The correct answer is A. Punjab National Bank.
Punjab National Bank was the first Indian bank started solely with Indian capital. It was founded in 1894 by a group of Indian businessmen led by Lala Lajpat Rai. The bank was initially headquartered in Lahore, Punjab, British India (now in Pakistan). It was later moved to New Delhi in 1935.
Punjab National Bank is one of the largest public sector banks in India. It has a network of over 10,000 branches and over 100,000 employees. The bank offers a wide range of banking products and services to individuals, businesses, and corporates.
The other options are incorrect because they were not the first Indian banks started solely with Indian capital.
- Andhra Bank was founded in 1921 by a group of Indian businessmen led by Sir M. Visvesvaraya.
- Indian Overseas Bank was founded in 1937 by a group of Indian businessmen led by Sir C.P. Ramaswami Iyer.
- Syndicate Bank was founded in 1938 by a group of Indian businessmen led by Sir Arcot Ramasamy Mudaliar.