The Home Rule Awakening: Maharashtra’s Pivotal Role in Reinvigorating Indian Nationalism (1914–1918)
Malay Khan, History Department, Jadavpur University,
Dr. Ravi Khangai, Associate Professor, Department of History and Archaeology, Central University of Karnataka, ravikhangai@cuk.ac.in , ravikhangai@gmail.com, 8446000912
Abstract:
The Indian freedom struggle is recognized as a multidimensional phenomenon. Various institutions, organizations, individuals, and movements played significant roles in the making of modern India. Among these, the Home Rule Movement started by Lokmanya Tilak in Maharashtra holds an important place. After the success of the Anti-Partition of Bengal movement, the national movement had slowed down, and to re-energize it, the contribution of the Home Rule Movement led by Lokmanya Tilak and Annie Besant is considered crucial. Between 1914 and 1918, the First World War broke out in Europe. During this time, Tilak believed that political demands could be achieved from the British. The Home Rule Movement was the practical manifestation of Lokmanya Tilak’s ideas to revive the Indian freedom struggle. This movement in India was led by Dr. Annie Besant, Lokmanya Tilak, and Joseph Baptista. Various Home Rule League organizations came into existence across India, yet it remained a unified movement. The Home Rule Movement gave renewed momentum to the Indian independence struggle. Home Rule League branches were established in cities such as Mumbai, Kanpur, Allahabad, Calcutta, and Madras. Through this research paper, the nature of the Home Rule Movement in Maharashtra and its contribution to the Indian freedom struggle will be studied.
Key terms: Multidimensional phenomenon, Nation-building, Home Rule League, Anti-Partition Movement, Indian freedom struggle.
DOI link – https://doi.org/10.69758/GIMRJ/2506S01V13P001
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