Question

With reference to the growth of National consciousness in India, explain each of the following:

The impact of the Swadeshi and the Boycott Movement.

Answer 1

The impact of the Swadeshi and the Boycott Movement were:
i. Encouragement to the Indigenous or the local industries: As people began to boycott British goods and started using ‘swadeshi’ goods, local Indian industries were immensely benefitted. The movement gave a stimulus to the cotton textile industries and many other small industries like soap and match factories were established.

ii. Stimulus to National Education: During the movement, people realised the importance of national education. Hence many schools at the primary and secondary level were opened in many cities.

iii. Employment to craftsmen: Many craftsmen and weavers had lost their source of earning due to the economic policies of the British. As the Swadeshi and the Boycott movement gave impetus to the handloom and weaving industries, craftsmen and weavers were now able to find work opportunities.

iv. The emergence of Patriotic revolutionary Groups: The Swadeshi and the Boycott movements gave rise to the feeling of nationalism among Indians. As the participation of people increased, the government used repressive measures to suppress the movement. This created anger among the youth and many revolutionary groups began operating in states like Bengal, Maharashtra, Punjab etc.