Question

Mention any two leaders of the Assertive Nationalists.

Answer 1

1. Lala Lajpat Rai: Lala Lajpat Rai was popularly known as 'Punjab Kesari' or 'Sher-e-Punjab'. He was an eminent lawyer, prolific writer, enlightened educator, social reformer and staunch fighter against British rule. He was born in Dhudike, Jagraon in Punjab. He was influenced by the Arya Samaj Movement. Lord Curzon's ruthless measures forced him to fight British rule through mass education. He joined the Congress in 1888 and remained its worker till the end of his life.
2. Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Bal Gangadhar Tilak is known as the 'Father of the Assertive Nationalism'. He played a leading role in popularising the cult of patriotism and making the Congress movement broad-based. Tilak was born in Maharashtra. After taking his degree in law, he founded the Poona New English School.
3. Bipin Chandra Pal: Born in Sylhet, now a part of Bangladesh, in the year 1858, Bipin Chandra is known as the 'Father of the Revolutionary Thought in India. ' He started his political career as a social reformer attached to the Brahma Samaj. He visited a number of European countries and the United States of America. It was during these visits that he observed how people resisted foreign domination. In 1886, he joined the Indian National Congress.