'Swadeshi' literally means

Key Points

• The term Swadeshi is derived from Sanskrit and translates to One's own country.
• It was a significant part of the Indian independence movement, promoting the use of Indian-made goods.
• Swadeshi aimed to achieve economic self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on British goods.
• The movement encouraged the boycott of foreign goods and the revival of domestic products and industries.
• It played a crucial role in uniting people against colonial rule and fostering a sense of national pride.

Additional Information

• The Swadeshi movement was notably prominent during the partition of Bengal in 1905, led by figures like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal.
• It laid the foundation for subsequent movements such as the Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience movements led by Mahatma Gandhi.
• Swadeshi also emphasized the importance of self-reliance and the development of indigenous industries, which has continued to influence Indian economic policies post-independence.