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Correct answer: A. Gopal Baba Walangkar
Answer: A. GOPAL BABA WALANGKAR published the VITAL-VIDHVANSAK, often cited as the first periodical specifically for the depressed classes.
GOPAL BABA WALANGKAR (also known as Gopalbaba Walangkar or Gopal Krishna), c.
1840 to 1900, was a pioneering anti-caste activist of Maharashtra, regarded as one of the earliest leaders of the depressed-class movement.
A Mahar by birth and a retired British Army subedar, he settled at Ratnagiri and devoted his life to challenging caste oppression and untouchability.
VITAL-VIDHVANSAK (literally 'Destroyer of Ceremonial Pollution' or 'Destroyer of Vitala', a deity), launched by Walangkar in 1888, was the FIRST PERIODICAL IN MARATHI TARGETED at the UNTOUCHABLE COMMUNITIES.
It carried writings exposing caste oppression, critiquing the Brahminical religious texts that justified untouchability, and asserting the dignity and rights of the depressed classes.
Walangkar also authored the influential pamphlet 'VITAL VIDHVANSAN' and made petitions to the British administration on issues like recruitment of untouchables into the British Indian Army and access to education.
He was a critical precursor to later leaders such as Jyotirao Phule (whom he revered), Shahu Maharaj, and B. R. Ambedkar.
The historical importance of Walangkar's work was recognised by Ambedkar, who in his speeches and writings acknowledged the earlier generation of Mahar activists.
Why other options are WRONG:
(B) JYOTIBA PHULE (1827-90) was a foundational anti-caste reformer, founder of the SATYASHODHAK SAMAJ (1873) and author of 'Gulamgiri' (1873). His periodical was 'DEENBANDHU'. He did not publish Vital-Vidhvansak.
(C) M. K. GANDHI's relevant periodicals were 'Harijan' (1933-48) on Dalit upliftment, and the earlier 'Indian Opinion' and 'Young India'. He did not publish Vital-Vidhvansak.
(D) B. R. AMBEDKAR (1891-1956) published 'MOOKNAYAK' (1920), 'BAHISHKRIT BHARAT' (1927), 'JANATA' (1930), and 'PRABUDDHA BHARAT' (1956). He did not publish Vital-Vidhvansak.
Source: syllabus Themes in Indian History Part III
Eleanor Zelliot 'From Untouchable to Dalit'
M.S. Gore 'The Social Context of an Ideology: The Social and Political Thought of B.R. Ambedkar'.
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