A tribute to ‘Bal Gangadhar Tilak’ on his death anniversary. Needless to give the introduction of a leader who influenced people by his thought of “Swarajya” and truly known as Lokmanya. In Mumbai, he was cremated with huge respect and in a unique way.
Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak apart from being a fierce fighter for the rights of the people, but also an economist, journalist, lawyer and social reformer. He was a scholar of astronomy, Indian history and Sanskrit. He was the first leader to start the national movement for Indian independence and brought the concept of Swaraj and Swadeshi. He had last breath on 1st August 1920 in Mumbai.
Here are some of the facts during his concluding part of life in Mumbai:
1) Tilak breathed his last in a guest room at Sardar Griha near Crawford Market.
2) More than 2 lakh people attended the funeral, largest ever in Indian history.
3) The turnout of people for the funeral was so huge that the cremation was done at Chowpatty instead of a crematorium.
4) Pandit Nehrualong with Mahatma Gandhi joined the funeral procession.
5) Lokmanya Tilak was cremated in the sitting legs crossed position (padmasana), a distinction given only to saints.
6) Lokmanya Tilak was cremated on a big pyre of sandalwood.
7) During his stay in Mumbai, Tilak was not well due to malaria which worst affected his lungs. He suffered cardiac arrest and passed away on 1st August,1920.
8) From his deathbed, he said: “Unless Swaraj is achieved, India will not prosper. It is vital for our existence”.
9) Tilak Memorial Statue
The memorial was built near Girgaum Chowpatty. Due to the efforts of Vithalbhai Patel (brother of Vallabhbhai Patel) and Barrister K.F. Nariman ( Nariman point named after him), Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) accepted the proposal in 1925.
The main part of the memorial is the iron box buried 30 feet below the ground. The box contains Pagadi (Turban), shoes, clothes, a copy of Gitarahasya written by him and a copy of his biography by N.C. Kelkar. Raghunath Phadke a known sculptor created the statue of the memorial.
10) Sardar Griha
Sardar Griha where Lokmanya Tilak took his last breath was established in 1898. It was the well-equipped guesthouse where Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel and other reformers also stayed.
The turban worn by Tilak and letters in his handwriting line his room’s walls. Several paintings put up in one portion of the fourth floor is a reminder of the importance of this room.
Image source: twitter.com/tilakarchives
For detailed series of Lokmanya Tilak’s life with photos: twitter.com/tilakarchives
Read: Tilak Memorial A Gift To Bombay
