Swadeshi Movement and Boycott Movement (1905-1908) – UPSC Modern History Notes

The Swadeshi movement was indeed a self-sufficiency movement within the larger Indian independence movement. It emerged as a response to the British Government’s decision to partition Bengal in 1905, which was seen as a divisive tactic to weaken the nationalist movement.
The movement aimed to promote the use of Indian-made products and boycott British goods as a means of economic resistance against British colonial rule. It called for the revival of indigenous industries and the promotion of Indian craftsmanship, thereby fostering a sense of national pride and self-reliance.
The Swadeshi movement gained significant momentum and support from various sections of society, including intellectuals, students, and the middle class. It sparked a wave of patriotism and a sense of national identity among Indians, as they actively participated in the boycott of British goods and the promotion of Indian products.
One of the notable aspects of the Swadeshi movement was its emphasis on promoting Indian culture and traditions. It aimed to revive traditional Indian arts and crafts, promote the use of indigenous materials, and revive the study of Indian languages and history. This cultural aspect of the movement played a crucial role in strengthening the collective identity and unity of Indians.
The Swadeshi movement also had a significant impact on the political landscape of India. It laid the foundation for organized political activism, as various organizations and societies were formed to coordinate and lead the movement. These organizations, such as the Swadeshi Sabha and the Indian National Congress, played a pivotal role in mobilizing public support and shaping the Indian nationalist movement.

Overall, the Swadeshi movement was a significant phase in India’s struggle for independence, as it instilled a sense of self-reliance, national pride, and cultural revival among Indians. It laid the groundwork for future movements and leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, who furthered the cause of Indian independence through nonviolent means.

Table of Contents

Swadeshi Movement – Background

The Swadeshi movement emerged as a result of the anti-partition movement in response to Lord Curzon’s decision to divide the province of Bengal. The partition, announced in 1905, was seen as a deliberate strategy to weaken the growing nationalist sentiment in Bengal.
The anti-partition movement was led by moderate leaders such as Surendranath Banerjee, Ananda Mohan Bose, and others who opposed the division of Bengal on administrative and communal lines. They believed that the partition would not only harm the social and cultural fabric of Bengal but also hinder the progress of the nationalist movement.
To protest against the partition, the moderates launched the Anti-Partition Campaign. They organized public meetings, sent petitions to the government, and utilized newspapers and other means of communication to spread awareness about the unjustness of the decision.
During this period, the idea of boycotting foreign goods as a form of protest gained traction. The call for Swadeshi (using Indian-made goods) and Boycott (refraining from using British goods) became central to the anti-partition movement. The pledge to boycott foreign goods was made in public meetings, and it symbolized a form of economic resistance against British rule.
Newspapers played a crucial role in disseminating the ideas of the movement. Publications like Hitabadi, Sanjibani, and Bengalee acted as platforms for expressing nationalist sentiments, promoting self-reliance, and urging people to boycott foreign goods.
The partition of Bengal and the subsequent anti-partition movement and the Swadeshi movement sparked widespread protests and demonstrations throughout Bengal. People from various sections of society, including students, intellectuals, and common citizens, actively participated in the movement.
The Swadeshi movement, with its emphasis on self-reliance, the boycott of foreign goods, and the promotion of Indian products, not only provided a means of resistance against British rule but also fostered a sense of national pride and unity among Indians. It laid the foundation for future nationalist movements and played a significant role in shaping the path towards Indian independence.

Swadeshi Movement – Partition of Bengal

The partition of Bengal during Lord Curzon’s tenure as Viceroy of India was indeed a significant event that played a crucial role in the emergence of the Swadeshi movement. Lord Curzon, who served as Viceroy from 1899 to 1905, implemented the partition for administrative reasons.
The partition of Bengal was officially announced on October 16, 1905. It involved dividing the Bengal province into two separate entities: East Bengal and Assam, with its capital in Dhaka, and the rest of Bengal, with its capital in Calcutta. The stated reason for the partition was to improve administrative efficiency by creating two smaller provinces.
However, many Indians recognized that the partition had deeper political motives. They believed that the British government intended to weaken the growing nationalist sentiment in Bengal by dividing it along religious lines. The partition resulted in a predominantly Hindu-majority western Bengal and a Muslim-majority eastern Bengal.
The anti-partition movement, fueled by the spirit of nationalism and opposition to the division of Bengal, gained momentum. This movement later became known as the Swadeshi movement. Swadeshi, meaning “of one’s own country” or “self-sufficiency,” became the rallying cry for Indians who aimed to end British rule and improve the economic conditions of the country.
The Swadeshi movement advocated for the boycott of foreign goods and the promotion of Indian-made products. It aimed to create economic self-reliance and reduce dependence on British goods. The movement encouraged Indians to support indigenous industries, revive traditional crafts, and promote national education.
The Swadeshi movement, with its emphasis on self-sufficiency, the boycott of foreign goods, and the spirit of nationalism, became a popular strategy for resistance against British rule. It garnered widespread support and participation from people across different sections of society, including students, intellectuals, and common citizens.
The Swadeshi movement played a significant role in mobilizing the masses, fostering a sense of national pride and unity, and laying the foundation for future nationalist movements in India. It became an important component of the larger Indian independence movement and contributed to shaping the country’s struggle for freedom and economic progress.

Swadeshi Movement – Nature of the Movement

The Swadeshi Movement was characterized by a proactive approach and a strong emphasis on self-reliance and boycott as means of resistance against British rule. Bengal leaders recognized that mere demonstrations and resolutions would not effectively convey the depth of popular sentiment to the rulers. They believed that more tangible actions were necessary to demonstrate the intensity of their feelings.
Swadeshi, which means “of one’s own country,” became a central tenet of the movement. It involved the promotion and use of Indian-made goods as a way to reduce dependence on British imports. Additionally, the boycott of British goods was advocated to exert economic pressure on the colonial rulers and support indigenous industries.
Mass meetings were held throughout Bengal, where pledges to practice Swadeshi and boycott British goods were taken. Public burnings of foreign cloth, symbolizing the rejection of British products, became a common sight. Shops selling foreign goods were picketed, discouraging people from purchasing them.
The Swadeshi Movement went beyond political activities and permeated various aspects of daily life. It influenced social and domestic practices as well. Marriage presents containing foreign goods, which could be easily replaced with Indian-made alternatives, was returned. This demonstrated a commitment to self-reliance and a rejection of foreign influence.
The movement also emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency, referred to as “Atma Sakti” in Bengali. It aimed to foster a sense of self-confidence and empowerment among Indians by encouraging them to rely on their own resources and capabilities.
Another constructive aspect of the Swadeshi Movement was the promotion of national education. It was seen as a means to develop self-sufficient and intellectually empowered individuals who could contribute to the progress of the nation. Nationalist leaders and organizations established educational institutions that focused on providing education rooted in Indian culture and values.

Overall, the Swadeshi Movement was characterized by a proactive and multifaceted approach. It encompassed the use of Swadeshi products, the boycott of British goods, public demonstrations, social practices, and the promotion of national education. The movement aimed to instil a sense of self-reliance, national pride, and unity among Indians, laying the foundation for a broader struggle for independence.

The Extent of Mass Participation

The Swadeshi Movement witnessed significant mass participation from various sections of society, including students, women, and Muslims. Their involvement contributed to the strength and impact of the movement.
Bengali students played a crucial role in the Swadeshi agitation. They actively practised and promoted Swadeshi principles and led picketing campaigns against shops selling foreign clothing. However, the government, recognizing the influence of students, took measures to suppress their participation. Schools and colleges whose students actively participated in the Swadeshi agitation faced penalties. Students found guilty of nationalist activities were subjected to disciplinary actions, including fines, expulsions, arrests, and even physical assaults by the police.
Women’s active participation in the Swadeshi movement was a notable aspect. Women from the urban middle classes, who were traditionally confined to the domestic sphere, defied societal norms and joined processions and picketing campaigns. Their involvement marked a significant shift in their roles within the nationalist movement, and they continued to play an active part in subsequent nationalist activities.
The Swadeshi Movement also witnessed the participation of prominent Muslims. Individuals like Abdul Rasul, a well-known barrister, Liaquat Hussain, a prominent agitator, and Guznavi, a businessman, joined the movement. However, it is important to note that the Muslim community’s response to the movement was diverse. While some Muslims actively participated, others, including middle- and upper-class individuals led by the Nawab of Dhaka, remained neutral or even supported the partition of Bengal. Some saw the creation of East Bengal as an opportunity for a Muslim-majority region. The government encouraged communal attitudes among certain Muslim leaders, and Lord Curzon himself expressed the intention to unite Muslims in Eastern Bengal.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a prominent Muslim leader, joined a revolutionary terrorist organization during this period, indicating the different approaches adopted by Muslim individuals in response to the movement.

Overall, the Swadeshi Movement saw mass participation from various sections of society, including students, women, and Muslims. While some faced opposition and repression from the government, their active involvement contributed to the movement’s strength and had a lasting impact on the nationalist movement in India.

Anti-Partition Campaign under Moderates (1903-1905)

The Anti-Partition Campaign led by the moderates from 1903 to 1905 was a significant phase preceding the formal proclamation of the Swadeshi Movement. Key leaders such as Surendranath Banerjea, K.K. Mitra, and Prithwishchandra Ray played pivotal roles in providing leadership during this period.
To resist the unjust partition of Bengal, the moderates employed various strategies. They petitioned the government, organized public meetings, wrote memoranda, and disseminated propaganda through pamphlets and newspapers like Hitabadi, Sanjibani, and Bengalee. These efforts aimed to mobilize public opinion and generate enough pressure on the government, both in India and England, to prevent the partition from taking place.
On August 7, 1905, the formal proclamation of the Swadeshi Movement was made during a massive meeting held in the Calcutta Townhall. The passage of the Boycott Resolution marked a significant turning point in the movement, symbolizing the shift towards more active resistance against the partition and British rule.
Following the proclamation, the Swadeshi Movement spread to other parts of the country, gaining momentum under the leadership of various influential figures. Bal Gangadhar Tilak led the movement in Poona and Bombay, Lala Lajpat Rai and Ajit Singh in Punjab, Syed Haider Raza in Delhi, and Chidambaram Pillai in Madras. The movement’s reach expanded, and its principles of Swadeshi and boycott gained traction nationwide.
This phase of the Anti-Partition Campaign, led by the moderates, laid the foundation for the Swadeshi Movement, which subsequently gained widespread support and became a significant force in the Indian independence movement.

Anti-Partition Campaign under Extremists (1905-08)

After the initial phase led by the moderates, the Extremists took control of the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal from 1905 to 1908. The moderates’ efforts in the Anti-Partition Campaign had yielded no tangible results, and nationalists were growing increasingly frustrated with the divisive tactics employed by the Bengal governments.
In response to the resistance and growing nationalist sentiment, the British government resorted to suppressive measures to quell the movement. These measures included brutal treatment of students, who often faced corporal punishment for their participation in nationalist activities. The singing of patriotic songs like Vande Mataram was banned, public meetings were restricted, and Swadeshi workers were subjected to prosecution and long imprisonment.
Clashes between the police and the people erupted in many towns, and numerous leaders were arrested and deported. Additionally, freedom of the press was suppressed, limiting the dissemination of nationalist ideas and information.
These repressive actions by the government further fueled the extremist sentiment within the Swadeshi Movement. The Extremists sought more radical methods to confront British rule and achieve independence, leading to the rise of revolutionary terrorism as a means to combat the oppressive regime.

Overall, the period between 1905 and 1908 witnessed a shift in the Swadeshi Movement’s leadership and a growing frustration among nationalists due to the government’s suppressive measures, which ultimately influenced the movement’s transformation towards more extremist approaches.

Government Acts For Repressing Swadeshi Movement

The British government implemented a series of repressive measures to quell the Swadeshi Movement and the associated Boycott Movement. These measures were aimed at curbing the growth and impact of the nationalist movement in India. Some of the notable acts and laws introduced by the government include:

Seditious Meeting Act (1907): This act was enacted to restrict public gatherings, rallies, and processions that were deemed seditious or had the potential to incite anti-government sentiments. It aimed to control and suppress the public mobilization and expression of nationalist ideas.
Criminal Law Amendment Act (1908): This act provided the government with extensive powers to arrest and detain individuals involved in seditious activities. It allowed for harsh punishments and longer prison terms for those found guilty of offences against the state.
Indian Newspapers (Incitement to Offenses) Act (1908): This act imposed strict censorship and control over the press, particularly newspapers. It aimed to prevent the publication of articles, reports, or opinions that could incite anti-government activities or promote nationalist sentiments.
Explosive Substances Act (1908): This act was primarily aimed at curbing revolutionary activities and the use of explosive substances by nationalist groups. It granted authorities the power to take action against individuals involved in manufacturing, possessing, or distributing explosives.
Indian Press Act (1910): This act further strengthened government control over the press by imposing stricter regulations and censorship. It empowered authorities to suppress publications, suspend or cancel licenses of newspapers, and take legal action against journalists and publishers.
These acts and laws were designed to suppress the Swadeshi Movement and restrict the spread of nationalist ideas and activities. They allowed the British government to control public gatherings, limit the dissemination of information, and crack down on individuals involved in nationalist movements, thereby hindering the progress and impact of the Swadeshi Movement.

Swadeshi Movement – Significance

The Swadeshi Movement holds immense significance in the history of the Indian independence movement. Here are some key aspects of its significance:

Shift towards Direct Political Action: The Swadeshi Movement marked a departure from the earlier approach of relying solely on petitions and prayers to the British government. It embraced direct political action, such as boycotts and protests, to challenge British policies and assert Indian demands.
Demand for Repealing Bengal Partition: Initially, the Swadeshi Movement focused on opposing the unjust partition of Bengal. It aimed to have the partition annulled, reflecting the movement’s determination to safeguard the unity and integrity of Bengal.
The Struggle for Complete Freedom: Over time, the Swadeshi Movement expanded its goals beyond the annulment of partition. It evolved into a broader movement advocating for complete freedom from foreign domination. It became a significant step towards the larger objective of Indian independence.
Economic Boycott: The Swadeshi Movement employed the strategy of boycott, primarily targeting British goods, to economically pressure the British government. By promoting the use of Indian goods and discouraging the consumption of foreign products, the movement aimed to weaken British economic interests in India.
Cultural Renaissance: The Swadeshi Movement witnessed a cultural resurgence, particularly in Bengal. It created a platform for artistic and literary expressions that reflected nationalist sentiments. Eminent figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Rajanikanto Sen contributed patriotic compositions, poems, and writings, which resonated with the masses and inspired a sense of pride in their cultural heritage.
Mass Participation: The Swadeshi Movement saw widespread participation from various sections of society, including students, women, and professionals. It mobilized and united people across different social and economic backgrounds, fostering a sense of national identity and solidarity.

Overall, the Swadeshi Movement played a crucial role in galvanizing the Indian masses, promoting self-reliance, and shaping the discourse of Indian nationalism. It laid the foundation for future movements and set the stage for a more assertive struggle against British colonial rule.

Swadeshi Movement – Impact

The Swadeshi Movement had a profound impact on various aspects of Indian society and the freedom struggle. Here are some of its notable impacts:

Economic Impact: The movement led to a significant decline in the import of foreign goods during the period from 1905 to 1908. The boycott and emphasis on using Indian-made products encouraged the growth of indigenous industries, such as textile mills, soap and match factories, tanneries, and more. It revitalized the Indian cottage industry, promoting self-sufficiency and economic empowerment.
Rise of Nationalism and Extremism: The Swadeshi Movement sparked a sense of extreme nationalism among young people. Some individuals turned to more radical methods, including acts of violence, to challenge British dominance and assert Indian independence. This shift towards extremism played a crucial role in shaping the course of the freedom struggle.
Political Concessions: The pressure exerted by the Swadeshi Movement compelled the British government to make certain concessions. The Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909 were introduced as a response to Indian demands. These reforms aimed to provide limited political representation for Indians, particularly the educated elite. Gopal Krishna Gokhale, a prominent moderate leader, played a key role in advocating for these reforms.
Educational and Cultural Development: The Swadeshi Movement spurred the establishment of Swadeshi institutions. The Bengal National College and other national schools and colleges were founded with the vision of promoting Indian culture and education. The National Council of Education, formed in 1906, played a crucial role in organizing the national education system. Additionally, initiatives like Rabindranath Tagore’s Shantiniketan fostered a renaissance in Indian literature, arts, and intellectual pursuits.
Social Boycott: The movement not only advocated for the boycott of foreign goods but also resulted in a social boycott of those associated with them. Both buyers and sellers of foreign goods faced social ostracism, highlighting the collective efforts to reject British influence and promote self-reliance.
Symbolic Acts: The Swadeshi Movement involved symbolic acts such as burning foreign goods, particularly clothing, sugar, and salt, as a means of protest and defiance against British rule. These acts aimed to showcase the commitment to indigenous production and self-sufficiency.

Overall, the Swadeshi Movement left a lasting impact on various spheres of Indian society, including the economy, education, culture, and political consciousness. It ignited a sense of national pride, self-reliance, and a determination to challenge British dominance, laying the foundation for future movements in the struggle for independence.

Swadeshi Movement – Issues

Lack of Hindu-Muslim Unity: The Swadeshi movement faced challenges in uniting Hindus and Muslims. The efforts of leaders like Nawab Salimullah of Dhaka and the establishment of the Muslim League created divisions and led to separate electorates for Muslims. This divisive approach hindered the formation of a unified mass movement.
Limited Mass Base: The Swadeshi movement struggled to gain a broad mass base. The focus on political issues and the lack of addressing the concerns of peasants and other marginalized groups limited the movement’s appeal and participation.
Neglect of Peasants’ Grievances: The Swadeshi movement did not effectively address the grievances of peasants, such as the land revenue system, tenant rights, and land grabbing. These issues were important to the rural population, but the movement did not adequately address their concerns, which resulted in the peasants not actively participating in the movement.
Role of Bengal Partition: The partition of Bengal from 1903 to 1908 served as a catalyst for the Swadeshi Movement. The decision to divide Bengal sparked widespread dissatisfaction and acted as a trigger for the movement. However, despite its initial impetus, the movement faced challenges in sustaining momentum and addressing broader socio-economic issues.
It is important to note that while the Swadeshi movement had its limitations and faced challenges, it still played a significant role in fostering nationalistic sentiments, promoting self-reliance, and laying the groundwork for future movements in the Indian independence struggle.

Swadeshi Movement – Reasons for Failure

The Swadeshi movement faced several challenges that contributed to its eventual failure. Here are some reasons for its failure:

Repression by the British Government: The British government employed repressive measures to suppress the movement, which led to the withdrawal of revolutionaries and activists from the public sphere. Severe repression weakened the movement and disrupted its activities.
Lack of Formal Party Structure: The Swadeshi movement lacked a formal party structure, which hindered effective organization and coordination. Without a centralized leadership and organizational framework, the movement faced difficulties in sustaining its momentum and implementing strategies.
Arrest and Retirement of Leaders: The movement suffered setbacks due to the arrest of prominent leaders and their subsequent retirement from active participation. The absence of influential leaders like Aurobindo Ghosh and Bipin Chandra Pal deprived the movement of their leadership and guidance.
Surat Split and Leadership Fragmentation: The Surat split in 1907, during the Indian National Congress session, resulted in a division among the movement’s leadership. The split weakened the unity of the leadership and created internal conflicts, which further undermined the movement’s effectiveness.
Limited Mass Appeal: The Swadeshi movement primarily appealed to the upper-middle class and urban population. It failed to effectively reach and mobilize the masses, particularly the peasantry. The movement’s focus on nationalist and economic issues did not address the grievances and aspirations of the broader population, limiting its mass appeal.
Inability to Practice Non-cooperation and Passive Resistance: While non-cooperation and passive resistance was advocated by the movement, they were not effectively put into practice. The challenges of organizing and coordinating such actions on a large scale, coupled with the repression by the government, hindered the implementation of these strategies.
Inability to Sustain High Pitch and Momentum: The Swadeshi movement struggled to maintain the high level of enthusiasm and momentum it initially achieved. As the movement progressed, it faced challenges in sustaining public interest and participation, leading to a decline in its impact.
It is important to note that while the Swadeshi movement faced these obstacles and eventually waned, it played a crucial role in shaping Indian nationalism, inspiring future movements, and raising awareness about self-reliance and indigenous industries.

Conclusion

The Swadeshi movement emerged as a response to the partition of Bengal and aimed to promote self-sufficiency, economic empowerment, and nationalistic sentiments among Indians. While the movement had its successes in reducing foreign imports, revitalizing Indian industries, and fostering cultural resurgence, it also faced significant challenges and ultimately fell short of achieving its broader goals.
The movement’s failure can be attributed to factors such as repression by the British government, the lack of a formal party structure, the arrest and retirement of key leaders, internal divisions within the leadership, limited mass appeal, and the inability to sustain non-cooperation and passive resistance. These factors undermined the movement’s ability to mobilize a broad-based mass movement and implement its strategies effectively.
Despite its limitations and ultimate failure, the Swadeshi movement made significant contributions to the Indian independence movement and had a lasting impact on the country’s national consciousness. It sparked a sense of national pride and self-reliance, promoted indigenous industries, and laid the groundwork for future nationalist movements. The movement’s emphasis on cultural revitalization and the promotion of indigenous goods and education also left a lasting legacy.

Overall, the Swadeshi movement remains an important chapter in India’s struggle for independence, highlighting the challenges and complexities involved in challenging colonial rule and promoting nationalistic aspirations. It served as a precursor to later movements and laid the foundation for the larger fight against British imperialism in the years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What were the main causes that led to the initiation of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905?

Answer: The Swadeshi Movement of 1905 was triggered by the partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon. The main causes included administrative reasons, such as making Bengal more manageable, and political motives, such as the British attempt to divide and weaken the nationalist movement. The decision to divide Bengal along religious lines angered Indians, as it was seen as an attempt to create religious discord. The socio-economic impact of the partition, with the disruption of trade and the displacement of people, further fueled discontent. The Swadeshi Movement emerged as a response to these perceived injustices, with a call to promote Indian goods and self-reliance.

2. How did the Swadeshi Movement manifest itself, and what were its key features?

Answer: The Swadeshi Movement manifested itself through various means. One prominent feature was the boycott of British goods. Indians were urged to buy and use only Indian-made products, promoting self-sufficiency and economic independence. Symbolic acts like the public burning of foreign goods became powerful expressions of protest. Another key aspect was the promotion of indigenous industries and products, aiming to reduce dependence on British imports. Swadeshi also extended to the educational and cultural spheres, encouraging the establishment of national schools and the use of Swadeshi languages. The movement had a pan-Indian character and involved people from different sections of society.

3. How did the Boycott Movement complement the Swadeshi Movement, and what impact did it have on the nationalistic sentiment?

Answer: The Boycott Movement was a strategic component of the Swadeshi Movement. It involved the boycott of British goods, educational institutions, and administrative services. Indians were encouraged to shun all things British, symbolizing a rejection of colonial authority. The movement gained momentum with the support of leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal. The economic impact of the boycott, coupled with the widespread participation of the masses, sent a strong message of unity and resistance. The Boycott Movement played a crucial role in fostering a sense of nationalism and self-determination, laying the groundwork for future independence movements in India.

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