GS PrelimsHistory (Modern India)Swadeshi Movement2020

With reference to the book "Desher Katha" written by Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar during the freedom struggle, consider the following statements: 1. It warned against the Colonial State's hypnotic conquest of the mind. 2. It inspired the performance of swadeshi street plays and folk songs. 3. The use of 'desh' by Deuskar was in the specific context of the region of Bengal. Which of the statements given above are correct?

A

1 and 2 only

B

2 and 3 only

C

1 and 3 only

D

1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: Option A

Explanation

1. Statement 1 is correct. Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar's book 'Desher Katha' (published in 1904) was a powerful critique of British colonial rule's economic exploitation and its detrimental impact on Indian society and psyche. It effectively warned against the psychological subjugation or the 'hypnotic conquest of the mind' by the Colonial State. 2. Statement 2 is correct. The book gained immense popularity during the Swadeshi movement following the partition of Bengal. Its content, exposing the ills of colonial rule and invoking nationalist sentiment, inspired various forms of protest and cultural expression, including swadeshi street plays and folk songs. 3. Statement 3 is incorrect. While written in Bengali and deeply rooted in the context of Bengal, the term 'desh' used by Deuskar in 'Desher Katha' (Story of the Country/Nation) referred to India as a whole, addressing the pan-Indian impact of colonial policies, rather than being restricted solely to the region of Bengal. 4. Therefore, only statements 1 and 2 are correct.

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