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

Correct answer: Bal Gangadhar Tilak / बाल गंगाधर तिलक Explanation: Bal Gangadhar Tilak started the Lathi Club during the early 20th century (around the Swadeshi movement period) to organize volunteers trained in lathi (stick) drill. These clubs helped protect nationalist meetings and processions from disruption and emphasized physical training and readiness for self-defence. Purpose: To protect nationalist meetings and processions and to train volunteers in lathi-based self-defence.

Historical context: Part of the more assertive nationalist activities during the Swadeshi and anti‑Partition movements in the early 1900s.

Significance: Demonstrated emphasis on organization, physical preparedness, and direct protection of political activity by nationalist leaders.