UPSC Prelims 2018 Q79: Modern History – Gandhian Era & Mass Movements (1919 - 1947)
- (a) All India Home Rule League
- (b) Hindu Mahasabha
- (c) South Indian Liberal Federation
- (d) The Servants of India Society
Answer: (a) All India Home Rule League
Explanation
Swarajya Sabha (1920) - Renamed Organisation
Background: The All India Home Rule League, founded jointly by Bal Gangadhar Tilak (April 1916, Belgaum) and Annie Besant (September 1916, Madras), campaigned for self-government (Home Rule) within the British Empire.
In 1920, after Gandhi took over as its President (following Tilak's death in August 1920 and merger of the two leagues), the League was renamed as Swarajya Sabha to reflect the shift from limited 'Home Rule' towards Swaraj (self-rule).
| Option | Correct? |
|---|---|
| (a) All India Home Rule League | YES - Renamed Swarajya Sabha in 1920. |
| (b) Hindu Mahasabha | NO - Founded 1915, retained the same name; not renamed in 1920. |
| (c) South Indian Liberal Federation | NO - Better known as the Justice Party, founded 1917 in Madras; not renamed to Swarajya Sabha. |
| (d) The Servants of India Society | NO - Founded by Gopal Krishna Gokhale in 1905; retained name. |
Answer: (a) All India Home Rule League.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The All India Home Rule League was renamed as Swarajya Sabha in 1920 when Gandhi took over its presidency.
- (b) Incorrect. Hindu Mahasabha (founded 1915 by Madan Mohan Malaviya) kept its name throughout.
- (c) Incorrect. South Indian Liberal Federation (the Justice Party, 1917) did not undergo this renaming.
- (d) Incorrect. Servants of India Society (Gokhale, 1905) retained its name.
Key point
All India Home Rule League (Tilak + Annie Besant, 1916) -> renamed Swarajya Sabha (1920) under Gandhi. Reflected shift from 'Home Rule within Empire' to 'Swaraj/self-rule'. Preceded Non-Cooperation Movement.
Remember
In 1920, the All India Home Rule League (originally founded by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant in 1916) was renamed as the Swarajya Sabha under Mahatma Gandhi's presidency. This rename reflected the shift from the earlier moderate goal of 'Home Rule within the British Empire' to the more assertive demand for 'Swaraj' or self-rule.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Swarajya Sabha (1920 rename of Home Rule League) with the Swaraj Party (1923, formed by Motilal Nehru and C.R. Das).
- Missing Tilak's 1920 death as the trigger - his league merged with Besant's, then Gandhi renamed the combined body.
- Attributing the rename to another organisation - Hindu Mahasabha, Justice Party or SIS did not undergo this change.
Exam tip
Home Rule to Swaraj timeline: Home Rule League 1916 (Tilak + Besant). Renamed Swarajya Sabha 1920 (Gandhi). Non-Cooperation Movement 1920-22. Swaraj Party 1923 (Motilal Nehru, C.R. Das - separate outfit).
Sources
- Bipan Chandra - India's Struggle for Independence
- NCERT Class 8 - Our Pasts III (Making of the National Movement)