Write a short note on Home Rule Movement.

The Home Rule Movement in India was a significant political campaign launched by Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1916. The movement sought to attain self-governance or Home Rule for India within the British Empire. Annie Besant initiated the movement in Madras (Chennai), while Bal Gangadhar Tilak led a parallel movement in Maharashtra.

The objectives of the Home Rule Movement were to advocate for constitutional reforms, political rights, and self-rule for India. The movement aimed to mobilize public opinion, raise awareness about the need for self-governance, and encourage political participation among the masses.

The Home Rule League, formed as part of the movement, established branches across the country, organizing public meetings, publishing literature, and engaging in advocacy for constitutional changes. While the movement did not immediately achieve its goals, it significantly contributed to shaping the political consciousness of the Indian population. The Home Rule Movement laid the groundwork for future demands for self-rule and autonomy, becoming a precursor to the broader struggle for independence that eventually led to India gaining freedom in 1947.