Who is the author of the famous Bengali novel "Anandamath"?

Introduction / Context:
This question relates to Indian literature and the role of novels in inspiring the freedom movement. "Anandamath" is a famous Bengali novel that includes the patriotic song "Vande Mataram", which later became a national song of India. Knowing the author of "Anandamath" is therefore important both for literary history and for understanding the cultural background of the national movement.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The novel mentioned is "Anandamath".
• Four Indian social and literary figures are listed as options.
• Only one of them actually wrote this particular Bengali novel.
• The question is conceptual and recall based, with no calculations required.

Concept / Approach:
"Anandamath" was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, one of the pioneers of the Indian novel in Bengali. He used the story to depict a monastic order fighting against oppressive rule and to inspire patriotic feelings. The other options are also important figures, but they are known for different works and contributions. Therefore, the correct way to answer is to link "Anandamath" directly with Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the task is to find the author of the novel "Anandamath". Step 2: Recall which of the listed figures was a Bengali novelist whose works include "Anandamath". Step 3: Remember that Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote "Anandamath" and composed the patriotic song "Vande Mataram" in it. Step 4: Mark Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay as the correct option and reject the others.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard literature textbooks and history of Indian literature references clearly attribute "Anandamath" to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. General knowledge guides focusing on patriotic works and freedom movement literature also repeat this authorship. You can further confirm from library catalogues or reliable online sources that list his major novels and poems. Since this is a widely accepted and unchanging fact, once memorised it can be used confidently in any exam.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Rabindranath Tagore wrote works like "Gitanjali" and many other poems and stories, but he is not the author of "Anandamath".
Sarojini Naidu was a poet and freedom fighter titled the Nightingale of India, and did not write this Bengali novel.
Jyotiba Phule was a social reformer focused on education and caste issues, not the novelist behind "Anandamath".

Common Pitfalls:
Students often confuse patriotic songs and books from the freedom era and may wrongly associate "Anandamath" with Tagore or other famous names. Another pitfall is to recall "Vande Mataram" but forget that it is part of a novel by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. To avoid these errors, always link "Anandamath" and "Vande Mataram" together with the name Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in your notes.

Final Answer:
The author of the novel "Anandamath" is Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, so that is the correct answer.