UPSC Prelims 2020 Q26: Modern History – Early Nationalism & Indian National Congress (1885 - 1915)
With reference to the book ‘Desher Katha’ written by Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar during the
Swadeshi Movement, consider the following statements:
1. It alerted the Indian people to the dangers of colonial rule.
2. It inspired the performance of swadeshi street plays and folk songs.
3. The use of the term ‘desh’ by Deuskar was in the specific context of the region of Bengal.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation
'Desher Katha' by Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar
Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar was a writer of Marathi origin who wrote in Bengali.
His book Desher Katha ('Story of the Country') came out in 1904.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. It alerted the Indian people to the dangers of colonial rule | Correct | It set out the economic drain under British rule and warned against the colonial state's 'hypnotic conquest of the mind' |
| 2. It inspired the performance of swadeshi street plays and folk songs | Correct | It became a source for jatras (street plays) and songs of the Swadeshi Movement |
| 3. The use of the term 'desh' by Deuskar was in the specific context of the region of Bengal | Incorrect | By 'desh' he meant the whole country, not Bengal alone |
About the book:
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Drew on | Dadabhai Naoroji and R.C. Dutt on the drain of wealth |
| Reach | Ran into several editions and sold in the thousands |
| Fate | Banned by the colonial government in 1910 |
Statements 1 and 2 are right.
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The book warned of colonial rule and inspired swadeshi plays and songs.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false and Statement 1 is true.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false; 'desh' meant the whole country, and Statement 2 is true.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 3 is false; Deuskar did not limit 'desh' to Bengal.
Key point
Desher Katha (1904) by Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar: Bengali book on the economic drain; inspired swadeshi jatras and songs; banned in 1910; 'desh' meant India.
Remember
Desher Katha = Deuskar, 1904, drain of wealth, banned 1910.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a Bengali book of the Swadeshi period must speak only of Bengal.
- Thinking Deuskar was a Bengali by origin; his family was Marathi.
- Doubting Statement 2 because a book on economics seems far from folk songs.
Exam tip
A statement that narrows a nationalist idea to one region is usually wrong. Swadeshi writers spoke for the country.
Sources
- Sumit Sarkar — The Swadeshi Movement in Bengal, 1903-1908
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence, Ch 10 (The Swadeshi Movement)