Question

"The ideas of nationalism developed through a movement to revive Indian folklore." Explain the statement in the context of the national movement.

Answer 1

Role of Folklore in Nationalism:

1. Revival of Cultural Identity: 
   • Indian folklore, including traditional songs, tales, and legends, was seen as a symbol of the country's glorious past.
   • By collecting and promoting these folk traditions, nationalists reinforced a sense of belonging among Indians.
2. Unifying the Masses:
   • Folklore helped unite people across different regions, languages, and castes by emphasizing common cultural elements.
   • Stories of bravery, sacrifice, and resistance in folk traditions inspired people to join the freedom struggle.
3. Use by Nationalist Leaders:
   • Rabindranath Tagore emphasized the importance of folk traditions in fostering nationalism and wrote about rural India’s cultural richness.
   • Natesa Sastri collected Tamil folktales and published them to highlight India's indigenous traditions.
4. Mobilizing Rural and Illiterate Populations:
   • Since folklore was passed down orally, it was an effective way to reach people who could not read or write.
   • Folk songs and ballads about past heroes and freedom fighters encouraged people to resist British rule.
5. Countering Colonial Narratives:
   • The British tried to diminish Indian culture by promoting Western education and values.
   • The revival of folklore challenged this by highlighting India’s own rich and diverse traditions.