Mains Practice Questions

Approach 

• Explain in brief the approach of Tilak and Gandhi. 
• Highlight the Similarities and differences in the approaches of both the leaders. 

• Write an appropriate conclusion. 

Introduction 

Tilak and Gandhi were two important leaders of the Indian freedom struggle who contributed significantly to India's independence from British colonial rule. While there were similarities in their approach, there were also differences in their methods and ideology. 

Body 

Similarities: 

• Both Tilak and Gandhi believed in the importance of self-rule and the need for India to be free from British colonialism. 
• Both leaders believed in the power of mass movements to achieve freedom. They encouraged the participation of the masses in the struggle for independence. 
• Both Tilak and Gandhi believed in the use of non-cooperation and civil disobedience as a means of protest the British colonial government. 
• They both believed in the importance of Indian culture and heritage and stressed the need to preserve and promote it. 

Differences: 

• Tilak believed in the use of violent means if necessary to achieve freedom. He believed that the use of force was justified if it helped to achieve the goal of independence. Gandhi, on the other hand, was a staunch believer in non-violence and advocated nonviolent means of protest and resistance. 
• Tilak was a staunch nationalist who believed in the primacy of the Hindu religion and culture. Gandhi, on the other hand, believed in the idea of composite nationalism, which included all communities in India. 
• Tilak's approach to the freedom struggle was more focused on political reform, while Gandhi's approach was more holistic and included social, economic, and cultural reforms. 
• Tilak believed in the importance of education and advocated the spread of education among the masses. Gandhi, on the other hand, believed in the importance of literacy and basic education for all, but also emphasized the need for practical skills such as spinning and weaving. 

Conclusion  

Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi shared a common goal of Indian independence from British rule, their approaches were distinct. While Tilak was an advocate of militant nationalism, Gandhi preferred non-violent resistance and sought to achieve a more comprehensive notion of freedom. Nevertheless, both figures played significant roles in mobilizing the Indian population and contributed greatly to India's eventual independence.