Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak (Biography & Contributions as Freedom Fighter)

Bal Gangadhar Tilak popularly known as Lokmanya or the ‘Father of Indian Unrest’ or ‘Uncrowned king of India’. He was born on 23rd July 1856 in a Brahmin family at Ratnagiri in Maharashtra. He was an Extremist leader of INC and often remembered for his nationwide call for ‘Swaraj’.

Tilak was often called the ‘Father of Indian Unrest’ by British author Valentine Chirol in his book ‘Indian Unrest’ and ‘Maker of Modern India’ by Mahatma Gandhi. He spread the nationalist sentiments through his newspapers ‘Kesari’ and ‘Mahratta’. After the partition of Bengal, he promoted the Boycott and Swadeshi movement in British India.

Tilak was deported to Mandalay in Burma (present day Myanmar) for sedition in 1908 and returned back in 1914. Later, he founded the Home Rule League in 1916. Tilak often converted festivals like Ganesh Utsav and Shivaji Jayanti into a public celebration to unite Indian people together.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak, also popularly known as Lokmanya Tilak, was born on 23rd July, 1856 in Ratnagiri of Maharashtra. He belonged to a very educated family and had an inherent inclination towards education and culture of India. He got married to Satyabhamabai (Tapibai) in the year 1871. He completed his studies from the Deccan College and also pursued studies in law.

He helped to found the Deccan Education Society in 1884 and also played a significant role in the formation of Fergusson College. Tilak used Kesari and The Mahratta to promote the ideas of nationalism and denounce British rule. He popularized public celebrations of Ganapati and Shivaji Jayanti in order to create political consciousness. His slogan was "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it."

Religious and Cultural Revivalism

• Through the use of religious symbols and celebrations, Tilak managed to bring people together and nurture their nationalistic feelings.
• He came up with Ganesh Utsav and Shivaji Festival. These served as platforms to bring the masses together and instill anti-British feelings among them.
• In this way, his leadership transcended both social and economic boundaries.

Home Rule Movement and Political Contributions

• He started the Home Rule League movement with Annie Besant in 1916.
• This movement called for self-rule under the British Empire and fuelled nationalistic sentiments across India.
• Tilak was very instrumental in trying to bridge the gap that existed between the moderate and the extremist factions within the Congress Party after the Surat Split in 1907.

Tilak's ideology revolved around the following principles:

• Swaraj (Self-Rule): He was the first to articulate the demand for complete independence as India's ultimate political goal.
• Mass Movement: He believed in involving the masses in the freedom struggle.
• Educational Reform: He emphasised quality education as a means to awaken the national consciousness and empower the youth.
• Cultural Nationalism: He aimed to instill pride and unity among Indians through cultural symbols and festivals.

• Educator: He established educational organizations such as Poona New English School and Fergusson College. Thus emphasizing education as an instrument of social and political reform.
• Mobilization: His efforts in employing festivals for political ends were remarkable in that regard.
• Radicalism: The radical ideas espoused by Tilak added another level of intensity to the fight for freedom.
• Home Rule League: He and Annie Besant mobilized the masses through Home Rule League.

Who was Lokmanya Tilak?

Bal Gangadhar Tilak was popularly known as Lokmanya.

What are the 4 principles of Bal Gangadhar Tilak?

His 4 principles include: Swaraj, Swadeshi, National Unity and Social Reform.