Formation of the Bengali Nationalist during the Swadeshi Movement

The word terrorism has different connotations and is interpreted differently based on where one stands. An individual can be considered a terrorist by one group, yet at the same time he or she could be perceived a freedom fighter by an another group, or yet again, he or she might be seen as little more than a violent criminal by a third. Each group has its own idea of the “terrorist” and as the saying goes, “One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter”. A terrorist, therefore, can fit within many different modes of perception. Nationalists represent a group of people who may be categorized as terrorists, freedom fighters or mere criminals depending on a person’s point of view. Revolutionary nationalism is often considered a particular form of terrorism. In my paper I argue that revolutionary nationalism is neither terrorism nor a legitimate use of violence. This paper looks at the nationalist as he appeared during the Swadeshi movement in early 20th century Bengali. I will look at him from different points of view to illustrate who they were, and what they represented to different people living during the time.