Essay on Nationalism: Patriotism and Unity

The word ‘Nationalism’ itches a question in everyone’s mind - what is it and the significance of nationalism in a country. To define nationalism, it is simply nothing but patriotism towards the country. Every citizen must have some kind of sentiment towards their country and nationalism defines that. It is really significant in the field of international politics. Nationalism is a magical term that binds the people of a country altogether. 

Below are the samples of short and long essays on Nationalism provided keeping the students’ convenience in mind. Take a look for a better understanding. 

Long Nationalism and Patriotism Essay

Nationalism is synonymous with the word ‘Patriotism’. It is believed to be an ideology that depicts an individual’s love and respect towards the nation. It is nothing but the common man’s feeling towards their country. 

The concept of nationalism originated during the pre-independent era in India. As the Britishers stepped into this country as traders and slowly turned into rulers, it became inevitable to get them out of the country. As a consequence, all the Indians bonded together, became stronger and a lot of major events and movements followed in order 

Movements like Satyagrah, the Salt March, the non-co-operation movement, Quit India movement broke out and that’s how the concept of nationalism was evoked amongst the Indians irrespective of gender, race, or religion. In that era, many social groups were formed and they had a strong impact on the people of India. Followingly, some major events like the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Khilafat movement took place. 

Indian National Congress was formed in 1885 in order to provide a civil platform for the common Indians. The struggle against Britishers helped the Indians to develop a feeling of responsibility and devotion towards their motherland. This collective power of devotion helped the Indians to understand the power of nationalism. 

Below are a few factors that are responsible for the rise of nationalism in India. Take a look -

1. The British came to India for trading purposes as a part of the East India company. But eventually became rulers of the country and violence started erupting everywhere which spoils the communal harmony among all the nationalists. 

2. However, India has been developed as a unified nation under the government of the Britishers. This had a strong influence on the economic development of the country and thus led to a strong sense of nationalism among every Indian. 

3. There was a lot of influence left by the Britishers such as the English language has become one of the popular international languages used by the Indians. All the knowledgeable people of the country started communicating in English and this has become the interactive medium between all the linguistic groups. 

4. While Indians are under the rule of Britishers, a bunch of good and bad things happened. Among the good deeds, one is the development of transportation in the country and as a result, the Britishers developed a well-led railway system across the country. It helps all the Indians to get connected well and bond together. 

5. Along with the independence movement, various social movements also took place at that time period in India which helped to reform many superstitious practices and social evils in order to develop the basic social structure of the country. 

Short Essay on Nationalism

Nationalism is nothing but an ideology that happens due to several factors. Among those factors, a few are - history, territory, mother tongue, culture, heritage, tradition, mentality etc. with the help of these factors, a sense of belonging develops among the people. It somehow also helps to nurture the love and devotion of an individual towards the entire nation. 

The concept of nationalism was there for a long time. But in India, the concept took birth during the time of the independence movement. That was the phase when all the Indians came forward irrespective of caste, religion, language, or region etc. and fought against the British monarchy. That’s how the collective devotion of all the staunch Indian nationalists became prominent and bonding became stronger. 

Nationalism is the common factor among all the citizens that would bind them together and give them the unity and strength which is required. Nationalism is the hardcore reason behind national integration. People of an individual nation get strength through this magical term. It puts all the countrymen together and keeps all the hatred and crimes at the bay. 

Conclusion

In India, the term ‘nationalism’ has been misused quite frequently by the politicians, media, and common man. However, there were a lot of factors that worked in favour of nationalism in India. From World War I to the Jallianwala bagh massacre, these major incidents in Indian history accelerated the entire nation and motivated the Indian citizens against the British rulers. This is how nationalism became the main factor for the Independence movement in pre-independent India.