In February 2011 Time Magazine released its “25 Political Icons of All Time” world list. Who of the following tops the list ?

Alexander the Great
Emperor Akbar
Mao Zedong
Mahatma Gandhi

The correct answer is (d), Mahatma Gandhi.

Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist, and civil rights activist who employed nonviolent resistance to lead the successful campaign for India’s independence from British rule, and in turn inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. The honorific title Mahatma—meaning “high-souled”—was bestowed on him first in 1914 in South Africa, and became widely used in India in the 1920s. He is internationally honored as the Father of India.

Alexander the Great was a king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon. He is considered one of history’s greatest military commanders, and is known for his audacious military tactics, his conquest of the Persian Empire, and his unprecedented expansion of the Macedonian Empire.

Emperor Akbar was the third Mughal emperor. He was a great conqueror and a wise ruler. He is known for his religious tolerance and his patronage of the arts.

Mao Zedong was the founding father of the People’s Republic of China. He was a communist revolutionary and political leader who led the Chinese Revolution of 1949, which overthrew the Kuomintang (KMT) government and established the People’s Republic of China. He is also known for his role in the Chinese Civil War and the Great Leap Forward.