Illustrate with suitable examples the factors that lead to the emergence of nationalist feelings.

Nationalism is a feeling of patriotism, principles or morals and ethics and efforts towards growth and development of the nation. There is other factor which leads to the feeling of Nationalism:

•Shared Beliefs – A nation is made by its people and it exists only when people believe that they belong together as a team. This refers to having collective identity and vision for the future of an individual or group which aspires to have an independent political existence despite their ethnic and religious differences.

For example, every Indian citizen wishes to see the national hockey team of India to become the world champions.

•Common History – Indians share a common history of its ancient civilization, its legends, historical significance and memories, historical records. People of India had shared several freedom movements this sense of common history binds us as one entity.

For example, Indians share a common history of Nationalist movement against the British Empire and have same vision for India’s future.

•Common Territory – Common territory gives the people sense of common identity. It makes them belonged to one community. They can freely and proudly call themselves of nation speak of homeland or holy land.

For example, Indians identify themselves with the unique geographical features of the Indian subcontinent.

•Shared Political ideals – Citizens share a vision of a kind of state they want to build. India shares its political ideals like democracy, liberty, equality, secularism and socialism. These accepted ideas keep the people and different communities united. We are also bound by obligations and duties toward our country to keep it united by following the political ideals legitimized by the law of the state.

For example, Indian constitution is a representative of collective will of the people who have adopted democracy and secularism as their ideal among other goals.

•Common Political Identity – India does not share one religious or linguistic identity. It has diverse sects and religions. That’s why India does not have a state religion. It celebrates and respects every religion equally and has on political identity.

For example, Indian citizens share a common political identity irrespective of their religion and linguistic group. Like a Muslim from Uttar Pradesh, a Hindu from Karnataka etc.