Why Did Nationalists In Late-nineteenth-century India Focus On Recording And Preserving Folklore?

Why Did Nationalists In Late-nineteenth-century India Focus On Recording And Preserving Folklore?

In the late nineteenth century, the struggle for India’s independence was not only fought through protests and politics but also through culture and identity. Nationalists began to realize that the British were trying to portray Indian culture as backward and Indians themselves as incapable of ruling. To counter this narrative, they turned to the country’s rich traditions and cultural expressions. This brings us to an important question: Why did nationalists in late-nineteenth-century India focus on recording and preserving folklore?

At that time, the British colonial rulers were spreading the idea that India had no history worth celebrating and no cultural achievements of its own. They claimed that Indians needed British rule to bring them civilization. Indian nationalists strongly opposed this view and wanted to show that India already had a long, proud heritage. They believed that by preserving folklore — the songs, stories, dances, and traditions of ordinary people — they could prove the richness and unity of Indian culture.

Folklore became a powerful symbol of the true spirit of the nation. Unlike written history, which was often controlled by elites or colonizers, folklore came directly from the people. It reflected their joys, struggles, values, and wisdom passed down over generations. By collecting and celebrating these folk traditions, nationalists wanted to reconnect people with their roots and remind them of their shared identity.

Another reason was to unite a very diverse population. India was — and still is — home to many languages, religions, and regions. But folklore often carried common themes of bravery, justice, and resistance to oppression. For example, ballads about heroes who fought foreign invaders or stories that celebrated local festivals helped create a sense of belonging and pride. Nationalists used these to inspire Indians to stand together against British rule.

Folklore also served as a way to involve everyone in the freedom movement, not just the educated classes. While newspapers and speeches reached mainly the urban elite, folk songs and stories could reach villages and ordinary people. This helped spread nationalist feelings to even the remotest parts of India.

Many leaders and scholars traveled across the country to record these oral traditions before they were lost. They feared that the growing influence of Western culture and modern education would wipe out India’s traditional knowledge. By preserving it, they hoped to keep the national spirit alive for future generations.

In short, nationalists in the late nineteenth century saw folklore as more than just entertainment. They saw it as a treasure that could strengthen the struggle for independence by proving India’s cultural richness, uniting people, and inspiring pride in their heritage.

If you want to explore more thoughtful and easy-to-understand explanations about Indian history and culture, visit our official website E-book NCERT and keep learning with confidence.

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7. How Did Cultural Processes Contribute To Creating A Sense Of Collective Belongingness In India? Explain!
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