Second Phase of the Indian National Movement

What measure did Lord Curzon take to reduce the 'influence of Bengal'?

1. Partition of Bengal
2. Swadeshi Movement
3. Boycott Movement
4. Bengal Land Act

Answer

Partition of Bengal

Reason — Lord Curzon ordered the Partition of Bengal in 1905 to weaken Bengal, which had become the centre of nationalist activities. Though the British gave administrative convenience as the official reason, the real aim was to reduce the political influence of Bengal and check the growth of nationalism.

The partition of Bengal was annuled and a new scheme was implemented on which grounds?

1. Religious
2. Linguistic
3. Cultural
4. Traditional

Answer

Linguistic

Reason — The Partition of Bengal was revoked in 1911, and a new scheme was introduced on linguistic grounds, not on religious grounds. Under this arrangement, Hindi, Oriya and Assamese-speaking areas were separated from Bengal to form separate administrative units.

Both, Early Nationalists and Assertive Nationalists spoke, wrote articles and edited newspapers. Which section had a wider reach and why?

1. Early Nationalists because they were well educated.
2. Early Nationalists because they held official positions.
3. Assertive Nationalists because they used Vernacular press as a medium.
4. Assertive Nationalists because they used English language as a medium.

Answer

Assertive Nationalists because they used Vernacular press as a medium.

Reason — The Assertive Nationalists reached a wider section of the people because they used newspapers and journals in Indian languages. This helped them carry nationalist ideas beyond the educated English-speaking class and connect more effectively with the masses.

Assertive Nationalists adopted the policy of ............... to oppose the unjust acts of the British.

1. entreat and beseech
2. non-cooperation
3. passive redressal
4. prayers and petitions

Answer

non-cooperation

Reason — The Assertive Nationalists believed that unjust British rule could not be challenged merely by prayers and petitions. Therefore, they adopted non-cooperation and passive resistance, urging people to refuse cooperation with the government, its schools, courts and services.

Which of the following international events led to the rise of Assertive Nationalism?

1. Victory of Japan over Russia
2. Defeat of Britain in the Anglo-Afghan Wars
3. Defeat of France in Ethiopia
4. Defeat of Germany in South Africa

Answer

Victory of Japan over Russia

Reason — Japan’s victory over Russia in 1905 greatly inspired Indian nationalists. The Assertive Nationalists felt that the united masses could throw out the British yoke.

Early Nationalists : Ideas of western philosophers : : Assertive Nationalists : ....?....

1. Ideas of eastern philosophers
2. Ideas of Swadeshi
3. Ideas of Karl Marx
4. India's past

Answer

India's past

Reason — Unlike the Early Nationalists, who were influenced largely by Western liberal ideas, the Assertive Nationalists drew inspiration from India’s past. They revived pride in India’s history, culture and traditions to awaken self-respect and national confidence among the people.

Early Nationalists : Educated middle class: : Assertive Nationalists: ....?....

1. Youth and women
2. the British nationals in India.
3. the masses
4. the Civil servants

Answer

the masses

Reason — The Assertive Nationalists tried to broaden the base of the national movement by bringing the common people into it. Through methods like Swadeshi, Boycott, National Education and public festivals, they drew support from the masses rather than limiting the movement to the educated middle class.

(I) Bengal, according to the British, was too big to be efficiently administered by a single provincial government.

(II) The British wanted to stop the rising tide of nationalism by partitioning Bengal.

1. (II) contradicts (I)
2. (II) is the reason for (I)
3. (I) is true but (II) is false.
4. (I) and (II) are independent of each other.

Answer

(II) contradicts (I)

Explanation — Statement (I) tells us that the British claimed that Bengal was too large to be efficiently administered, which was their official reason for partition. Statement (II) tells us that the real intention of the British was to curb the growing nationalism by dividing the people. Thus, Statement (II) contradicts Statement (I) because it exposes the hidden motive behind the British claim.

(I) The Anti-Partition movement popularised the idea of Swadeshi and Boycott being complementary and one would not succeed without the other.

(II) The Assertive Nationalist leaders were expelled from the Congress at the Surat session in 1907.

1. (II) contradicts (I)
2. (II) is the reason for (I)
3. (I) is true but (II) is false
4. (I) and (II) are independent of each other.

Answer

(I) and (II) are independent of each other.

Explanation — Statement (I) tell us about the Anti-Partition Movement promoted Swadeshi and Boycott as complementary methods, meaning both were needed together for effective resistance.
Statement (II) tells us that the Assertive Nationalists were expelled from the Congress at the Surat Session in 1907, which was a separate political event related to internal differences within the Congress.

Since Statement (II) does not explain or relate to Statement (I), both statements are independent of each other.

(I) The Early Nationalist did not want to extend support to boycott movement.

(II) Boycott was in conflict with their policy of 'petition and persuasion.'

1. (II) contradicts (I)
2. (II) is the reason for (I)
3. (I) is true but (II) is false.
4. (I) and (II) are independent of each other.

Answer

(II) is the reason for (I)

Explanation — Statement (II) tells us about that the boycott movement conflicted with their policy of petition, prayer, and persuasion, which explains why they opposed it, whereas Statement (I) tells us that the Early Nationalists did not support the boycott movement because they followed moderate methods, Hence, Statement (II) is the reason for Statement (I).

(I) Lord Curzon refused to concede to the demands of annulling the Partition of Bengal.

(II) The administrative capital of British India was shifted from Kolkata to Delhi in 1911.

1. (II) contradicts (I)
2. (II) is the reason for (I)
3. (I) is true but (II) is false.
4. (I) and (II) are independent of each other.

Answer

(I) and (II) are independent of each other.

Explanation — Statement (I) tells us that Lord Curzon refused to cancel the Partition of Bengal despite strong opposition from the Indians. Statement (II) tells us that the administrative capital of British India was shifted from Kolkata to Delhi in 1911. Both statements are factually correct but they talk about two completely different events. Hence, Statement (I) and Statement (II) are independent of each other.

(I) The Partition of Bengal was revoked in 1911.

(II) A new scheme of Partition of Bengal was implemented on the basis of size of population rather than on religion.

1. (I) contradicts (II)
2. (II) is the reason for (I)
3. (I) is true but (II) is false.
4. (I) and (II) are independent of each other.

Answer

(I) is true but (II) is false

Explanation —Statement (I) is true — the Partition of Bengal was indeed revoked in 1911 due to the strong opposition and mass protests of the Anti-Partition Movement led by the Indians.
Statement (II) is false — when the Partition was revoked in 1911, a new scheme of partition was implemented but it was based on language, not on the size of population. Bengal was reorganised on linguistic lines. So the claim that the new partition was based on the size of population is incorrect. Hence, Statement (I) is true but (II) is false.

(I) The failure of the Early Nationalists to achieve something substantial from the British government led to the demand for more vigorous political action.

(II) The Assertive Nationalists advocated active resistance to British imperialism.

1. (II) contradicts (I)
2. (II) is the reason for (I)
3. (I) is true but (II) is false.
4. (I) and (II) are independent of each other.

Answer

(II) is the reason for (I)

Explanation — Statement (I) tells us that the Early Nationalists failed to achieve anything substantial from the British through their moderate methods of petitions and appeals. This failure led to a demand for more vigorous and aggressive political action. Statement (II) tells us that the Assertive Nationalists actively resisted British imperialism through bold and aggressive methods. Hence, Statement (II) is the reason for (I).

(I) The Assertive Nationalists wanted immediate attainment of Swaraj or complete independence as it existed in the United Kingdom.

(II) The Early Nationalists wanted to achieve self-government and autonomy within the Empire and not complete independence.

1. (II) contradicts (I)
2. (II) is the reason for (I)
3. (I) is true but (II) is false.
4. (I) and (II) are independent of each other.

Answer

(I) and (II) are independent of each other

Explanation — Statement (I) tells us that the Assertive Nationalists wanted complete and immediate Swaraj — full independence.
Statement (II) tells us that the Early Nationalists wanted only self-government and autonomy within the British Empire — not complete independence. Both statements are factually correct but they talk about two different groups of nationalists with two different goals. Hence, Statement (I) and (II) are independent of each other.

Who composed the Bande Mataram? State the reaction of the masses to the proclamation of the Partition of Bengal.

Answer

Bankim Chandra Chatterjee composed the Bande Mataram.

The reaction of the masses to the proclamation of the Partition of Bengal was as follows:

1. The leaders of the protest movement declared it a day of national mourning throughout Bengal.
2. It was observed as a day of fasting.
3. There was strike in Kolkata.
4. People walked barefooted and bathed in the Ganga in the early morning hours.
5. The streets of Kolkata were full of the cries of 'Bande Mataram' which became the theme song of the national movement.
6. Rabindranath Tagore composed the patriotic song, 'Amar Sonar Bangla' (My Golden Bengal), for the occasion which was sung by huge crowds parading the streets.
7. The ceremony of Raksha Bandhan was celebrated in a new way. Hindus and Muslims tied rakhis on one another's wrists as the symbol of unbreakable unity of the Bengalis and the two halves of Bengal.
8. In the afternoon, there was a great demonstration when the veteran leader Ananda Mohan Bose laid the foundation of a Federation Hall to mark the indestructible unity of Bengal. All gathered there took the vow to follow Swadeshi.

Read the excerpt given below and answer the question that follows:

Tagore's 'Banglar mati, Banglar jol', and the sentiment of brotherhood and patriotism that it invokes

In 1905, Curzon partitioned Bengal on communal lines which Rabindranath Tagore opposed strongly, and wrote a hymn for communal harmony, brotherhood, and a united Bengali identity. The TMC government has now declared 'Banglar mati, Banglar jol' the state anthem.

The song calls for unity for all Bengalis by invoking the beauty of Bengal - its natural environs, its language, its people, and its soul. This is perhaps best expressed in the final stanza of the song which is loosely translated as:

The soil of Bengal, the water of Bengal; The air of Bengal, the fruit of Bengal; Let them be blessed; Oh my Lord.
[All] Bengalis' life, [all] Bengalis' soul; All brothers and sisters in Bengal's homes, may they be united; Oh my Lord

— Indian Express, September 9, 2023

(a) What official reason did Lord Curzon give for partitioning Bengal?

(b) Name another song composed by Rabindranath Tagore during the Anti-partition agitation.

Answer

(a) The official reason given by Lord Curzon for partitioning Bengal was that, the Bengal province was too big to be efficiently administered by a single provincial government.

(b) Rabindranath Tagore composed the patriotic song, 'Amar Sonar Bangla' (My Golden Bengal), during the Anti-partition agitation which was sung by huge crowds parading the streets.

Who were Assertive Nationalists? Why were they so called?

Answer

In the second phase of the national movement, there emerged a new and a younger group of leaders within the Congress who did not agree with the methods and ideology of the Early Nationalist leaders. These 'angry young men' stood for complete Swaraj to be achieved by more self-reliant methods. They also wanted to have a mass-base for their movement. This group of leaders came to be known as Assertive Nationalists.

They were so called because they had a different outlook that advocated active resistance to British imperialism. They condemned the British rule in India and held it responsible for the country's downfall. They called upon the people of India to make sacrifices for the sake of their country.

What was the aim of the Assertive Nationalists as far as the National Movement was concerned? How did it differ from that of the Early Nationalists?

Answer

The main aim of the Assertive Nationalists was the immediate attainment of 'Swaraj' as it existed in the United Kingdom.
This differed from the aim of the Early Nationalists, who wanted self-government and autonomy within the British Empire and not complete independence. They also believed in constitutional and peaceful methods, while the Assertive Nationalists adopted a more vigorous approach.

How did the Assertive Nationalists expand the social base of the national movement?

Answer

The Assertive Nationalists expanded the social base of the national movement by adopting the following methods-

1. Swadeshi and boycott — Economic boycott of British goods and use of Swadeshi was designed to encourage Indian industries and provide the people with more opportunities for employment.
2. National Education — The national leaders advocated national universities that were free from government control. A large number of national schools were established in East Bengal.
3. Passive Resistance — The Assertive leaders believed in adopting the policy of non-violent resistance and vigorous political action to achieve their aims. They asked the people to refuse to cooperate with the government and to boycott government service, courts, schools and colleges.
4. Other methods — Besides the above said methods, the other methods included revivalism, personal sacrifices and mass involvement.

What were the two methods adopted by the Assertive Nationalists in the freedom struggle?

Answer

The two methods adopted by the Assertive Nationalists in the freedom struggle were-

1. Swadeshi and boycott — Economic boycott of British goods and use of Swadeshi was designed to encourage Indian industries and provide the people with more opportunities for employment.
2. National Education — The national leaders advocated national universities that were free from government control. A large number of national schools were established in East Bengal.

Mention any one reason for the rise of Assertive Nationalism. Why did the educated Indians turn against the British?

Answer

One reason for the rise of Assertive Nationalism was the recognition of the true nature of the British Rule. The Assertive Nationalists felt that the British rule was responsible for the economic ruin of India and her growing poverty.

The educated Indians turned against the British because a large number of educated Indians were employed in the administration on low salaries, while many others faced unemployment. Their grievances made them look critically at the nature of the British rule. These educated low paid or unemployed Indians became the followers of Assertive Nationalism.

List any two international events that shattered the myth of European superiority.

Answer

Two international events that shattered the myth of European superiority are-

1. For the first time, Japan, an Asian country, defeated Russia.
2. Italian forces were defeated by the Abyssinians in Ethiopia.

Mention any two measures that show that Lord Curzon's policies were repressive.

Answer

Two measures that show that Lord Curzon's policies were repressive are-

1. The Act of 1898 which made it an offence to provoke people against the British.
2. The Calcutta Corporation Act (1899) which reduced the strength of elected members from India, thereby giving the British a majority.

Name the two books written by Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

Answer

Two books written by Bal Gangadhar Tilak are-

1. The Gita Rahasya
2. The Arctic Home of the Vedas

When and why did Tilak leave the Indian National Congress?

Answer

Bal Gangadhar Tilak left the Indian National Congress in 1907 after there was a split in the Congress.

Tilak left the Indian National Congress because he did not agree with the methods and ideology of the Early Nationalist leaders. He stood for complete Swaraj to be achieved by more self-reliant methods. He also wanted to have a mass-base for their movement. He condemned the British rule in India and held it responsible for the country's downfall.

Why did Tilak revive Ganapati and Shivaji festivals?

Answer

In 1893, Bal Gangadhar Tilak started using the traditional religious Ganapati festival to propagate nationalist ideas through songs and speeches. In 1895, he glorified Shivaji and started the Shivaji festival to encourage young Maharashtrians.

Mention any two contributions of Bipin Chandra Pal.

Answer

Two contributions of Bipin Chandra Pal are:

1. As a journalist, he worked for 'Bengal Public Opinion', 'The Tribune' and 'New India' to propagate his brand of nationalism.
2. He wanted to bring about social reforms and opposed caste system and other rigid rules concerning inter-dining and inter-mixing.

Mention any two achievements of the Assertive Nationalists.

Answer

Two achievements of the Assertive Nationalists were-

1. These leaders were able to inculcate national pride by extolling India's past. Tilak revived the Ganapati and Shivaji festivals to arouse national sentiments. Through his writings in Mahratta and the Kesari, Tilak preached nationalism.
2. They gave new slogans to the Indian nationalist movement like 'non-cooperation, passive resistance, mass agitation, and self-reliance'.

Read the excerpt given below and answer the questions that follow:

Rabindranath Tagore endorsed the Swadeshi movement through his songs and poems. There was a change in his attitude as noted by Sumit Sarkar in his book, Swadeshi Movement in Bengal. He says: "[From] trying in vain to placate the foreign ruler and talking big in a foreign tongue, he (Tagore) urges volunteers to the villages instead, spreading social and political enlightment in the melas and through magic lantern lectures, and, above all to revive our traditional samaj, channelling all constructive work through it once again."

(a) What was the impact of the Anti-Partition Movement?

(b) How did the people react to the Partition of Bengal?

(c) What was Lord Curzon's argument in favour of the Partition of Bengal? How did the nationalists interpret Lord Curzon's motives?

Answer

(a) The Anti-Partition Movement had the following impact:

1. The Partition of Bengal along with the Anti-Partition Movement accelerated the Nationalist Movement by spreading it among the general masses. The people rose in unity to resist, to suffer and to sacrifice.
2. Swadeshi and Boycott were used as weapons of political agitation and a training in self-sufficiency for the attainment of Swaraj. British goods were burnt at public places and shops selling them were picketed. The spirit of Swadeshi spread to almost every walk of life — industries, education, culture, literature, etc.
3. The people lost their faith in the fair play and justice of the British. Lord Curzon refused to concede to the demands of annulling the partition.
4. The Anti-Partition agitation backfired the plans of Lord Curzon. It gave added strength to the National Movement. The methods adopted by the Early Nationalists lost their appeal and gave an opportunity to the Assertive Nationalists to lead the National Movement.

The Partition of Bengal was revoked in 1911. A new scheme of partition of Bengal was implemented on linguistic rather than on religious grounds. Hindi, Oriya and Assamese speaking areas were separated from Bengal to form separate administrative units. The administrative capital of British India was shifted from Kolkata to Delhi in 1911.

(b) People started a strong movement against the partition, known as the Anti-partition Movement.

1. The Partition of Bengal led to a mighty upsurge which brought people and political leaders together.
2. The Indian National Congress and the nationalists of Bengal opposed the partition. Within Bengal, different sections of the population — zamindars, merchants, lawyers, students and women — rose up in opposition to the partition of their province.
3. Many protest meetings were held by eminent leaders like Surendranath Banerjee, Krishna Kumar Mitra, P.C. Ray, B.C. Pal and Ananda Mohan Bose.
4. The Early Nationalists and the Assertive Nationalists cooperated with one another during the course of the movement.
5. The leaders condemned partition through newspapers like Bengali, Hitabadi and Sanjibani. They declared it a day of national mourning throughout Bengal.
6. There was strike in Kolkata.
7. The streets of Kolkata were full of the cries of 'Bande Mataram' which became the theme song of the national movement.
8. Rabindranath Tagore composed the patriotic song, 'Amar Sonar Bangla' (My Golden Bengal), for the occasion which was sung by huge crowds parading the streets.
9. The ceremony of Raksha Bandhan was celebrated in a new way. Hindus and Muslims tied rakhis on one another's wrists as the symbol of unbreakable unity of the Bengalis and the two halves of Bengal.
10. In the afternoon, there was a great demonstration when the veteran leader Ananda Mohan Bose laid the foundation of a Federation Hall to mark the indestructible unity of Bengal. All gathered there took the vow to follow Swadeshi.

(c) Lord Curzon stated that the main motive for the Partition of Bengal, was administrative necessity. The government said that the province of Bengal was too big to be efficiently administered by a single provincial government.

The Indian nationalists clearly saw the design behind the Partition and condemned it.

1. They saw that it was a deliberate attempt to divide the Bengalis on religious and territorial grounds and thereby, disrupt and weaken nationalism in Bengal.
2. They felt that administrative efficiency could have been better secured by separating Hindi-speaking Bihar and the Odiya-speaking Odisha from the Bengali-speaking part of the province.
3. Moreover, the manner in which the announcement of partition was made without any regard for the public opinion, hurt the sentiments of sensitive Bengalis.

In the second phase of the national movement, there emerged a new younger group of leaders within the Congress who did not agree with the old leadership. In this context, answer the following questions:

(a) Explain how the repressive policies of Lord Curzon and influence of International events led to the Assertive nationalism.

(b) Name the Assertive Nationalist leader who was wounded when he was leading a protest against Simon Commission. How were his words, when he was wounded, prophetic?

(c) Differentiate between the Early Nationalists and the Assertive Nationalists in their objectives and achievements, stating one objective and two achievements of each wing of the Congress.

Answer

(a) Lord Curzon refused to recognise India as a nation. He was not in favour of giving freedom to India because he believed that the English were destined to rule over India. Therefore, he took several repressive measures to crush Indian Nationalism. These measures included —

1. The Act of 1898 which made it an offence to provoke people against the British
2. The Calcutta Corporation Act (1899) which reduced the strength of elected members from India, thereby giving the British a majority
3. The Official Secrets Act
4. The Indian Universities Act of 1904 which imposed strict official control over the Indian universities because Curzon considered them as the centres of nationalism.

All these measures created resentment in India.

Assertive nationalism was inspired by the examples of international events.

1. For the first time, Japan, an Asian country, defeated Russia.
2. Italian forces were defeated by the Abyssinians in Ethiopia.
3. In South Africa, the Boers fought for three years (1899-1902) against the British Empire.
4. In Ireland people were waging a full-scale Home Rule agitation.

These events broke the myth of the invincibility of the Europeans. The Assertive Nationalists felt that the united masses could throw out the British yoke.

(b) The Assertive Nationalist leader who was wounded when he was leading a protest against Simon Commission was Lala Lajpat Rai.

On the day he was wounded, he said, 'Lathi blows inflicted on me would prove some day as nails in the coffin of the British empire.' His words, when he was wounded, turned out to be prophetic. This statement turned out to be significant, as it reflected the growing sentiment and determination of Indians to free themselves from British colonial rule. His words became symbolic of the resistance movement and inspired many to join the struggle for independence. His sacrifice galvanized the Indian nationalist movement and intensified the call for self-governance.

(c) The difference between the Early Nationalists and the Assertive Nationalists in their objectives is as follows-

The difference between the Early Nationalists and the Assertive Nationalists regarding their achievements is as follows-

With reference to the Surat Split of 1907, answer the following questions:

(a) What were the issues on which the two wings of the Congress had differences of opinion? How did the British exploit the differences between the Early Nationalists and the Assertive Nationalists?

(b) What was the effect of the split between the two wings of the Congress on the National Movement?

(c) Why did the Assertive Nationalists adopt the policy of non-cooperation with the British Government? Name the Assertive Nationalist leader who organised akharas and lathi clubs. Why were these organised?

Answer

(a) The issues on which the two wings of the Congress had differences of opinion were-

1. The Assertive Nationalists wanted to extend the Swadeshi and boycott to the rest of India and make it a vehicle for a full-fledged political mass struggle leading to Swaraj. The Early Nationalists, however, did not approve it for the whole of India and wanted it to be confined to Bengal only.
2. There was also a disagreement over the candidature of the next President. The Assertive Nationalists proposed the name of Lala Lajpat Rai as President of the Surat Session. The Early Nationalists proposed the name of Rashbehari Ghosh. When the session at Surat began in December 1907 there was utter confusion.

The British exploited the differences between the Early Nationalists and the Assertive Nationalists. The British adopted a policy of 'concession and repression' — concession for the Early Nationalists as well as the Muslims and repression to the Assertive Nationalists.

(b) The split in the Congress was unfortunate because it gave an opportunity to the British to exploit the situation to their advantage.

1. They adopted a policy of 'concession and repression' — concession for the Early Nationalists as well as the Muslims and repression to the Assertive Nationalists.
2. The Surat Split weakened the national movement.
3. The Early Nationalists, however, were largely able to capture the Congress organisation and in the Allahabad convention, held in April 1908, the split was formalised.

(c) The Assertive Nationalists adopted the policy of non-cooperation with the British Government due to the following reasons:

1. The main focus of the Assertive Nationalists was to get a larger share for Indians in the administration of their country and to end Britain's economic exploitation of India.
2. They believed that these objectives could not be realised without pressure tactics and some sort of direct action.
3. Hence, they adopted the policy of non-cooperation and resistance to unjust acts of the British government.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak was the first nationalist leader who sought close contact with the masses. With this objective and to inculcate courage, self-defence and patriotism, he organised many akharas and lathi clubs where physical training was imparted.

Read the excerpt given below and answer the questions that follow:

"You will have observed the word 'boycott' attached to the word 'movement'. It means that it shall move, move from point to point, move from city to city, move from division to division, move from province to province till we realise the highest destiny of our people as a nation in the comity of nations. I mean swaraj."

—Bipin Chandra Pal, 1906 Calcutta Session of the Congress

(a) Mention Bipin Chandra Pal's political aims.

(b) State his ideas on National Education.

(c) What remedies did he propose to eradicate India's poverty and unemployment?

Answer

(a) Bipin Chandra Pal started his political career as a social reformer attached to the Brahmo Samaj, visited a number of European countries and the United States of America.

1. It was during these visits that he observed how people resisted foreign domination.
2. In 1886 he joined the Indian National Congress.
3. He belonged to the Assertive Nationalist group.
4. He wanted complete independence from the British.
5. As a journalist he worked for Bengal Public Opinion, The Tribune and New India to propagate his brand of nationalism.

(b) Bipin Chandra Pal wanted National Education to be the basis of the freedom movement.

1. It would arouse nationalistic passions and become an effective instrument of social progress.
2. Educating women, he believed, was the most effective way of elevating their position.

(c) Bipin Chandra Pal proposed the following remedies to eradicate India's poverty and unemployment-

1. He stressed the need to develop indigenous industries in the country.
2. He preached the use of Swadeshi and the Boycott of foreign goods to eradicate poverty and unemployment.
3. To establish equality in society, he wanted to tax the rich more heavily than the poor
4. He demanded forty-eight hours of work in a week and an increase in the wages.

Read the excerpt given below and answer the questions that follow:

It is a mistake to suppose that the Swadeshi movement requires sacrifice from poor people. We, the middle classes are the greatest offenders in this respect. The poor Kumbi villagers, require not many foreign articles at all, — probably none at all. It is we, the middle classes, who are the consumers of foreign goods; and since this Government is not going to stop the drain by imposing a protective duty it becomes imperatively necessary to adopt a measure by which we can do ourselves what the Government is bound to do and what the government ought to have done long ago. That one point was self-help and another point was determination; and the third sacrifice. You will find that all this included in this resolution, joined with the declaration made in the Presidential address that Swadeshism is a forced necessity in India owing to unnatural economic conditions in India, makes up a complete case for you. I trust that resolution of self-help adopted this year will form the basis of other resolutions of self-help in years to come.’

— Bal Gangadhar Tilak (At the 1906 session of Indian National Congress, where the resolution on Swadeshi was moved.)

(a) What was the main aim of Swadeshi' as referred to in the extract? How does, it relate to 'boycott'?

(b) What are the reasons for focussing on Swadeshi?

(c) In what ways is the speaker of this extract the forerunner of Gandhiji?

Answer

(a) The main aim of the Swadeshi movement, as referred to in the excerpt, was to promote self-reliance, economic independence, and reduce dependence on British goods. It encouraged Indians to use Indian-made goods and actively boycott foreign products. The British government continued drain by imposing a protective duty and there was a need to start self-help.

The Swadeshi movement and the concept of ‘boycott’ were closely intertwined. Indians actively boycotted British-manufactured goods. The movement emphasized using Khadi (hand-spun cloth) and other Indian-made or swadeshi products. The boycott of foreign goods gave an economical jolt to the government and Indian goods were there to fulfill the demand generated by the boycott.

(b) The primary aim of the Swadeshi movement was to promote self-reliance and reduce dependence on British goods. Indians wanted to create an indigenous economy by supporting Indian-made products. Swadeshi aimed to revive traditional crafts and promote local industries. By supporting Indian products, people could strengthen their own economy. Also, the movement fostered a sense of national identity and unity.

(c) Tilak was the forerunner of Mahatma Gandhi in following ways:

• Tilak’s idea of Swaraj was akin to Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of complete independence.
• Tilak sought close contact with the masses as Mahatma Gandhi did.
• Tilak preached the idea of Swadeshi, Boycott and Prohibition. These ideas were preached and followed by Mahatma Gandhi later on.
• Tilak had to suffer several terms of imprisonment for the sake of the country, an example followed by Mahatma Gandhi and other nationalist leaders.

Study the pictures given below and answer the questions that follow:

(a) Identify the persons 'A' and 'B' given above. To which section of the Congress did each belong and what were their ultimate objectives?

(b) State three different methods of struggle adopted by each section of the Congress.

(c) State two contributions of persons 'A' and 'B' in the freedom struggle.

Answer

(a) The picture 'A' shows Dadabhai Naoroji and the picture 'B' shows Lala Lajpat Rai.

Dadabhai Naoroji belonged to the Early Nationalists section of the Congress and Lala Lajpat Rai belonged to the Assertive Nationalists section of the Congress.

Dadabhai Naoroji wanted to achieve self-government and strove for autonomy within the Empire and not for absolute independence while Lala Lajpat Rai aimed at nothing short of Swaraj (i.e., Complete Independence).

(b) Three different methods of struggle adopted by each section of the Congress were-

(c) Two contributions of Dadabhai Naoroji in the freedom struggle are as follows-

1. India's Unofficial Ambassador — Dadabhai Naoroji spent a major part of his life in England fighting for the cause of his country. He founded London India Society and East India Association in London to further the cause of India in Britain.
2. Exposed the Economic Ills of India — Through his works, 'Poverty and Un-British Rule in India' and his famous 'Drain Theory' he explained how India's wealth was being 'drained' to England through various ways.

Two contributions of Lala Lajpat Rai in the freedom struggle are as follows —

1. An Educationlist and a Forceful Writer — Lala Lajpat Rai was a prolific writer. When he was in the USA, he started a monthly magazine 'Young India' to spread the message of the right of India to attain Swaraj. His publications included: 'The Call to Young India', 'England's Debt to India' and 'THe Political Future of India'.
2. A Social Reformer — Lajpat Rai was associated with the Arya Samaj Movement. He was instrumental in the expansion of D.A.V. College at Lahore in 1886.

Imagine you are a young boy of 10 years living in Kolkata in 1905. Describe the Anti-Partition Movement as you saw it.

Answer

These days, our city of Kolkata feels very different. Ever since the British decided to partition Bengal, everyone around me seems upset and restless. I often hear elders talking angrily about how this decision will divide our people — separating Hindus and Muslims into two different parts.

Every morning, I see groups of men and women gathering on the streets, shouting slogans like "Vande Mataram". They carry flags and walk together in long processions.

In our neighbourhood, people have stopped buying British goods. My mother refuses to use foreign cloth and instead wears Swadeshi — Indian-made clothes. I have seen bonfires where foreign cloth is burnt in the streets. Everyone claps and cheers as the flames rise high. People are now proudly using only Indian-made salt, sugar and cloth.

In school, our teachers tell us to love our country and be proud of Indian goods. Some students have even left government schools and joined national schools started by our leaders.

On the day the partition came into effect — the whole city observed it as a day of mourning. People fasted and gathered praying for the reunification of Bengal. On certain days, people tie Rakhi on each other's wrists to show unity between Hindus and Muslims. It makes me feel that we are all one, despite the British trying to divide us.

Though I am young, I can feel that something big is happening around me. People are united, determined and full of love for the country. The Anti-Partition Movement has brought everyone together, and I feel proud to be a part of it, even as a small boy.

What would have happened in case the Surat Split did not occur and the Assertive Nationalists were suppressed?

Answer

If the Surat Split of 1907 had not occurred and the Assertive Nationalists like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal were suppressed, the following could have happened:

1. There would have been no mass participation and the movement would have remained limited to the educated class only, with slow progress.
2. No mass awakening.
3. Without the Assertive Nationalists, Indians would have continued to depend on British goodwill for reforms rather than demanding their rights boldly.
4. The Assertive Nationalists who popularised the ideas of Swadeshi and Boycott of British goods. Without them, these powerful weapons of protest would never have been widely adopted.
5. Without the aggressive and bold approach of the Assertive Nationalists, the spirit of complete independence would never have taken root in the minds of the people.

Is the Swadeshi Movement on a path to revival with the 'Make in India' scheme launched by the Indian government? List initiatives that aim at making India self reliant and a global leader

Answer

Yes, the Make in India scheme launched in 2014 can be seen as a modern revival of the spirit of the Swadeshi Movement. Just like the Swadeshi Movement encouraged Indians to buy Indian-made goods and develop Indian industries, Make in India aims to make India a global manufacturing hub and reduce dependence on foreign goods.

Initiatives that aim at making India Self-Reliant and a Global Leader:

1. Make in India (2014) - Encourages both Indian and foreign companies to manufacture their products in India, creating jobs and boosting Indian industries.
2. Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India, 2020) - Launched during COVID-19, this initiative encourages India to become self-sufficient in all sectors — from medicine and technology to defence and agriculture.
3. Vocal for Local - Encourages Indians to buy and promote locally made products, just like the original Swadeshi Movement.
4. Digital India - Aims to make India a leader in technology and digital services, reducing dependence on foreign technology companies.
5. Startup India - Encourages young Indians to start their own businesses and develop innovative Indian products and services.
6. Skill India - Trains millions of Indians in various skills to make them employable and productive, strengthening Indian industries.
7. Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) - Gives financial incentives to Indian manufacturers in sectors like electronics, pharmaceuticals, textiles and automobiles to boost Indian production.
8. Defence Self-Reliance - India is now manufacturing its own defence equipment like Tejas fighter jets, INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and missiles, reducing dependence on foreign weapons.
9. Solar and Renewable Energy - India is becoming a global leader in solar energy through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance, reducing dependence on fossil fuels imported from other countries.
10. UPI and Fintech - India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is now being adopted globally, making India a world leader in digital payments technology.