Tilak was a critic of Mahatma Gandhi's strategy of non-violence, civil disobedience. Although once considered an extremist revolutionary, in his later years Tilak had considerably mellowed. He favored political dialogue and discussions as a more effective way to obtain political freedom for India. His writings on Indian culture, history and spread a sense of heritage and pride amongst Indians for India's ancient civilization and glory as a nation. Some consider Tilak as the spiritual and political leader of Mahatma Gandhi. But Gandhi himself considered Gopal Krishna Gokhale, a contemporary of Tilak, as his political mentor.His last words in the final momentary recovery were, A hundred years' history - what a life of servitude...Unless Swaraj is obtained, India shall not prosper. It is necessary for our very own existence." When Tilak died in 1920, Gandhi paid his respects at his cremation in Bombay, along with 200,000 people. Gandhi called Tilak "The Maker of Modern India" Tilak is also today considered the father of Hindu Nationalism. He was the idol of Indian revolutionary Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, who penned the political doctrine of Hindutva.
On 22 nd January 1999, a museum depicting pictures on the life and work of Lokmanya Tilak, was established at Tilak Wada (568, Narayan Peth, Kesari Office). The museum also contains articles of his personal use like a lamp, table, clothes and pictures of his colleagues. The manuscript of "Geeta Rahasya", the volume he authored at Mandalay is also preserved here. A number of letters, awards also can be found on display.
Tilak Wada: This is Lokmanya Tilak's residence at 568, Narayan Peth, Pune-30. Kesari, a daily newspaper of more than a 100 years is published from here. Tilak has left a lasting impression on the life of Pune. The Tilak Museum is aptly created to reflect this.