Question

How did people belonging to different communities, regions and language groups develop a sense of collective belonging in the late-nineteenth century India? Explain with examples.

Answer 1

Different groups fostered a sense of collective belonging, which aimed to unite people across communities against colonial oppression.

1. Nationalist Movements: In India, nationalist movements emerged in the late 19th century to resist British colonial rule and unify people across communities and regions.
2. Print culture and newspapers: Print media, such as newspapers and booklets in multiple languages, helped spread nationalist views.
3. Cultural and social reform movements: The goals of social reform movements like the Brahmo and Arya Samaj were to address societal problems and foster togetherness.
4. Educational institutions: Academic institutions developed into centers for sharing ideas and fostering a sense of community. Modern education was promoted by leaders such as Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Raja Ram Mohan Roy. which let the educated class feel a feeling of shared connection by bridging linguistic and geographic divides.