Question

How did the cultural process help in creating a sense of collective belongingness in India? Explain.

Answer 1

Hint: It shows that people began to believe that they are all a part of the same nation. A sense of belonging implies a unity that bound people together. Certain cultural processes help in creating belongingness.

Complete answer:
The concept of collective belongingness came through the experience of united struggles or the result of struggles against colonial rule. But through certain cultural processes nationalism was captured in people’s imagination. The following played a part in making nationalism:
1. History and fiction
2. Folklore and songs
3. Popular prints and symbols
The identity of a nation is symbolized in a figure or image such as the image of Bharat Mata (created by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay). Later this figure was portrayed as an aesthetic figure which symbolizes calmness, divine, and spirituality. This was circulated widely and it was seen as evidence of one’s nationalism. Singing folk songs and tales across villages played an important role in preserving a sense of belongingness among people. Some icons and symbols helped in bringing unity in people. Reinterpretation of history helps in creating belongingness among people. Writings about the success of ancient times along with ancient philosophy and crafts add to the concept of nationalism.
The following are the cultural processes that contributed to collective belongingness among people:
1. Image: the identity of India is visually associated with the image of Bharat Mata. This captured nationalism in people’s imaginations.
2. Song: a hymn, Vande Mataram which is associated with the concept of motherland. This created belongingness among the nation.
3. Folklore: recording of folk tales sung by bards, which gave a picture of traditional culture.
4. Flag: it is a symbol of defiance. This was designed by Gandhiji.
5. Reinterpretation of history: it is the recalling of the past to promote a sense of pride in the nation.
A sense of collective belongingness develops when nationalist movements spread among people. In India, a sense of belongingness was seen through the freedom movement.

Note: Natesa Sastri, a massive four-volume collection of Tamil folktales, is an example of a cultural process that led to nationalism. The tricolor flag is another example of the unity of people in a nation. Rabindranath Tagore collected ballads, nursery rhymes, and myths to preserve the folk culture.