(DAW)

DAILY ANSWER WRITING

Feb.’23

GS-I (Paper- II)

(Model Answer-5)
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 Sunya IAS – DAILY ANSWER WRITING (DAW) – FEB.’23
GS – I (PAPER – I I)
(Model Answer)

Q5. Bal Gangadhar Tilak strongly advocated for Swaraj or self-rule and played a
pioneering role in building a mass political consciousness towards the Indian
independence movement. Elucidate.

(250 words, 15 marks)

Approach

Introduction: Briefly description on Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

Body:
 Explain how Tilak advocated for swaraj.
 Explain role of Tilak in building mass political consciousness.
Conclusion: Conclude appropriately.

Introduction: Bal Gangadhar Tilak was one of the most important leaders of the Freedom
movement. Tilak joined Indian National Congress (INC) in 1890 and he was among the
earliest advocate of Swaraj in India.

Tilak advocated for swaraj in the following ways

 Extremist ideology: Tilak along with Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chadra Pal gave new
direction to INC in 1905. They expressed dissatisfaction with achievements of
Moderates. The core demand of the extremists was ‘swaraj.’
 Surat split: The main reason for split is that while moderate sticked to constitutional
reforms only, extremists under Tilak raised demand for swaraj. Surat split can be
viewed as uncompromising demand for swaraj.
 Home Rule League: Tilak along with Annie Besant started Home Rule League with
an objective of self-rule. The movement forced the British to draft the Montagu
declaration in 1917.
 Self-reliance & self-respect: Tilak was aware that the foundation of self-rule or
swaraj should be in self-reliance and self-respect. His support to swadeshi movement
and attempts to take inspiration from India’s culture and history indicates this.

Tilak pioneered in building a mass political consciousness in the following ways

 Ignited patriotism: His famous slogan “Swaraj is my birth right and I shall have
it” inspired millions during freedom struggle.
 Swadeshi movement: Tilak started the Swadeshi movement in 1905, which focused
on not only boycotting British good, but also promoting indigenous goods. He
established a fund called ‘Paisa Fund’ to promote domestic manufacturing.

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 Sunya IAS – DAILY ANSWER WRITING (DAW) – FEB.’23
GS – I (PAPER – I I)
 Newspapers: Through his newspapers Kesari (Marathi daily) and Maharatta
(English weekly) he criticised the policies undertaken by the British government and
urged people to rise against the tyranny and oppression associated with the colonial
rule
 Mass mobilisation program: Imaginative use of festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi
and Shivaji festival, he was able to popularise ideas of freedom and self-rule among
the masses. The religious symbolism used by Tilak pushed princely states such as
Baroda and Sangli to join the national movement.
 Mass education: Tilak strongly advocated education in vernacular languages. He
established ‘Deccan Education Society’ to promote education as a means of social
transformation.

Conclusion: It is safe to say that Tilak’s active political career helped to lay foundation for
Gandhian mass movement, which finally led to the Independence of India.

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