What was the immediate cause for the launch of the Swadeshi Movement?

1. The partition of Bengal done by Lord Curzon.
2. A sentence of eighteen months rigorous imprisonment imposed on Lokmanya Tilak.
3. The arrest and deportation of Lala Lajpat Rai and Ajit Singh, and passing of the Punjab Colonisation Bill.
4. Death sentence pronounced on the Chapekar brothers.

Explanation

Option (a) is correct

• The Swadeshi Movement was launched in 1905 as a direct response to the Partition of Bengal announced by Lord Curzon. The partition was perceived as a deliberate attempt to divide Bengal on communal lines and weaken the nationalist movement. The movement promoted self-reliance (Swadeshi) by boycotting foreign goods and using Indian products, uniting diverse groups in a nationwide movement for self-rule, and leading to a significant cultural and political awakening.

Answer: (a) The partition of Bengal done by Lord Curzon