Tupac Amaru as a Symbol of Peruvian Nationalism

" Tupac Amaru as a Symbol of Peruvian Nationalism " The evolution of Túpac Amaru II as a national symbol provides insight into the changing national consciousness of Peruvian society. In the eighteenth century, the Spanish officials branded Túpac Amaru as an outlaw, executing him in the Plaza de Armas of Cusco and sending his remains throughout Peru as a lesson to others who might attempt rebellion. Today, however, he is embraced by Peruvian officialdom as a hero, a champion of indigenous rights and a precursor to the independence movements of Latin America. Monuments portray him as a glorious soldier, streets bear his name, and children learn about him in school. Has the state finally embraced its Indian population and Peru's Inca roots? The answer to this question is complicated, and requires a historical exploration, both of the Túpac Amaru revolution and of how the leader's image has changed over time. National heroes are often adopted to serve the needs of the present, and Túpac Amaru is no exception. For this reason, he is frequently misrepresented and misunderstood, celebrated by whatever political party needs him in order to accomplish its goals. The evolution of his image from 1780 until now reflects a change in Peruvian consciousness in favor of placing higher value in indigenous culture. However, the motivation for adopting Túpac Amaru has not always been to promote indigenous rights; rather,