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Tilak: The Man in His Times
Context:
Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a pivotal leader of the extremist faction in the freedom movement and part of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio, navigated a contradictory life, with Vaibhav Purandare’s book calling him the “empire’s biggest enemy,” reflecting his complex legacy.
Early Life and Education:
- Born: July 23, 1856, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.
- Graduated focusing on social and political reform; established educational institutions.
Entry into Journalism and Politics:
- Founded Kesari (Marathi) and Maratha (English) and advocated for social reforms, including the abolition of untouchability.
- Shifted focus to India’s political liberation and the right to independence.
- Rise to National Prominence: Attended the Indian National Congress in 1889, opposing moderates’ reliance on British reforms.
- Led the extremist faction alongside Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal.
- Imprisonment and Writings: Imprisoned in 1903 for sedition; wrote Geeta Rahasya during exile in Mandalay, Burma.
- Released in 1914, he resumed political activities with renewed vigour.
- Home Rule Movement and Legacy: Founded the Indian Home Rule League (1916), promoting Hindu-Muslim unity and self-governance.
- Died on August 1, 1920, shortly before Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement.
- Contradictions in Tilak’s Ideology: A radical anti-imperialist yet a social conservative; supported the caste system and opposed English education for women and lower castes.
- Initially believed Muslims should not be considered Indians but later modified many views.
- Key Contributions: Used Hindu symbolism to galvanise the nationalist movement, organising festivals to promote swarajya (self-rule).
- His influence laid the groundwork for mass mobilisation and inspired future leaders like Savarkar, earning Gandhi’s title of “Maker of Modern India.”