Nation and Dissemination

Abstract

The word ‘nation’ which is so frequently used in the literary and sociological circles has gained momentum on the last two centuries. With the breakdown of the imperialistic and capitalistic powers, and also the rise of the post colonial set ups , the concept of ‘nation’ has acquired a special social and cultural construct. Benedict Anderson’s Imagined Communities defined nations as communities which were based on the usage of common languages which bound the members together, having finite boundaries and also having a sovereign structure. The members are glued to each other by bonds of fraternity, and though they rarely meet one another in their lives are ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of this ‘imagined community’. This new idealism has put Marxism in the backseat altogether. Print media has been one of the most potent tools for the dissemination of this concept all across the globe and this was fuelled by the push from the capitalist powers. Among other factors, the novel and the narrative is yet another important reason responsible for the growth and spread of nationalism.