Q. Consider the following statements:
- Statement-I: 7th August is declared as the National Handloom Day.
- Statement-II: It was in 1905 that the Swadeshi Movement was launched on the same day.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (UPSC Prelims 2023)
Answer:
Both Statement-1 and Statement-2 are correct and Statement-2 is the correct explanation for Statement-1
Notes: The correct answer is
[A] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I. This commemorates a pivotal moment in India's struggle for independence.
- Statement-I (Correct): The Government of India officially declared 7th August as National Handloom Day in 2015. The primary objective is to generate awareness about the importance of the handloom industry and its contribution to the socio-economic development of the country, while also increasing the income of weavers.
- Statement-II (Correct): On 7th August 1905, the Swadeshi Movement was formally proclaimed at a massive meeting held in the Town Hall of Calcutta. The movement promoted indigenous goods and the boycott of British products. Hand-spun and hand-woven cloth (Khadi/Handloom) became a powerful symbol of self-reliance and national resistance against the partition of Bengal.
Relationship: The date 7th August was specifically chosen for National Handloom Day to honor the legacy of the Swadeshi Movement. Since the 1905 movement centered on reviving domestic industries—particularly handloom weaving—to achieve economic independence, Statement-II directly explains why this specific date was selected for the national observance.