Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Pioneering advocate for Indian self-rule, known for the slogan: "Swaraj is my birthright!"

Chronology: 1856-07-23 – 1920-09-01

Origins & Early Life

Bal Gangadhar Tilak (born Keshav Gangadhar Tilak (pronunciation: [keʃəʋ ɡəŋɡaːd̪ʱəɾ ʈiɭək]); 23 July 1856 – 1 August 1920), was an Indian nationalist and self-rule activist in the Indian independence movement. He was one third of the Lal Bal Pal triumvirate. The honorific "Lokmanya" (meaning "accepted by the people as their leader") was applied to him by his supporters. Tilak was one of the first and strongest advocates of Swaraj ('self-rule') and is known for his quote in Marathi: "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it!".

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He formed a close alliance with the leaders of the "New Party" (Nationalists), joining forces with Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Aurobindo Ghose to advocate for self-rule. He also worked with V. O. Chidambaram Pillai and Muhammad Ali Jinnah who later oversaw Pakistan's independence from British rule. == Early life == Keshav Gangadhar Tilak was born on 23 July 1856 in a Marathi Hindu Chitpavan Brahmin family in Ratnagiri, the headquarters of the Ratnagiri district of the Bombay Presidency.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The family moved to Poona in 1867. His father, Gangadhar Tilak was a school teacher and a Sanskrit scholar who died when Tilak was sixteen. In 1871, Tilak was married...

Source: Wikipedia