UPSC Prelims 2019 Q5: Modern History – Early Nationalism & Indian National Congress (1885 - 1915)
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
Swadeshi Movement (1905-1911): Constructive Programmes
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revived indigenous artisan crafts and industries | TRUE | Boycott of foreign goods triggered a revival of khadi, hand-loom weaving, indigenous soap/match/glass factories. Swadeshi Steam Navigation Co, Bengal Chemicals, Bengal National Bank were established. |
| 2 | National Council of Education (NCE) was established as part of Swadeshi | TRUE | NCE was founded on 15 August 1906 in Calcutta to provide national education in arts, sciences and technology outside the colonial system. It later became Jadavpur University. |
Both statements are correct. Swadeshi Movement had three prongs: (i) Boycott of foreign goods, (ii) Swadeshi promotion of indigenous industry, (iii) National education to replace colonial curriculum.
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also correct - the National Council of Education was a direct product of Swadeshi.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also correct - Swadeshi did revive indigenous crafts/industries.
- (c) CORRECT. Both statements are true. Swadeshi's constructive programme included industrial revival AND national education (NCE, 1906).
- (d) Incorrect. Both statements are historically accurate.
Key point
Swadeshi (1905-11): Boycott + Swadeshi + National Education. National Council of Education (Aug 1906) -> later Jadavpur University. Indigenous industries revived (Bengal Chemicals, Swadeshi Steam Nav, Bengal National Bank).
Remember
The Swadeshi Movement (1905-1911) revived indigenous crafts and industries (khadi, Bengal Chemicals, Swadeshi Steam Navigation Co.) AND established the National Council of Education in August 1906, which later evolved into Jadavpur University. Both statements are correct.
Common mistakes
- Confusing National Council of Education (Swadeshi era) with Wardha Scheme of Basic Education (Gandhi, 1937).
- Assuming Swadeshi was only political (boycott) - it had a strong constructive economic and educational agenda.
- Missing that NCE became Bengal Technical Institute -> College of Engineering -> Jadavpur University.
Exam tip
Swadeshi triad: BOYCOTT (of foreign goods) + SWADESHI (indigenous production) + NATIONAL EDUCATION (alternative institutions). Leaders: Aurobindo, Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai.
Sources
- NCERT Class 12 - Themes in Indian History Part III (Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement)
- Bipan Chandra - India's Struggle for Independence (Swadeshi Movement chapter)