Who among the following rejected the title of Knighthood and refused to accept a position in the Council of the Secretary of State for India?

Correct Option

Gopal Krishna Gokhale (1866–1915) was a prominent moderate leader of the Indian National Congress and a social reformer. He declined the title of Knighthood and refused to accept a position in the Council of the Secretary of State for India. This decision aligned with his principled opposition to serving under British colonial rule. Gokhale was instrumental in founding the Servants of India Society in 1905, an organization dedicated to training Indians for public service and social work. He also served as a political mentor to Mahatma Gandhi.

Incorrect Options

• Motilal Nehru: A significant leader of the Indian National Congress and a freedom fighter, Motilal Nehru did not reject a Knighthood or a position in the Council of the Secretary of State for India.
• M. G. Ranade: Mahadev Govind Ranade was a moderate leader and social reformer. However, he did not refuse the specific honours mentioned in the question.
• B. G. Tilak: Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a prominent extremist nationalist. He was not offered a Knighthood or a position in the Council of the Secretary of State for India.