Who among the following Indians set up the ‘Phoenix Institute’ in an African country?
Mahatma Gandhi
Solving the Question: Who Set Up the Phoenix Institute?
The question asks about an important institution, the 'Phoenix Institute', established by an Indian individual in an African country. We need to identify which of the given options correctly names the person responsible for this establishment.
Understanding the Phoenix Settlement
The institution referred to as the 'Phoenix Institute' is historically known as the Phoenix Settlement. This settlement was established by a prominent Indian figure known for his work in South Africa before he returned to India.
Identifying the Founder
Mahatma Gandhi established the Phoenix Settlement in Natal, South Africa, in 1904. This settlement was a communal living space based on the principles of self-sufficiency, simple living, and Satyagraha, which he was developing at the time. It was inspired by John Ruskin's book, "Unto This Last".
Therefore, Mahatma Gandhi is the correct answer as he is the Indian who set up this significant institution in an African country (South Africa).
Analysing Other Options
- Lala Lajpat Rai: A prominent nationalist leader from Punjab, India. He was involved in the Indian independence movement and Arya Samaj. While he traveled abroad, his primary work and institutions were not located in Africa.
- Devendranath Tagore: A philosopher and religious reformer, father of Rabindranath Tagore. He was a key figure in the Brahmo Samaj movement in India. His work was primarily based in India.
- Dadabhai Naoroji: Known as the "Grand Old Man of India", he was a political leader, merchant, and educator. He spent significant time in England and was the first Indian Member of Parliament in the British House of Commons. While he advocated for the rights of Indians globally, he did not establish the Phoenix Settlement in Africa.
Based on historical facts, only Mahatma Gandhi is associated with setting up the Phoenix Settlement (Phoenix Institute) in an African country (South Africa).
Conclusion
Mahatma Gandhi established the Phoenix Settlement in South Africa in 1904. This makes him the correct answer to the question about who set up the 'Phoenix Institute' in an African country.
| Indian Figure | Association with Phoenix Institute/Settlement |
|---|---|
| Lala Lajpat Rai | No direct association; primarily worked in India and USA. |
| Mahatma Gandhi | Established the Phoenix Settlement in Natal, South Africa in 1904. |
| Devendranath Tagore | No direct association; primarily worked in India. |
| Dadabhai Naoroji | No direct association; primarily worked in India and UK. |
Revision Table: Key Facts about Phoenix Settlement
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founder | Mahatma Gandhi |
| Location | Natal, South Africa (near Durban) |
| Year Established | 1904 |
| Inspiration | John Ruskin's "Unto This Last" |
| Purpose | Communal living, simple life, self-sufficiency, base for Satyagraha activities. |
Additional Information: Gandhi's Time in South Africa
Mahatma Gandhi spent over 21 years in South Africa (1893-1914). This period was crucial in the development of his political philosophy and techniques of nonviolent resistance, known as Satyagraha. He experienced racial discrimination first-hand, which motivated him to fight for the rights of Indians and other non-white populations in the country. Besides the Phoenix Settlement, he also established the Tolstoy Farm near Johannesburg in 1910, another communal living experiment and training ground for Satyagraha.
His work in South Africa laid the foundation for his leadership role in the Indian independence movement upon his return to India in 1915. The Phoenix Settlement was one of the earliest experiments in applying his principles of communal living and passive resistance.
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Who among these thinkers wrote the book, 'Indian Philosophy'?
