Study the picture given here and answer the following questions:

(a) What was symbolised by the Charkha and Khadi in the National Movement?

(b) What is meant by Swadeshi? Why did Gandhiji lay emphasis on Swadeshi?

(c) State how was the concept of Swadeshi promoted during the Non-Cooperation Movement?

(a) Mahatma Gandhi saw the Charkha as a symbol of a human society that would not glorify machines and technology.

1. The spinning wheel, moreover, could provide the poor with supplementary income and make them self-reliant.
2. Khadi does not seek to destroy all machinery but it does regulate its use and check its weedy growth.
3. It uses machinery for the service of the poorest in their own cottages.
4. The wheel is itself an exquisite piece of machinery.

(b) Swadeshi means producing necessary items in one's own country and using them for one's use without being dependent on imported goods. Gandhiji believed that the use of Swadeshi goods would make us self-sufficient and eliminate our dependence on imported goods. Gandhiji emphasised manual labour and the use of the Charkha and Khadi. He popularised Swadeshi and Khadi by reviving hand spinning and hand weaving.

(c) The Non-Cooperation Movement involved Swadeshi programmes which included-

1. Popularisation of Swadeshi and Khadi by reviving hand-spinning and hand-weaving.
2. Establishment of national schools and colleges and private arbitration courts known as panchayats all over India.
3. Development of unity between Hindus and Muslims.
4. Removal of untouchability and other measures for Harijan welfare.
5. Emancipation and upliftment of women.