The icons and symbols used by the nationalists because –
• The nation became to identify with the image or a figure and gradually the image was created so that people can identify the nation.
• Their motive was to unite them through the use of symbols and icons.
• Generate in them a feeling of nationalism.
As a result, a tricolour flag was created which was in red, yellow and green colour during the Swadeshi movement in Bengal. The flag had eight lotuses signifying eight provinces of British India, and a crescent moon, representing Hindus and Muslims. It was in 1921, that ‘Gandhiji designed the Swaraj Flag. It was again a tricolour which was in red, green and white, and had a spinning wheel in the centre.’ This was representing the Gandhian ideal of self-help.
The values which were represented through the icons and symbols used by the nationalist leaders were-
• It acted as the symbol of defiance when the flag held upwards.
• The Bharat Mata figure drawn by the Abanindranath Tagore in 1905 was shown mother figure providing, learning, food and clothing. The Mala on her one hand was representing her ascetic quality. Before this, he also tried to create a painting which was Indian style.
• In a popular print of ‘Jawaharlal Nehru, a popular print’ shown Nehru holding the image of Bharat Mata and the map of India in his hand which was held near his heart.
• There were also other prints, in which depicted nationalist leaders sacrificed their heads to Bharat Mata. It signifies that value of sacrifice for the mother was considered as powerful.
• One figure of Bharat Mata was shown holding a Trishul, standing beside a lion and an elephant which was the symbol of power and authority.
