Home Rule Movement: List of Freedom Fighter, Objectives & Impact (1915-1916)

Home Rule Movement: India’s Effective Response to World War I

The Home Rule Movement (1915–1916) was India’s less charged but more effective response to World War I, which had brought heavy taxation and price increases. Tilak and Annie Besant were all set to assume leadership of the campaign, which had begun with considerable enthusiasm. The League campaign attempted to transmit to the ordinary man the message of self-government through the Home Rule Movement.

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Background Of The Home Rule Movement: Catalysts and Challenges in 1915-1916

The background of the Home Rule Movement is marked by a series of events and factors that contributed to the growth of nationalist sentiments and the demand for self-rule mentioned below: 

• Disappointment of the 1909 Act: With the disappointment of the 1909 Act and the failure of moderates to make headway, the groundwork has been laid for a new movement.
• Role of Tilak: Tilak was released from jail in 1914, ready to take on a larger role; however, Congress’ leadership was with moderates, forcing him to form a breakaway organization.
• Influence of the Russian Revolution: While the Russian Revolution of 1917 was still in action, it gave an additional edge.
• Lucknow pact: In December 1915, the two sides of Congress reconciled. The Congress and the Muslim League formed the historic Lucknow Pact the next year, pledging to work together for representative government in the country.
• Increased Prices and Tax: People were prepared to take part in any aggressive protest movement as they felt the burden of the wartime hardships brought on by high taxes and an increase in prices.
• War burst the Myth of White Superiority: The war exposed the myth of white superiority because it was fought between the major imperialist powers of the time and supported by overt propaganda.
• Role of Annie Beasant: The Irish theosophist Annie Besant, who has been based in India since 1896, decided to expand the scope of her activities to include the creation of a home rule movement along the lines of the Irish Home Rule Leagues.

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Home Rule League Movement (September 1916): Tilak, Besant & Home Rule Movement

A comprehensive overview of the key points related to the Home Rule Movement are given below:

• Tilak’s Resumption of Activities: After being released from prison in 1914, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a prominent nationalist leader, resumed his nationalist activities. He sought entry into the Indian National Congress, but his initial attempts were thwarted by moderates led by Pherozshah Mehta.
• Opposition decreased: However, following Pherozshah Mehta’s death, opposition against the Extremists decreased and they were allowed to rejoin Congress in December 1915.
• Disappointment with Moderates: Many leaders within the nationalist movement grew disillusioned with the lack of progress on the front of self-rule and the cautious approach of the moderate faction within the Indian National Congress. This dissatisfaction set the stage for more assertive and radical movements.
• Irish Influence and Annie Besant: Dr Annie Besant, an Irish theosophist and social reformer, who had gained experience in national action through her involvement with the Theosophical Society, launched the Home Rule Movement in India in September 1916. Inspired by the Irish insurrection, Besant aimed to mobilize Indians for self-rule, drawing parallels with the Irish Home Rule movement.
• Assistance and Support: Besant received assistance from notable individuals such as B.W. Wadia and C.P. Ramaswamy Aiyer in her Home Rule Movement. Additionally, Bal Gangadhar Tilak also launched and actively supported a separate Home Rule Movement.
• Maharashtra Home Rule League Movement: Tilak took the initiative and launched the Maharashtra Home Rule Movement in 1916. This movement aimed to garner support for self-rule and autonomy for the region. Tilak famously proclaimed, “Swaraj is my birthright, and I will have it,” emphasizing the demand for self-government.
• Gandhi’s Role: During the Home Rule Movement, Mahatma Gandhi was not actively involved as he had only recently arrived in India in 1915 and was still navigating the new political landscape. Gandhi would later become a key figure in the Indian independence movement through his philosophy of nonviolent resistance.
• Two Factions: Ultimately, however, two Home Rule Leagues were established—one by Balgangadhar Tilak and the other by Annie Besant—both with the intention of starting a new, aggressive political trend.

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The Objective Of The Home Rule Movement: Striving for Self-Government and Political Awakening

The objective of the Home Rule Movement in India, launched in September 1916, encompassed several key goals and aspirations. Here is an overview of the objectives of the movement:

• Attain Dominion Status: The primary objective of the Home Rule Movement was to strive for the attainment of Dominion status for India, similar to that enjoyed by other British colonies such as Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. Dominion status implied a higher degree of self-government and autonomy within the British Empire.
• Promote Political Education: Another objective of the movement was to promote political education and create awareness among the Indian population about their political rights and the need for self-government. Through public lectures, publications, and grassroots organizing, the Home Rule Movement aimed to educate Indians about the principles of self-rule and generate support for the cause.
• Motivate Indians to Speak Out: The movement sought to motivate Indians to speak out against the repressive policies and practices of the British government. By encouraging active participation and dissent, the Home Rule League Movement aimed to empower Indians to voice their grievances and aspirations for self-rule.
• Pressure on the British Government: One of the key objectives of the movement was to exert pressure on the British government to increase Indian political representation and grant more rights and freedoms. Through protests, petitions, and political activism, the movement aimed to challenge the existing power structures and advocate for a fairer and more equitable political system in India.
• Resurrect Political Activity: The Home Rule League Movement aimed to revive and revitalize political activity in India, particularly within the framework of the Indian National Congress. It sought to align its objectives with the principles and values of the Congress Party while infusing a more assertive and proactive approach to the struggle for self-rule.

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The Spread Of The Home Rule Movement And Leadership: Uniting India for Self-Governance

The Home Rule League Movement quickly gained momentum and spread throughout India, garnering significant support and involvement from various sections of society. Following are the key points related to the spread of the movement and its leadership:

• Rapid Growth: The Home Rule League Movement experienced rapid growth, with sections of the league being established in different regions of India. The movement found resonance among the Indian population, and local branches of the league were founded in various cities and towns, allowing for a widespread presence and outreach.
• Leadership Division: Leadership responsibilities were divided between prominent nationalist leaders Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant. Tilak focused his efforts primarily on Maharashtra, consolidating support in the region. Besant, on the other hand, concentrated on mobilizing support and expanding the movement in the rest of India.
• Joining the Home Rule League: Many influential leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru, joined the Home Rule League and actively participated in the movement. Nehru collaborated closely with Annie Besant, recognizing her role as a prominent leader and aligning his efforts with her vision for self-rule.
• Permeation among the Masses: The Home Rule League’s message and objectives resonated with various communities across India. The movement permeated different sections of society, including peasants, workers, students, and intellectuals, who actively supported and participated in the campaign for self-government.
• Support from Major Personalities: The Home Rule League received support from other major personalities in the nationalist movement. Figures like C.Y. Chintamani, Motilal Nehru, and Tej Bahadur Sapru joined the campaign and lent their support to the cause. Notably, Subramania Aiyer, in protest against British policies, gave up his knighthood and actively participated in the movement.
• Popularity of Annie Besant: Due to the movement’s popularity and her leadership role, Annie Besant was elected as the next president of the Indian National Congress in 1917, becoming the first woman to hold that position. This highlighted the influence and appeal of the Home Rule League Movement and its leaders within the broader nationalist movement.

The Government’s Response To The Home Rule League Movement: Government Repression Fuels Home Rule Resilience

The government’s stance and actions in response to the Home Rule League Movement had a significant impact on the dynamics of the movement and the overall independence struggle. Here are the key points regarding the government’s stance:

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• Harsh Repression: The government responded to the Home Rule League Movement with harsh repression, particularly in Madras (now Chennai). The government imposed restrictions on political gatherings, and students were forbidden from attending such events. This repressive approach aimed to suppress and discourage the participation of the youth and the general public in the movement.
• Legal Case Against Tilak: A case was filed against Bal Gangadhar Tilak, one of the prominent leaders of the movement. However, the high court rescinded the case, indicating a degree of judicial intervention or pushback against the government’s actions. Despite this, Tilak faced restrictions and was not allowed to enter Delhi or Punjab, limiting his activities and reach.
• Detention of Leaders: Annie Besant, B.P. Wadia, and George Arundale, prominent leaders of the Home Rule League Movement, were detained by the government in June 1917. This sparked a national outcry and intensified the opposition to government repression. The detention of leaders further galvanized public support and solidified the determination of the agitators.
• Sir S. Subramaniya Aiyar’s Gesture: In 1917, Sir S. Subramaniya Aiyar, a prominent Indian nationalist and politician, made a dramatic gesture by renouncing his knighthood as a protest against the government’s repressive actions. This symbolic act highlighted the growing disillusionment and resistance among prominent figures in response to government policies.
• Strengthened Determination: The government’s repressive measures, including arrests, restrictions, and detentions, had an unintended effect. Instead of quelling the movement, these actions stiffened the agitators’ attitudes and increased their determination to oppose the government. The repression fueled a stronger resolve to fight for self-rule and intensified the pushback against colonial authority.

Reasons Behind The Downfall Of The Home Rule Movement: Home Rule Movement Challenges

The downfall of the Home Rule League Movement and the temporary setback in the Indian independence movement can be attributed to several factors which are mentioned below:

• Appeasement of Moderates: After Annie Besant’s release from jail, the British government made efforts to appease the moderate faction within the Indian National Congress. This appeasement led to a reduction in tensions and anger among the moderates, resulting in a temporary subsiding of the movement’s momentum.

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• August Declaration: In 1917, Edwin Montague, the new Secretary of State for India, made the “August Declaration” in the British Parliament. The declaration stated that Indians would be granted additional roles in the administration, indicating a potential shift in British policy towards Indian political representation. This declaration momentarily dampened the agitation for self-rule by creating the perception that progress was being made.
• Rise of Gandhi and Civil Disobedience: During this period, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi emerged as a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement. Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance and his advocacy for civil disobedience captured national attention and diverted focus from the Home Rule League Movement. The attention shifted towards Gandhi’s ideas and strategies for achieving independence.
• Leadership Vacuum: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, one of the key leaders of the Home Rule League Movement, moved to the United States, leaving a leadership vacuum. Tilak’s absence weakened the organizational structure and strategic direction of the movement, leading to a loss of momentum.
• Communal Riots: Communal tensions and outbreaks of communal violence erupted in various parts of India in 1917-18. These riots diverted attention and resources away from the broader movement for self-rule, as communities grappled with internal conflicts and animosities.

The Home Rule Movement’s Success: Catalysts for Indian Independence

The Home Rule League Movement had several successes and significant impacts on the Indian independence movement. Here is a comprehensive overview of the movement’s successes:

• Mass Support: The Home Rule League Movement successfully garnered widespread support from the Indian public. Unlike the previous participation paradigm of the moderate faction, the movement drew in masses of people from different sections of society. This shift signalled a change in the nationalist movement, with broader public participation becoming a defining characteristic.
• Strengthened Congress: The efforts of leaders like Tilak and Besant played a crucial role in revitalizing the Indian National Congress. Following the Lucknow Pact of 1916, which brought together the Congress and the Muslim League, the Home Rule League Movement helped reinvigorate the Congress Party and solidify its position as a leading force in the struggle for independence.
• Pushed for Reforms: The Home Rule League Movement exerted pressure on the British government to introduce reforms. Their advocacy for self-rule and their activism contributed to the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms of 1919, also known as the Mont-Ford Reforms. These reforms aimed to increase Indian participation in governance by expanding legislative councils and granting limited provincial autonomy. The movement’s efforts pushed the government towards making significant changes in the political landscape.

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• Paved the Way for Mass Mobilization: The Home Rule League Movement played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for the Gandhian politics of mass mobilization that would emerge in the subsequent years. The movement’s emphasis on public participation, its ability to gather widespread support, and its focus on raising political awareness among the masses all contributed to shaping the future trajectory of the independence movement, which would heavily rely on nonviolent mass action.
• Shaped the New Course of the Liberation Movement: The Home Rule Leagues and their associated activities had a lasting impact on the Indian independence movement. They provided a platform for nationalist leaders to voice their demands for self-rule and autonomy, setting the stage for subsequent movements and campaigns. The Home Rule League Movement influenced the strategies, goals, and approaches of future leaders and organizations, shaping the new course that the liberation movement would take in the coming years.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the Home Rule Movement (1915-1916) in India marked a significant shift in the nationalist movement, with the demand for self-rule gaining mass support and revitalizing the Indian National Congress. Despite facing repression and setbacks, the movement successfully pushed for reforms and paved the way for mass mobilization in the future. Its impact on the political landscape and the shaping of the liberation movement made the Home Rule Movement a crucial chapter in India’s struggle for independence.

Previous Year Question (Prelims)

Q1. Annie Besant was______________(2013)

1. Responsible for starting the Home Rule Movement
2. The founder of the Theosophical Society
3. Once the President of the Indian National Congress

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Select the correct statement/statements using the codes given below.

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

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