The pioneer of modern Odia theatre and a prominent figure during the Indian independence struggle was:

The correct answer is: a) Gopabandhu Das.

Gopabandhu Das was a pioneer of modern Odia theatre and a prominent figure during the Indian independence struggle. He was born in Cuttack, Odisha, in 1867. He was a lawyer by profession, but he was also a social reformer, journalist, and politician. He was one of the founders of the Indian National Congress and the All India Kisan Sabha. He was also the founder of the Utkal Sahitya Samaj, which played a major role in the development of Odia literature.

Gopabandhu Das was a great patriot and a freedom fighter. He was arrested and imprisoned several times for his participation in the Indian independence struggle. He died in 1928.

The other options are incorrect.

• Nanda Kishore Bal was a poet and writer. He was born in 1882 and died in 1968. He is best known for his poems on social and political issues.
• Madhusudan Das was a poet, writer, and politician. He was born in 1848 and died in 1934. He is best known for his epic poem “Krishna Charitamrita”.
• Harekrushna Mahtab was a politician and freedom fighter. He was born in 1889 and died in 1981. He is best known for his role in the Quit India Movement.