Hermann Gundert, a German missionary, played a key role in starting the newspaper:

The correct answer is: C) Deepika.

Hermann Gundert, a German missionary, played a key role in starting the newspaper Deepika in 1847. Deepika was the first Malayalam-language newspaper published in India. It was published from Kottayam, Kerala. The newspaper was initially published twice a week, but it became a daily newspaper in 1860. Deepika played a major role in the development of Malayalam language and literature. It also played a significant role in the Indian independence movement.

The other options are incorrect.

• Paschimodayam is a Malayalam-language newspaper published from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It was founded in 1914.
• Keralamithram is a Malayalam-language newspaper published from Kochi, Kerala. It was founded in 1889.
• Swadeshabhimani is a Malayalam-language newspaper published from Kozhikode, Kerala. It was founded in 1887.