Swadeshi

[ swuh-dey-shee ]

noun

1. a political movement in British India that encouraged domestic production and the boycott of foreign, especially British, goods as a step toward home rule.

Swadeshi

/ swəˈdeɪʃɪ /

adjective

1. (in present-day India) produced within the country; not imported

noun

1. (in British India) the encouragement of domestic production and boycott of foreign goods as part of the campaign for independence

Word History and Origins

Origin of Swadeshi¹

1900–05; < Hindi or Bengali svadesī, equivalent to sva- self, own + desī native

Word History and Origins

Origin of Swadeshi¹

C20: from Bengali svadesī, from Sanskrit svadeśin, from sva one's own + deśa country

Example Sentences

Following out the Swadeshi spirit, I observe the indigenous institutions and the village panchayats hold me.

From Project Gutenberg

After much thinking I have arrived at a definition of Swadeshi that, perhaps, best illustrates my meaning.

From Project Gutenberg

Hinduism has become a conservative religion and, therefore, a mighty force because of the Swadeshi spirit underlying it.

From Project Gutenberg

We have laboured under a terrible handicap owing to an almost fatal departure from the Swadeshi spirit.

From Project Gutenberg

There now remains for me to consider one more objection that has been raised against Swadeshi.

From Project Gutenberg