The Home Rule movement in India, initiated by Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1916, sought self-governance within the British Empire. Besant launched her Home Rule League in September 1916 in Madras (Chennai), attracting moderates and liberals with a vision for gradual constitutional reforms. Meanwhile, Tilak started his league in April 1916 in Maharashtra, appealing to more radical nationalists and advocating for immediate self-rule.

Contributions of the Home Rule Movement:

1. Nationalist Unity and Mobilization:
   • The movement unified diverse groups and regions under the common cause of self-governance.
   • Public speeches, pamphlets, and newspapers mobilized the masses, raising political awareness and fostering Indian unity.
2. Pressure on British Government:
   • The movement placed significant political pressure on the British, who were already dealing with World War I.
   • This pressure contributed to the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms in 1919, introducing limited self-government.
3. Legacy and Impact:
   • Although it did not achieve immediate independence, the Home Rule movement laid the groundwork for future political developments.
   • It inspired later nationalist movements like the Non-Cooperation and Quit India Movements, ultimately leading to independence in 1947.

The Home Rule movement was crucial in shaping India’s nationalist aspirations, strategies, and eventual independence from British rule.