Which extremist leader is known as 'Lokmanya'?

The correct answer is Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

Key Points

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a prominent Indian nationalist leader, is commonly referred to as 'Lokmanya', meaning 'accepted by the people as their leader'.
• He was a key figure in the Indian independence movement and was one of the first leaders to advocate for Swaraj (self-rule).
• Tilak was a strong proponent of radical nationalism and believed in direct action to achieve independence from British rule.
• He was also a scholar, mathematician, and philosopher, contributing significantly to Indian culture and education.
• Tilak's famous declaration "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it" became a rallying cry for the independence movement.

Additional Information

• Indian National Congress (INC)
  • The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885 and played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement.
  • Bal Gangadhar Tilak was associated with the extremist faction of the Congress, which advocated for more aggressive methods to achieve independence.
  • The Congress split into moderate and extremist factions in 1907 at the Surat session.
  • The extremists, led by Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bipin Chandra Pal, were known as the Lal-Bal-Pal trio.
• Swaraj
  • Swaraj means self-rule or self-governance, a concept popularized by Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
  • Tilak's demand for Swaraj inspired many Indians to join the struggle for independence.
  • The concept of Swaraj was later adopted by Mahatma Gandhi in his philosophy of non-violent resistance.
• Publications and Education
  • Tilak founded two newspapers, 'Kesari' in Marathi and 'The Mahratta' in English, to spread nationalist ideas.
  • He also established the Deccan Education Society in 1884 to promote education among Indians.
  • Tilak wrote several books, including 'Gita Rahasya', an interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita.
• Ganesh Utsav
  • Tilak popularized the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi as a public festival to unite Indians and promote nationalist sentiments.
  • The festival provided a platform for people to come together and discuss social and political issues.