Q. How is a Nation different from other forms of collective belonging?
Ans: A nation is a union of men having a common origin of coming from a common stock. A nation is different from other forms of groups or collective belongings.
It is different from the family. Families are based on kinship and all members of a family have a direct relationship with each other.
Similarly, a nation is different from tribes and clans.In tribes and clans members are related to each other through common descent or with the ties of marriage.
It is different from a lingual or a religious group as it doesn’t have a common language or a common religion.
Q. What do you understand by the right to national self – determination? How has this Idea resulted in both formation of and challenges to our nation – states?
Ans: Right to national self – determination means that every cultural group should have a right to determine their destiny in all walks of life and determine their future development as a nation.
The idea of national self – determination has resulted in the formation of the nation – states.After the first world war in Europe , the countries were formed on the basis of culture they shared.
The idea of right to national self – determination is a challenge to the formation of nation states as it is impossible to have one culture in a nation state.It is impossible in such nation states that every cultural group could achieve political independence and statehood.
Q. Illustrate with suitable examples the factors that lead to the emergence of nationalist feelings?
Ans: Following factors lead to the emergence of nationalist feelings.
1. Common Motherland:
People belonging to one place are mutually bound by their love for motherland.A large number of Sikhs from India have gone to foreign countries, but they consider themselves a part of Sikh nationalism out of their love of motherland.
2. Common Race:
The feeling of oneness is natural in the people who belong to the same race.People belonging to the same race have the same language, culture, religion, tradition and conventions. Such common things bring them nearer to one another.
3. Common Language:
It is an important factor in the making of a nationality. According to Garner, Language is the most important factor in moulding people into a nationality.
4. Common Religion:
The followers of a common religion remain under the command of a religious leader or a religious book and they perform all their activities according to the orders of that leader or the book. Thus, the spirit of oneness develops among the followers of a religion..
5. Common History:
Common history bears testimony to the fact that the people have stood by one another through thick and thin. Indians share a common history of nationalist movement and have a same vision for their future.
6. Common Culture:
The people who have the same customs and traditions, same dress and common ways of living certainly develope a feeling of oneness.
7. Common Political Identity:
The citizens share a common political identity irrespective of their religious or linguistic groups.For example, Sikhs, Muslims and Hindus share a common political identity of being Indian irrespective of their different religions.
8. Common Interests:
The people who have common interests unite together under one banner and put common efforts for the attainment of these interests.
Q. How is democracy more effective than authoritarian governments in dealing with conflicting nationalist aspirations?
Ans: Democracy is the most effective form of government in dealing with conflicting nationalist aspirations.In democracy opinion of people is respected and every cultural group is provided with equal opportunities to flourish.Even minorities are provided with the opportunity to get represented at the highest level of decision making.
In democracy, laws are framed keeping in view the wishes and aspirations of the people. The people need not to raise the standard of revolt for bringing a change in the laws of the government. Thus, there are less chances of revolution in democracy. Democracy promotes patriotism by making the people feel that they are an integral part of the government and the welfare of the State is their welfare.
Q. What do you think are the limitations of Nationalism?
Ans: Following are the limitations of Nationalism:
1. Absence of Emotional Integration:
The nations which do not have the same race, religion and culture lack emotional integration.Religions and communities having minorities don’t consider themselves a part of the nation.
2. Communalism:
It divides a nation into mutually opposed races and classes. People fight in the name of religion which disturbs the law and order situation. Thus, national integration is ruined and national progress is obstructed.
3. Provincialism:
People belonging to one province have hatred and jealousy for the inhabitants of another province. As a result, people’s sincerity for the nation lessons.People place provincial interests above national interests.
4. Religious Differences:
Religious differences are a great hindrance in the way of nationalism. These differences divide people into separate communities, groups and classes.
5. Capitalism:
The poor are exploited in capitalism and the society is divided into two classes the rich and the poor.These two classes constantly fight with each other which hampers national integration.
6. Illiteracy:
Only the literate people make the progress of nationalism possible.If the people are not properly educated, feeling of nationalism can’t be developed properly.
Q. What is a Nation?
Ans: The word ‘ Nation ‘ is derived from the Latin word ‘ Natus’ which means ‘ born’.
A nation is a group of people bound together by the collective beliefs, aspirations, imaginations, traditions, conventions etc, in such a manner that they have a sense of oneness.