Gandhiji led the Indian nationalist movement from the front and his leadership was motivated by a wider philosophy he nurtured throughout the course of the movement. Which one among the following was a continuous movement based on this philosophy, and not a specific movement ?

The correct answer is Option 2: Swadeshi Movement.

While the Non-cooperation (1920), Civil Disobedience (1930), and Quit India (1942) movements were specific, time-bound political agitations launched by Gandhiji with defined start and end points, Swadeshi represented a continuous, lifelong philosophy. For Gandhiji, Swadeshi was not merely a protest tool but a permanent pillar of 'Swaraj' (self-rule) and economic decolonization.

Key reasons why Swadeshi is the correct choice include:

• Philosophical Continuity: It was a socio-economic creed involving the use of Khadi and local products, which Gandhiji promoted consistently from his return to India until his death.
• Constructive Programme: Unlike the other three movements which were "phases" of struggle, Swadeshi was a "constant" movement aimed at self-reliance.
• Nature of Action: Options 1, 3, and 4 were strategic mass mobilizations against the British, whereas Swadeshi was an underlying principle of Indian life he nurtured throughout the movement.