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Question

Which newspaper did Mahatma Gandhi start in South Africa?

The correct answer is

Indian Opinion

Mahatma Gandhi's Newspaper in South Africa

The question asks about the newspaper started by Mahatma Gandhi during his time in South Africa. Identifying this specific publication is important for understanding his early political activities and communication strategies.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the options provided:

  • Indian Sociologist
  • Common Weal
  • National Herald
  • Indian Opinion

We need to determine which of these was founded by Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa.

Identifying the Correct Newspaper

Mahatma Gandhi spent a significant period in South Africa (1893-1914), where he developed his philosophy of Satyagraha (truth force) and passive resistance. During this time, communication was a key tool for mobilizing the Indian community, educating them, and advocating for their rights.

To serve this purpose, Gandhi started a newspaper called Indian Opinion in 1903. It was published in English, Gujarati, Hindi, and Tamil to reach a wide audience among the Indian diaspora in South Africa. The newspaper played a crucial role in the passive resistance movement against discriminatory laws.

Examining Other Options

Let's briefly consider the other options to confirm they are not associated with Mahatma Gandhi's work in South Africa:

  • Indian Sociologist: This was a nationalist journal published by Shyamji Krishna Varma in London starting in 1905.
  • Common Weal: This was a newspaper started by Annie Besant, associated with the Home Rule Movement in India.
  • National Herald: This newspaper was founded by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1938 in India.

Based on historical facts, only Indian Opinion was established by Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa.

Conclusion

Mahatma Gandhi's efforts in South Africa were significantly aided by his journalistic venture. The newspaper he started there was instrumental in his early political and social work.

The newspaper founded by Mahatma Gandhi in South Africa is Indian Opinion.

Revision Table: Key Newspapers and Founders

Newspaper Founder(s) Associated Location/Movement
Indian Opinion Mahatma Gandhi South Africa, Passive Resistance
Indian Sociologist Shyamji Krishna Varma London, Indian Nationalism
Common Weal Annie Besant India, Home Rule Movement
National Herald Jawaharlal Nehru India, Indian National Congress

Additional Information on Gandhi's Journalism

Beyond 'Indian Opinion' in South Africa, Mahatma Gandhi also started other newspapers and journals in India, such as:

  • Harijan (published in English, Gujarati, and Hindi)
  • Young India (English weekly)
  • Navjivan (Gujarati weekly, later in Hindi)

These publications served as platforms to propagate his views on Satyagraha, Swaraj (self-rule), social reform, and various political issues during the Indian independence movement. His approach to journalism was focused on educating the masses and advocating for truth and non-violence.

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Important Questions from Other Dimensions

  1. Rani Durgawati, who ruled over on behalf of her five-year-old son Bir Narain, belonged to which of the following tribes?

  2. Who among the following founded the newspaper ‘Sambad Kaumudi’?

  3. In which year was the Oudh Kisan Sabha set up?

  4. Which of the following is the first official language of Sri Lanka?

  5. Champaran in Bihar was a witness to satyagrah by Mahatma Gandhi in the year ________.

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