Question

Who started the institution of ‘Depressed Classes Mission’ for the progress of the Dalits?
A. Rajarshi Sahu Maharaj
B. Babasaheb Ambedkar
C. Maharshi Vitthal Ramji Shinde
D. Periyar Ramaswamy

Answer 1

Hint: Depressed Classes Mission was a social movement which originated in Maharashtra. Aimed against the discriminatory practices of Hinduism, movements like these have been central in restoring the self-respect of the depressed Dalit classes and unifying the Indian Nationalism under one banner even though intersectionality remained.

Complete answer: 

> The Depressed Classes Mission was established in Maharashtra in the year 1906. The mission aimed at working against the evils of untouchability on the national level and restoring the respect and equality for all castes and classes.
> This mission aimed at getting rid of the evils of untouchability in the Hindu casteist society, uplifting the depressed classes with education for all, starting schools, hostels and hospitals for the untouchables and to resolve their social issues. The institution was established by Maharshi Vitthal Ramji Shinde who was on the forefront against the discrimination faced by the Dalits.

Looking at the options:
Option A - Rajarshi Sahu Maharaj was also a renowned social reformer who worked against the oppression of lower castes, anti-Brahmanical supremacy, education for all, widow remarriage etc. He was associated with Dr Ambedkar and Jyotiba Phule and later joined Arya Samaj. So, this is an incorrect option.
Option B - Babasaheb Ambedkar was a prominent socio-political reformer of India. He condemned the discrimination against the outcastes and promoted reservation for the depressed communities after the independence of India. ‘Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha’ was founded by Ambedkar. So, this is an incorrect option.
Option C - Maharshi Vitthal Ramji Shinde founded the ‘Depressed Classes Mission’. So, this is the correct option.
Option D - Periyar Ramaswamy was a social activist who started the Self-Respect Movement and is known as the Father of the Dravidian movement in South India. Therefore, this is an incorrect option. 

So, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: Though Maharshi Shinde was a social activist against untouchability, his views were closer to that of Mahatma Gandhi. He thought of Dr Ambedkar as a separatist of the Dalits and saw it harmful for the Indian National Movement for independence.