Partition of Bengal & Swadeshi — Set 16
National Movement · बंगाल विभाजन और स्वदेशी · Questions 151–160 of 160
Who gave the phrase 'Ab ne rahega baans, na bajegi bansuri' (If the tree is cut, the flute cannot play) in the context of the Swadeshi movement?
Correct Answer: B. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
The phrase expressing that removing the cause (foreign rule) will stop the problem reflects the spirit of Swadeshi and was used by nationalist leaders including Tilak. During the Swadeshi movement nationalist leaders used powerful imagery and metaphors to explain the need to remove British rule. Tilak was particularly known for using vivid language to inspire people. The phrase captures the nationalist argument that removing British rule is the only solution to India's problems.
What was the long-term political legacy of the anti-partition agitation?
Correct Answer: B. It demonstrated that organized mass action could change British colonial policy
The long-term political legacy of the anti-partition agitation was demonstrating that organized mass action could change British colonial policy. The annulment of the Bengal Partition in 1911 showed that sustained nationalist pressure could force the British to back down. This lesson was crucial for future nationalist campaigns. Gandhi explicitly used this precedent when planning his non-cooperation and civil disobedience campaigns.
Which famous Bengali revolutionary wrote the song 'Bhanga mori phek mori' urging people to break foreign goods?
Correct Answer: B. Mukunda Das
Mukunda Das, known as 'Swadeshi Yatri' (Swadeshi Pilgrim), composed songs urging people to break and discard foreign goods. He traveled across Bengal singing nationalist songs promoting the boycott of British goods. His folk-style songs reached rural Bengal where formal political speeches could not. He became one of the most popular cultural ambassadors of the Swadeshi movement.
The Swadeshi movement's emphasis on indigenous goods was similar to which modern concept?
Correct Answer: D. Both B and C
The Swadeshi movement's emphasis on indigenous goods was similar to both the modern 'Make in India' campaign and import-substitution industrialization concepts. The modern 'Make in India' initiative directly evokes the Swadeshi spirit. Import-substitution industrialization as an economic policy seeks to replace imports with domestically produced goods, similar to Swadeshi's goals. India's development policies after independence were influenced by the Swadeshi tradition.
What happened to the nationalist Bipin Chandra Pal when he refused to give evidence against Aurobindo in the sedition case?
Correct Answer: B. He was imprisoned for contempt of court
Bipin Chandra Pal refused to give evidence against Aurobindo Ghosh in the sedition case and was imprisoned for contempt of court. This act of solidarity between nationalist leaders showed their commitment to each other. Pal's sacrifice increased his reputation as a nationalist hero. His refusal to testify against a fellow nationalist demonstrated the courage of the extremist leaders.
Where was Aurobindo Ghosh educated before becoming a revolutionary nationalist?
Correct Answer: B. Cambridge University England
Aurobindo Ghosh was educated at Cambridge University in England. He studied classics and passed the Indian Civil Service examination but deliberately failed the riding test to avoid joining. He returned to India deeply educated in Western thought but became a passionate Indian nationalist. He combined his Western education with deep knowledge of Indian spiritual traditions to create his unique political philosophy.
What significant date is observed as National Handloom Day and why?
Correct Answer: B. August 7 - launch of boycott movement 1905
August 7 is observed as National Handloom Day because on this date in 1905 the boycott movement was formally launched at Calcutta Town Hall. The meeting launched a systematic boycott of British textiles and promoted Indian handloom cloth. India declared August 7 as National Handloom Day in 2015 to honor the handloom tradition and the memory of the Swadeshi movement. The day recognizes weavers' contribution to India's cultural heritage and economic self-reliance.
Who was responsible for the actual administrative implementation of the Bengal Partition at the provincial level?
Correct Answer: B. Lt Governor Andrew Fraser
Lieutenant Governor Andrew Fraser was responsible for the actual administrative implementation of the Bengal Partition at the provincial level. Lord Curzon was the Viceroy who made the central policy decision. Fraser as provincial head had to actually divide the province and establish the new administrative arrangements. His implementation of the partition made him a target of nationalist anger in Bengal.
What was the intellectual foundation of the Swadeshi movement regarding British economic policy?
Correct Answer: B. British drain of wealth theory showing India's economic exploitation
The intellectual foundation of the Swadeshi movement was the British drain of wealth theory showing India's economic exploitation. Dadabhai Naoroji's analysis showed how British rule drained wealth from India. R.C. Dutt's 'Economic History of India' documented how British policies deindustrialized India. This economic analysis provided the justification for boycotting British goods as a form of resistance to economic exploitation.
What was the role of Calcutta's wealthy nationalist families in the Swadeshi movement?
Correct Answer: B. They financed nationalist activities and educational institutions
Calcutta's wealthy nationalist families played an important role by financing nationalist activities and educational institutions during the Swadeshi movement. They provided funds for Bengal National College and other national institutions. Their support gave the movement financial resources to sustain itself. The Tagore family, Mukherjee family and others from Bengal's wealthy nationalist gentry contributed significantly to the Swadeshi cause.