How did icons and symbols advocate nationalism?

(i) As the national movement developed, nationalist leaders became more and more aware of such icons and symbols in unifying people and inspiring in them a feeling of nationalism.

(ii) During the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal, a tricolour flag (red, green and yellow) was designed.

(iii) It had eight lotuses representing eight provinces of British India, and a crescent moon, representing Hindus and Muslims.

(iv) By 1921, Gandhiji had designed the Swaraj Flag. It was again a tricolour (red, green, white) and had a spinning wheel in the centre representing the Gandhian ideal of self-help.

(v) Carrying the flag holding it aloft during marches became a symbol of defiance.