Who started the Home Rule Movement in India in 1916?

Correct option is A

Correct Answer: (A) B. G. Tilak
Explanation:
→ The Home Rule Movement in India was started in 1916 by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in Maharashtra and Annie Besant in Madras (now Chennai). Tilak’s initiative aimed at attaining self-governance ( Swaraj) within the British Empire, inspired by the Irish Home Rule Movement.
→ Tilak emphasized political awakening, mass mobilization, and active participation of Indians in governance. He believed that political education and agitation were essential for achieving Swaraj.
→ The movement encouraged Indians to adopt constitutional methods, petition the government, and establish Home Rule Leagues in different parts of the country.
→ It created national consciousness and paved the way for later non-cooperation and civil disobedience movements under leaders like Mahatma Gandhi.
Information Booster:
→ Home Rule Movement started in 1916 by Bal Gangadhar Tilak (Maharashtra) and Annie Besant (Madras).
→ Objective: Self-government or Swaraj within the British Empire.
→ Tilak’s approach emphasized political awakening and mass mobilization.
→ Established Home Rule Leagues to organize public meetings, debates, and petitions.
→ Inspired by the Irish Home Rule Movement for autonomy under British rule.
→ Laid the foundation for later national movements, including Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement.
→ Promoted political education, patriotic propaganda, and involvement of the youth.
Additional Information (Other Options):
Option (B) Lala Lajpat Rai – Active nationalist leader, participated in the movement, but did not start it.
Option (C) G. K. Gokhale – Mentor of Tilak, a moderate leader, not associated with starting Home Rule Movement.
Option (D) Gandhiji – Participated later in Indian politics, Home Rule Movement predated his major national movements.