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He
was born on 23 July 1856 in Chikhali Village, Ratnagiri
District. He studied in Deccan Colleage, Pune. He alongwith
Agarkar established "New English School". He passed his B.A. in 1876
and LL.B. in 1879. He did not take sanad for practicing law but
helped in starting Marathi newspaper "Kesari" and "Maratha". He was a
firm believer that India should get rid of its English rulers. He
tried to creat public opinion through "Kesari" and "Ganesh Festival".
His article in "Kesari" invited 1 Sedition trial in Bombay High
Court, where it was alleged that his article "Did Shivaji commit a sin
in killing Afzal Khan or not ? resulted in murder of Collector of Pune
Mr. Rand and Lt. Ayerst by Chapekar Brothers. He was found guilty
and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. He was again tried in
1908 for publishing certain articles in "Kesari" including article
titled "Vinash Kale Vipareeta Buddhi". Tilak defended himself and
prosecution was led by Acting Advocate General Branson. On the
basis of Jury verdict of guilty by 7:2, Tilak was sent to six
years transportation to Mandalay, Burma and fined Rs.1000. On
Judge asking Tilak, if he had anything to say, he uttered memorable
words, which are inscribed in a marble plaque outside Court Room
No.46. He was again tried for Sedition in 1916 for giving
lectures from political platform. Tilak was ordered to execute
bond of Rs. 20,000 for good behaviour. The said order was
challenged by Tilak before the Bombay High Court which held that his
speeches did not amount to Sedition and order of Magistrate directing
him to execute Bond, was set aside. Tilak died on 1 August 1920
in Bombay.
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