Tilak, Bal Gangadhar (1856–1920)

Indian nationalist politician and philosopher who was the leading campaigner for full independence before Gandhi. Tilak gathered popular support by linking political action with an appeal to Hindu religious and cultural identity. He was twice imprisoned for anti-British activities, and founded the Home Rule League in 1914. In 1916, he signed the Lucknow Pact with the Muslim leader Muhammad Ali Jinnah, which united the Hindu and Muslim communities in the independence struggle.

Tilak was born into a high-caste family in Ratnagiri. After taking a university degree, he taught mathematics, and joined the Indian National Congress. To promote the nationalist cause and raise cultural awareness, he founded two newspapers in Bombay (now Mumbai) and sponsored religious festivals.