History question from Panchayat Secretary (VLW) exam, 2025 by JKSSB
Who played an important role in spreading the Swadeshi Movement across India?
Last updated Jun 5, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option C —
BalgangadharTilak
How the Movement Spread Across India
While the Swadeshi movement originated in Bengal, it was Bal Gangadhar Tilak (along with other leaders of the "Extremist" faction of the Indian National Congress) who realized that the protest needed to become a pan-India movement.
The movement was spread across different regions by key leaders:
Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Took the movement to Bombay (Mumbai) and Pune, using the Shivaji and Ganpati festivals to mobilize the masses.
Lala Lajpat Rai and Ajit Singh: Led the movement in the Punjab and northern India.
Syed Haider Raza: Organized the movement in Delhi.
Chidambaram Pillai: Spread the movement down south to the Madras Presidency.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
(A) Aurobindo Ghosh: While he was a major leader of the Swadeshi movement, his activities were primarily centered in Bengal.
(B) Mahatma Gandhi: Gandhi was still in South Africa during the peak of the Swadeshi Movement; he did not return to India permanently until 1915.
(D) Ali brothers: They became prominent leaders much later, during the Khilafat Movement (1919).
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
