What name was given to Bal Gangadhar Tilak by the British rulers?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 1: Father of Indian Unrest.
Explanation:
- British author and journalist Valentine Chirol referred to Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak as the 'Father of Indian Unrest' in his book Indian Unrest.
- Reason: Tilak was the first Congress leader to demand *Purna Swaraj* (Complete Self-Rule) and to mobilize the masses against British rule. He severely criticized British policies through his newspapers, *Kesari* and *Mahratta*.
- Tilak's Reaction: Tilak even filed a defamation lawsuit against Valentine Chirol in London in response to this accusation.
- Popular Slogan: He coined the famous slogan—'Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it.'
Analysis of Other Options:
- India's National Treasure (Option 2): This term is not widely associated with Tilak, although Mahatma Gandhi did refer to him as the 'Maker of Modern India.'
- Iron Man of India (Option 3): This title is attributed to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- Father of Undivided India (Option 4): Historically, this is not a standard title attributed to any single individual.
Important Facts Related to Lokmanya Tilak (From an Exam Perspective):
- Initiation of Festivals: He introduced the *Ganpati Utsav* (1893) and *Shivaji Utsav* (1895) to instill a sense of nationalism among the masses.
- Lal-Bal-Pal: He was a member of the famous triumvirate (Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal) of the Congress's 'Extremist' faction (*Garam Dal*).
- Home Rule League: In 1916, he launched the 'Home Rule League' movement in collaboration with Annie Besant.
- Famous Books: While imprisoned in Mandalay Jail, he authored significant works such as *Gita Rahasya* and *The Arctic Home in the Vedas*.
Important Questions for Upcoming Exams:
Question: When was the title 'Lokmanya' conferred upon Bal Gangadhar Tilak? Answer: During the Home Rule Movement.
Question: In which language was the newspaper 'Kesari' published?
Answer: Marathi (whereas 'Maratha' was published in English).
Question: To which jail was Tilak sent for his six-year imprisonment?
Answer: Mandalay Jail (Burma).