Read the excerpt given below and answer the questions that follow:

It is a mistake to suppose that the Swadeshi movement requires sacrifice from poor people. We, the middle classes are the greatest offenders in this respect. The poor Kumbi villagers, require not many foreign articles at all, — probably none at all. It is we, the middle classes, who are the consumers of foreign goods; and since this Government is not going to stop the drain by imposing a protective duty it becomes imperatively necessary to adopt a measure by which we can do ourselves what the Government is bound to do and what the government ought to have done long ago. That one point was self-help and another point was determination; and the third sacrifice. You will find that all this included in this resolution, joined with the declaration made in the Presidential address that Swadeshism is a forced necessity in India owing to unnatural economic conditions in India, makes up a complete case for you. I trust that resolution of self-help adopted this year will form the basis of other resolutions of self-help in years to come.’

— Bal Gangadhar Tilak (At the 1906 session of Indian National Congress, where the resolution on Swadeshi was moved.).

(a) What was the main aim of Swadeshi as referred to in the extract? How does, it relate to 'boycott'?

(b) What are the reasons for focussing on Swadeshi?

(c) In what ways is the speaker of this extract the forerunner of Gandhiji?

(a) The main aim of the Swadeshi movement, as referred to in the excerpt, was to promote self-reliance, economic independence, and reduce dependence on British goods. It encouraged Indians to use Indian-made goods and actively boycott foreign products. The British government continued drain by imposing a protective duty and there was a need to start self-help.

The Swadeshi movement and the concept of ‘boycott’ were closely intertwined. Indians actively boycotted British-manufactured goods. The movement emphasized using Khadi (hand-spun cloth) and other Indian-made or swadeshi products. The boycott of foreign goods gave an economical jolt to the government and Indian goods were there to fulfill the demand generated by the boycott.

(b) The primary aim of the Swadeshi movement was to promote self-reliance and reduce dependence on British goods. Indians wanted to create an indigenous economy by supporting Indian-made products. Swadeshi aimed to revive traditional crafts and promote local industries. By supporting Indian products, people could strengthen their own economy. Also, the movement fostered a sense of national identity and unity.

(c) Tilak was the forerunner of Mahatma Gandhi in following ways:

• Tilak’s idea of Swaraj was akin to Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of complete independence.
• Tilak sought close contact with the masses as Mahatma Gandhi did.
• Tilak preached the idea of Swadeshi, Boycott and Prohibition. These ideas were preached and followed by Mahatma Gandhi later on.
• Tilak had to suffer several terms of imprisonment for the sake of the country, an example followed by Mahatma Gandhi and other nationalist leaders.