The correct answer is **Satya Shodhak Samaj** (Option 1). **Comprehensive Derivation:** The correct answer is Satya Shodhak Samaj. Explanation & Key Takeaways: Satya Shodhak Samaj: • Jyotiba Phule founded Satyashodhak Samaj in Pune, Maharashtra, on 24th September 1873. • It was a reformational society that promoted education and increased social rights, justice and political access in the deprived sections. • Moreover, its primary focus was on uplifting and supporting Dalits, Shudras, and women in Maharashtra. • Jyotiba Phule’s wife, Savitribai, used to administer the social activities for the women’s section. • Jyotirao established it to stand against the unfair caste system and orthodox, illogical brahminical status in this society. • He challenged the brahmins who claimed themselves to be God’s messenger and a connecting medium to the almighty. • The Samaj rejected the approach of Vedic culture, Upanishad, and the predominance of Aryan society. • Instead, according to him, Aryan society tries to suppress and deprive the non-Aryans, which he protested. • Shahu Maharaj, a Maratha ruler of the princely state Kolhapur, continued the movement after the death of Phule. • Later, Bhaurao Patil and other Maratha leaders like Nana Patil, Keshavrao Jedhe, Madhavrao Bagal, and Khanderao Bagal kept this movement alive. • However, the Samaj gradually dissolved during the 1930s as these leaders started to join the Indian National Congress. **Option Elimination:** • **Option 1 (Satya Shodhak Samaj)**: Correct Answer; accurate according to canonical reference. • **Option 2 (Arya Samaj)**: Incorrect distractor. • **Option 3 (Brahmo Samaj)**: Incorrect distractor. • **Option 4 (Gandhi Samaj)**: Incorrect distractor. **Exam Trap:** Be careful of misleading distractors and subtle terminology differences. Verify core properties before selecting your answer. **Memory Booster:** Core mnemonic rule: Satya Shodhak Samaj corresponds to Option (1).