Boycott and Swadeshi Movement (1905–1911)
Notes for UPSC, JKSSB, JKPSC, SSC & Other Competitive Exams
Introduction
The Boycott and Swadeshi Movement was one of the most significant mass movements in the history of India's freedom struggle. It emerged as a reaction to the Partition of Bengal (1905) by Lord Curzon. The movement marked the transition from moderate politics to active mass participation and laid the foundation for future national movements.
The movement encouraged Indians to:
Boycott British goods.
Promote indigenous industries.
Strengthen national education.
Build self-reliance and national consciousness.
This movement began in 1905 after the Partition of Bengal and became the first large-scale mass movement against British rule.
In this article, we will cover:
Causes
Objectives
Leaders
Major Events
Impact
Important MCQs
Let's begin.
Why Was Bengal Partitioned?
On 16 October 1905, Lord Curzon divided Bengal into:
| Province | Majority Population |
|---|---|
| Eastern Bengal & Assam | Muslim Majority |
| Western Bengal | Hindu Majority |
The British claimed administrative convenience, but Indians believed it was a policy of Divide and Rule.
Beginning of the Movement
On 7 August 1905, a historic meeting was held at:
Town Hall
A resolution was passed to boycott British goods.
This marked the beginning of the Swadeshi Movement.
Four Pillars of the Movement
1. Boycott
Foreign cloth burned publicly.
British goods rejected.
Foreign sugar and salt boycotted.
2. Swadeshi
Use of Indian-made products.
Promotion of local industries.
Indigenous entrepreneurship encouraged.
3. National Education
National educational institutions were established.
Examples:
National Council of Education
Bengal National College
4. Self-Government
Demand for Swaraj gradually emerged.
Important Leaders
| Leader | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Surendranath Banerjee | Organized protests |
| Bipin Chandra Pal | Mass mobilization |
| Bal Gangadhar Tilak | Spread movement beyond Bengal |
| Lala Lajpat Rai | Popularized Swadeshi |
| Aurobindo Ghosh | Ideological leadership |
| Rabindranath Tagore | Raksha Bandhan campaign |
Methods Adopted
Economic Boycott
Boycott of British textiles.
Boycott of British manufactured goods.
Social Boycott
Refusal to cooperate with British institutions.
Educational Boycott
Students left government schools and colleges.
Passive Resistance
Non-cooperation with colonial authorities.
Role of Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore organized the Raksha Bandhan Ceremony to symbolize Hindu-Muslim unity against Bengal's partition.
Impact of the Movement
Political Impact
Growth of nationalism.
Rise of extremist leaders.
Increased public participation.
Economic Impact
Growth of Indian industries.
Increase in indigenous production.
Educational Impact
National schools established.
Promotion of technical education.
Cultural Impact
Revival of Indian culture.
Growth of patriotic literature and songs.
Important Outcomes
Positive Outcomes
✔ Rise of national consciousness
✔ Expansion of Indian industries
✔ Participation of students and women
✔ Growth of revolutionary nationalism
Negative Outcomes
✘ Limited rural participation
✘ Government repression
✘ Internal divisions within Congress
Surat Split (1907)
Differences arose between Moderates and Extremists.
The Indian National Congress split at:
Surat
Leaders involved:
Moderates: Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Extremists: Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Annulment of Bengal Partition
In 1911:
The British government cancelled the Partition of Bengal.
This was considered a major success of the Swadeshi Movement.
Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1903 | Partition proposal announced |
| 1905 | Partition of Bengal |
| 7 Aug 1905 | Boycott resolution passed |
| 16 Oct 1905 | Partition implemented |
| 1906 | Swadeshi Movement expanded |
| 1907 | Surat Split |
| 1911 | Partition annulled |
Examination-Oriented Important Points
One-Liners
Swadeshi Movement started in 1905.
Immediate cause was Partition of Bengal.
Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal.
Boycott Resolution passed on 7 August 1905.
Town Hall, Calcutta was the venue.
Swadeshi means "of one's own country."
Partition annulled in 1911.
Surat Split occurred in 1907.
Lal-Bal-Pal were major leaders.
National education was a key feature.
MCQs
Q1. The immediate cause of the Swadeshi Movement was:
A. Vernacular Press Act
B. Partition of Bengal
C. Rowlatt Act
D. Ilbert Bill
Answer: B
Q2. Who partitioned Bengal in 1905?
A. Lord Ripon
B. Lord Curzon
C. Lord Minto
D. Lord Hardinge
Answer: B
Q3. The Swadeshi Movement started in:
A. 1885
B. 1901
C. 1905
D. 1919
Answer: C
Q4. Which city became the centre of the Swadeshi Movement?
A. Bombay
B. Madras
C. Lahore
D. Calcutta
Answer: D
Q5. Which of the following was a principle of the movement?
A. Boycott
B. Swadeshi
C. National Education
D. All of these
Answer: D
Statement-Type MCQs
Q1
Consider the following statements:
Swadeshi Movement began after Partition of Bengal.
Lord Curzon introduced the partition.
Bengal Partition was annulled in 1911.
Choose the correct answer:
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Q2
Consider the following statements:
Boycott of foreign goods was a major feature.
National schools were established.
The movement demanded complete independence from the beginning.
Choose the correct answer:
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
Match the Following
Q1
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| A. Lord Curzon | 1. Partition of Bengal |
| B. Rabindranath Tagore | 2. Raksha Bandhan Campaign |
| C. Bipin Chandra Pal | 3. Swadeshi Leader |
| D. 1911 | 4. Partition Annulled |
Codes
A–1, B–2, C–3, D–4
Answer: Correct Match
Q2
| Movement Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| A. Boycott | 1. Rejection of British Goods |
| B. Swadeshi | 2. Promotion of Indigenous Products |
| C. National Education | 3. Indian Institutions |
| D. Passive Resistance | 4. Non-Cooperation |
Answer
A–1, B–2, C–3, D–4
UPSC/JKSSB Revision Box
✔ Partition of Bengal – 1905
✔ Lord Curzon – Architect of Partition
✔ Swadeshi Movement – First Mass Nationalist Movement
✔ Boycott Resolution – 7 August 1905
✔ Surat Split – 1907
✔ Partition Annulled – 1911
✔ Major Leaders – Lal, Bal, Pal, Aurobindo, Surendranath Banerjee
✔ Core Principles – Boycott, Swadeshi, National Education, Self-Government
Exam Tip: Questions from the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement are frequently asked in UPSC, JKSSB, JKPSC, SSC,and State PCS examinations, especially regarding the causes, leaders, timeline, and outcomes of the movement.