Who built Sabarmati Ashram, the historic centre of Mahatma Gandhi's activities in Ahmedabad?

Introduction / Context:
This question connects places of historical importance with the leaders associated with them. Sabarmati Ashram, located on the banks of the Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad, served as one of the main residences and activity centres of Mahatma Gandhi between 1917 and 1930. It became the starting point of the famous Dandi March. Knowing who built or established such ashrams is a common requirement in Indian history and general knowledge exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks who built or established Sabarmati Ashram.
• Options include Guru Ramdas, Shah Jahan, Rao Jodhaji, Mahatma Gandhi, and None of the above.
• We are concerned with the modern national movement era, not ancient or medieval kings.

Concept / Approach:
Sabarmati Ashram was founded by Mahatma Gandhi after his return from South Africa. It functioned as his residence and as a centre for spinning, constructive work, and planning of satyagraha movements. The other names in the options belong to very different historical periods and contexts. Guru Ramdas was a Sikh Guru, Shah Jahan was a Mughal emperor, and Rao Jodhaji founded Jodhpur. Therefore, by matching time period and purpose, we can clearly identify Mahatma Gandhi as the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Sabarmati Ashram is primarily associated with Mahatma Gandhi and the Indian freedom struggle. Step 2: Understand that Gandhi established this ashram as a place for living a simple, disciplined life and for organising national movements. Step 3: Examine other options. Shah Jahan and Rao Jodhaji are linked with forts and cities, not twentieth century ashrams. Step 4: Guru Ramdas belongs to an earlier religious context, again unrelated to Sabarmati Ashram. Step 5: Conclude that Mahatma Gandhi built and founded Sabarmati Ashram.

Verification / Alternative check:
Another way to verify is to think of key Gandhian ashrams: Phoenix Settlement and Tolstoy Farm in South Africa, and Sabarmati Ashram and Sevagram Ashram in India. All of these were founded by Gandhi in connection with his experiments in simple living, satyagraha, and community life. No standard history text associates Sabarmati Ashram with kings or medieval rulers. This consistent attribution across sources confirms that Mahatma Gandhi is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Guru Ramdas: A Sikh Guru, not involved in founding Sabarmati Ashram. Shah Jahan: A Mughal emperor known for building the Taj Mahal, not Gandhi's ashrams. Rao Jodhaji: Founder of the city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, unrelated to the ashram in Ahmedabad. None of the above: Incorrect because Mahatma Gandhi is correctly listed as an option.

Common Pitfalls:
A pitfall is to confuse Sabarmati Ashram with older religious or royal establishments due to the term ashram. Some examinees may also overthink and suspect a trick, leading them to choose None of the above. To avoid such mistakes, it is important to associate each major freedom struggle site with the relevant national leader: for example, Sabarmati Ashram with Gandhi, Aga Khan Palace with Gandhi's imprisonment, and so on. Such clear mental links make these questions very easy marks.

Final Answer:
Sabarmati Ashram was built and established by Mahatma Gandhi.