Indian Renaissance and emergence of national identity

The social and religious reforms movement, popularly termed as Indian renaissance, which preceded the political struggles, are considered a necessary precursor to origin of Indian nationality. 

How renaissance facilitated the emergence of national identity

• Rediscovery of India’s glorious past: The nineteenth century Indian Renaissance also created several avenues in the field of oriental studies. Western scholars like Max Muller, Sir William Jones, Alexander Cunningham, etc. translated several ancient Sanskrit texts of this land and established before the people the glorious cultural heritage of India. Inspired by them, the Indian scholars like R.D. Banerjee, R.G. Bhandarkar, Madan Mukhopadhyaya, Hari Prasad Astir, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, etc. rediscovered India’s past glory from the history of this land. This encouraged the people of India who felt that they were the ancestors of grand monarchs of this country and ruled by foreigners. This flared up the fire of nationalism. 

• Revivalist Movements: Under these movements, Indian culture and civilization were proclaimed superior. Swami Dayanand Saraswati, Swami Vivekanand, etc. were the leaders of these movements. 

• Reformists Movements of that time, such as Brahmo Samaj (led by Raja Ram Mohan Roy), etc. condemned existing untouchability and tried to abolish the caste system. Their ideas of equality and brotherhood attracted the lower castes towards nationalism. These reforms also focused upon emancipation of women. They opposed the practice of sati, supported re-marriage of widows and also promoted spread of education among women. All these helped women to join national movements.

Apart from the progressive character of social religious reforms, role of press, English education, result and reaction of colonial policies, etc. have also played a significant role in developing national identity in India