Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
2. Tilak was a pragmatic politician and worked towards political emancipation of India by popularising the four-point programme of action – National Education, Boycott, Swadeshi and Passive Resistance. Discuss the contributions of Tilak to India’s national movement. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: A Brief History of Modern India by Rajiv Ahir (Spectrum Publishers)
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1 as mentioned in Mission-2022 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To understand the key role of Tilak as a leader in India’s struggle for Independence.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Give a brief introduction of Tilak – the nationalist, the politician and a fearless leader of the masses.
Body:
Mention key factors that leads to term Tilak as a pragmatic leader – to realise the need to connect to the masses, the true nature of British rule etc. Further elaborate on his four point programme such as stating of Deccan education Society, two newspapers, and New English school to promote education and awareness of the masses. Tilak’s approach to economic exploitation of the British was to Boycott and protect and promote the indigenous industries and artisans while passive resistance was an extension of the Boycott principle, to encourage the masses to not pay taxes and prepare them for self-rule.
In the next part, mention the contributions of Tilak in detail apart from the above. His part in spreading nationalist consciousness, Home rule league, creation of mass base etc.
Conclusion:
Stress on the timely interference of Tilak to demystify the true nature of the British and bring in a new vigour to India’s freedom struggle.
