Who is the author of the book titled "New India", a work associated with the Indian freedom movement and social reform?

Introduction / Context:

Books that discuss national movements, social reform, and the idea of a new nation are significant for understanding modern Indian history. The title "New India" is linked to the Indian freedom struggle and to debates about social and political change during the colonial period. This question tests the learner's knowledge of who wrote this influential work. To answer correctly, one must connect the book with Annie Besant, a prominent Theosophist and political leader who played an important role in Indian self rule campaigns.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The book title in question is "New India".
• Options list Manik Bandopadhyay, Annie Besant, John Milton, None of these, and Rabindranath Tagore.
• We assume the learner knows that John Milton is an English poet from an earlier era and that Manik Bandopadhyay and Tagore are Indian literary figures with different famous works.
• We also assume basic awareness of Annie Besant's role in the Home Rule movement.

Concept / Approach:

Annie Besant was a British born social reformer and Theosophist who became a strong supporter of Indian self government. She founded the Home Rule League and worked closely with Indian leaders during the independence movement. Among her writings is the book "New India", in which she discussed political reforms and the need for self determination. Manik Bandopadhyay is known for Bengali novels, John Milton for epic poetry such as "Paradise Lost", and Rabindranath Tagore for works like "Gitanjali". None of these authors wrote "New India", so the correct answer is Annie Besant.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Link the title "New India" with themes of political and social reform in the Indian freedom struggle. Step 2: Recall that Annie Besant was a key figure in India's Home Rule movement and wrote about future visions for the country. Step 3: Identify that John Milton belongs to a much earlier period and is known for English poetry, not for a book on modern India. Step 4: Recognise that Manik Bandopadhyay and Rabindranath Tagore contributed important literary works but under different titles. Step 5: Select Annie Besant as the author of "New India".

Verification / Alternative check:

Biographical sketches of Annie Besant list "New India" among her political writings, highlighting her role in advocating home rule for India. Historical analyses of the freedom movement mention her influence through speeches and publications such as "New India" and the journal of the same name. Literary histories that describe the works of Tagore, Manik Bandopadhyay, and John Milton do not attribute "New India" to them, instead focusing on other famous titles. This comparison confirms that the correct pairing is Annie Besant and "New India".

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Option A, Manik Bandopadhyay, was a Bengali novelist known for realistic fiction and did not write "New India". Option C, John Milton, is an English poet whose major works include "Paradise Lost" and "Paradise Regained", unrelated to Indian politics. Option D, None of these, is incorrect because one of the listed authors, Annie Besant, did write the book. Option E, Rabindranath Tagore, wrote many poems, songs, and essays, including "Gitanjali" and "Nationalism", but not "New India".

Common Pitfalls:

Candidates sometimes choose Rabindranath Tagore for any title associated with India because of his global fame, without recalling specific book names. Others may be unsure about Annie Besant's writings and think that the answer must be None of these. To prevent such errors, learners should memorise a few key book and author pairs from modern Indian history, including Annie Besant and "New India".

Final Answer:

The book "New India" was written by Annie Besant.