The First World War, Khilafat, and Non-Cooperation

Swadeshi means preference for goods produced within one’s own country. In the Non-Cooperation Movement, this principle was expressed through boycotting foreign cloth and other imported goods, while encouraging Indian production and consumption. It therefore connected political protest with economic nationalism. Options B and C support colonial institutions, while D directly contradicts the swadeshi principle.

The correct answer is B, Mahatma Gandhi. He organised and led the nationwide Rowlatt Satyagraha in 1919 to oppose the repressive Rowlatt Act through non-violent resistance. General Dyer was associated with the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, while Curzon and Clive belonged to other periods and roles in colonial history. Thus Gandhi is the only correct leader among the choices.

The movement combined the boycott of foreign goods with the promotion of Indian-made products. People were encouraged to use swadeshi goods, especially homespun cloth, so that consumption itself would support Indian producers and weaken colonial economic control. Therefore option A is correct. Foreign goods were to be rejected, while titles and government orders are not consumer goods.