The Swadeshi Movement began in 1905 as a mass protest against the British decision to partition Bengal. It encouraged self-reliance, boycotting foreign goods, and reviving Indian industries. The movement mobilized students, women, and common people and laid the foundation for future independence campaigns, despite strong British repression.

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• Started 1905 as response to Bengal Partition by Lord Curzon
• Lasted till 1911; most successful pre-Gandhian mass movement
• Promoted self-reliance, boycott of British goods, use of Indian products
• Leaders included Surendranath Banerjee, Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Ananda Mohan Bose
• Students and women played active roles; women joined public protests first time
• Swadeshi schools, industries like soap, textiles, chemicals emerged
• Spread beyond Bengal to Bombay, Poona, Punjab, Delhi, Madras
• British suppressed movement: arrests, lathi charge, ban on Vande Mataram
• Divisions in Congress (Surat Split) weakened movement
• Inspired passive resistance later used by Mahatma Gandhi