Give the meaning of boycott as used for the boycott movement in 1905 and mention its four fold programme.

In the context of the 1905 movement in India, "boycott" meant a complete and widespread rejection of British goods, services, and institutions as a form of non-violent political protest against the Partition of Bengal. 🚫

It was more than just refusing to buy products; it was a comprehensive strategy to hit British economic and administrative interests while promoting Indian self-reliance.

The Four-Fold Programme of the Movement

The Boycott Movement, which was an integral part of the larger Swadeshi Movement, was built upon a four-fold programme:

1. Boycott of British Goods: This was the most prominent feature. It involved the public refusal to buy foreign-made products, especially Manchester cloth, Liverpool salt, and British sugar. People held public burnings of foreign goods to show their defiance.
2. Boycott of British Institutions: The movement extended to the rejection of British-run institutions. This included students leaving government schools and colleges, lawyers boycotting British courts of law, and leaders resigning from government posts and legislative councils.
3. Promotion of Swadeshi (Indigenous Goods): This was the positive and constructive side of the boycott. People were encouraged to use goods made in India (Swadeshi goods) to support local industries and artisans. This led to the opening of many new Indian-owned shops, textile mills, and factories.
4. Development of National Education: To provide an alternative to the boycotted British schools, leaders promoted the establishment of a National Education system. This led to the creation of numerous national schools and colleges, like the Bengal National College, to impart education in a nationalist spirit.