RAS question
The Pratap newspaper was published by:
Correct answer: (A) Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi.
Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi published the Hindi newspaper Pratap from Kanpur.
Explanation
Pratap is linked with Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi because he used the Kanpur-based Pratap Press as the base of his nationalist journalism. The Times of India says Vidyarthi launched the daily edition of the Hindi daily Pratap from Pratap Press in 1920, using it to raise his voice against British oppression and injustice. He published Pratap from Kanpur. His public role was not limited to journalism: he was a fearless journalist and Congress leader, and died during the Kanpur communal riots on 25 March 1931 while trying to save lives.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Mahatma Gandhi is not the answer here because he is associated with Young India, not Pratap.
- (C) Bal Gangadhar Tilak is ruled out because he is associated with Kesari rather than the Kanpur-based Pratap.
- (D) Lala Lajpat Rai is not correct because he published different papers, while Pratap is tied to Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi.
Concept
This tests the Modern Indian History theme of nationalist newspapers and their editors. It recurs in RAS because press history connects individual leaders, regional centres such as Kanpur, and the political communication of the freedom movement.