Which nationalist leader propounded the political idea known as the Doctrine of Passive Resistance during the Indian freedom struggle?

Introduction / Context:
In the early phase of the Indian freedom struggle, different leaders proposed various strategies for opposing British rule, ranging from moderate constitutional methods to more assertive forms of resistance. The Doctrine of Passive Resistance was one such strategy, associated with a prominent nationalist thinker who later became a spiritual philosopher. This question asks you to identify the leader who propounded this doctrine, a fact that often appears in modern Indian history examinations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The concept mentioned is the Doctrine of Passive Resistance.
• It was articulated during the Indian freedom struggle.
• Options include Balgangadhar Tilak, Aurobindo Ghosh, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
• You must choose the leader historically credited with this doctrine.

Concept / Approach:
Aurobindo Ghosh, also known as Sri Aurobindo, was a key ideologue of the extremist phase of the national movement in Bengal. In his writings and speeches, he developed the idea of Passive Resistance as a method of non cooperation with unjust colonial authority, including boycott of British institutions, courts, and goods. This doctrine emphasised firm resistance without necessarily resorting to violence at that stage. While other leaders such as Tilak and Lajpat Rai were also part of the extremist camp, the specific phrase Doctrine of Passive Resistance is most closely associated with Aurobindo Ghosh.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that the question is about who propounded the Doctrine of Passive Resistance, not just who practised resistance. Step 2: Recall that Aurobindo Ghosh wrote extensively in journals like 'Bande Mataram' and 'Karmayogin' on strategies of national struggle. Step 3: Remember that his writings outlined passive resistance involving boycott and non cooperation with British institutions. Step 4: Examine the options and recognise that Balgangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai were important extremists but did not formulate this specific doctrine in the same theoretical way. Step 5: Choose Aurobindo Ghosh as the leader who propounded the Doctrine of Passive Resistance.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, consult modern Indian history guides, which typically list Aurobindo Ghosh contributions, including spiritual nationalism and his doctrine of passive resistance. Many exam oriented summaries explicitly match his name with this doctrine. Tilak is more associated with slogans like 'Swaraj is my birthright' and with the use of festivals as political forums, while Gokhale is classified among moderates favouring constitutional agitation. This distribution of ideas among leaders supports the conclusion that Aurobindo is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Balgangadhar Tilak was an extremist leader and used boycott and agitation but did not articulate the Doctrine of Passive Resistance in the same systematic way; his emphasis was on assertive swaraj. Lala Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal were part of the Lal Bal Pal trio, yet they are not generally credited in textbooks with formulating this doctrine. Gopal Krishna Gokhale represented the moderate school, seeking gradual reforms through discussion and legislation, which is conceptually different from passive resistance. Therefore, none of these leaders are as directly linked with the doctrine as Aurobindo Ghosh.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes assume that because Tilak was a strong extremist, any strategy involving resistance must be his, leading to incorrect answers. Another pitfall is confusing passive resistance with Mahatma Gandhi later concept of satyagraha, which also involved non violent methods but came in a different phase and with different philosophical foundations. A good practice is to remember the progression: Aurobindo Ghosh with passive resistance in the early extremist phase, and Gandhi with satyagraha in the mass movement phase. Keeping this timeline clear prevents mix ups.

Final Answer:
The Doctrine of Passive Resistance was propounded by Aurobindo Ghosh.