Prominent Personalities in Modern History: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Modern History)

Explanation

The description perfectly matches Gopal Krishna Gokhale, one of the most respected leaders of the Indian freedom struggle. Gokhale graduated from Elphinstone College, Bombay (Mumbai), in 1884 at the age of 18. He was one of the first Indian graduates of the university. He became a professor of history and political economy at Fergusson College, Pune. He also became associate editor of the newspaper ’Sudharak’ which was run by his mentor M.G. Ranade. He became secretary of the Pune Sarvajanik Sabha, an organization that worked for Indian political rights. He was also involved in provincial-level conferences advocating for self-governance. In 1895 at the age of 29 Gokhale became Secretary of the Indian National Congress (INC). In 1897 Gokhale testified before the Welby Commission (Royal Commission on Indian Expenditure) in England and advocated for financial autonomy for India. He was elected to the Bombay Legislative Council in 1900 at the age of 34. In 1902 he was nominated to the Imperial Legislative Council, where he became a key advocate for Indian self-governance and social reforms. In 1905, at the age of 39, Gokhale was elected President of the Indian National Congress in Benares (Varanasi) Session. Mahatma Gandhi regarded Gokhale as his political mentor, calling him "Mahatma without the title".