Topic: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
1. Tilak’s contributions played a crucial role in energizing and mobilizing the masses in the struggle for India’s independence. Discuss. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India.
Why the question:
July 23 was the birth anniversary of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, whom Mahatma Gandhi called “the Maker of Modern India”, and Jawaharlal Nehru described as the “the Father of the Indian Revolution”.
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.
