The beginning of modern nationalism in India has traditionally been explained in terms of the Indian response to the stimulus generated by the British Raj through the establishment of new institutions, opportunities, and resources, among other things. In other words, Indian nationalism grew as a result of colonial policies and as a reaction to colonial policies. In fact, it would be more accurate to view Indian nationalism as the result of a confluence of factors.

What is Nationalism?

• Nationalism is an idea and movement that holds that the nation and the state should be congruent.
• Nationalism, as a movement, tends to promote the interests of a specific nation, particularly in terms of gaining and retaining sovereignty over one’s homeland in order to establish a nation state.
• Nationalism holds that each nation should govern itself, free of outside interference (self-determination), that a nation is the natural and ideal foundation for a polity, and that the nation is the only legitimate source of political power.
• It also aims to promote national unity or solidarity by establishing and maintaining a single national identity based on shared social characteristics such as culture, ethnicity, geographic location, language, politics (or the government), religion, traditions, and belief in a shared singular history.

Features of Modern Nationalism in India

• Modern nationalism became associated with the formation of nation-states. It also meant that people’s perceptions of who they were and what defined their identity and sense of belonging shifted.
• New symbols and icons, new songs and ideas forged new connections and redefined community boundaries. In most countries, the process of developing a new national identity took a long time.
• The rise of modern nationalism in India, as in many other colonies, is inextricably linked to the anti-colonial movement.
• People began to realize their unity as a result of their struggle against colonialism. The sense of oppression under colonialism provided a common bond that united many disparate groups.
• However, each class and group felt the effects of colonialism differently, their experiences varied, and their ideas about freedom were not always the same.
• The Congress, led by Mahatma Gandhi, attempted to unite these disparate groups into a single movement. However, the unity did not come without conflict.