Question

Which of the following movements started as a protest against partition of Bengal in 1905?
A. Swadeshi Movement
B. Non-Cooperation Movement
C. Civil Disobedience Movement
D. Quit India Movement

Answer 1

Hint: The Partition of Bengal initiated a movement in India in the year 1905 which was later taken up by Mahatma Gandhi for the Independence movement. Later on, this formed the basis of the industrial growth of India.

Complete answer: Swadeshi movement laid emphasis on the concept of ‘self-reliance’ and the practice of boycotting English goods. Another element of the movement was constructive self-help programmes for social and economic improvement of villages. Several swadeshi economic enterprises were set up and a fresh wave of nationalist awareness was created. This was done through nationalist literature, magazines, newspapers, pamphlets, theatre, music and other forms of art.
British constantly retaliated, threatening the movement and using legal ways.One technique issuing the Carlyle circular and rusticating students. Alongside, the Swadeshi nationalist understood the importance of education and set up their own schools and colleges as the Bengal National College.
The other movements were launched later on under the leadership of Indian National Congress and Gandhi. Non- cooperation movement was launched alongside Khilafat movement as an attempt to build Hindu-Muslim unity against British, but the infamous Chauri Chaura brought it to a halt.
Civil Disobedience was the next mass movement that started with the Dandi salt march. It echoed the idea of ‘Poorna Swaraj’ for the first time but then ended in compromise through the Gandhi Irwin pact.
Quit India Movement was launched in 1942 as the Cripps mission failed to discontinue Indian war participation. This movement resulted from war weariness, but then couldn’t lead to mass mobilization. Even British took a very strict military stand leading to early suppression.

Hence, The option A is the correct answer.

Note: Swadeshi movement not restricted to Bengal itself rather spread to other areas too. In the Bombay presidency, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Savarkar brothers took the leadership; Ajit Singh and Lala Lajpat Rai in Punjab and north-western parts; Chidambaram Pillai in Madras presidency; etc.