With reference to Swadeshi Movement, consider the following statements:
- It contributed to the revival of the indigenous artisan crafts and industries.
- The National Council of Education was established as a part of the Swadeshi Movement.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
- In 1905, Curzon announced the partition of Bengal, an attempt to disrupt the growing national movement in Bengal and divide the Hindus and Muslims of the region. This led to the Anti-Partition Movement (Swadeshi and Boycott Movement). An important aspect of the Swadeshi Movement was its emphasis on self-reliance, or ‘Atmashakti’. In the economic field, self-reliance meant encouraging indigenous industries and other enterprises. Many textile mills, soap and match factories, handloom weaving concerns, national banks, and insurance companies were opened.
Statement 2 is correct
- The boycott of schools and colleges forced the leaders of the Swadeshi movement to consider running a parallel education system in Bengal. Soon, appeals were made, donations were collected, and distinguished persons came forward to formulate programmes for national education.
- National educational institutions where literary, technical, or physical education was imparted were opened by nationalists.
- On 25 July 1906, Bengal Technical Institute was established.
- On 15 August 1906, a National Council of Education was set up.
- A National College with Aurobindo Ghose as principal was started in Calcutta. The college was inspired by Tagore’s Shantiniketan, which was established in 1901
