Which Indian nationalist leader was described by the British as the ‘‘Father of Indian Unrest’’ because of his strong role in stirring anti-colonial feelings?

Introduction / Context:
British colonial officials sometimes gave dramatic titles to Indian leaders to express their fear of rising nationalism. One such phrase was ‘‘Father of Indian Unrest’’, used to describe a leader whose speeches and writings strongly criticised British rule and inspired mass agitation. Knowing who earned this label helps connect a leader's political style to the colonial response.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The title in question is ‘‘Father of Indian Unrest’’.
• The options are Anant Singh, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bhagat Singh, and Dadabhai Naoroji.
• All are associated in some way with India's freedom movement, though in different periods and roles.

Concept / Approach:
Bal Gangadhar Tilak was one of the most prominent extremist leaders in the Indian National Congress. His famous slogan ‘‘Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it’’ captured the spirit of assertive nationalism. Because his writings in newspapers like ‘‘Kesari’’ and his leadership in mass movements were seen as provoking unrest, the British historian Valentine Chirol is often credited with calling him the ‘‘Father of Indian Unrest’’. This label later became widely known.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the phrase ‘‘Father of Indian Unrest’’. Step 2: Recall that this phrase was used by a British writer to criticise a leader who encouraged mass resistance. Step 3: Remember that Bal Gangadhar Tilak was regarded by the British as an extremist and that he was repeatedly imprisoned for sedition. Step 4: Match this with the options and identify ‘‘Bal Gangadhar Tilak’’ as the only leader associated with that specific label. Step 5: Confirm that the other names are not commonly linked to this phrase.

Verification / Alternative check:
Another check is to recall other titles: Dadabhai Naoroji is known as the ‘‘Grand Old Man of India’’. Bhagat Singh is remembered as ‘‘Shaheed Bhagat Singh’’ and associated with revolutionary socialism. Anant Singh is a less frequently mentioned revolutionary figure and not widely connected with this specific British phrase. Only Tilak appears in history books with the ‘‘Father of Indian Unrest’’ label.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Anant Singh: Not widely associated with this particular title in standard exams.
Bhagat Singh: Famous revolutionary, but never specifically called the ‘‘Father of Indian Unrest’’ in classical historical writings.
Dadabhai Naoroji: Known for economic critique and the title ‘‘Grand Old Man of India’’.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may mix up titles when trying to memorise many at once. A simple mnemonic is to pair Tilak with ‘‘unrest’’ and Naoroji with ‘‘grand old man’’. Tilak was more confrontational in style, which made British officials nervous, whereas Naoroji worked mainly through constitutional methods and economic argument.

Final Answer:
The leader described as the ‘‘Father of Indian Unrest’’ is Bal Gangadhar Tilak.