Jan. 24, 2023

Prelims Question

Q. Characteristics of the Swadeshi movement were -

1. Emphasis on self-reliance

2. Participation of farmers at large scale

3. Cultural revivalism

Code:

  (a) 1 and 2

  (b) 2 and 3

  (c) 1 and 3

  (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer – (c)

Following are the important characteristics of Swadeshi movement:-

1. Boycott of foreign goods: It included boycott of foreign clothes and other items, burning them publicly.

2. Public gathering and processions: These emerged as major tools of mass participation as well as popular expression.

3. Volunteers groups or 'committees': Ashwini Kumar Dutt's 'Swadesh Bandhav' committee emerged as a very popular and powerful method of mass participation.

4. Organization of traditional popular festivals and fairs: Such occasions were to be used as a means to reach out to the masses and spread political messages. For example, Tilak's Ganapati and Shivaji festivals became a means of Swadeshi issue not only in western India, but also in Bengal. In Bengal too, traditional folk theater forms were organized for this purpose.

Emphasis on self-reliance or 'Atmashakti': It is a symbol of national dignity, respect and self-confidence and social and economic uplift of villages. but farmers had limited participation in this movement.