The 19th century ‘Indian Renaissance’ and the emergence of national identity in India had strong linkages:

1. Intellectual awakening: The Renaissance was marked by an intellectual and cultural awakening among the educated Indians. Thinkers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, and others rediscovered India’s rich cultural heritage and promoted ideas of social and religious reforms. This laid the foundation for a sense of shared Indian identity.
2. Critiquing colonial rule: The Renaissance thinkers were critical of colonial rule and the exploitation of India by the British. Their writings and public discourse highlighted the need for self-governance and liberation from colonial subjugation. This anti-colonial sentiment fostered a common nationalist sentiment.
3. Reviving Indian languages: The Renaissance witnessed a renewed emphasis on Indian languages like Bengali, Hindi, and others. Writers and poets used these languages to express Indian cultural ethos and nationalist ideas, connecting the masses to the emerging national movement.
4. Social and religious reforms: Reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and Jyotiba Phule worked towards eradicating social evils like sati, caste discrimination, and women’s oppression. These efforts strengthened social cohesion and a shared sense of Indian identity.
5. Emergence of press and public discourse: The 19th century saw the rise of an Indian press that became a platform for nationalist ideas and discourse. Newspapers, journals, and periodicals played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing support for the national movement.
6. Growth of modern education: The establishment of modern educational institutions, like universities and schools, exposed Indians to Western ideas of nationalism, democracy, and liberalism. This influenced the Indian intelligentsia and catalyzed the emergence of national consciousness.

In essence, the 19th century Renaissance catalyzed the evolution of a distinct Indian identity by reviving cultural pride, fostering social reforms, and cultivating nationalist sentiments. This paved the way for the emergence of a cohesive national movement in the 20th century, which ultimately led to India’s independence from colonial rule.