Approach:

• Introduction: Start by giving a picture about the national movement prior to the beginning of the Swadeshi movement and connect it to the launch of this movement.
• Body: In the first para, briefly describe the course of the movement. In the main part, explain how the movement can be considered to have brought a revolution in the Indian freedom struggle.
• Conclusion: Briefly summarise the answer, reemphasising the importance of the Swadeshi movement.

Ans: Before the Swadeshi Movement, the Indian national movement was primarily focused on petitions and moderate political reforms through the Indian National Congress (INC). The leaders mainly sought constitutional reforms and administrative changes from the British. However, the partition of Bengal in 1905 by Lord Curzon triggered widespread anger and marked a shift towards more assertive actions, leading to the launch of the Swadeshi Movement. Course of the Swadeshi Movement

The Swadeshi Movement began in 1905 as a response to the partition of Bengal. It involved boycotting British goods and promoting Indian-made products. The movement spread from Bengal to other parts of India, involving students, women, and various sections of society. Key activities included organizing protests, establishing swadeshi (indigenous) enterprises, and promoting national education.

How the Movement Brought a Revolution in the Indian Freedom Struggle

1. Shift from Moderate to Extremist Methods: The Swadeshi Movement marked a shift from moderate, petition-based methods to more aggressive and direct actions like boycotts and strikes. Leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai (known as the Lal-Bal-Pal trio) advocated for more radical approaches.
2. Mass Participation: For the first time, the movement saw widespread participation from various sections of society, including students, women, and workers. This mass involvement created a stronger, more united front against British rule. For example, students boycotted British schools and colleges to join national educational institutions, and women like Sarala Devi and Basanti Devi organized and led protests and picketing of foreign goods.
3. Economic Self-Reliance: The emphasis on swadeshi goods encouraged the development of local industries and reduced dependence on British products. This economic strategy aimed to hurt British economic interests in India and foster self-reliance. Leaders like Jamshedji Tata played a significant role by setting up industries such as Tata Iron and Steel Company. The establishment of Swadeshi enterprises like the Bengal Chemical and Pharmaceutical Works by Prafulla Chandra Ray also highlighted this trend.
4. Cultural Revival: The Swadeshi Movement also focused on reviving Indian culture and traditions. Festivals, songs, and literature celebrating Indian heritage were promoted to instill a sense of pride and unity among Indians. Rabindranath Tagore wrote patriotic songs like “Amar Sonar Bangla” to inspire people, and public celebrations of traditional festivals such as Ganapati and Shivaji festivals were popularized by Bal Gangadhar Tilak to unify people and strengthen nationalist sentiments.
5. National Education: The movement led to the establishment of national schools and colleges, promoting education that was free from British influence. Institutions like the Bengal National College were founded to provide an alternative to British-run educational institutions. Aurobindo Ghose, a prominent leader, was one of the key figures involved in setting up these institutions to offer nationalist education.
6. Political Awareness: The movement significantly increased political awareness and consciousness among the Indian populace. It educated people about their rights and the exploitative nature of British rule, fostering a stronger national identity. Newspapers like “Kesari” edited by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and “Bande Mataram” edited by Aurobindo Ghose played critical roles in spreading nationalist ideas and mobilizing public opinion against British rule.

Conclusion

The Swadeshi Movement was a revolutionary phase in the Indian freedom struggle. It marked a shift towards more active resistance against British rule, promoted economic self-reliance, and involved a broad spectrum of Indian society. Despite facing repression, the movement laid the groundwork for future struggles and emphasized the importance of unity and self-reliance in the fight for independence. The Swadeshi Movement thus played a crucial role in transforming the Indian national movement into a mass movement.