Statement I:  7th August is declared as the National Handloom Day

Statement II: It was in 1905 that the Swadeshi Movement was launched on the same day.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I.

(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct statements, But Statment II is not the correct explanation of Statement I

(c) Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect

(d) Statement II is incorrect, but Statement I is correct 

Answer: a

Explanation:

The Handloom sector is the symbol of our country’s rich and varied cultural heritage and is an important source of livelihood in the rural and semi-rular parts of our country. This sector directly addresses women’s empowerment, with upto 70% of all weavers and allied workers being female.

The Swadeshi Movement which was launched on 7th August, 1905 had encouraged indigenous industries and in particular handloom weavers.

In 2015, the Government of India decided to designate the 7th of August every year as the National Handloom Day. The first National Handloom Day was inaugurated on 7th August 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.   Hence, option a is correct. 

Read: Previous Year UPSC History Questions (PYQs) With Explanation 2023