Question

As nationalist feelings swept across India by the late 19th century, how did Indians begin devising cultural symbols that would express the unity of the nation ? Explain.

Answer 1

As nationalist feelings swept across India by the late 19th century, Indians started devising cultural symbols that would express the unity of the nation.

1. India was portrayed by the image of Bharat Mata. The image was painted by Abanindranath Tagore. It depicted a calm ascetic figure which was divine and spiritual. In another image she was shown standing with a lion and elephant, symbols of power, holding a trishul in her hands.

2. A tricolour flag was designed in Bengal during the Swadeshi movement. It became a symbol of nationalism. It had eight lotus flowers which represented the eight provinces of British India. There was a crescent moon which represented the Hindus and Muslims. The Swaraj flag was designed by Gandhiji.