Indian Independence- From the lens of Art and Literature.

 We talk about Independence but seldom fathom about its actual meaning. Is Independence just about the carving out of two nations from one? Or is it just a narrow concept about the struggles of freedom figures and National movements in a pith? For some it might be about the sacrifices, for others it might be the political edge of Independence that intrigues them; for some it might be the exceptional work of emancipation and empowerment of women and lower classes, while for others it might simply be about revering the art, literature and culture of India and Indian Independence.

Art and Literature have played a pivotal role in the freedom struggle of India. The national movements used to resonate among people with such magnitude, that right from the plebeians to the highest factions of the society, everyone united against the tyrant British regime to forge an independent India. The vicissitudes among political leaders were in fact very prominent and inevitable. However, what kept Indians united was nation's immensely alluring and bewitching, belles-lettres. It was in the era of pre-independence when India witnessed some of its finest artists who kept the national movements frolicsome and jaunty. The literary pieces and artistry, beyond question, played a very requisite role in reaching the illiterate and uneducated masses which helped in contriving the spirit of patriotism among them. Nevertheless, the works of virtuosos, to date, continue to impact the youth and foster within them the fervour of nationalism and patriotism.

Marches, protests and slogans have palpably contributed to India's freedom struggle, yet they are but one side of the coin minted with this inspiring story. While one is the non-violent and radical side, the other side is a rather gentle and more restrained side of the rebellion, which comprises the emotive and soul-stirring art and literary works of the Indians. Few artists of the pre-independence era have done some astounding work that has gone down in the pages of history. For instance, the very renowned Abanindranath Tagore painted the galvanizing 'Bharat Mata' in 1906. It was originally titled 'Banga Mata' to oppose the decision of Lord Curzon of the Partition of Bengal, eventually, he renamed it 'Bharat Mata' so that it would inspire billions and they would come together and fight for their motherland. Gradually, the painting entered the artistic thesaurus and became the face of freedom movement. Similarly, Zainul Abedin's series' of paintings titled 'Famine' became a rallying cry of the freedom struggle. These art pieces have been instrumental in kindling the flames of patriotism and are no less than a chilling reminder of

an unparalleled and unapologetic tussle of freedom between the Indians and the British.

Not just through paintings but also through sagacious words of eminent poets did the youth infuse among themselves the high spirits of grappling with the British. The phrase "the pen is mightier than the sword", gained its true essence during the struggle for independence. While revolutionary figures like Bhagat Singh, Lala Lajpat Rai, Sukhdev among others roared for freedom, tranquil figures like Rabindranath Tagore, Sarojini Naidu, Bismil Azimabadi and many more rose to fame through their wise words scripted in the form of a poem. Tagore's 'Where the Mind is Without Fear', perfectly embodies the idea of respite from colonial oppression which, back then, stimulated jingoism and remains a gem to avid poetry enthusiasts. Likewise, Naidu too penned her emotions through poetry. In her poem, 'In the Bazaars of Hyderabad' the exact idea of nationalism might not be portrayed but due to the exuberant and vivid description of the bazaars of India, one might feel moved and connected to its motherland. Subhadra Kumari Chauhan is one of the most celebrated poetesses of India and her evergreen work, 'Jhansi Ki Rani' holds the record of being the most recited and sung Hindi poem.

Originally composed by Bismil Azimabadi, 'Sarfaroshi ki Tamanna' became the voice of struggling Indians when the exemplary patriot and freedom fighter, Ram Prasad Bismil recited it. It invigorated in the Indian hoi polloi the ideals of an uncaged sovereign republic and to this very day sends chills down the spines of people living not just in India but around the world. To pay tribute to Ram Prasad Bismil, the poem has been featured in several Indian films post-independence like 'Rang De Basanti' and 'The Legends of Bhagat Singh'.

Maulana Hasrat Mohani, an alumnus of Mohammadan Anglo-Oriental College, now Aligarh Muslim University, coined the notable slogan of British India, "Inquilaab Zindabaad!" (Long Live Revolution!) which sparked the souls of young Indians. Amidst other Indian-Muslim poets, the work 'Inquilaab' (Revolution) of Asrar-ul-Haq Majaz, the romantic-turned-revolutionary poet, is quite commendable. Similarly, 'Masnavi Subh-e-Ummeed' by Maulana Shibli Nomani, a colleague of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, has been regarded as his most stirring poetical composition which talked about the elevation of Muslims during Independence and continues to impact Muslims post-independence too.

These literary pieces of colonial India, are some of the most classical and perennial works and contribute to the chauvinism of the present youth. From kids to youngsters and beyond, the patriotic sentiments soar high like a kite and hearts flood with endearment for the country, when one peruses through these iconic and timeless works.

Ever since India gained freedom and later on came to be a sovereign nation, art and literature have evolved drastically, ideologies have been altered but what has remained intact is the quintessence of jingoism. Indian Independence plays a very significant role in today's epoch. Cinema, theatre and literary works like poetries and prose illustrate the valour of our mutineers.

Indian cinema keeps unfolding itself and experiments with different social, political and entertainment-driven themes. However, some directors choose to display the national movements and present before the audience the determined and cynical characters. Indian cinema never fails to realise the importance of national struggle. Nonetheless, the Bollywood industry has given some blockbuster films representing Indian Independence or perhaps just fragments. To cite a few examples, 'Kranti' directed by Manoj Kumar narrates the story of a young man, the protagonist, named 'Sanga' who forms a group of revolutionaries with the lone aim of driving the British out of India. 'Mangal Pandey', starring Aamir Khan gained colossal appreciation. Since the release of 'The Legends of Bhagat Singh', almost all schools and colleges exhibit the movie in the auditoriums on the occasion of Independence Day. The movie has been tremendously applauded for its prodigious picturisation of heroism and courage. In addition to movies, documentaries and short films too have come forward to expedite nationalism. On the occasion of the 74th Independence Day, two documentaries, videlicet, 'India Wins Freedom' and 'India Independent' were screened.

Independence is also depicted through magnificent and mellifluous renditions. 'Hindustan' may have been divided into two nations- India and Pakistan, but when talking about musical representation of Independence, the composition of Allama Mohammad Iqbal, 'Saare Jahaan Se Achcha' enthralls. Musical notes tend not to be very discursive and are pleasing to the ears, yet they engender chauvinism.

The bright bibliophiles of our nation do not leave behind the novels, every second bibliomania has a novel in its shelf that revolves around national movements and prolific figures of the pre-independence era. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad penned his thoughts in his famous novel, 'India Wins Freedom'; Dr. Rajendra Prasad's painfully penned novel 'India Divided' traces the origin and growth of Hindu-Muslim conflict, provides a gist of the several schemes for the Partition of India which were put forth, and points out the essential ambiguity of the Lahore Resolution. These are just two of the many novels that have been published. Among these are many others, namely, 'An Era of Darkness' by Dr. Shashi Tharoor which revolves around the dark period which Indians faced during the British Raj. Salman Rushdie, a Muslim-turned-atheist, wrote a novel titled 'Children's Midnight' which was later adapted into a film and both have procured great success.

To celebrate the patriotic essence and pay tribute to the freedom fighters of India, various educational and non-educational institutions organise mimes, skits and 'nritya-naatika' (storytelling through dance), which are the most extensive and widely performed forms of art.

"From the ground to the skies there are cries of Home Rule,

And youthfulness of nationalism and urge of Home Rule."

Brij Naini.

As I conclude, I have goosebumps and teary eyes with a pounding heart that salutes the courage of the copious fighters of Independence. These emotions electrify the souls even though they have not experienced the jarring and tyrannical times of the freedom struggle, these emotions have been chiselled into the deep roots due to the expansion and evolution of Indian art and literature. It would still be a prejudiced and bigoted conduct to not mention Sir Syed Ahmad Khan's name, whose efforts established the Aligarh Muslim University, which in itself is an epitome of not just being an educational seminary but also an exemplar of preaching art and literature, and portraying the Ganga- Jamuni tehzeeb, Hindu- Muslim unity, underscoring unity in diversity and the spirit of fraternity.