The correct answer is: A. Dadabhai Naoroji.
Dadabhai Naoroji was an Indian economist, politician, and social reformer who was the first Indian to be elected to the British Parliament. He is best known for his work on the “drain of wealth” theory, which argued that India was being economically exploited by the British Empire.
Naoroji was born in Bombay in 1825. He studied at Elphinstone College and then went on to study in England. After returning to India, he worked as a teacher and journalist. He also became involved in politics and was elected to the Bombay Legislative Council in 1885.
In 1867, Naoroji published his book “Poverty and Un-British Rule in India.” In this book, he argued that India was being economically exploited by the British Empire. He claimed that the British were extracting wealth from India through a variety of means, including taxes, trade, and investment.
Naoroji’s work on the “drain of wealth” theory was influential in the Indian independence movement. It helped to raise awareness of the economic exploitation of India by the British Empire.
The other options are incorrect because:
- M. G. Ranade was an Indian economist, social reformer, and politician. He is best known for his work on the development of Indian economics.
- R. C. Dutt was an Indian economist and historian. He is best known for his work on the economic history of India.
- B. C. Pal was an Indian nationalist, journalist, and politician. He is best known for his work in the Indian independence movement.