India Home Rule Society, founded in London in February 1905 as an early revolutionary organisation outside India, was established by which nationalist leader?

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on the early phase of Indian revolutionary activity abroad, particularly in Britain. Before mass movements under Gandhi, several nationalist leaders set up organisations in London, Europe and North America to campaign for Indian self-rule and to support more radical action. The India Home Rule Society, founded in 1905 in London, is one such important organisation whose founder you must remember for competitive exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The organisation is the India Home Rule Society.
• It was founded in London in February 1905.
• The options list Lala Har Dayal, V. D. Savarkar, Shyamji Krishna Varma and Madan Lal Dhingra.
• We assume standard modern Indian history information about revolutionary groups abroad.

Concept / Approach:
Shyamji Krishna Varma, a prominent Indian nationalist and barrister living in London, founded the India Home Rule Society in February 1905. He also started the famous India House in London and the journal “The Indian Sociologist”. These initiatives provided a meeting place and intellectual base for young Indian nationalists, including figures like V. D. Savarkar and Madan Lal Dhingra. While Savarkar and Dhingra became associated with India House and revolutionary activities, the specific founding of the India Home Rule Society is credited to Shyamji Krishna Varma.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the question is about an organisation created outside India, in London, in 1905.Step 2: Recall that Shyamji Krishna Varma was the key figure who established the India Home Rule Society and India House, and edited “The Indian Sociologist”.Step 3: Recognise that V. D. Savarkar later became an important resident and leader influence at India House but was not the original founder of the society itself.Step 4: Note that Lala Har Dayal was more closely connected with revolutionary activities in the United States, especially the Ghadar movement.Step 5: Understand that Madan Lal Dhingra was a nationalist associated with India House and known for the assassination of Curzon Wyllie, but he did not found the India Home Rule Society.Step 6: Therefore, the correct founder of the India Home Rule Society is Shyamji Krishna Varma.

Verification / Alternative check:
Modern Indian history texts and exam guides routinely mention that Shyamji Krishna Varma founded the India Home Rule Society in London in February 1905, along with India House and “The Indian Sociologist”. They then describe how young radicals like V. D. Savarkar and Madan Lal Dhingra were influenced by this environment. MCQs on this topic consistently give Shyamji Krishna Varma as the correct answer when asking who founded the society.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Lala Har Dayal: An important revolutionary leader, especially in the context of the Ghadar movement in North America, but not the founder of the India Home Rule Society.V. D. Savarkar: A prominent figure at India House and later Hindutva ideologue, but not the original founder of the society in 1905.Madan Lal Dhingra: Associated with India House and known for the political assassination of Curzon Wyllie, but not the founder of the organisation.

Common Pitfalls:
Because Savarkar and Dhingra are strongly associated with India House and revolutionary activities in London, students often mistakenly choose their names when asked about organisations linked to that circle. To avoid this, keep a clear distinction: Shyamji Krishna Varma founded the India Home Rule Society, India House and “The Indian Sociologist”; Savarkar and others were influential residents and activists within that framework.

Final Answer:
The India Home Rule Society, founded in London in February 1905, was established by Shyamji Krishna Varma.