Summary

Summary - Rise of Extremism and Swadeshi Movement

The swadeshi campaigns in the wake of partition of Bengal are watershed moments in the history of anti-colonial struggles.

Besides building new techniques of political propaganda, the movement also gave impetus to carry on a sustained resistance even in the Gandhian phase of freedom movement.

It was also a communication revolution as the Swadeshi movement resulted in a shift from English to swadeshi language (regional language) as the medium of political propaganda.

The swadeshi movement also led to the emergence of youth who remained fascinated by the idea of taking to violence.

The swadeshi atmosphere richly contributed to an interest in history, literature, and poetry on patriotism and nationalism in vernacular languages.

The militants, however, failed to connect the nationalist slogans with larger economic grievances and the mass contact programmes, as the British unleashed violence against the nationalists.

The use of religion and religious symbols to mobilize the Hindus alienated Muslims.