Which of the following institutions was not founded by Mahatma Gandhi?

Introduction / Context:
This question explores your knowledge of important institutions and ashrams associated with India’s freedom struggle and key national leaders. Mahatma Gandhi established several ashrams that served as centres of constructive work, satyagraha and spiritual discipline. At the same time, other great figures like Rabindranath Tagore founded their own institutions. Recognising which institution was founded by whom is a classic topic in Indian history and general knowledge exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Four institutions are listed: Sabarmati Ashram, Sevagram Ashram, Vishwa Bharti and Phoenix Ashram.
• The question asks which was not founded by Mahatma Gandhi.
• We assume standard historical accounts of the freedom struggle and national institutions.

Concept / Approach:
The key is to recall the founding figures of each institution: Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat and Sevagram Ashram in Maharashtra are closely associated with Gandhi's life and work. Phoenix Ashram (Phoenix Settlement) in South Africa was also founded by Gandhi as a community based on his ideals. Vishwa Bharti (often written as Visva-Bharati) at Santiniketan, however, was founded by Rabindranath Tagore as a centre for global learning and culture. Therefore, Visva-Bharati is the institution not founded by Gandhi.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify Sabarmati Ashram as Gandhi’s well-known ashram near Ahmedabad, used as his base for many years. Step 2: Recall that Sevagram Ashram near Wardha was also established by Gandhi and became his residence in later years. Step 3: Remember that Phoenix Ashram (Phoenix Settlement) in South Africa was founded by Gandhi as an experimental community before his return to India. Step 4: Recognise that Vishwa Bharti (Visva-Bharati University) at Santiniketan was founded by Rabindranath Tagore, not by Gandhi. Step 5: Therefore, select 'Vishwa Bharti' as the institution not founded by Mahatma Gandhi.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard history textbooks and biographies of Gandhi describe his founding of Sabarmati Ashram and Sevagram Ashram in India, as well as Phoenix Settlement and Tolstoy Farm in South Africa. Meanwhile, art and literature histories emphasise that Visva-Bharati was conceived and established by Rabindranath Tagore as a place where the world would meet India. Checking the official websites of these institutions or respected historical references confirms these founding figures and removes any ambiguity.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Sabarmati Ashram: Gandhi established this ashram on the banks of the Sabarmati River, and it served as a major centre of his activities, including the Dandi March.
• Sevagram Ashram: Founded by Gandhi near Wardha, it became his main residence from 1936 onwards and a hub for constructive programmes.
• Phoenix Ashram: This refers to the Phoenix Settlement in South Africa, created by Gandhi as one of his earliest experimental communities based on his ideals.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may misread the question and look for the institution that was founded by Gandhi instead of the one that was not, leading to careless mistakes. Others might confuse Vishwa Bharti with institutions named after Gandhi. To avoid such errors, always underline or mentally emphasise words like 'not' in the question stem, and clearly recall which visionary is associated with each institution. Keeping a short list of founders of key universities, ashrams and organisations—Gandhi, Tagore, Ambedkar and others—can be very helpful for quick revision.

Final Answer:
The institution among the options that was not founded by Mahatma Gandhi is Vishwa Bharti (Visva-Bharati, founded by Rabindranath Tagore).