ASucheta Kriplani
BLokmanya Tilak
CAnnie Besant
DRash Behari Bose
Answer:
C. Annie Besant
Read Explanation:
Annie Besant and the Home Rule League
Annie Besant was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement and a fervent advocate for Home Rule. She played a pivotal role in establishing the Home Rule League in September 1916 at Madras (now Chennai).
Background of the Home Rule Movement:
The movement aimed to achieve Swaraj (self-rule) within the British Empire.
It was inspired by the Irish Home Rule movement.
The political climate in India was ripe for such a movement due to growing discontent with British rule and the perceived lack of Indian representation in governance.
Annie Besant's Role:
Annie Besant, an Irish nationalist, had already been active in India for decades, promoting education and social reform.
She saw the Home Rule League as a crucial platform to mobilize public opinion and demand political rights for Indians.
Her efforts, alongside those of other leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak (who launched another Home Rule League in April 1916), significantly energized the nationalist struggle.
Key Aspects of the Madras Home Rule League:
Objective: To attain Home Rule or self-government for India.
Methods: Agitation through public meetings, lectures, publications, and petitions.
Membership: It aimed to attract educated Indians and aimed for widespread reach across the country.
Impact: The Home Rule Leagues, particularly Annie Besant's Madras-based organization, successfully brought the demand for self-rule to the forefront of Indian politics and contributed significantly to the eventual independence movement.