Swadeshi and Boycott Movements: The Swadeshi and Boycott movements were the products of the partition of Bengal. On July 20, 1905, Lord Curzon issued an order dividing the province of Bengal into two parts. The nationalists viewed the act of partition as a challenge to the Indian nationalism and opposed it firmly. They felt that mere demonstrations, public meetings and resolutions were not likely to have much effect on the rulers. More positive action was needed to reveal the intensity of popular feeling. The answer was Swadeshi Movement and Boycott. Use of Indian goods and boycott of British goods was proclaimed. Several leaders, by moving about from place to place, propagated Swadeshi. Therefore, the people started using Indian goods in larger and larger numbers and stopped purchasing foreign goods. Consequently, great impetus was given to native industries. In this movement, the students and women played an admirable role. Some of the Muslim leaders also joined it. In Bombay, Madras and in many parts of Northern India, this movement was propagated on a large scale.
