What was the importance of national songs in the freedom movement?

Correct answer: They strengthened nationalist feeling and collective identity

The direct answer is option A: national songs strengthened nationalist feeling and collective identity. A freedom movement needs people to feel that they belong to one common nation. Songs such as Vande Mataram and other patriotic songs expressed love for the motherland, courage, sacrifice and hope. When people sang together in meetings, processions and protests, their separate fears and differences were reduced and a shared feeling grew. Thus, the songs helped emotional unity and encouraged participation, although a song alone did not win freedom. Option A is correct because it describes this unifying and motivating role. Option B is wrong because nationalist songs did not increase British tax collection; colonial taxation was a government policy, not the purpose of patriotic music. Option C is wrong because the songs generally encouraged unity rather than separating princely states. Option D is wrong because the Simon Commission was created by the British government; songs did not form it. Exam cue: connect patriotic songs with unity, courage and mass mobilisation.