Life History Of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, born on July 23, 1856, in
Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, was a prominent Indian nationalist, teacher, and
independence activist. He was one of the most influential leaders in the early
stages of India's struggle for independence from British rule. Here is a
detailed account of his life:
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background: Tilak was born in a Chitpavan
Brahmin family. His father, Gangadhar Tilak, was a school teacher and a
Sanskrit scholar, and his mother was Parvatibai Tilak.
Education: He completed his early education in Ratnagiri and
later moved to Pune for higher studies. Tilak graduated in 1876 with a Bachelor
of Arts in Mathematics from Deccan College in Pune. He went on to study law,
earning an LL.B. degree from the Government Law College in 1879.
Early Career and Social Reform
Teaching Career: Tilak began his career as a mathematics
teacher and later co-founded the New English School in Pune in 1880 to promote
education among Indians.
Journalism: He realized the power of the press and started
two newspapers, 'Kesari' in Marathi and 'The Mahratta' in English, to promote
nationalist ideas and social reforms. These newspapers became powerful tools in
mobilizing public opinion against British rule.
Political Involvement and Nationalism
Founding of the Deccan Education Society: In 1884, along
with Gopal Ganesh Agarkar and others, Tilak founded the Deccan Education
Society to foster quality education and nationalistic values among Indian
youth.
Indian National Congress: Tilak joined the Indian National
Congress in the 1890s. He was initially a moderate but soon became a radical
leader, advocating for self-rule (Swaraj) and using direct action to achieve
it.
Partition of Bengal: Tilak opposed the partition of Bengal
in 1905, seeing it as a British attempt to divide and rule. His slogan
"Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it" became the rallying cry
for the freedom movement.
Imprisonment and Literary Contributions
Imprisonment: Tilak was imprisoned several times for his
nationalist activities. His most notable imprisonment was in 1908, when he was
sentenced to six years of rigorous imprisonment for sedition. He was sent to
Mandalay in Burma (now Myanmar).
Gita Rahasya: During his imprisonment in Mandalay, Tilak
wrote his famous commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, called 'Shreemad Bhagavad
Gita Rahasya' or 'Gita Rahasya,' which articulated his philosophy of Karma Yoga
and inspired many freedom fighters.
Later Life and Legacy
Home Rule Movement: After his release from prison in 1914,
Tilak launched the Home Rule Movement in 1916 along with Annie Besant,
demanding self-governance for India within the British Empire. The movement
gained widespread support and rejuvenated the nationalistic spirit.
Death: Tilak passed away on August 1, 1920, in Mumbai. His
death was a significant loss to the Indian independence movement.
Legacy: Lokmanya Tilak is remembered as the "Father of
Indian Unrest" for his aggressive approach to gaining independence. His
emphasis on self-reliance, national education, and Swadeshi (self-sufficiency)
left a lasting impact on India's struggle for freedom.
Tilak's life and work continue to inspire generations of Indians. His commitment to education, social reform, and national sovereignty laid the groundwork for India's eventual independence in 1947.