With reference to Indian Freedom Struggle, consider the following statements : 1. P.C. Ray founded the Bengal Chemical Works. 2. V.O. Chidambaram Pillai set up the Steam Navigation Company. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Both statements are historically accurate within the context of the Swadeshi movement. Prafulla Chandra Ray (P.C. Ray), a renowned scientist and nationalist, founded Bengal Chemical Works in 1892 with a vision to foster entrepreneurship and reduce colonial dependence [t3][t9]. This initiative was later incorporated as Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceutical Works Ltd in 1901 [t5][t8]. Similarly, V.O. Chidambaram Pillai (VOC) established the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company (SSNC) in 1906 at Tuticorin [c1][t2]. This venture was a direct challenge to the monopoly of the British India Steam Navigation Company and represented a significant indigenous effort in the shipping industry during the Indian freedom struggle [c1][t1][t6]. Both figures were instrumental in promoting economic self-reliance as a form of political protest against British rule.

Sources

1. [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 12: Era of Militant Nationalism (1905-1909) > Surendranath Banerjea > p. 267
2. [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V._O._Chidambaram_Pillai
3. [3] http://indianculture.gov.in/node/2820470