- Bal Gangadhar Tilak was an Indian nationalist, teacher, and an independence activist. He was among the first leaders of the Indian Independence Movement. - He is known for his quote in Marathi: "Swarajya is my birthright and I shall have it!" He gave justification for anti-British pro-Hindu activism. - He strongly believed in the principles of the Ramayana and the Bhagavad Gita.