The Swadeshi Movement was a major nationalist movement launched in response to the Partition of Bengal (1905) by Lord Curzon. It emphasized the boycott of British goods and the promotion of Indian-made products. It played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence.
1. Background
✔ The British partitioned Bengal on October 16, 1905. They did this under the pretext of administrative convenience. The real motive was “Divide and Rule”—separating Hindus and Muslims.
✔ The Indian Nationalists saw this as an attempt to weaken the growing unity among Indians.
✔ In response, they launched the Swadeshi Movement, which aimed at economic self-sufficiency and nationalism through self-reliance.
2. Objectives of the Swadeshi Movement
✔ Boycott British Goods: Refusal to buy British cloth, salt, sugar, etc.
✔ Promote Indian Goods: Encourage the use of Khadi (hand-spun cloth) and Indian industries.
✔ National Education: Establish Indian schools and colleges.
✔ Self-Government: Demand for Swaraj (self-rule).
3. Leaders of the Swadeshi Movement
✔ Moderates: Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Surendranath Banerjee.
✔ Extremists: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai (Lal-Bal-Pal).
✔ Others: Aurobindo Ghosh, Rabindranath Tagore.
4. Methods Used in the Movement
✔ Boycott of British Goods: Foreign cloth was burned; Indians stopped buying British goods.
✔ Promotion of Swadeshi Products: Establishment of Indian industries such as Tata Steel, Bengal Chemical, and Swadeshi Mills.
✔ National Education: The founding of Bengal National College and other Indian schools.
✔ Public Protests & Strikes: Mass rallies, processions, and picketing of British shops.
✔ Cultural Nationalism: Rabindranath Tagore composed “Amar Sonar Bangla” (now Bangladesh’s national anthem) to inspire nationalism.
5. Role of Newspapers & Organizations
✔ Newspapers like Kesari (Tilak), The Hindu, and Yugantar spread nationalist ideas.
✔ Organizations like Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar promoted Swadeshi ideals.
6. British Suppression & Reaction
✔ Repression by British: The British used police brutality, lathi charges, and censorship to suppress protests.
✔ Arrest of Leaders: Tilak, Lajpat Rai, and Aurobindo Ghosh were arrested.
✔ Formation of Muslim League (1906): The British encouraged Muslim separatism to weaken the movement.
7. Decline of the Movement (1911)
✔ Annulment of Bengal Partition (1911): The British reversed the partition and shifted the capital from Calcutta to Delhi.
✔ Moderate-Extremist Split (Surat Session, 1907): The Congress split into Moderates and Extremists, weakening the movement.
✔ Rise of Repression: Many leaders were arrested or went underground.
8. Impact & Significance
✔ First Mass Movement: The Swadeshi Movement was the first large-scale anti-British movement.
✔ Economic Nationalism: Strengthened Indian industries and handicrafts.
✔ Revival of Indian Culture: Focus on Khadi, handicrafts, and Swadeshi art.
✔ Foundation for Future Movements: Inspired later struggles like Non-Cooperation (1920) and Civil Disobedience (1930).
9. MCQs on Swadeshi Movement
1. When was the Swadeshi Movement launched?
- (a) 1885
- (b) 1905
- (c) 1919
- (d) 1920
- Answer: (b) 1905
2. The Swadeshi Movement was a reaction to which event?
- (a) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
- (b) Rowlatt Act
- (c) Partition of Bengal
- (d) Simon Commission
- Answer: (c) Partition of Bengal
3. Who composed “Amar Sonar Bangla” during the Swadeshi Movement?
- (a) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
- (b) Rabindranath Tagore
- (c) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- (d) Subhash Chandra Bose
- Answer: (b) Rabindranath Tagore
4. In which Congress session did the Moderates and Extremists split?
- (a) Surat (1907)
- (b) Calcutta (1905)
- (c) Lahore (1929)
- (d) Nagpur (1920)
- Answer: (a) Surat (1907)
10. Quick Revision – Key Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1905-1911 |
| Reason | Partition of Bengal (1905) |
| Leaders | Lal-Bal-Pal, Aurobindo Ghosh, Tagore |
| Main Features | Boycott of British goods, Promotion of Swadeshi products |
| Impact | Foundation for future movements, Growth of Indian industries |
| End of Movement | 1911 (Annulment of Partition) |
Conclusion
The Swadeshi Movement was one of the most influential nationalist movements in India’s history. Though it ended in 1911, it inspired future mass movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920) and Quit India Movement (1942).
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