Question

What type of flag was designed during the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal? Explain its main features.

Answer 1

Hint: The Swadeshi Movement was a part of the Indian Independence Movement and contributed to the development of Indian nationalism.

Complete answer: The Swadeshi Movement began in 1906, by the Indian nationalists who were against the partition of Bengal. It was one of the most successful movements against the British rule. Swadeshi was the idea of Mahatma Gandhi who described it as the root of Swaraj which means the self - rule. It was one of the most significant movements in Bengal. The movement came to an end in 1911. The main objective of the swadeshi movement was the boycott of foreign goods which were available in the market and use of the goods that were produced in India.
There was a tricolour flag which was designed during the swadeshi movement in Bengal. The flag was designed by Pingali Venkayya. It was Gandhi’s idea about how it should be designed but he commissioned the responsibility to Venkayya to design the flag. It was the first Indian flag which was designed. The national movement made the national leaders aware that national icons and symbols will help in unifying the people of the nation. Thus during the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal, a tricolour flag was designed.
The main features of the tricolour flag were:
1. The flag consisted of three colours-red, green and yellow.
2. It also had eight lotuses which represented the eight British provinces in India.
3. It had a crescent Moon which represented both the religions: Hindus and Muslims.
4. It consisted of a charkha in the middle.

Note: The Swadeshi Movement led to the building of self-reliance asserting on national dignity, honour and confidence. The movement led the people to learn to disobey the British without any fear.