Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Briefly introduce the Indian National Congress (INC) and its formation in 1885. State that the first two decades of the INC’s existence (1885-1905) were marked by the moderate phase, where the focus was on constitutional reforms and ...
The period of Swadeshi movement, which began in 1905 amidst partition of Bengal and lasted for several years, was an important part of India's fight for independence. The objective was to avoid British products and encourage the use of Indian goods to develop a self-sufficient economy. The SwadeshiRead more
The period of Swadeshi movement, which began in 1905 amidst partition of Bengal and lasted for several years, was an important part of India’s fight for independence. The objective was to avoid British products and encourage the use of Indian goods to develop a self-sufficient economy.
The Swadeshi movement lost momentum due to severe government repression, as the British government used brutal force to suppress the protests. The authorities apprehended numerous officials, placed limits on public assemblies, and passed legislation to quash nationalist efforts.
The Swadeshi movement suffered from poor organisation and lack of discipline. The absence of strong leadership in the movement resulted in inconsistencies in direction, causing confusion among the population. There was a division within Nationalist ranks as the Swadeshi movement split into two groups – the Moderates and the Extremists. The Moderates supported peaceful demonstrations and step-by-step changes, while the Extremists pushed for more extreme actions, such as violent demonstrations. The division hindered the effectiveness of the movement, which the British government exploited.
Limited support among the masses: The Swadeshi movement had a narrow social base. The movement received its main support from the middle class and intellectuals, with little participation from the peasants, workers, and rural residents.
Crusade without a leader: The movement did not have a charismatic leader to motivate and bring together the people. The movement struggled to maintain its momentum as it lacked a leader, causing it to eventually lose its appeal.
Students were removed from public schools and colleges during prohibited public gatherings and processions. The media was placed under strict regulations. Police used it for dispersing public gatherings and assemblies.
During the Surat session in 1907, the Congress divided, causing additional harm to the Swadeshi movement.
The leaders of the movement, such as Ashwini Kumar Dutt, Krishna Kumar Mitra, Lokmanya Tilak, Ajit Singh, Lajpat Rai, Chidambaram Pillai, were swiftly targeted by the government, resulting in the movement becoming leaderless. Bipin Chandra Pal and Aurobindo Ghosh stepped down from politics together.
However, it is important to note that no mass movement can maintain a constant pace indefinitely without breaks, especially when encountering strong opposition, and this applies to the Swadeshi and boycott movements as well.
See less
Model Answer Introduction The Indian National Congress (INC), established in 1885, played a pivotal role in shaping India’s socio-political landscape during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The moderate phase of the Congress (1885-1905) was characterized by constitutionalism and gradual reforRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The Indian National Congress (INC), established in 1885, played a pivotal role in shaping India’s socio-political landscape during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The moderate phase of the Congress (1885-1905) was characterized by constitutionalism and gradual reforms. The leaders of this period, such as Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, and others, aimed to achieve self-governance through peaceful means within the British colonial framework.
Role of INC’s Ideals and Programme in Shaping Socio-Political Landscape
Official Response
Conclusion
The ideals and programs of the Indian National Congress had a significant impact on India’s political landscape, uniting the masses and fostering national consciousness. While the early years of the INC saw a moderate approach, the British response was a mixture of engagement, reform, and repression. This period laid the foundation for future, more radical movements in the Indian struggle for independence.
See less