Bal Gangadhar Tilak

  1. Early Life and Education – Bal Gangadhar Tilak, known as “Lokmanya,” was born on 23 July 1856 in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. He studied Mathematics and later completed his LL.B.
  2. Strong Nationalist Leader – He was a prominent leader of the Indian freedom movement and strongly advocated Swaraj (self-rule) rather than gradual reforms under British rule.
  3. Role in the Indian National Congress – Tilak joined the INC in 1890 and, along with Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal, promoted nationalism, Swadeshi, and mass participation. He played an important role in the Swadeshi Movement and the Surat Split of 1907.
  4. Contribution to the Freedom Movement – He promoted the four-point programme of Swadeshi, Boycott, National Education, and Swarajya and encouraged Indians to use indigenous goods and oppose British products.
  5. Home Rule Movement – In 1916, Tilak and Annie Besant founded the Home Rule Movement. Tilak worked extensively in Maharashtra, Central Provinces, Karnataka, and Berar to spread the demand for self-government.
  6. Imprisonment and Sedition Cases – Tilak faced three major sedition cases and spent six years in Mandalay Jail (1908–1914). His imprisonment made him an even more influential nationalist leader.
  7. Social, Educational and Literary Contributions – He popularized Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav and Shivaji Jayanti to promote national unity. He helped establish the New English School and Deccan Education Society and wrote important works such as Gita Rahasya, The Arctic Home in the Vedas, and The Orion.

Which of the following statements about Bal Gangadhar Tilak are correct?

  1. He was popularly known as “Lokmanya.”
  2. He advocated Swaraj, Swadeshi, Boycott, and National Education.
  3. He founded the Home Rule League along with Annie Besant in 1916.
  4. He spent six years in Mandalay Jail due to sedition charges.
  5. He established the Deccan Education Society and promoted public celebrations of Ganeshotsav and Shivaji Jayanti.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
(d) 2, 4 and 5 only

Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5