Q. With reference to the book ‘Desher Katha’ written by Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar during the freedom struggle, consider the following statements:
1.It warned against the Colonial State’s hypnotic conquest of the mind.
2.It inspired the performance of swadeshi street plays and folk songs.
3.The use of ‘desh’ by Deuskar was in the specific context of the region of Bengal.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer : 1 and 2 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
1. It warned against the Colonial State’s hypnotic conquest of the mind.
This statement is correct. Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar’s ‘Desher Katha’ was indeed a critique of British colonial rule in India, and among its themes was a warning against the colonial state’s efforts to dominate and control the minds of the Indian people. The book aimed to awaken Indian consciousness and inspire resistance against British rule.
2. It inspired the performance of swadeshi street plays and folk songs.
This statement is also correct. ‘Desher Katha’ was part of the broader Swadeshi Movement, which encouraged the boycott of British goods and the revival of indigenous products and traditions. The book’s nationalist fervor and call for self-reliance resonated with many, inspiring not just political activism but also cultural expressions of resistance, such as swadeshi street plays and folk songs that promoted nationalistic themes.
3. The use of ‘desh’ by Deuskar was in the specific context of the region of Bengal.
This statement is not entirely accurate. While ‘Desher Katha’ did have a significant impact in Bengal, given that Deuskar was active in the region and the book was written in Bengali, its message was not limited to Bengal alone. The use of ‘desh’ (country) was meant to invoke a sense of national identity and unity among all Indians against the British colonial rule, not just those in Bengal. Therefore, the context of ‘desh’ in Deuskar’s work transcends regional boundaries and aims at a pan-Indian audience.
