Social Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

People of different communities developed a sense of collective belonging through the following ways:

1. United Struggles: The shared experience of fighting against colonial rule brought diverse groups together under a common bond of oppression.

1. Symbols and Icons: The image of Bharat Mata, first created by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and painted by Abanindranath Tagore, gave people a visual identity to unite around. Flags like the Swaraj flag with the spinning wheel also fostered unity.

1. Folk Revival: Nationalists collected folk tales, songs, and legends to revive a shared cultural tradition. Rabindranath Tagore led this movement in Bengal.

1. Reinterpretation of History: Indians began highlighting India's glorious past in art, science, and philosophy to instil national pride.

1. History, Fiction, and Popular Prints: These cultural tools captured people's imagination and spread nationalist ideas widely.

Source: Chapter 2, Section — The Sense of Collective Belonging

---

Examiners expect 5 distinct points for a 5-mark question, each briefly explained. The key terms here are: united struggles, symbols/icons (Bharat Mata, flags), folk revival, reinterpretation of history, and cultural processes (fiction/prints/songs). Avoid writing only one or two points in essay form — list clearly with short explanations. Note that the passage also mentions problems with Hindu-centric imagery alienating other communities; mentioning this briefly can earn bonus appreciation from the examiner.