Who among the following early Indian national leaders is popularly known by the honorary title ‘‘Grand Old Man of India’’ for his long and distinguished contribution to the freedom movement?

Introduction / Context:
In Indian history and polity, several leaders are remembered by special honorific titles that summarise their contribution. One such famous title is ‘‘Grand Old Man of India’’. Exams frequently test whether you can correctly match these titles with the right personalities. Knowing who was called the ‘‘Grand Old Man of India’’ also tells you something about his seniority, moral authority, and impact on the national movement.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for the leader known as the ‘‘Grand Old Man of India’’.
• The options are Dadabhai Naoroji, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and A.O. Hume.
• All four names are associated with the early phases of the Indian national movement.
• We assume the question follows the standard usage accepted in Indian history textbooks.

Concept / Approach:
To answer correctly, you must recall the specific title attached to Dadabhai Naoroji. He was one of the earliest leaders of the Indian National Congress, a strong critic of British economic exploitation, and the author of the ‘‘Drain of Wealth’’ theory. Because of his age, experience, and prestige, he came to be respectfully called the ‘‘Grand Old Man of India’’. The other leaders, although important, have different associated titles or descriptions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the keyword ‘‘Grand Old Man of India’’ in the question. Step 2: Recall that this title refers to a senior statesman of the freedom movement. Step 3: Remember that Dadabhai Naoroji was one of the earliest presidents of the Indian National Congress and a pioneering critic of British economic rule. Step 4: Recognise that Gopal Krishna Gokhale was another prominent moderate leader but is not commonly called the ‘‘Grand Old Man of India’’. Step 5: Conclude that ‘‘Dadabhai Naoroji’’ is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Another check is to remember other associations: Bal Gangadhar Tilak is famously known as ‘‘Lokmanya Tilak’’ and is sometimes referred to as the ‘‘Father of Indian Unrest’’ by the British, not as the ‘‘Grand Old Man’’. A.O. Hume is remembered as one of the founders of the Indian National Congress, but he does not carry this particular Indian honorific. Only Dadabhai Naoroji is consistently referred to as the ‘‘Grand Old Man of India’’ in standard exam-oriented material.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Gopal Krishna Gokhale: A respected moderate leader and mentor of Gandhiji, but not given this exact title in common usage.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Associated with titles such as ‘‘Lokmanya’’ and ‘‘Father of Indian Unrest’’, but not ‘‘Grand Old Man of India’’.
A.O. Hume: Remembered as a British civil servant who helped found the Indian National Congress, not as the ‘‘Grand Old Man of India’’.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse Dadabhai Naoroji and Bal Gangadhar Tilak because both are early Congress leaders, and both have strong titles. A simple memory trick is to associate ‘‘Grand Old Man’’ with age and seniority, which fits Naoroji's advanced age and long career. In contrast, Tilak is better remembered as a fiery nationalist with mass appeal.

Final Answer:
The leader popularly known as the ‘‘Grand Old Man of India’’ is Dadabhai Naoroji.