UPSC Prelims 2016 GS Paper I · Q49 of 100 History easy

The 'Swadeshi' and 'Boycott' were adopted as methods of struggle for the first time during the

  1. (a) agitation against the Partition of Bengal ✓ UPSC's answer
  2. (b) Home Rule Movement
  3. (c) Non-Cooperation Movement
  4. (d) visit of the Simon Commission to India

Why the answer is (a)

• Swadeshi (use of Indian goods) and boycott (of British goods, schools and institutions) were first adopted as methods of political struggle in the agitation against the Partition of Bengal, formally proclaimed at the Calcutta Town Hall meeting of 7 August 1905 — option (a).

• The Home Rule Movement (b, 1916) used petitions and propaganda; Non-Cooperation (c, 1920) and the Simon boycott (d, 1928) reused the methods later.

• Hence option (a).

Why the other options are wrong

(b) Home Rule Movement
Home Rule (1916) came after Swadeshi (1905).
(c) Non-Cooperation Movement
Non-Cooperation (1920) reused, not originated, these methods.
(d) visit of the Simon Commission to India
The Simon boycott (1928) was much later.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2016, held on 7 August 2016. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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