Which one of the following started the ‘Lathi Club’ during the freedom…

Concept

During a mass movement, nationalist leaders often combined political mobilization with public associations, volunteer groups, and physical-training bodies.

To identify the founder of such a body, match its documented origin with the leader's regional network and period of activity.

Application

The Lathi Club was formed to organize lathi practice and physical preparedness among volunteers. Historical accounts of nationalist physical-culture initiatives attribute the start of this club to Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

Contrast

• Bhagat Singh advanced youth political organization in Punjab through the Naujawan Bharat Sabha, founded in 1926.

• Lala Lajpat Rai founded the Servants of the People Society in 1921 to train workers for public service.

• Bipin Chandra Pal spread Swadeshi ideas in Bengal through journals such as New India and through public lectures.

• Bal Gangadhar Tilak promoted mass organization in Maharashtra through public Ganapati festivals and Shivaji festivals.

Cross-check

The club's Swadeshi-era physical-training purpose fits Tilak's documented program of organized public mobilization. Therefore, Bal Gangadhar Tilak is the best-supported answer among the given names.