Class 10 | PARTITION OF BENGAL AND SWADESHI MOVEMENT | Part-2 | SEBA | History | Social Science

Summary

This video discusses the Partition of Bengal and the Swadeshi Movement, exploring the reasons behind the British decision to divide Bengal and the subsequent Indian resistance. Prominent leaders like Surendranath Banerjee, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Rabindranath Tagore played key roles in raising awareness and organizing protests against the partition. The Swadeshi Movement, aimed at boycotting foreign goods and promoting indigenous products, gained significant momentum, with widespread support from students and women. The video also covers the cultural and educational impact of the movement, emphasizing the importance of national unity and self-reliance in India's fight for independence.

Takeaways

• 😀 The British government’s partition of Bengal in 1905 was against the will of the people and aimed to divide the region along religious lines.
• 😀 Intellectual leaders like Surendranath Banerjee, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Rabindranath Tagore actively opposed the partition by raising awareness and spreading anti-partition propaganda.
• 😀 A petition with 70,000 signatures was submitted to the British Secretary of State for India, demanding the reversal of the partition of Bengal.
• 😀 The partition sparked widespread protests, which led to the launch of the Swadeshi Movement, with Indians boycotting foreign goods and promoting indigenous products.
• 😀 Public protests against the partition gained huge support, with rallies, meetings, and public endorsements from influential figures like Rabindranath Tagore.
• 😀 On October 16, 1905, the day the partition was officially implemented, Bengal observed a National Mourning Day, with symbolic acts like the tying of 'Rakhi' by the people.
• 😀 The Swadeshi Movement, initially centered in Bengal, quickly spread across India, gaining support from regions like Maharashtra, South India, and North-East India.
• 😀 The movement led to the rise of nationalist literature, including newspapers, articles, and patriotic songs, which played a significant role in spreading the cause.
• 😀 The contribution of women, particularly leaders like Sarala Devi Chowdhury and Sister Nivedita, was crucial in mobilizing youth and women to participate in the Swadeshi Movement.
• 😀 Educational and cultural institutions were established during the Swadeshi Movement, such as the Bengal Technical Institute (which later became Jadavpur University) and the National Education Council.

Q & A

Why did the British partition Bengal despite opposition from the people of Bengal?

The British government partitioned Bengal in 1905 to divide and rule. The decision was made against the wishes of the people, with the intent of weakening Bengali unity and resistance to British rule.

Who were the key leaders opposing the partition of Bengal?

Key leaders opposing the partition included Surendranath Banerjee, Bipin Chandra Pal, Arvind Ghosh, Rabindranath Tagore, Ras Bihari Bose, and others who understood the conspiracy of the British government.

What was the Swadeshi Movement and how did it begin?

The Swadeshi Movement was a public resistance against the British partition of Bengal. It began with widespread protests and a boycott of foreign goods, encouraging the use of domestically produced goods, symbolizing unity and self-reliance.

What role did literature and media play during the Swadeshi Movement?

Literature, newspapers, magazines, songs, and articles played a significant role in spreading awareness about the British partition. Key publications like 'Sanjiwani' and 'Vande Mataram' helped raise nationalist consciousness.

What was the significance of the 'Vande Mataram' song in the Swadeshi Movement?

'Vande Mataram' became a powerful patriotic anthem, sung during protests and rallies. Written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and popularized by Rabindranath Tagore, it inspired a sense of unity and national pride.

How did the student community contribute to the Swadeshi Movement?

Students actively participated in the Swadeshi Movement by organizing protests, boycotting foreign goods, and even staging walkouts from their classrooms. They played a vital role in spreading the message of nationalism.

What were the consequences of the Swadeshi Movement on national education?

The movement led to the establishment of several nationalist institutions and schools, focusing on Indian education and distancing from British control. Key institutions like the Bengal National College and the National Education Council were founded.

What was the role of women in the Swadeshi Movement?

Women played a crucial role in the Swadeshi Movement, with leaders like Sarala Devi Choudhuri and Sister Nivedita leading efforts to involve women and youth in the struggle for independence, emphasizing self-reliance and independence.

Why did the British government view Bengal's women as dangerous during the Swadeshi Movement?

The British government saw Bengali women as a threat to their rule, as many women actively participated in the movement, spreading resistance against British policies. A report in 'The Daily Telegraph' referred to them as 'the most obstinate and dangerous antagonists of the English.'

How did the Swadeshi Movement evolve from being a regional to a national movement?

Initially confined to Bengal, the Swadeshi Movement spread across India, with support from regions like Maharashtra, North-East India, and South India. It became a national movement for independence, uniting people from various states against British colonialism.