Symbolic Representation:
India’s national identity began to be personified through the image of Bharat Mata, first imagined by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. Later, artists like Rabindranath Tagore depicted her as a serene, spiritual, and divine mother, inspiring patriotism among Indians.

Patriotic Songs:
Bankim Chandra’s song Vande Mataram, written as a tribute to the motherland and featured in his novel Anandmath, became a rallying cry during the Swadeshi Movement, uniting Indians through devotion and collective emotion.

Revival of Folk Traditions:
Nationalists revived and documented folk stories, songs, and legends to reconnect with India’s cultural roots. Figures like Rabindranath Tagore in Bengal and Natesa Sastri in Madras collected and preserved traditional tales, strengthening pride in India’s heritage and identity.

National Flags as Symbols:
During the Swadeshi Movement, a tricolour flag of red, green, and yellow with eight lotuses and a crescent moon symbolized unity. Later, in 1921, Gandhiji’s tricolour with a spinning wheel represented self-reliance and became a symbol of resistance and hope.

Rediscovery of India’s Glorious Past:
Indian scholars and reformers began re-examining ancient achievements in fields like science, philosophy, and art. This historical rediscovery encouraged people to feel proud of their civilization and motivated them to resist colonial oppression.