Introduction
Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a freedom fighter, social reformer, and nationalist leader who played a crucial role in India’s independence movement. Known as “Lokmanya”, he was a strong advocate of Swaraj (self-rule) and famously declared, “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!” He was also part of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio (Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal), which led the Extremist faction of the Indian National Congress.
Early Life and Education
- Born: 23 July 1856, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, British India.
- Education:
- Studied at Deccan College, Pune.
- Completed a degree in law from Government Law College, Mumbai.
- Early Career:
- Worked as a teacher, journalist, and social reformer.
- Strongly opposed British rule and their education policies.
Role in the Indian Freedom Movement
1. Swadeshi and Boycott Movements
- Promoted Swadeshi movement – encouraged boycotting British goods and using Indian-made products.
- Encouraged people to oppose British economic policies that were harming Indian industries.
2. Extremist Leader in Indian National Congress
- Was part of the Extremist faction (Lal-Bal-Pal) of the Indian National Congress.
- Advocated for direct action and self-rule rather than petitions to the British.
3. Home Rule Movement (1916)
- Founded Home Rule League in 1916 to demand self-rule.
- Allied with Annie Besant to expand the movement across India.
4. Revolutionary Slogan
- Gave the famous slogan: “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!”, which became a call for independence.
Newspapers and Publications
1. Kesari and Mahratta
- Founded two newspapers:
- Kesari (in Marathi)
- Mahratta (in English)
- Used them to spread nationalist ideas and criticize British policies.
2. Theories on Nationalism
- Wrote “Gita Rahasya” while in Mandalay jail (Burma).
- Interpreted Bhagavad Gita as a text that supports action and duty in national service.
Social and Educational Reforms
1. Advocated for Mass Education
- Encouraged education for Indians to develop political awareness.
- Opposed the British education system, which aimed to create loyal subjects rather than free thinkers.
2. Revival of Hindu Festivals
- Popularized Ganesh Chaturthi and Shivaji Jayanti to unite people and promote nationalism.
- Used these festivals as a platform for spreading patriotic messages.
Imprisonment and Struggle
- Arrested multiple times for sedition (anti-British writings and speeches).
- 1908: Sentenced to six years of imprisonment in Mandalay, Burma.
- Returned in 1914 and resumed nationalist activities.
Death and Legacy
- Died: 1 August 1920, Mumbai, British India.
- Legacy:
- Inspired leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Jawaharlal Nehru.
- His Home Rule Movement laid the foundation for future independence movements.
- Many institutions, roads, and cities in India are named after him.
MCQs on Bal Gangadhar Tilak
1. When was Bal Gangadhar Tilak born?
a) 1845
b) 1856
c) 1869
d) 1872
→ Answer: b) 1856
2. What was the famous slogan given by Bal Gangadhar Tilak?
a) Do or Die
b) Jai Hind
c) Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it
d) Inquilab Zindabad
→ Answer: c) Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it
3. Which movement was started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1916?
a) Quit India Movement
b) Home Rule Movement
c) Civil Disobedience Movement
d) Swadeshi Movement
→ Answer: b) Home Rule Movement
4. Name the newspaper started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
a) The Hindu
b) Kesari
c) Harijan
d) Hindustan Times
→ Answer: b) Kesari
5. Where was Tilak imprisoned for six years?
a) Andaman Islands
b) Mandalay, Burma
c) Cellular Jail
d) Lahore
→ Answer: b) Mandalay, Burma
6. What was the aim of Tilak’s Home Rule League?
a) Demand for complete independence
b) Demand for self-rule under British control
c) Spread Western education
d) Support British rule
→ Answer: b) Demand for self-rule under British control
7. Which book was written by Bal Gangadhar Tilak?
a) Hind Swaraj
b) Gita Rahasya
c) Discovery of India
d) India Wins Freedom
→ Answer: b) Gita Rahasya
8. When did Bal Gangadhar Tilak die?
a) 1919
b) 1920
c) 1925
d) 1931
→ Answer: b) 1920
Short Answer Questions on Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Q1: When and where was Bal Gangadhar Tilak born?
A: 23 July 1856, in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.
Q2: What was Tilak’s famous slogan?
A: “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!”
Q3: Name the two newspapers started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
A: Kesari (Marathi) and Mahratta (English).
Q4: What was the Home Rule Movement?
A: A movement started by Tilak and Annie Besant in 1916 to demand self-rule for India.
Q5: Why was Tilak called “Lokmanya”?
A: Because he was loved and respected by the common people.
Q6: Name a book written by Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
A: Gita Rahasya.
Q7: How did Tilak use festivals for national awakening?
A: He popularized Ganesh Chaturthi and Shivaji Jayanti to unite people and spread patriotic ideas.
Q8: Where was Tilak imprisoned for six years?
A: Mandalay, Burma (Myanmar).
Conclusion
Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a true patriot, visionary leader, and an architect of Indian nationalism. His principles of Swaraj, Swadeshi, and mass mobilization paved the way for India’s struggle for independence. His contributions to education, politics, and social reforms continue to inspire millions.
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