HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE SWADESHI MOVEMENT AND THE CONTEMPORARY MAKE IN INDIA INITIATIVE

This research paper examines the historical background and relationship between the Swadeshi Movement and the contemporary “Make in India” initiative in India. The Swadeshi Movement emerged during the freedom struggle as an economic and nationalist movement promoting indigenous goods and discouraging foreign products. It gained prominence during the anti-Partition of Bengal movement in 1905 and encouraged self-reliance. In modern times, the Government of India launched the “Make in India” initiative in 2014 to promote manufacturing, attract investment, and generate employment. This study uses a historical and analytical approach to compare both initiatives. It finds that despite differences in context, both aim to strengthen economic self-reliance and promote domestic production in India. Keywords: Swadeshi Movement, Make in India, self-reliance, economic nationalism, Indian industry, industrial