Who Started the Swadeshi Movement?

The Swadeshi Movement started in a crucial phase in India’s fight for independence from British colonial rule. Led by prominent leaders of India’s freedom struggle, this movement aimed at promoting indigenous goods and boycotting foreign products to protest against the oppressive policies of the British government. One of the questions that often arises when discussing the Swadeshi Movement is, “Who Started the Swadeshi Movement?”. Let’s together find the answer to this question.

Background of the Swadeshi Movement

• The Swadeshi Movement was officially launched at the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress in 1905.
• The movement was a response to the British government’s decision of Lord Curzon to partition Bengal, which was seen as a divide-and-rule tactic to weaken the unity among Indians.
• The partition of Bengal sparked widespread protests and led to the emergence of the Swadeshi Movement as a powerful tool against British colonialism.

Also Read – Popular Struggles and Movements 

 Leaders of the Swadeshi Movement

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak: A prominent nationalist leader, Bal Gangadhar Tilak emphasized the importance of self-reliance and the use of indigenous goods.
• Lala Lajpat Rai: Known as the ‘Lion of Punjab,’ Lala Lajpat Rai was another ardent supporter of the Swadeshi Movement. He advocated for the boycott of British goods and encouraged the use of Indian products.
• Annie Besant: A strong advocate of India’s freedom struggle, Annie Besant actively participated in the Swadeshi Movement and urged Indians to support the indigenous industries.

Leaders	Places
Bal Gangadhar Tilak	Pune
Syed Haider Raza	Delhi
Lala Lajpat Rai and Ajit Singh	Punjab
Hari Sarvottam Rao	Andhra Pradesh
C. Pillai	Madras

Who Started the Swadeshi Movement?

• The Swadeshi Movement was initiated by Aurobindo Ghosh and Bipin Chandra Pal along with several nationalist leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, W.C Bonnerjee, etc.
• Bipin Chandra Pal, along with Aurobindo Ghosh, were instrumental in spreading the message of Swadeshi across the country. They emphasized the need for economic independence and self-sufficiency to challenge British supremacy.
• Other leaders who indirectly supported the movements were Rabindranath Tagore, K.K Mitra, PC Ray, etc

Relevant Blogs

Non-Cooperation Movement	Civil Disobedience Movement in India
Tribal Movement in India	Poona Pact
Peasant Movements in India	Indigo Rebellion
Santhal Rebellion	Quit India Movement

This blog was all about those who started the Swadeshi Movement. If you want to read more articles like this, you can get Short notes on the Modern History of India here. Also, you can visit our general knowledge page on Indian History!