2.4. The Sense of Collective Belonging

Nationalism spreads when people begin to believe that they are all part of the same nation, when they discover some unity that binds them together. But how did the nation become a reality in the minds of people? How did people belonging to different communities, regions or language groups develop a sense of collective belonging?

Nationalism, the belief that people share a common identity as members of a nation, grows stronger when individuals start to see themselves as part of a larger group. This sense of belonging often arises from united struggles against oppression or injustice, particularly in colonial contexts. As people from varied backgrounds come together for a common cause, they begin to recognize shared identities beyond their specific community traits. This collective experience fosters national unity, creating a bond that transcends individual differences.

Think of a sports team where members come from different backgrounds but share a common goal: to win the championship. Each player may have their own stories, cultures, and experiences, but when they step on the field, they work together as one unit. Similarly, during the independence movements, diverse groups of people found common ground in their quest for freedom, creating a sense of belonging.

This sense of collective belonging came partly through the experience of united struggles. But there were also a variety of cultural processes through which nationalism captured people’s imagination. History and fiction, folklore and songs, popular prints and symbols, all played a part in the making of nationalism.

Nationalism was not built solely on political movements; it also thrived on cultural influences. Cultural elements like history, songs, folklore, and symbols played crucial roles in uniting people. For example, songs and stories that highlighted shared experiences or struggles fostered a sense of community. These cultural narratives made the concept of the nation relatable and accessible to ordinary people, helping them identify with the national movement and its goals.

Consider a popular movie that tells the story of a group of friends overcoming obstacles together. The emotions and events portrayed can evoke a collective spirit among viewers, who might feel a sense of kinship with the characters. Similarly, cultural expressions during the nationalist movements helped people connect with shared ideals and aspirations.

The identity of the nation, as you know, is most often symbolised in a figure or image. This helps create an image with which people can identify the nation. It was in the twentieth century, with the growth of nationalism, that the identity of India came to be visually associated with the image of Bharat Mata.

Symbolism is an essential tool in creating national identity. For India, the image of Bharat Mata, or Mother India, became a significant symbol representing the nation's spirit and aspirations. This image helped people visualize their connection to the country and embodied the idea of sacrifice and devotion to the nation. By personifying the nation as a nurturing figure, artists and writers inspired a sense of pride and responsibility toward India.

Think of a flag representing a country; when people see it, they often feel a wave of patriotism. The flag symbolizes the values and struggles associated with that nation. Similarly, the depiction of Bharat Mata was meant to evoke strong feelings of loyalty and unity among Indians.

Ideas of nationalism also developed through a movement to revive Indian folklore. In late-nineteenth-century India, nationalists began recording folk tales sung by bards and they toured villages to gather folk songs and legends.

Reviving folklore played a vital role in the nationalist movement by reconnecting people with their cultural heritage. Nationalists believed that folk tales and songs reflected the true essence of Indian identity and pride. By documenting and promoting these traditions, they aimed to reinforce a sense of unity and shared history among diverse communities, allowing people to take pride in their roots and recognize their contributions to the national narrative.

Imagine a community gathering where elders share stories of bravery and wisdom from their ancestors. Such storytelling helps pass down cultural values and reinforces a sense of identity among the younger generation. In the same light, nationalists used folklore to unite people by reinforcing their cultural legacies.

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