A nationalist agitation launched during the First World War (1916) demanding self-government (Home Rule) for India within the British Empire, modelled on the Irish Home Rule movement.
- Two Home Rule Leagues were founded: one by Bal Gangadhar Tilak in April 1916 (based in Maharashtra and active in the Central Provinces, Karnataka, and Berar) and one by Annie Besant in September 1916 (covering the rest of India).
- The demand was for "Home Rule" or self-government within the Empire, not complete independence; Tilak's slogan was "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it".
- The movement built an organised network, popularised the idea of self-rule among the middle classes, and revived political activity during the war years.
- Annie Besant was interned by the government in 1917, which intensified the agitation; she became Congress President in 1917, the first woman to hold the post.
- The movement contributed to the British announcement of the goal of responsible government (the August Declaration of 1917).
The two leagues, their leaders (Tilak and Besant), and the link to Annie Besant's Congress presidency and the August Declaration are standard exam facts.
There were two separate Home Rule Leagues (Tilak's and Besant's); the demand was self-government within the Empire, not full independence.
1916 Home Rule: Tilak's and Besant's leagues demanded self-government within the Empire; Besant interned, then first woman Congress President (1917).