With reference to the book ‘Desher Katha’ written by Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar during the freedom struggle, consider the following statements:

Correct Option

Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar's book 'Desher Katha' (The Story of the Nation), published in 1904, was a significant work during the Swadeshi Movement. It critically examined British colonial rule and its impact on India.

• Statement 1 is correct: The book extensively discussed the psychological subjugation imposed by the colonial state. Deuskar argued that British rule led to a loss of self-confidence and identity among Indians, characterizing this as a "hypnotic conquest of the mind."
• Statement 2 is correct: 'Desher Katha' played a crucial role in inspiring nationalist activities and propaganda during the freedom struggle. Its themes were adopted and disseminated through various cultural forms, including Swadeshi street plays, folk songs, and other nationalist literature, thereby mobilizing public sentiment.

Incorrect Options

• Statement 3 is incorrect: Although Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar was associated with Bengal and the book touched upon the effects of British rule in the region, the term 'desh' (nation) as used in 'Desher Katha' referred to India as a whole, not exclusively to Bengal. The book's critique of colonial exploitation and its call for national awakening had a pan-Indian scope and appeal.
• Options (B), (C), and (D) are incorrect because Statement 3 is factually inaccurate. The concept of 'desh' in Deuskar's work encompassed the entire Indian subcontinent, not just a specific region.