Q. The ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’ adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the
(a) Agitation against the Partition of Bengal
(b) Home Rule Movement
(c) Non-Cooperation Movement
(d) visit of the Simon Commission to India
Ans: (a) Agitation against the Partition of Bengal
Explanation: The correct answer is (a) Agitation against the Partition of Bengal.
The methods of ‘Swadeshi’ (using domestic goods) and ‘Boycott’ (refusing to engage with British products) were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the agitation against the Partition of Bengal in 1905.
The Partition of Bengal, carried out by Lord Curzon, was seen as a divisive move to weaken the growing nationalist movement in Bengal by creating separate Hindu-majority and Muslim-majority provinces. The Indian National Congress and other nationalist groups launched a protest against the partition.
During the agitation against the Partition of Bengal, the concept of ‘Swadeshi’ emerged, advocating the use of Indian-made products as a way to boycott British goods and promote economic self-reliance. This included promoting indigenous industries, spinning and weaving Khadi (handspun cloth), and avoiding the purchase of British textiles.
The ‘Boycott’ movement was also adopted during this agitation, calling for a boycott of British goods, institutions, and symbols of colonial rule. The aim was to exert economic and political pressure on the British government and demonstrate unity and resistance against their policies.
The agitation against the Partition of Bengal marked a significant turning point in the Indian freedom struggle, as it witnessed the widespread adoption of ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’ as powerful methods of nonviolent protest and resistance.
Therefore, option (a) accurately identifies that the methods of ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’ were adopted for the first time during the agitation against the Partition of Bengal.
