The ‘Swadeshi’ and ‘Boycott’ were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2016 Prelims]
(a) Agitation against the Partition of Bengal
(b) Home Rule Movement
(c) Non-Cooperation Movement
(d) Visit of the Simon Commission to India
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- In July 1905, when Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, declared the partition of Bengal, the Indian National Congress responded by launching the Swadeshi movement in Bengal.
- This movement was aimed at protesting against the partition and also led to the initiation of the Boycott movement throughout the country.
- The Swadeshi movement was primarily led by key figures such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Lala Lajpat Rai.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.