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?

  • 1 and 2 only
  • 2 and 3 only
  • 1 and 3 only
  • 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Notes:
  • Colonial State’s Hypnotic Conquest:
    • Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar’s book Desher Katha warned against the colonial state’s “hypnotic conquest of the mind,” highlighting the psychological impact of colonialism on Indian society.
  • Inspiration for Swadeshi Street Plays:
    • The book inspired the performance of swadeshi street plays and folk songs, significantly influencing the cultural landscape during the Swadeshi Movement.
    • It became a vital part of the discourse around self-reliance and nationalism.
  • Context of ‘Desh’:
    • While Deuskar used the term ‘desh’ (country) in his writings, it was not limited to the specific context of Bengal.
    • The term had broader implications that encompassed the Indian nation as a whole.
  • In conclusion, Desher Katha played a significant role in shaping nationalist thought by warning against colonial mentalities and inspiring cultural expressions of resistance, while its terminology was more expansive than just the context of Bengal.