Swadeshi (economic boycott)

Swadeshi, meaning "own country" in Sanskrit, was a movement during India's struggle for independence emphasizing the boycott of foreign goods, especially British products. The goal was to promote local industries, foster economic self-reliance, and reduce dependence on colonial imports. By refusing foreign goods and supporting Indian-made products, the movement aimed to weaken colonial economic control and inspire national pride. Swadeshi was both an economic strategy and a political statement, encouraging Indians to build a self-sufficient economy and assert their independence through active participation in local production and consumption.