Question 56 from UPSC CSE 2019 - Modern History

Question

With reference to Swadeshi Movement, consider the following statements:
1. It contributed to the revival of the indigenous artisan crafts and industries.
2. The National Council of Education was established as a part of Swadeshi Movement.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Both 1 and 2

Strategy: Focus on the historical context of the Swadeshi Movement—the central idea being self-reliance, which promoted indigenous crafts and industries, making statement 1 correct. Recall that educational initiatives, notably the establishment of the National Council of Education in 1906 in Bengal, were an integral part of the movement confirming statement 2. Both statements are thus valid.

Key Info: The Swadeshi Movement (1905–1908) emerged in response to the Partition of Bengal by the British. Its core philosophy promoted the use of 'swadeshi' (indigenous) goods and the boycott of foreign products, emphasizing economic self-reliance (Atmasakti). This led to significant efforts to revive and support indigenous crafts, artisan industries, and Indian-owned enterprises such as Bengal Chemicals, National Paper Mills, and Indian-owned textile mills. The movement also included campaigns for national education. In August 1906, the National Council of Education was founded in Bengal to develop secular, scientific, and technical education rooted in Indian needs, free from colonial influence. This institution aimed to nurture nationalist sentiment and build a modern educational infrastructure under Indian control. The Swadeshi period also witnessed the flourishing of indigenous art, literature, and cottage industries, and played a pivotal role in spreading mass political awareness.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Neither 1 nor 2

With reference to Swadeshi Movement, consider the following statements: It contributed to the revival of the indigenous artisan crafts and industries. The National Council of Education was established as a part of Swadeshi Movement. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

With reference to Swadeshi Movement, consider the following statements:

It contributed to the revival of the indigenous artisan crafts and industries.

The National Council of Education was established as a part of Swadeshi Movement.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?