PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
WBPSC Miscellaneous Preliminary 2019
Answer
Gopal Krishna Gokhale
Explanation
Gopal Krishna Gokhale was the acknowledged political guru of Mahatma Gandhi. Upon Gandhi's return from South Africa to India in 1915, it was Gokhale who advised him to travel across the country to deeply understand the socio-political conditions of the people. Gokhale, a prominent moderate leader and founder of the 'Servants of India Society', profoundly influenced Gandhi's political ideology.
Key Points
- > Gopal Krishna Gokhale founded the 'Servants of India Society' in 1905.
- > He served as the President of the Indian National Congress in the 1905 Benares session.
- > Gokhale's own political guru was Mahadev Govind Ranade (M.G. Ranade).
- > Gandhi explicitly acknowledged Gokhale as his mentor and guide in his autobiography.
- > Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's political guru was Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das (C.R. Das).
Additional Information
Prominent Indian Leaders & Their Political Gurus
| Leader Name | Political Guru | Key Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Mahatma Gandhi | Gopal Krishna Gokhale | Moderate leader of INC |
| Subhas Chandra Bose | Chittaranjan Das (C.R. Das) | Founder of Swaraj Party |
| Gopal Krishna Gokhale | M. G. Ranade | Known as Socrates of Maharashtra |
| Chhatrapati Shivaji | Samarth Ramdas | Maratha spiritual guide |
Memory Tips
- Gandhi & Gokhale: Both start with the letter 'G'.
- Bose & Das: Netaji's mentor was Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das.