Introduction
Nationalism is an ideology and political movement that emphasizes loyalty, devotion, and allegiance to one’s nation. It centers on the belief that a group of people who share a common language, culture, history, or ethnicity should form an independent nation or maintain strong unity within an existing nation.
Nationalism can be seen as a shroud that protects a nation’s people, culture, and values from being eroded by external influences. Like a cloth that shields something precious, nationalism wraps a community in a sense of shared identity and purpose. It guards traditions, language, and history, reminding people of who they are and where they come from. In times of crisis or foreign domination, nationalism often becomes the force that preserves a nation’s dignity and unity. Though it can sometimes be misused, in its purest form nationalism serves as a protective covering — not to isolate, but to shelter a people’s spirit until they are strong enough to stand freely in the world.
Historic background
The history of Indian nationalism is a rich and complex story of how people across diverse languages, religions, and regions came together to challenge foreign rule and build a modern nation. It developed gradually—from early cultural pride and reform movements to a full-fledged struggle for independence and national unity.
Indian nationalism is the movement that united people across the subcontinent in their struggle for freedom from foreign rule. It began as a desire for social and cultural reform, inspired by thinkers and leaders who promoted education, equality, and national pride. These early efforts nurtured a sense of identity and unity among Indians.
The nationalist movement grew with the formation of organizations that aimed to represent Indian interests and seek greater participation in governance. Leaders within these groups debated between peaceful negotiation and more assertive methods to demand self-rule. Movements advocating nonviolent resistance, civil disobedience, and social unity mobilized millions of people, giving the struggle a mass character.
Throughout its course, Indian nationalism combined political, social, and cultural elements, drawing people from different communities together. Ultimately, it succeeded in achieving independence and leaving a legacy of unity, resilience, and pride in the nation.
1. The Congress-era “shroud of nationalism”
During the freedom struggle and the early decades after independence, the Indian National Congress promoted a form of inclusive, civic nationalism — based on:
- Anti-colonial unity: The primary unifying force was opposition to British rule.
- Secularism and pluralism: Leaders like Nehru, Gandhi, and Patel emphasized an idea of India that transcended religion, caste, and region.
- Democratic and developmental ideals: The focus was on building a modern, industrial, democratic state where all communities belonged.
This “shroud” of nationalism was civic and institutional — tied to the project of nation-building and the idea of a diverse, secular India.
2. The emerging “cultural–religious nationalism”
In more recent decades — particularly under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological affiliates (like the RSS) — nationalism has taken on a more cultural and religious tone:
- Hindu cultural identity: The BJP’s rhetoric often foregrounds Hindu civilization, values, and symbols as central to Indian identity.
- Historical reassertion: Emphasis on correcting perceived historical wrongs, reclaiming pride in India’s ancient heritage, and resisting “appeasement politics.”
- Mass mobilization: Religion, festivals, and cultural narratives are used as powerful unifying forces, often appealing emotionally and symbolically rather than institutionally.
This has led to a cultural homogenization of nationalism — where being “truly Indian” is increasingly equated with a particular cultural or religious identity, rather than civic belonging.
3. Implications of this shift
- Unity through identity: The new nationalism unites people through shared culture and belief rather than shared democratic ideals.
- Exclusionary tendencies: It can marginalize minorities or dissenters who don’t fit into the dominant cultural narrative.
- Changing political discourse: National pride, defense of religion, and historical revisionism have become key electoral themes, replacing older issues like development or socialism.
- Erosion of secularism: The constitutional idea of India as a secular republic faces strain as politics becomes increasingly religion-inflected.
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