Study Guide · Chapter 8
7. HOME RULE MOVEMENT (1916)
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7. HOME RULE MOVEMENT (1916)
- Modelled on the Irish Home Rule movement; demanded self-government (Home Rule) within the British Empire, not full independence.
- Two parallel Home Rule Leagues:
- Bal Gangadhar Tilak founded the Indian Home Rule League (April 1916) at Belgaum, active mainly in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Central Provinces, Berar.
- Annie Besant (Irish-born theosophist) founded the All India Home Rule League (September 1916) at Madras/Adyar, active in the rest of India; also founded the newspapers "New India" and "Commonweal."
- Annie Besant became the first woman President of the Indian National Congress (Calcutta Session, 1917).
- George Arundale and others assisted Besant; Tilak's associate was Joseph Baptista (who coined the slogan "Swaraj is my birthright").
- Significance: Revived political activity after the Surat split; helped reunite Moderates and Extremists; built the base for mass politics that Gandhi would later use.
- Movement declined after 1918 as Gandhi's methods (satyagraha) took centre-stage and after the government released Besant from internment.
Key Facts / Quick Revision Points — Home Rule Movement
- Two leagues: Tilak (1916, Maharashtra-based) and Annie Besant (1916, rest of India).
- Annie Besant — first woman President of INC (1917, Calcutta).
- Modelled on Irish Home Rule Movement.
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