Home Rule League Movement is part of Modern History of India. Below are notes on 11 sub-topics, followed by practice MCQs from State PSC and UPSC papers.

Background and Context (First World War, Political Vacuum)

  • First World War (1914-1918) led to British preoccupation, but also economic hardship in India (rising prices, taxes), causing widespread discontent.
  • Political Vacuum: Indian National Congress, particularly the Moderate faction, failed to initiate effective mass agitations or constitutional pressure during the war.
  • Lack of significant mass movements created a void for political action, which the Home Rule Leagues sought to fill.
  • Extremist Resurgence: Key Extremist leaders like B.G. Tilak were released from prison, ready to re-enter active politics.
  • New Leadership: Annie Besant, a prominent Theosophist, also emerged as a powerful advocate for self-rule.
  • Objective: Demand for 'Home Rule' or selfgovernment for India within the British Empire, inspired by the Irish Home Rule movement.

Emergence of Key Leaders (Tilak, Annie Besant)

  • Home Rule League Movement (HRM) emerged in India in 1915-16, advocating for self-government within the British Empire.
  • Two prominent leaders initiated separate Home Rule Leagues: Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant.
  • Bal Gangadhar Tilak (Lokmanya Tilak):
    • Launched his Home Rule League in April 1916, headquartered in Belgaum.
    • Coined the famous slogan: "Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!"
    • The epithet 'Lokmanya' was given to him during the Home Rule Movement. climate that favored unity and a joint demand for reforms.
  • Annie Besant:
    • Launched her Home Rule League in September 1916, headquartered in Adyar, Madras.
    • Associated with the quote: "I am an Indian Tomtom, waking up all the sleeping sleepers so that they may wake and work for their motherland .... This is my task."
    • Muhammad Ali Jinnah was a prominent leader associated with Annie Besant's Home Rule League.
  • S. Subramaniya Iyer was also associated with the Home Rule Movement.
  • Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Maulana Azad, and C.R. Das were not associated with the Home Rule Movement.

Establishment of Annie Besant's Home Rule League (September 1916)

  • Annie Besant's Home Rule League established in September 1916.
  • Headquarters: Adyar, Madras.
  • Geographical scope: Covered rest of India, excluding areas of Tilak's League (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Berar, Central Provinces).
  • Primary Objective: Attain self-government for India within the British Empire (Dominion Status).
  • Organising Secretary: George Arundale.
  • Prominent members included B. Wadia, C.P. Ramaswamy Aiyar, Jamanadas Dwarkadas, Shankerlal Banker, and Indulal Yagnik.
  • Annie Besant also co-founded the Women's Indian Association (WIA) in 1917, headquartered at Adyar, Madras.

Establishment of Tilak's Home Rule League (April 1916)

  • Founder: Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
  • Established: April 1916.
  • First conference/formation location: Belgaum (Belgaon).
  • Headquarters: Pune.
  • Area of Operation: Maharashtra (excluding Bombay city), Karnataka (then Bombay Presidency), Central Provinces, and Berar.
  • Objective: Attain Swaraj (self-government) for India within the British Empire through constitutional means.

Geographical Reach and Areas of Influence of both Leagues

  • Tilak's Home Rule League: Established April 1916 at Belgaum.
  • Tilak's League - Geographical Reach/Influence: Maharashtra (excluding Bombay city), Karnataka, Central Provinces, Berar.
  • Tilak's League - Propaganda Languages: Primarily used Marathi, Kannada, and Gujarati to propagate its ideas.
  • Tilak's League - Key Demands: Advocated for Home Rule (Swarajya), education in vernacular languages, and the formation of linguistic states.
  • Annie Besant's Home Rule League: Established September 1916 at Adyar, Madras.
  • Besant's League - Geographical Reach/Influence: Covered the rest of India, including Bombay city.
  • Besant's League - Propaganda: Utilized English extensively, along with local languages through its numerous branches.

Impact on Indian National Congress (Lucknow Pact 1916)

  • Lucknow Session (1916): Presided over by Ambika Charan Majumdar.
  • Reunion of INC Factions: Extremists (led by Tilak) and Moderates reunited after the Surat Split (1907), largely due to the efforts of Tilak and Annie Besant.
  • Congress-League Pact (Lucknow Pact): Signed between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League.
    • Joint Demands: Both parties agreed to present common constitutional demands to the British government for self-rule.
    • INC Concession: Congress accepted the Muslim League's demand for separate electorates for Muslims, a significant and controversial move.
  • Impact on INC Leadership & Stance:
    • Dominant Figures: Tilak and Annie Besant emerged as highly influential leaders, shaping the Congress agenda.
    • Weakened Moderates: The moderate faction's influence within the Congress significantly declined, being overshadowed by the more assertive Home Rule ideology.
    • New Direction: Congress adopted a more proactive and assertive stance, incorporating the demand for Home Rule into its primary objectives.
    • Temporary Unity: Created a temporary, united political front of Hindus and Muslims against British rule, fostering a sense of national unity.
  • Political Energization: The Home Rule movement and the Lucknow Pact collectively revitalized national politics, popularized the concept of self-rule, and led to increased political awareness and mobilization across India.

Influences from the Irish Home Rule Movement

  • The concept and term 'Home Rule' for the Indian Home Rule League Movement were directly borrowed from the Irish Home Rule Movement.

Methods and Strategies of Mobilization (Propaganda, Public Meetings, Publications)

  • Propaganda heavily relied on publications: Annie Besant utilized her newspapers New India (daily) and Commonweal (weekly).
  • B.G. Tilak disseminated Home Rule ideas through his newspapers Kesari (Marathi) and Mahratta (English).
  • Widespread use of pamphlets, posters, and handbills in vernacular languages to reach a broader audience.
  • Conducted numerous public meetings, lectures, and speeches across the country to mobilize support and educate the masses on self-government.
  • Established reading rooms, libraries, and discussion groups to facilitate political education and engagement.
  • Organized political education classes for students and the general public to foster a sense of national consciousness and demand for Home Rule.
  • The movement was characterized by two separate Home Rule Leagues (Tilak's and Besant's), rather than a single all-India organization.
  • Primary strategies focused on constitutional agitation, political education, and building public opinion; did NOT involve boycott or picketing, methods associated with earlier nationalist movements like Swadeshi.

Objectives and Ideology of the Movement

  • Primary Objective: Achieve Home Rule (self-government or Swaraj) for India.
  • Nature of Home Rule: Self-government within the British Empire, on par with Dominions like Canada and Australia.
  • Methodology: Attain objectives through constitutional means and peaceful agitation.
  • Relationship with Congress: Did not start on behalf of the Indian National Congress; aimed to pressure Congress and mobilize public opinion.
  • Ideological Symbolism (Flag): The Home Rule League flag included the Union Flag (Union Jack), signifying the demand for selfrule within the British imperial structure.
  • Key Associate (Besant's League): S. Subramaniya Iyer was a prominent associate of Annie Besant's Home Rule League.
  • Later Name Change: The Home Rule League (Tilak's, joined by Besant's members) was renamed 'Swarajya Sabha' in 1920.
  • Legislative Contribution (Besant): Annie Besant drafted the 'Commonwealth of India Bill' (1925), which included the demand for seven fundamental rights.

Role in Mass Mobilization and Political Awakening

  • Home Rule League Movement (1916-1918) aimed for self-government within the British Empire.
  • Bal Gangadhar Tilak launched the first league (April 1916, Belgaum); popularly accorded the epithet 'Lokmanya' during this movement due to his widespread popularity and efforts.
  • Annie Besant launched the second league (Sept 1916, Adyar, Madras).
  • Mass Mobilization: Leagues successfully reached beyond educated elites to include students, peasants, and workers.
  • Methods of Mobilization: Utilized public meetings, lectures, discussions, study circles, distribution of pamphlets and newspapers (Tilak's Kesari & Maratha; Besant's New India & Commonweal).
  • Political Awakening: Educated the masses on political issues, constitutional demands, and the concept of self-rule.
  • Created an extensive organizational network and cadre of political workers across India, laying groundwork for future mass movements.
  • Prepared a politically conscious public and created an atmosphere ripe for Mahatma Gandhi's subsequent nationalist campaigns.
  • Pressured the Indian National Congress to adopt a more assertive and defined goal of self-government.

Significance and Legacy of the Home Rule Leagues

  • All India Home Rule League (formed by Annie Besant) changed its name to "Swarajya Sabha" in 1920.
  • It shifted the focus of nationalist politics from educated elite to a mass base, involving students, workers, and women.
  • Provided an organizational structure for future national movements.
  • Pressurized the British government, contributing to the Montagu Declaration of August 1917 (pledging "responsible government").
  • Reinvigorated the nationalist movement after the Surat Split, bringing Extremists back into the mainstream.
  • Prepared the ground for Mahatma Gandhi's leadership and the Non-Cooperation Movement.
  • Introduced the idea of a self-governing nation, though within the British Empire, which inspired subsequent demands for complete independence.

23. Gandhi and His Early Movement

Practice MCQs: Home Rule League Movement

Background and Context (First World War, Political Vacuum)

  1. Which of the following statements regarding Home Rule Leagues in India are correct ? 1. The movement was led by the moderate Congress leaders. 2. There were two Home Rule Leagues. 3. The movement became strong, because other mass agitations could not be launched by the Congress during the World War. 4. The government was non-reactive to the movement. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    Asked in: UPSC CAPF 2011

    1. 1, 2 and 3
    2. 2, 3 and 4
    3. 1 and 4 only
    4. 2 and 3 only
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 2 and 3 only

Emergence of Key Leaders (Tilak, Annie Besant)

  1. Annie Besant was associated with ________.

    Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2024

    1. Khilafat Movement
    2. Non-Cooperation Movement
    3. Civil Disobedience Movement
    4. Home Rule Movement
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Home Rule Movement

    Annie Besant, a Theosophist and Irish nationalist, became a prominent figure in India's freedom struggle. Along with Bal Gangadhar Tilak, she played a crucial role in launching and popularizing the Home Rule Movement in India in 1916. The movement aimed at achieving self-government (Home Rule) for India within the British Empire.

  2. Leaders of the Home Rule Leagues were: 1. Annie Besant and Vallabhai Patel 2. Annie Besant and Lokmanya Tilak 3. Annie Besant and Sister Nivedita 4. Annie Besant and Dadabhai Naoroji Which of the above statement/s is/are correct?

    Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2023

    1. 1 and 2
    2. 2 and 4
    3. Only 2
    4. Only 3
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Only 2

    The objective of the Home Rule Leagues was to achieve self-government (Home Rule) for India within the British Empire through constitutional means.

  3. Who were the two prominent leaders of Home Rule League ?

    Asked in: HPPSC HPAS Prelims 2011

    1. Tilak and Annie Besant
    2. Tilak and Feroz Shah Mehta
    3. Annie Besant and B.C. Pal
    4. B.C. Pal and Tilak
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Tilak and Annie Besant

    Two separate Home Rule Leagues were established: one by Tilak (primarily in Maharashtra and Karnataka) in April 1916, and the other by Annie Besant (covering the rest of India) in September

  4. Both aimed at achieving self-government (Home Rule) for India within the British Empire. 6. Who among the following leaders started the Indian Home Rule League?

    Asked in: UPSC NDA 2 2018

    1. Gopal Krishna Gokhale
    2. Mahatma Gandhi
    3. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
    4. J. B. Kripalani
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Bal Gangadhar Tilak

    The Indian Home Rule movement was a movement in British India for self-rule (Home Rule) on the lines of the Irish Home Rule movement. It gained momentum during World War I. Two main Home Rule Leagues were established: one led by Bal Gangadhar Tilak, founded in April 1916 in Belgaum, and the other led by Annie Besant, founded in September 1916 in Adyar, Madras.

  5. Who said "I am an Indian Tomtom, waking up all the sleeping sleepers so that they may wake and work for their motherland .... This is my task"?

    Asked in: TNPSC CS Prelims 2019

    1. Mrs. Annie Besant
    2. Ravindranath Tagore
    3. Sarojini Naidu
    4. None of the above
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Mrs. Annie Besant

    Annie Besant was a British socialist, theosophist, women's rights activist, writer, and orator who spent much of her life involved in political and philanthropic activities in India. She was a key figure in the Home Rule movement and later became President of the Indian National Congress. This quote reflects her energetic efforts to awaken national consciousness and mobilize Indians for the independence movement.

  6. Who among the following was not associated with the Home Rule movement?

    Asked in: WBPSC CS Prelims 2015 · UPPCS Prelims 2010

    1. Annie Besant
    2. Tilak
    3. M.A. Jinnah
    4. Maulana Azad
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Maulana Azad

    The Home Rule movement was primarily spearheaded by Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Many prominent nationalists joined or supported the movement, but Maulana Azad was not one of the key figures associated with its organization.

  7. Who coined the slogan 'Swaraj is my birth right'?

    Asked in: WBPSC CS Prelims 2021

    1. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
    2. Vasudev Balwant Phadke
    3. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
    4. Balkrishna Chapekar
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Bal Gangadhar Tilak

    Bal Gangadhar Tilak is credited with popularizing the slogan 'Swaraj is my birth right'.

  8. Two Home Rule Leagues were started in 1915-16 under the leadership of

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 1994

    1. Tilak and Annie Besant
    2. Tilak and Aurobindo Ghosh
    3. Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai
    4. Tilak and Vipin Chandra Pal
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Tilak and Annie Besant

    Tilak launched his league in April 1916, primarily covering Maharashtra (excluding Bombay city), Karnataka, Central Provinces, and Berar. Annie Besant launched her league later, in September 1916, covering the rest of India.

  9. Annie Besant is mostly associated with

    Asked in: UPPSC Upper Mains 2010

    1. Civil Disobedience Movement
    2. Home Rule Movement
    3. Khilafat Movement
    4. Non-Co-operation Movement
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Home Rule Movement

    Annie Besant, along with Bal Gangadhar Tilak, was a leading figure in launching and popularizing the Home Rule Movement in 1916. They aimed to achieve self-government (Home Rule) for India within the British Empire through constitutional means. Annie Besant founded the All India Home Rule League in September 1916 in Madras, while Tilak started his Indian Home Rule League in April 1916 in Maharashtra.

Establishment of Annie Besant's Home Rule League (September 1916)

  1. Read the following events and find their correct chronological order : (i) Annie Besant : Home Rule Movement (ii) Death of Bal Gangadhar Tilak (iii) Jallianwala Bagh Massacre The correct chronological sequence is :

    Asked in: Assistant Auditor (Direct) 2021

    1. (i), (iii), (ii)
    2. (ii), (i), (iii)
    3. (iii), (ii), (i)
    4. None of the above
    Show answer

    Answer: A. (i), (iii), (ii)

    Chronological ordering of historical events requires accurate knowledge of their dates.

  2. In which city did Annie Besant establish the Women's Indian Association? -cutta

    Asked in: ASSISTANT SYSTEM MANAGER 2024

    1. Calcutta
    2. Belur
    3. Madras
    4. None of the above
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Madras

    The Women's Indian Association (WIA) was founded on 8 May 1917 in Adyar, Madras, by Annie Besant, Margaret Cousins, and Dorothy Jinarajadasa. It was one of the earliest women's organizations in India advocating for women's rights and suffrage.

  3. Who was the Organizing Secretary of Annie Besant's Home Rule League ?

    Asked in: Group B Exam 2012

    1. Jamanadas Dwarkadas
    2. Shankerlal Banker
    3. Indulal Yagnik
    4. George Arundale
    Show answer

    Answer: D. George Arundale

    The Home Rule Movement was a significant phase in India's struggle for independence, advocating for self-governance. Annie Besant's Home Rule League was one of the two main leagues during this period. George Arundale's role as Organizing Secretary highlights the organizational efforts behind the movement.

Establishment of Tilak's Home Rule League (April 1916)

  1. Tilak formed his Home Rule League in 1916 at

    Asked in: WBPSC CS Prelims 2018

    1. Satara
    2. Pune
    3. Belgaon
    4. Berar
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Belgaon

    Bal Gangadhar Tilak founded the first Indian Home Rule League in April 1916. While Pune was a major centre of his political activities, the inauguration and initial headquarters were established in Belgaum (now Belagavi), Karnataka.

  2. What is the correct sequence of the following events? I. Tilak’s Home Rule League II. Kamagatamaru Incident III. Mahatma Gandhi’s arrival in India Select the correct answer using the codes given below: Codes:

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 1998

    1. I, II, III
    2. III, II, I
    3. II, I, III
    4. II, III, I
    Show answer

    Answer: D. II, III, I

    - Kamagatamaru Incident: 1914 - Gandhi's arrival in India: 1915 - Tilak's Home Rule League: 1916

Geographical Reach and Areas of Influence of both Leagues

  1. Which of the following statements regarding Tilak's Home Rule League are correct? I. It demanded education in vernacular language. II. It propagated its ideas in Marathi, Kannada, and Gujarati. III. It also demanded the formation of linguistic states.

    Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2021

    1. I and II only
    2. I and III only
    3. II and III only
    4. I, II and III
    Show answer

    Answer: D. I, II and III

    Statement I is correct. Both Tilak's and Annie Besant's Home Rule Leagues advocated for education in vernacular languages as part of the movement for national consciousness and self-rule. Statement II is correct. Tilak's league, based primarily in Maharashtra and the Central Provinces, actively propagated its ideas in Marathi (his primary language), Kannada (covering the Karnataka region which was part of his sphere of influence), and Gujarati (reaching out to the neighbouring region with significant nationalist activity). Statement III is correct. One of the stated objectives of Tilak's Home Rule League was indeed the formation of linguistic provinces as a more rational administrative structure for a self-governing India.

Impact on Indian National Congress (Lucknow Pact 1916)

  1. Which of the following was not the result of the Home Rule movement of Tilak and Besant?

    Asked in: WBCS Main Paper 3 2019

    1. The I. N. C. and the Muslim League both thought of starting a passive Resistance' move‐ ment.
    2. The Home Rule campaign virtually ousted the moderates from the political field.
    3. The I. N. C. became the 'Congress of Tilak and Besant'.
    4. The movement generated a cultural awakening in India.
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The I. N. C. and the Muslim League both thought of starting a passive Resistance' move‐ ment.

    - The Home Rule movement (1916-1918) aimed at achieving self-government (Home Rule) for India through constitutional means and agitation. - The movement led to increased political awareness and mobilization, especially among the masses and educated classes. - It facilitated the re-entry of extremists into the Congress fold and led to the Lucknow Pact (1916) between the Congress and the Muslim League, fostering cooperation for the cause of Home Rule. This made Congress more united and influential (reflecting in options B and C). - Nationalist movements often stimulate cultural pride and awareness (option D). - While there was increased cooperation between INC and Muslim League, planning a joint 'passive resistance' movement was not a direct or primary outcome of the Home Rule movement itself. Passive resistance became a key strategy later, notably under Mahatma Gandhi's leadership.

Influences from the Irish Home Rule Movement

  1. The leaders of the Home Rule Movement borrowed the term 'Home Rule' from a similar movement in

    Asked in: WBCS Main Paper 3 2021

    1. Ireland
    2. Scotland
    3. U.S.A.
    4. Canada
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Ireland

    - The Home Rule Movement in India aimed to achieve self-government (Swaraj) for India within the British Empire. - It was inspired by nationalist movements in other parts of the British Empire, particularly Ireland. - Annie Besant, originally Irish- English, had been associated with the Fabian Society and was aware of the Irish movement.

Methods and Strategies of Mobilization (Propaganda, Public Meetings, Publications)

  1. In which of the following newspapers did Dr. Annie Besant made the propaganda of Home Rule League?

    Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 1 2022

    1. New India
    2. Commonweal
    3. Both (A) and (B)
    4. Neither (A) nor (B)
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Both (A) and (B)

    Annie Besant owned and edited two prominent newspapers, 'New India' (daily) and 'Commonweal' (weekly), which she effectively used as platforms to advocate for the Home Rule movement and her political views.

  2. In which of the following newspapers did Annie-Besant present her thoughts about Home Rule Movement ?

    Asked in: MPSC CS Prelims 2023

    1. a and b only
    2. b and c only
    3. a and d only
    4. a, b and c only
    Show answer

    Answer: A. a and b only

    Annie Besant launched the Home Rule League in September 1916, following Bal Gangadhar Tilak's league formed in April 1916. Her newspapers were vital tools for mobilizing public opinion and disseminating the ideas and objectives of the Home Rule Movement across India.

  3. Which one of the following was NOT the feature of the Home Rule movement in India ?

    Asked in: UPSC CAPF 2015

    1. Boycott and Picketing
    2. Two separate Home-Rule Leagues rather than one All-India Home-Rule Organisation
    3. Setting up of discussion groups and reading rooms
    4. Sale and circulation of pamphlets
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Boycott and Picketing

    The Home Rule movement (1916-1918) primarily focused on achieving self-government within the British Empire through constitutional means, public meetings, propaganda, and organisation. Tactics like boycott and picketing were more characteristic of the Swadeshi movement (1905-1908) and later, the Non-Cooperation movement (1920-1922). Boycott and picketing were not central features of the Home Rule movement's methods.

Objectives and Ideology of the Movement

  1. Consider the following statements regarding the Home Rule League. 1. S. Subramaniya Ayer was on associate of Annie Besant. 2. It started on behalf of the Indian National Congress. 3. It changed its name to Swarajya sabha. 4. Its flag had the Union Flag on it. Which of the following are correct?

    Asked in: OPSC CS Prelims 2022

    1. 1, 2 and 3
    2. 2, 3 and 4
    3. 1, 3 and 4
    4. Only 1 and 2
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 1, 3 and 4

    The Home Rule League movement, led by Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, aimed to achieve self-government for India within the British Empire. S. Subramaniya Iyer was a prominent nationalist leader from South India who supported Annie Besant's league and famously renounced his knighthood. Tilak's Home Rule League was later renamed the Swarajya Sabha. Annie Besant's Home Rule League flag, adopted in 1917, did include the Union Jack in the corner, reflecting the goal of Home Rule within the Empire, along with traditional Indian symbols.

  2. Consider the following statements. Assertion (A) : In 1916 Annie Besant organised the home rule league at Madras. Reason (R) : Its objective is to achieve home rule through constitutional methods.

    Asked in: TNPSC CS Prelims 2014

    1. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
    2. Both (A) and (R) are true (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
    3. (A) is true (R) is false
    4. (A) is false (R) is true
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

    - Assertion (A) is true: Annie Besant did organise a Home Rule League in September 1916 at Adyar, Madras (now Chennai). Bal Gangadhar Tilak had launched his Indian Home Rule League earlier, in April 1916. - Reason (R) is true: The objective of both Home Rule Leagues (Tilak's and Besant's) was to achieve 'Home Rule' or self-government for India within the British Empire, primarily through constitutional and non-violent means like public meetings, propaganda, and pressure on the government. - Relationship: The stated objective (R) directly explains the purpose for which Annie Besant (and Tilak) organised the Home Rule League movement (A). They aimed to mobilise support for self-government through constitutional agitation.

  3. Which of these bills associated with the demand of seven Fundamental Rights was drafted by Annie Besant? - (5) Question not attempted

    Asked in: Department Recruitment 2024 (Research Officer) 2024

    1. (1) Commonwealth of India Bill
    2. (2) Lucknow Pact
    3. (3) Home Rule Bill
    4. (4) Swaraj Bill
    Show answer

    Answer: A. (1) Commonwealth of India Bill

    Annie Besant was a prominent leader of the Home Rule Movement in India. She drafted and promoted the Home Rule Bill, which aimed at achieving self- governance for India. While the Commonwealth of India Bill (Nehru Committee Report) is more famous for its detailed Bill of Rights, the Home Rule Bill was a direct legislative proposal from Besant's movement that sought to secure rights and self-determination for Indians.

Role in Mass Mobilization and Political Awakening

  1. Bal Gangadhar Tilak was given the epithet of 'Lokmanya' (Universally Respected) during

    Asked in: WBPSC CS Prelims 2023

    1. Swadeshi movement
    2. Revolutionary movement
    3. Home Rule movement
    4. His imprisonment in 1908
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Home Rule movement

    Tilak played a leading role in the Indian independence movement. While he was a prominent nationalist leader from the late 19th century, his widespread popularity and the epithet 'Lokmanya' became strongly associated with his efforts during the Home Rule movement (1916-1918) where he galvanized public support across vast areas.

  2. Select the correct chronological order of the following from the code given below : A) Rowlatt Act B) Simon Commission . C) Home Rule Movement D) Gandhi-Irwin Pact Code:

    Asked in: UPPCS Prelims 1994

    1. C,D,A,B
    2. D,B,A,C
    3. A,C,B,D .
    4. C,A,B,D
    Show answer

    Answer: D. C,A,B,D

    The Home Rule Movement was active before Gandhi took complete leadership. The Rowlatt Act was a repressive measure that led to widespread protests. The Simon Commission was boycotted by Indian leaders. The Gandhi-Irwin Pact temporarily suspended the Civil Disobedience Movement.

Significance and Legacy of the Home Rule Leagues

  1. In 1920, which of the following changed its name to "Swarajya Sabha" ?

    Asked in: UPSC IAS 2018 · UPPCS Prelims 2010

    1. All India Home Rule League
    2. Hindu Mahasabha
    3. South Indian Liberal Federation
    4. The Servants of India Society
    Show answer

    Answer: A. All India Home Rule League

    The change of name symbolized the alignment of the Home Rule movement with the broader objectives of the Indian National Congress under Gandhi's leadership. BPSC Prelims Exam-69th - Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918) was an industrial dispute where Gandhi first used the hunger strike as a weapon in India. - This was one of Gandhi's early experiments with Satyagraha in India after his return from South Africa, following the Champaran Satyagraha (1917).

  2. Consider the following statements about the Ahmedabad Mill Strike of 1918 :

    Asked in: KPSC KAS Prelims 2015

    1. It was related mainly to the dispute between the Indian workers and the European mill owners regarding hours of work and grant of leaves.
    2. Anusuya Ben Sarabhai, sister of the one of the rich mill owners of Ahmedabad was one of the leaders of the movement.
    3. Gandhiji used the weapon of hunger strike. Which of the above statements are correct ? Select the code for the correct answer from the options given below : A. A and B only B. B and C only C. A and C only
    4. A, B and C
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Anusuya Ben Sarabhai, sister of the one of the rich mill owners of Ahmedabad was one of the leaders of the movement.

    The Ahmedabad Mill Strike was one of the early instances where Gandhiji applied his technique of non-violent protest (Satyagraha) and the weapon of hunger strike in India.

  3. Which Indian businessman favoured 'healthy capitalism' in helping Gandhiji to work towards a 'common object' ?

    Asked in: UPSC NDA 1 2019

    1. Ghanshyam Das Birla
    2. Ambalal Sarabhai
    3. Sir Biren Mookerjee
    4. T. T. K. Krishnamachari
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Ghanshyam Das Birla

    Ghanshyam Das Birla was a prominent Indian businessman and a close associate and supporter of Mahatma Gandhi. He favoured what he saw as 'healthy capitalism', believing that business, conducted ethically, could contribute to national development and support the freedom struggle.

  4. Which among the following struggles, based on Gandhi's philosophy of Satyagraha, involved the industrial working class ?

    Asked in: UPSC NDA 2 2019

    1. Champaran
    2. Kheda
    3. Ahmedabad
    4. Bardoli
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    Answer: C. Ahmedabad

    Gandhi's early Satyagraha movements in India targeted different groups and issues: Champaran (peasants against indigo planters), Kheda (peasants against revenue collection), and Ahmedabad (industrial workers against mill owners).

  5. Where and when did Mahatma Gandhi first use his method of hunger-strike to achieve a desired goal ?

    Asked in: UPSC CAPF 2015

    1. At Natal in South Africa in the year 1906
    2. At Champaran in the year 1917
    3. At Ahmedabad in the year 1918
    4. At Cape Town in South Africa in the year 1906
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    Answer: C. At Ahmedabad in the year 1918

    Mahatma Gandhi's first use of a hunger strike (fasting unto death) as a public protest method to achieve a specific desired goal occurred during the Ahmedabad Mill Strike in 1918. He undertook the fast to support the mill workers' demand for a wage increase and to pressure the mill owners to agree to arbitration. While Gandhi experimented with fasting for self-purification earlier, including in South Africa, the Ahmedabad fast is widely recognized as his first instance of using it as a political weapon in India.

  6. Who invited Gandhi to the Ahmedabad Textile Mill strike of 1918?

    Asked in: School Lecturer (Sanskrit Edu.) 2022 5 2022

    1. G.K. Gokhale
    2. Anasuya Sarabhai
    3. Ramkaran Joshi
    4. Rajkumar Shukla
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Anasuya Sarabhai

    Mahatma Gandhi's involvement in labor disputes and his application of Satyagraha principles were significantly demonstrated during the Ahmedabad mill strike. Anasuya Sarabhai played a pivotal role in mobilizing the workers and seeking Gandhi's intervention.

  7. Who founded the ‘Textile Labour Association’ in Ahmedabad ?

    Asked in: Combined (Group C) Exam 2023

    1. Jamnalal Bajaj
    2. M.N. Joshi
    3. Mahatma Gandhi
    4. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
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    Answer: C. Mahatma Gandhi

    Mahatma Gandhi founded the Textile Labour Association in Ahmedabad.