How did icon an symbols of India develop the sense of collective belongingness?
As the national movement developed, nationalist leaders used more and more symbols and icons in unifying people and inspiring in them a feeling of nationalism.
(i) During the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal, a tricolour flag (red, green and yellow) was designed. It had eight lotuses which represented eight provinces of British India. The crescent moon in the flag represented Hindus and Muslims.
(ii) By 1921, Gandhiji had designed the Swaraj flag, was also tricolour (red, green and white) and had spinning wheel in the centre, which represented the Gandhian values, i.e. self help.
(iii) Carrying the Swaraj flag, holding it aloft, during marches became a symbol of defiance.