The Myth of the Lokamanya: Tilak and Mass Politics in Maharashtra

Lokamanya (revered leader) Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1856 — 1920), the extremist politician of Maharashtra, a region of western India, was one of the first Congress Party leaders to adopt the strategy of mass politics. Interpretations of his role and his achievement differen greatly. Some historians depict Tilak as India's first mass politician who was a creative nationalist myth—maker; other suggest that he was an opportunist who manipulated politics for selfish, elitist purposes.

With an eye t...