“I have fought with the British for years. We must shed our blood for Swaraj, or we may not value it when we get it”.
This was what Bal Gangadhar Tilak, in the politest of words, wished to convey to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who was riding high on the lofty ideals of passive resistance, as suggested by Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
In this article, let’s explore the relationship between Tilak and Gandhi, their differing perspectives on non-violence and resistance, and how Tilak had probably foreseen the futility of Gandhi’s ways of achieving ‘freedom’.
Early Encounters and Ideological Differences
Bal Gangadhar Tilak, fondly referred to as Lokmanya Tilak, had a significant influence on Indian nationalism before Gandhi emerged as a prominent leader. Born in 1856, Tilak was a scholar, journalist, and political agitator who spearheaded the movement for Indian independence in the early 20th century. His belief in the necessity of self-rule (“Swarajya”) by any means necessary, including armed struggle, stood in contrast to Gandhi’s later philosophy of non-violence (“Ahimsa”) as the primary means of achieving independence.
Tilak, known for his eloquent writings and stirring speeches, was instrumental in mobilizing the masses and instilling a sense of pride in Indian culture and heritage. His call for the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi and Shivaji Jayanti as public festivals aimed at fostering a spirit of unity and resistance against British rule.
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The Formidable Triumvirate and Skepticism towards Gandhi
Tilak’s formidable presence in the Indian nationalist movement was further amplified by his association with two other prominent leaders, Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal. Together, they formed the triumvirate known as Lal Bal Pal. Interestingly, they had one more thing in common: their reservations about Gandhi’s Gandhian resistance and doubted its effectiveness. They perceived his commitment to non-violence as potentially compromising the struggle for freedom.
The skepticism towards Gandhi stemmed partly from Tilak’s belief that armed resistance was essential to secure independence swiftly and effectively. He argued that shedding blood for Swaraj, or self-rule, would ensure that its value would be appreciated and cherished by future generations.
The Clash of Philosophies
The key divergence between Tilak and Gandhi lay in their attitudes towards resistance against the British. While Tilak advocated for a violent revolution, if necessary, Gandhi firmly believed in non-violent Satyagraha as the most morally and ethically justifiable approach. Gandhi’s philosophy stemmed from the belief that violence only begets more violence and that lasting change could be achieved through the moral conversion of oppressors.
Tilak’s stance was shaped by his scepticism of moderate approaches and his belief that a violent overthrow of British rule was necessary to secure true independence. He was wary of individuals like Gopal Krishna Gokhale, who advocated for a more gradual and conciliatory approach.
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Tilak’s emphasis on mobilizing the masses and fostering a sense of national pride provided the groundwork for Gandhi’s mass movements. Gandhi’s ability to connect with the masses and his focus on non-violence as a means of achieving social and political change expanded on Tilak’s vision and galvanized millions across the country.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, both revered leaders in the Indian independence movement, differed significantly in their ideologies and approaches. While Tilak emphasized immediate independence through nationalism and, if necessary, armed struggle, Gandhi advocated for non-violent resistance and the prioritization of human rights. Unfortunately, it is Gandhi who is given more attention to, while the teachings of Lokmanya Tilak are largely ignored.
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