Bhagat Singh defined revolutionary nationalism as “the determination to achieve freedom by all means, including violence, if necessary.” It was influenced by various ideologies like Marxism which advocates for the establishment of a classless society through the overthrow of capitalism and Anarchism which calls for the abolition of all forms of government and social hierarchy.

Key Elements of Bhagat Singh’s Concept of Revolutionary Nationalism:

• Armed Resistance: He didn’t believe in passive resistance or civil disobedience as sufficient means to challenge British rule. Eg: He threw non-lethal bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly challenging draconian laws like the Public Safety Bill and the Trade Dispute Act directly.
• Secularism: Singh stood for a united India and was against communal divisions. Eg: In the Naujawan Bharat Sabha meeting in Lahore (1926), to state secular values, Bhagat Singh and his fellow revolutionaries openly voiced their opposition to any appeasement of all religions and brushed aside slogans like Allahho Akbar, Sat Sri Akal, Vande Mataram, etc.
• Social Justice: Singh was not just concerned about political freedom but also social freedom. Eg: He openly advocated against untouchability and endorsed women’s rights, revealing a comprehensive view of social justice.
• Youth Mobilization: Singh recognized the untapped potential of the youth in bringing about revolutionary change. Eg: His founding of the Naujawan Bharat Sabha aimed to mobilize the youth in a structured way for the struggle against colonial rule.
• Sacrifice: Bhagat Singh acknowledged the role of personal sacrifice in achieving collective freedom. Eg: He willingly accepted the death penalty, becoming a martyr and symbolizing ultimate sacrifice for a cause.
• Political Education: Bhagat Singh saw the dissemination of political ideas as essential for mass mobilization.: His pamphlets and writings, including the profound “Why I am an Atheist,” served to politically educate the masses.

Bhagat Singh’s Revolutionary Nationalism was influenced by ideologies like:

Impact of Marxism

• Class Struggle: Bhagat Singh was deeply influenced by Marxist ideology, which emphasizes the struggle between classes. He recognized that the British colonial rule was not just a political subjugation but also an economic exploitation of the lower classes.
• Materialism: His affinity for Marxist materialism steered him toward atheism and scientific temper. Eg: His essay “Why I am an Atheist” articulates this viewpoint, explaining how material conditions shape human life and actions.
• Workers’ Rights: Marx’s emphasis on proletarian solidarity and labor rights found its way into Bhagat Singh’s advocacy. Eg: He openly spoke against the deplorable conditions Indian laborers were subjected to and argued for better wages and working conditions.
• Means of Production: His Marxist leanings made him advocate for the public ownership of resources and the means of production. Eg: His socialist writings called for a system where resources were not concentrated in the hands of a few but were collectively owned.

Impact of Anarchism

• State Critique: Anarchism greatly influenced Bhagat Singh’s critique of the state machinery. He questioned not only the colonial government but also warned against traditional hierarchies within India.
• Anti-Authoritarianism: Anarchist principles cemented his anti-authoritarian stance. He was against any form of authoritative rule, be it colonial or autocratic governance in an independent India.
• Revolutionary Violence: Inspired by anarchist thought, he supported the use of immediate and direct action to achieve revolutionary objectives. Eg: His bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly was not aimed at causing loss of life but was a loud protest against oppressive laws.

Enduring Significance within the Contemporary Indian Socio-political Landscape:

• Youth Activism: Bhagat Singh saw the youth as the cornerstone of any revolutionary change. Today, his ethos resonates with the active participation of the youth in political sphere. Ex: Nirbhaya case: Amendment in JJ Act (Juvenile Justice).
• Social Equality: Singh’s staunch criticism of the caste system and advocacy for social equality still echo in contemporary India. Eg: Modern movements like Dalit activism and anti-caste initiatives continue to draw inspiration from his ideals, emphasizing the urgent need for social reform.
• Civil Liberties: Bhagat Singh was an ardent defender of civil liberties, including freedom of speech and the right to dissent. Eg: Today, concerns around the imposition of sedition laws and the shrinking space for dissent are reflective of issues that Singh would have stood against.
• Democratic Ideals: Singh strongly endorsed democratic values and was opposed to any form of autocracy. Eg: Movements protesting restrictions on freedom of speech and the press often refer back to Singh’s commitment to democratic principles.
• Global Perspective: He drew inspiration from global movements and considered the struggle against imperialism to be universal. Eg: His sense of internationalism is relevant today as Indians increasingly participate in global issues, as seen in solidarity protests for Black Lives Matter.
• Anti-Corruption: Bhagat Singh’s disdain for corruption and advocacy for a transparent government align with modern sentiments. Eg: Anti-corruption crusades, like the one led by Anna Hazare, often invoke Bhagat Singh as a symbol of integrity and the fight against corruption.

Overall, Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary nationalism provided a multi-dimensional approach to India’s struggle for freedom. Today, his ideals still echo in various aspects of the Indian socio-political landscape, proving the enduring relevance of his revolutionary vision.

A folk dance is a traditional dance that is passed down from generation to generation. It is a reflection of the culture and history of the people who perform it. In India, there are many different folk dances, each with its own unique style and story. They serve not just as art forms but as cultural repositories for specific communities. Ex- Bihu, Chhau etc.

Regional Diversity Reflected in Folk Dance Forms of India in the following ways:

• Garba (Gujarat): Garba is an essential part of Gujarati cultural life, especially during the Navratri festival. This dance form encapsulates the essence of Gujarat, from its agrarian society to its deeply-rooted spirituality.
• Bhangra (Punjab): Bhangra has its roots in the agricultural community of Punjab and is traditionally performed during Baisakhi, a festival marking the new harvest. It captures the vigorous spirit and industrious nature of the Punjabi people.
• Ghoomar (Rajasthan): This graceful dance form, mostly performed by Rajasthani women during special occasions, is deeply entrenched in the state’s royal history and traditions.
• Lavani (Maharashtra): Lavani is a fusion of traditional song and dance that narrates social issues and is performed to the captivating beats of the ‘Dholaki’. It is a glimpse into the rustic life and social fabric of Maharashtra.
• Chhau (Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha): This tribal martial dance integrates elements of combat into its choreography and often narrates stories of valor. Chhau mirrors the martial traditions and local folklore of these regions.
• Dandiya Raas (Gujarat): Dandiya Raas involves a pair of decorated sticks and is performed during the festival of Navratri. It reflects the state’s communal harmony and vibrant festive culture.

Ways in which these Dance forms act as a Cultural Repository for Specific Communities:

• Marital Rites: Lavani isn’t just entertainment; it’s part of the cultural rites during weddings in Maharashtra. By narrating tales of love and valour, it complements the marital ceremony, capturing the essence of conjugal life and cultural expectations.
• Gender Roles: Ghoomar serves as an epitome of traditional gender roles in Rajasthani society. It’s not just women who dance; it’s often the new brides being welcomed into households or women bidding farewell to their brothers, celebrating women’s roles in the community.
• Social Cohesion: Garba isn’t merely a dance; it’s a social institution. Conducted during Navratri, Garba nights draw communities together. The circular formation of dancers is symbolic, representing a community that stands united.
• Youth Engagement: Dandiya Raas acts as a cultural bridge. While older generations see it as a traditional expression, the younger generation engages with it as a form of social interaction. This ensures that cultural traditions are not just preserved but also adapted and passed down.
• Civic Awareness: Chhau transcends the boundaries of mere performance art by often tackling social issues through its narrative. Whether it is educating about gender equality or highlighting issues of social justice, it becomes a medium for communal education and activism.
• Seasonal Changes: Dances like Bihu in Assam are not just folk expressions; they serve to celebrate the seasonal cycles, crucial to agrarian societies. It marks the Assamese New Year heralding the onset of the harvest season, underscoring the connect with nature.
• Agricultural Celebrations: Bhangra isn’t just a festive dance; it’s a celebration of agricultural success. Performed during Baisakhi, it reinforces the community’s agricultural roots, bringing farmers and families together to celebrate their hard work and subsequent harvest.

Folk dance are more than mere expressions of art; they serve as living museums capturing the essence of regional diversity and cultural specificity. They act as cultural repositories, safeguarding the values, beliefs, and traditions of various communities across the nation. Thereby, playing a critical role in unifying people while celebrating their differences.