ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Swadeshi movement

Imagine you have some toys that you really love and play with every day. Now imagine someone telling you that you can't play with those toys anymore because they were made by someone who isn't from your country. You might feel sad, angry or frustrated because you don't understand why you can't play with your favorite toys.

That's kind of what happened during the Swadeshi Movement in India. Back then, India was under the rule of the British government. The British would bring in goods from their own country, like clothes, shoes, and other stuff, and sell them to Indians. But Indians weren't allowed to make these things themselves. This made a lot of Indians upset because they felt like they were being forced to buy things they didn't want, and that their own goods and businesses weren't being supported.

So, in 1905, Indians started the Swadeshi Movement. "Swadeshi" means "of one's own country" in Hindi. The movement encouraged people to buy goods that were made in India, like clothes, food, and other things. This way, they could support their own businesses and jobs, and promote self-sufficiency. People would wear clothes made from local fabrics, like cotton and khadi, and ditch clothes that were made in other countries.

People would also organize and participate in protests against the British government and their policies. They would go on strike, boycott British-owned stores, and hold rallies to speak out against British rule. The Swadeshi Movement became a way for Indians to show their pride in their country and their culture.

Eventually, the Swadeshi Movement became a larger part of India's independence movement. Indians wanted to be free from British rule and have their own government so they could make their own decisions about their country's future.

So, in short, the Swadeshi Movement was a time when Indians wanted to support their own businesses, goods, and culture instead of relying on the British government. It was a way for Indians to feel proud of who they were and fight for their independence.