The Swadeshi Movement (1905-1911) stands as a milestone in the Indian freedom struggle, particularly as outlined in the Assam NCERT Social Science Class 10 curriculum. Sparked by the Partition of Bengal under Viceroy Lord Curzon, the movement grew into a pan-Indian protest against British colonial rule, advocating for the boycott of foreign goods and the promotion of Indian-made products. The movement’s heartbeat was Bengal, but its echo resonated across India, uniting people regardless of caste, creed, or religion in a powerful demonstration of nationalism.
Background
The British justified the partition by claiming administrative necessity, as Bengal’s vast size and population made governance hard. However, the real aim was to fracture the unity of Hindus and Muslims and weaken the nerve center of Indian nationalism. The partition divided Bengal into Eastern Bengal and Assam (with Dhaka as capital) and West Bengal (including Bihar and Orissa with Calcutta as capital), sparking widespread discontent and protest.
Swadeshi Movement Unfolds
Indian leaders like Surendranath Banerjee, Bipin Chandra Pal, Arabinda Ghose, Rabindranath Tagore, and others recognized the British conspiracy and mobilized mass resistance. Student and public participation surged, and the movement soon evolved from boycotting British goods to active political, social, and educational reforms. Notably, on October 16, 1905, Bengal observed a ‘National Mourning Day’ when the partition was enacted, with symbolic acts like Rakhi Bandhan to promote unity.
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Features and Impact
- Nonviolent and Violent Protest: The movement began with peaceful boycotts but later saw radical action.
- National Industry & Education: Inspired the rise of indigenous industries and national schools, like Bengal National College and Jadavpur University.
- Women’s Contribution: Figures such as Sister Nibedita and Sarala Devi led and inspired women’s active participation.
- National Literature: A surge in patriotic writing, dramas, and songs (e.g., Rabindranath Tagore’s “Amar Sonar Bangla”).
- Broader Spread: From Bengal to Maharashtra, Gujrat, and South India, the movement gave rise to pan-Indian activism.
- Political Organizations: Establishment of the All India Muslim League during the period.
Anti-Movement Actions & Outcome
Britain tried to suppress the movement via titles, posts, and threats but failed to quell the united public outrage. Eventually, Bengal was reunited on December 12, 1911, marking a victory for mass resistance and laying the foundation for future movements toward Swaraj (self-rule).
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Points to Remember: Swadeshi Movement
(Social Science class 10 chapter 1 highlights, Assam NCERT Social Science Class 10 answers)
- Partition of Bengal announced: July 1905, implemented: October 16, 1905.
- Main leaders: Surendranath Banerjee, Bipin Chandra Pal, Arabinda Ghose, Rabindranath Tagore.
- Boycott of British goods led to rise of Indian industries.
- The movement spread from Bengal to all parts of India.
- It inspired mass participation: students, women, workers, and business people.
- Development of national education: National schools, colleges, and technical institutes established (e.g., Bengal Technical Institute, Jadavpur University).
- Role of women: Active participation led by Sarala Devi and Sister Nibedita.
- National literature flourished: Patriotic songs, articles, plays, and magazines motivated society.
- Muslims received special attention from British: Foundation of All India Muslim League in 1906.
- The movement made Indians realize the power of mass protest.
- Bengal was reunited in 1911; capital shifted from Calcutta to Delhi.
Class 10 Social Science Chapter 1 Topic: Swadeshi Movement
Very Short Answer Questions
- Viceroy during Partition of Bengal: Lord Curzon.
- Date of Partition Enforcement: 16th October 1905.
- Meeting that accepted boycott of foreign goods: Town Hall meeting, Calcutta, 7th August 1905.
- Editor of ‘Yugantar’ (Swadeshi period): Bhupendra Dutta.
- National Education Council Establishment: 11th March 1906, Calcutta.
- Founder of Bengal Chemicals: Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray.
- President under whom Swaraj was proposed: Dadabhai Naoraji (INC Calcutta session, 1906).
- Unification of Bengal: 12th December 1911.
Short/Long Answer Type
1. Three main regions annexed after partition:
- Dhaka
- Chattagram
- Rajshahi
2. Intentions of Partition of Bengal:
- Administrative convenience (official reason).
- Hidden motive: Divide Hindu-Muslim unity and weaken nationalism.
3. Why called Swadeshi Movement?
- Protest evolved to boycott foreign (mainly British) goods and promote Swadeshi (indigenous) products.
4. Swadeshi movement and national education:
- Rise of national schools, colleges (Bengal National College, Jadavpur University), technical institutes, Dawn Society.
5. National industry development:
- Swadeshi encouraged creation of indigenous industries: textile, chemical, banking, insurance. Notable ventures: Bengal Chemicals, Banga Lakshi Cotton Mill.
6. Anti-movement measures by British:
- Titles, posts offered to moderates; administrative circulars against student protests; repressive laws; police action.
7. Three results of Swadeshi Movement:
- Foundation of mass political movement.
- Expansion of national industry and education.
- Creation of All India Muslim League and shift in INC philosophy.
8. Three contributions of Swadeshi Movement:
- Mass political awakening.
- Participation and leadership of women.
- Beginning of armed struggle and non-cooperation.
Very Short Answer Questions (Social Science class 10, Swadeshi Movement)
1. In which Viceroy’s time did the partition of Bengal take place?
The partition of Bengal took place during the time of Viceroy Lord Curzon.
2. On which date in 1905 did the partition of Bengal come into force?
The partition of Bengal came into force on 16th October 1905.
3. In which meeting was the proposal of giving up foreign commodities accepted?
The proposal of giving up foreign commodities was accepted at the Town Hall meeting held at Kasimbazar, Calcutta on 7th August 1905.
4. Who was the editor of the journal Jugaantar published in the time of Swadeshi movement?
Bhupendra Dutta was the editor of the journal Yugantar during the Swadeshi movement.
5. When was the institution named National Education Council (Jatiya Siksha Parisad) established in Bengal?
The National Education Council (Jatiya Siksha Parisad) was established on 11th March 1906, at a meeting in the Town Hall, Calcutta.
6. Who was the main introducer of the industry named Bengal Chemicals?
Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray was the main introducer of Bengal Chemicals.
7. Under whose presidentship did the Conference of Indian National Congress accept the proposal of swaraj for Indians?
The proposal for Swaraj was accepted under the presidentship of Dadabhai Naoroji at the 1906 Calcutta session.
8. When did the unification of Bengal take place?
The unification of Bengal took place on 12th December 1911.
Short/Long Answer Type Questions
1. Mention three main geographical regions of Bengal which were annexed to the province West Bengal and Assam created after the partition of Bengal.
- Dhaka
- Chattagram (Chittagong)
- Rajshahi
2. Write briefly about what were the intentions of the partition of Bengal.
The official reason for the partition was administrative convenience, to make governance easier in the large and populous province. However, the hidden intention was to weaken the center of Indian nationalism by dividing Hindus and Muslims and creating communal differences, thereby making it easier for the British to rule through division.
3. Why was the anti-partition of Bengal movement named as Swadeshi movement? Discuss briefly.
The anti-partition movement was named the Swadeshi movement because leaders called for the boycott of British goods and the use of Indian-made (Swadeshi) products. This economic boycott was a direct protest against British policies and an effort to strengthen Indian industry and unity.
4. Discuss the contributions of Swadeshi movement towards national education.
The Swadeshi movement greatly influenced national education. Many students left British institutions and a number of national schools and colleges were established, such as the Bengal National College and Jadavpur University. The movement fostered patriotic feelings among students and promoted education free from British control.
5. How did the national industries develop during Swadeshi movement? Explain in short.
The boycott of foreign goods boosted demand for Indian-made products leading to the establishment of several industries like textiles, chemicals, and banking. Notable examples include the founding of Bengal Chemicals and Banga Lakshi Cotton Mill, and the encouragement for development of indigenous enterprises.
6. What were the anti-movement measures taken by the British to dominate Swadeshi movement?
The British government tried to suppress the movement by offering titles and posts to moderate leaders, enforcing repressive laws, issuing administrative circulars against student protests, and using police force and other administrative pressures to subdue agitation and protests.
7. Mention three results of Swadeshi movement.
- Spread of mass political consciousness among Indians.
- Growth of Indian industries and national education institutions.
- Birth of new political organizations like the All India Muslim League.
8. Mention three contributions of Swadeshi movement.
- Taught Indians the effectiveness of mass movements.
- Empowered women to participate in public life and mass agitation.
- Led Indian National Congress to demand Swaraj (self-rule) for the first time.
Write Short Notes On
1. Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore was a leading figure of the Swadeshi Movement who used his poetry, songs, and writings to promote unity and nationalism. He inspired people through works like “Amar Sonar Bangla” and organized Rakhi Bandhan ceremonies to foster Hindu-Muslim harmony during the protests against the partition of Bengal.
2. Margaret Elizabeth Noble (Bhagini Nivedita)
Margaret Elizabeth Noble, known as Sister Nivedita, was an Irish-born social worker and disciple of Swami Vivekananda. Deeply involved in the Swadeshi Movement, she encouraged education among women and youth and supported indigenous industries. Her activities and writings inspired many Indians to join the national struggle.
3. Nawab Salimullah
Nawab Salimullah of Dhaka was a prominent Muslim leader during the partition period. He supported the creation of the province of Eastern Bengal and Assam and played an instrumental role in the establishment of the All India Muslim League, promoting the interests of Muslims in political matters during British rule.
