Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 1 — 1 and 2 only

Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar's "Desher Katha" (1904) was a seminal work during the Swadeshi Movement that critiqued British colonial exploitation and inspired nationalist consciousness. Statements 1 and 2 are correct while statement 3 is incorrect regarding the scope of 'desh'.

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The book warned against the colonial state's psychological conquest and mental subjugation, exposing economic exploitation and urging Indians to recognize British imperial designs.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Deuskar's passionate nationalist writings inspired swadeshi cultural expressions including street plays, folk songs, and popular theatre that spread nationalist ideas among masses.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Deuskar used 'desh' in the broader context of India as a nation, not specifically Bengal; though written in Bengali, the book addressed pan-Indian concerns and national consciousness.

📝 Short Notes: Desher Katha and Early Nationalist Literature

• Author: Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar (1869-1912), a Maharashtrian who grew up in Bengal and bridged the renaissance movements of both regions.
• Publication: Written in Bengali in 1904, during the height of the Swadeshi Movement and before the partition of Bengal.
• Content: Exposed British economic drain, criticized colonial education system, and warned against mental colonization; presented statistical evidence of India's impoverishment under British rule.
• Impact: Became one of the most influential texts of early nationalism; inspired swadeshi activism, cultural performances, and nationalist consciousness among the masses.
• Cultural Significance: The book contributed to the development of nationalist literature in regional languages and promoted the use of 'desh' (nation) as a unifying concept beyond regional identities.