In 1915-16 the Home Rule League movement was launched under the leadership of

Annie Besant started the Home Rule League in September, 1916, and Tilak started it in April 1916. Tilak’s movement was confined to Maharashtra and Karnataka. And Annie Besant movement spread to other parts of India.

1. Background of the Home Rule League Movement

• During the early 20th century, India saw growing demand for self-governance.
• Inspired by the Irish Home Rule Movement, Indian leaders wanted administrative autonomy while still remaining under the British Crown.
• This movement aimed to:
  1. Promote national consciousness among Indians.
  2. Demand self-government for Indian provinces.
  3. Mobilize people through political awareness, meetings, and publications.

2. Leaders of the Home Rule League Movement

The Home Rule League Movement was launched under two prominent leaders:

1. Bal Gangadhar Tilak – led the movement in Maharashtra (Western India).
2. Annie Besant – led the movement in Madras (Southern India).

Key Facts:

• Tilak and Besant worked independently but shared the common goal of Home Rule.
• Both utilized newspapers, public meetings, and political organizations to spread awareness.

3. Objectives of the Home Rule League Movement

1. Achieve self-government for India.
2. Educate Indians about their political rights and responsibilities.
3. Promote national unity across regions and communities.
4. Reduce British control in administration and legislation.

4. Methods and Activities

• Organizing public meetings and lectures.
• Publishing political journals and pamphlets (e.g., Tilak’s “Kesari” and Besant’s “New India”).
• Mobilizing students, workers, and peasants to demand reforms.
• Political education to make Indians aware of their rights under British rule.

5. Significance of the Movement

• The Home Rule League Movement revived nationalistic fervor after the decline of the earlier Indian National Congress efforts.
• Created a strong mass base for future movements like Non-Cooperation Movement (1920s).
• Strengthened leadership of Tilak and Besant, making them iconic figures in the freedom struggle.
• Encouraged unity among Indians against British rule.

6. Conclusion

The Home Rule League Movement of 1915-16 was launched under the leadership of Bal Gangadhar Tilak in Maharashtra and Annie Besant in Madras. This movement played a crucial role in awakening political consciousness among Indians and laid the foundation for India’s eventual struggle for independence.