Who famously said, "I therefore want freedom immediately, this very night, before dawn, if it can be had"?

Introduction / Context:
This question explores an important quotation connected with India's independence movement. The line "I therefore want freedom immediately, this very night, before dawn, if it can be had" reflects the urgency for independence from British rule. Identifying the leader who said it helps you connect speeches and statements with key personalities of modern Indian history.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• A specific quotation about wanting freedom immediately is given.
• Four options include a major Indian leader, the wife of the last Viceroy, and other public figures.
• The task is to recall which person actually made this statement in the context of independence.
• This is a static historical fact and does not require calculation.

Concept / Approach:
The quote is associated with Jawaharlal Nehru, who became independent India's first Prime Minister. It reflects his insistence on immediate freedom during the final phase of negotiations with the British. Other names in the options, such as Mahatma Gandhi or Edwina Mountbatten, were also important figures of that era but did not deliver this specific line. By linking the exact wording of the quote with Nehru, you can choose the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Read the quotation carefully and understand that it expresses an urgent demand for immediate independence. Step 2: Recall which leader was involved in negotiations and strong public statements around the time of independence. Step 3: Remember that Jawaharlal Nehru is associated with this line stressing urgent freedom. Step 4: Select Jawaharlal Nehru as the correct option and reject the others.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this quotation through reputable history books, compilations of Nehru's speeches, or exam preparation material on the freedom struggle. Collections of quotations from India's national leaders regularly attribute this line to Jawaharlal Nehru. Cross checking a few reliable references is enough to confirm that no other figure listed delivered this exact sentence in that context.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Mahatma Gandhi gave many inspiring speeches, but this particular urgent quote is not commonly attributed to him.
Edwina Mountbatten was the wife of Lord Mountbatten and not a leader demanding freedom for India in this manner.
Taslima Nasrin is a contemporary writer from Bangladesh and has no connection with India's independence era speeches.

Common Pitfalls:
One frequent error is to choose Mahatma Gandhi automatically whenever a quote about freedom appears, without checking the exact wording and historical context. Another mistake is to overlook Nehru's key role in the final stages of negotiations for independence and his forceful statements during that time. To avoid such problems, study a small list of famous quotations and clearly map each one to the correct leader.

Final Answer:
The statement "I therefore want freedom immediately, this very night, before dawn, if it can be had" was made by Jawaharlal Nehru, so that is the correct answer.