In which year did Bal Gangadhar Tilak start Kesari and The Mahratta newspapers?

1881

Bal Gangadhar Tilak started the newspapers Kesari and The Mahratta in 1881. Kesari was published in Marathi, while The Mahratta was an English newspaper. Through these papers, Tilak discussed public issues, criticised colonial policies, and encouraged political awareness and national feeling among people. Thus, the newspapers were important instruments of public education and national awakening, not merely commercial publications.

The other years do not match the established founding date of these newspapers. Option B, 1881, is therefore correct. A useful way to remember the fact is to connect the year with Tilak’s early nationalist journalism. The newspapers helped him reach readers in different language communities and spread ideas about public participation, rights, and self-rule. The answer asks for the starting year, so the relevant date is 1881.

This is a Class 10 General Knowledge question. Chapter: Indian History. Topic: Important Dates in Indian History.