Home Rule Movement in India

Questions and Answers

What was the main goal of the Home Rule Movement?

To achieve complete independence from the British Empire

To promote socialist ideologies in India

To achieve self-governance for India within the British Empire (correct)

To unite the Indian and Irish independence movements

What was the outcome of the Congress Split in 1907?

A lull in the national movement (correct)

The imprisonment of Annie Besant

The formation of the Home Rule Leagues

The merger of the Indian and Irish independence movements

Who was the Irish socialist who supported both Irish and Indian home rule?

Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Annie Besant (correct)

Mahatma Gandhi

Lala Lajpat Rai

What was the outcome of Annie Besant's arrest in June 1917?

Nationwide protests leading to her release in September 1917 Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Home Rule Movement in terms of its duration?

It was a year-round activity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups did NOT support the Home Rule Movement?

Anglo-Indians and non-Brahmins in Southern India Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Montague Declaration in 1917?

The British Empire promised more Indian participation in government Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the decline of the Home Rule Movement?

Limited reach among the masses Signup and view all the answers

What was the territorial division of the Home Rule Leagues?

Tilak's league operated in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Berar, and Central Provinces, while Besant's league covered the rest of India Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the formation of the Home Rule Leagues?

A brief unity among moderates, extremists, and the Muslim League Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Home Rule Movement (1916-1918)

Led by prominent figures like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant, with the main goal of achieving self-governance for India within the British Empire, similar to the dominion status of Canada and Australia.
Driven by two Home Rule Leagues, which aimed to promote political education, build confidence to oppose government suppression, and demand greater political representation.

Background

The Government of India Act 1909 failed to meet Indian aspirations.
The Congress Split in 1907 and Tilak's imprisonment from 1908 to 1914 led to a lull in the movement.
Tilak's release and Annie Besant's arrival in 1893 revived the national movement.

Annie Besant

An Irish socialist who supported both Irish and Indian home rule.
Arrived in India in 1893 and saw World War I as an opportunity for India.

Formation of the Leagues

Tilak's League was launched in April 1916 in Belgaum.
Besant's League was launched in September 1916 in Madras.

Objectives and Activities

Objectives: to achieve self-government, promote political education, build confidence to oppose government suppression, and demand greater political representation.
Public agitations and meetings stirred national consciousness and alarmed the British.
Annie Besant's arrest in June 1917 sparked nationwide protests, leading to her release in September 1917.

Significance

The movement showed year-round activity, unlike the Congress Party's annual sessions.
Attracted educated Indians, Congress members, and Muslim League members.
Brief unity among moderates, extremists, and the Muslim League was achieved.
Political consciousness spread to more regions.
The Montague Declaration in 1917 promised more Indian participation in government, legitimizing the home rule demand.

Decline

The movement had limited reach, predominantly among educated people and college students.
Lack of support from Muslims, Anglo-Indians, and non-Brahmins in Southern India.
Moderates were satisfied with government reform promises.
Leadership issues, including Besant's inconsistent stance and Tilak's absence due to a libel case in England.
Gandhi's rise post-war led to the merger of the Home Rule Leagues with the Congress Party in 1920.

Impact

The Home Rule Movement played a crucial role in the Indian independence struggle, setting the stage for future mass movements led by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi.