Page 158 - Swatantrata to Atmanirbharta : Lokmanya Tilak’s legacy

Lokmanya Tilak was in jail 1896 -1897 on sedition charges.
The “Geeta Rahasya” was written during his incarceration
in Mandalay between 1908 - 1914. One can only wonder and
admire at his grit, determination, resilience, and strength of
mind that he was able to reflect, research and write under those
arduous conditions.
I believe that his endeavours in these books were to put
on record before the world the history and greatness of
Indian civilisation. He realised that people were sinking into
helplessness and apathy under colonial rule. Their will was
slowly being broken. The Indian people had lost their pride
and sense of self-worth. Above all, they had lost their sense
of identity. Therefore, Tilak attempted to both embolden the
people and educate them through his works towards a national
consciousness to take the freedom movement forward.
2. Ganeshotsav and Shiv Jayanti: Mobilising And
Rejuvenating Masses

It was well known that Ganeshotsav envisaged by Lokmanya
Tilak was not meant to further any religious ideals but rather to
forge a cultural unity and to create a mass movement against
the British.

Tilak was also instrumental in the establishment of the now
widely celebrated “Shiv Jayanti”. Contrary to what is commonly
understood, it was not the Mughals but the Marathas who were
the last challengers to the British before they colonised India.
What started with the 27-year war waged by Chhatrapati Shivaji
against the Mughals was carried forward by his successors. In
the vacuum created by the downfall of the Mughal empire,
there was anarchy and mayhem. The Marathas were the ones
who valiantly tied to fill this vacuum for about fifty years till
they were finally defeated in the Third Anglo-Maratha war
of 1818. Although they failed in the end, we have much to be
proud of about their efforts and indeed the astute leadership of
Chhatrapati Shivaji. It was fitting therefore, for Tilak to initiate
the festival of Shiv Jayanti, so that people could remember the
exploits and courage of Chhatrapati Shivaji and be inspired by
him.

Swatantrata to Atmanirbharata 156