Partition of Bengal & Swadeshi — Set 15

Correct Answer: D. Both A and B

The Anushilan Samiti had centers in both Calcutta and Dhaka. The Calcutta branch was the original center founded in 1902. The Dhaka branch was founded in 1906 and became equally important. Both branches were involved in revolutionary activities during the Swadeshi era. The Alipore Bomb Case mainly involved the Calcutta branch while the Dhaka branch had its own significant activities.

Correct Answer: B. He provided the philosophy of passive resistance and national self-realization

Aurobindo Ghosh's main ideological contribution was providing the philosophy of passive resistance and national self-realization. He argued that India needed to realize its own spiritual strength before it could be truly free. His concept of passive resistance went beyond moderate petitioning. He combined political nationalism with Hindu spirituality to create a powerful ideology for the independence movement.

Correct Answer: B. Madan Mohan Malaviya

Madan Mohan Malaviya was known as 'Mahamana' (The Great Soul). He founded Banaras Hindu University in 1916. Though associated more with education and Hindu nationalism than the Swadeshi movement directly, he was an important nationalist figure of the same era. His work in education complemented the National Education movement that was one of the Swadeshi program's pillars.

Correct Answer: B. Hindu cultural nationalism combined with anti-colonial politics

The Swadeshi movement expressed Hindu cultural nationalism combined with anti-colonial politics. Festivals like Ganpati and Shivaji celebrations organized by Tilak, the use of 'Vande Mataram' and Hindu religious symbols gave the movement a Hindu cultural character. This aspect concerned some Muslim leaders. However the movement also had elements of broader Indian nationalism that transcended religion.

Correct Answer: B. It inspired nationalist themes in early Indian cinema

The nationalist themes of the Swadeshi movement inspired early Indian cinema. Indian cinema when it began in the early 20th century often drew on nationalist themes and stories. Films based on nationalist and historical themes helped spread patriotic sentiment among mass audiences. The cultural legacy of the Swadeshi movement influenced Indian arts and entertainment.

Correct Answer: C. Calcutta

The first mass meeting launching the boycott movement took place in Calcutta at the Town Hall on August 7, 1905. The meeting was organized to protest against the announced partition of Bengal. Thousands of people gathered and pledged to boycott British goods. This meeting launched the formal boycott movement that became the economic weapon of the Swadeshi agitation.

Correct Answer: B. Questions of Indian identity and nationalism in the context of the Swadeshi era

Rabindranath Tagore's novel 'Gora' explored questions of Indian identity and nationalism set in the context of the reform movements and nationalist awakening of his time. The novel grappled with questions of Hindu identity, Indian nationhood and the meaning of patriotism. Though not directly about Swadeshi, it reflected the intellectual ferment of the era. Tagore used fiction to explore the complex questions raised by the nationalist movement.

Correct Answer: B. It gave impetus to Indian industrial development - Tata Steel founded 1907

The Swadeshi movement gave impetus to Indian industrial development. Tata Iron and Steel Company was founded in 1907 partly inspired by the Swadeshi spirit of economic self-reliance. Jamsetji Tata had dreamed of an Indian iron and steel industry and the nationalist environment created by Swadeshi encouraged such ventures. The movement helped establish the connection between Indian industrialization and nationalist economic thinking.

Correct Answer: B. Arya Samaj

The Arya Samaj founded by Dayananda Saraswati provided an important network for spreading Swadeshi ideas in Punjab and beyond. Lala Lajpat Rai was deeply involved with the Arya Samaj and used it to mobilize Punjabis. The Arya Samaj had schools and institutions across North India that could spread the Swadeshi message. The organization's emphasis on Indian culture and rejecting foreign influences aligned with Swadeshi ideology.

Correct Answer: B. It established the tradition of mass economic protest as a political tool

The Swadeshi movement's most lasting contribution was establishing the tradition of mass economic protest as a political tool. The use of boycott, demonstration and civil disobedience became permanent features of Indian political culture. These tools were used by Gandhi in his later campaigns and remain part of Indian political repertoire. The movement also established the principle that ordinary citizens can participate in national politics through economic action.