The Home Rule League Movement emerged during World War I, led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant, advocating for self-government within the British Commonwealth. Despite facing severe government repression and eventual decline by 1919, the movement shifted focus to mass politics, strengthened organizational links, and influenced future nationalist activities. It laid the groundwork for Gandhian politics and contributed to key reforms in the Indian nationalist struggle.
Indian Response to World War I: The Home Rule Movement was India's measured response to World War I, aiming for self-government within the British Commonwealth, contrasting with the radical Ghadr adventure by Indians abroad.
Key Leaders: Prominent leaders included Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Annie Besant, G.S. Khaparde, Sir S. Subramania Iyer, Joseph Baptista, and Mohammad Ali Jinnah. They aimed to form a national alliance to work year-round and demand self-government.
Two Separate Leagues: Two separate leagues were established—one by Tilak and the other by Besant—each starting a new trend of aggressive politics. The Indian Home Rule League was set up by Tilak in April 1916, while Besant’s All-India Home Rule League was launched in September 1916.
Popular Pressure: Nationalists believed that popular pressure was essential to obtain concessions from the government.
Disillusionment with Reforms: The Moderates were dissatisfied with the Morley-Minto reforms.
Wartime Burdens: High taxation and rising prices during the war made people ready for an aggressive protest movement.
Exposure of Imperialist Myths: The war exposed the myth of white superiority.
Leadership of Tilak: After his release in June 1914, Tilak showed loyalty to the government and advocated for administrative reforms rather than an overthrow.
Annie Besant’s Expansion: Besant, based in India since 1896, sought to build a Home Rule movement similar to the Irish model.
Tilak’s League: Established in April 1916, Tilak’s Indian Home Rule League was based in Poona and covered Maharashtra, Karnataka, Central Provinces, and Berar, with a focus on swarajya, linguistic states, and vernacular education.
Besant’s League: Started in September 1916, Besant’s All-India Home Rule League had 200 branches and was less organized but covered the rest of India, including Bombay city.
Campaign Methods: Both leagues promoted political education through meetings, newspapers, pamphlets, and social work. The Russian Revolution of 1917 boosted their campaign.
Government Repression: The government responded with severe repression, including arrests of key leaders like Tilak and Besant, which led to widespread protests.
Nationwide Protests: Besant’s arrest in June 1917 led to national protests, with notable figures like Sir S. Subramania Aiyar and Tilak advocating resistance.
Repression’s Effect: The repression hardened the agitators' resolve and led to heightened nationalist sentiments.
Reasons for Decline: The movement faded by 1919 due to lack of organization, communal riots, and the introduction of Montagu-Chelmsford reforms which further divided the nationalist ranks.
Leadership Issues: The absence of strong leadership following Tilak’s departure and Besant’s vacillation contributed to the decline.
Rise of Gandhi: Gandhi’s approach to the struggle for freedom started to overshadow the Home Rule Movement, leading to its decline.
Post-1919 Transition: In 1920, Gandhi accepted the presidency of the All India Home Rule League, which was renamed Swarajya Sabha and eventually merged with the Indian National Congress.
Shift to Mass Politics: The movement shifted focus from the elite to the masses, setting the stage for Gandhian mass involvement.
Organizational Links: It established crucial links between urban and rural areas, essential for future mass movements.
Generation of Nationalists: Nurtured a new generation of nationalists and prepared the masses for Gandhian politics.
Influence on Reforms: Influenced the Montagu declaration and Montford reforms, contributing to the evolution of Indian nationalism.
Revival of Congress: Efforts towards Moderate-Extremist reunion revived the Congress as an effective instrument for nationalism.
New Dimension to National Movement: Added urgency and a new dimension to the national movement, preparing the way for future struggles.
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