Question

how did icons and symbols advocate nationalism ?

Answer 1

The icons and symbols are designed in such a way that they highlight nationalism and boost up the ideas. Such as in Swadeshi Movement in Bengal, a tricolour flag (red, green and yellow) was designed. It has 8 lotuses that represented each province. So holding these symbols helps in making your point strong. 

Answer 2

i) As the national movement developed, nationalist leaders became more and more aware of such icons and symbols in unifying people and inspiring in them a feeling of nationalism.

(ii) During the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal, a tricolour flag (red, green and yellow) was designed.

(iii) It had eight lotuses representing eight provinces of British India, and a crescent moon, representing Hindus and Muslims.

(iv) By 1921, Gandhiji had designed the Swaraj Flag. It was again a tricolour (red, green, white) and had a spinning wheel in the centre representing the Gandhian ideal of self-help.

(v) Carrying the flag holding it aloft during marches became a symbol of defiance.