The correct answer is (a), Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a prominent Indian nationalist and freedom fighter who is considered one of the “fathers of Indian nationalism”. He was a pioneer in the use of mass protest and civil disobedience as tools for achieving Indian independence from British rule. Tilak was also a strong advocate for Hindu revivalism and social reform.
Mahatma Gandhi was a close associate of Tilak’s and was deeply influenced by his ideas. When Tilak died in 1920, Gandhi paid tribute to him by saying, “A star from Indian Solar System has eclipsed.”
The other options are incorrect. Lala Lajpat Rai was a prominent Indian nationalist and freedom fighter who is considered one of the “Lala-Bal-Pal triumvirate”. He was a strong advocate for Hindu-Muslim unity and social reform. Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a prominent Indian social reformer and politician who is considered one of the “makers of modern India”. He was a strong advocate for social reform and Hindu-Muslim unity. Mahadeva Govind Ranadey was a prominent Indian social reformer and economist who is considered one of the “makers of modern India”. He was a strong advocate for social reform and economic development.