Question 26
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?
AOptions
BSolution
Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar's book "Desher Katha" (The Story of the Country), published in 1904, was a highly influential text during the Swadeshi movement. Statement 1 is correct because the book indeed warned against the subtle and pervasive influence of the Colonial State, particularly its cultural and intellectual dominance, which Deuskar termed a 'hypnotic conquest of the mind'. This referred to the psychological impact of British rule and its attempt to make Indians internalize colonial values. Statement 2 is also correct as the book greatly inspired nationalistic sentiments, fostering patriotism and encouraging the performance of swadeshi street plays and folk songs, thereby contributing to the cultural resurgence of the movement. Statement 3 is incorrect. While Deuskar was associated with Bengal and the book was significant there, his use of 'desh' (country) was not limited to the specific context of Bengal. Rather, it aimed to evoke a broader sense of Indian nationhood and cultural identity beyond regional boundaries, promoting a pan-Indian nationalist consciousness.
CStrategy
For questions related to books and authors during the freedom struggle, it's crucial to identify the central themes and the impact of the literary work. Look for keywords in the statements that align with the known historical context of the book and the movement it represents. Pay attention to qualifying words like 'only' or 'specific context' as they can often indicate an incorrect statement if the reality was broader.
DSyllabus Analysis
This question falls under Modern Indian History, specifically focusing on the cultural and intellectual aspects of the freedom struggle, including important books and their role in promoting nationalism.
EQuestion Analysis
Medium. This question requires specific knowledge about a particular book and its nuances, which might not be as commonly emphasized as other historical events.