat Scouts and Guides, etc.

The poem has also been referenced and quoted in various literary and cultural works, such as novels, films, songs, paintings, sculptures, etc. Some examples are:

• The novel Train to Pakistan by Khushwant Singh, which depicts the horrors of the Partition of India
• The film Gandhi by Richard Attenborough, which portrays the life and achievements of Mahatma Gandhi
• The song Maa Tujhe Salaam by A.R. Rahman, which pays tribute to the motherland
• The painting Bharat Mata by Abanindranath Tagore, which depicts India as a goddess
• The sculpture Sare Jahan Se Achcha by Ram V. Sutar, which depicts a globe with the map of India

Conclusion

Sare Jahan Se Acha is a poem that captures the essence and spirit of India. It is a song that celebrates the beauty and diversity of India, while also acknowledging its challenges and aspirations. It is a song that appeals to the unity and harmony of Indians, while also expressing their pride and patriotism. It is a song that has inspired and influenced millions of Indians across time and space. It is a song that is truly better than the entire world.