Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Consider the following statements regarding activities of B.G. Tilak and arrange them in chronological order starting from the earliest:
A. Started celebrating the traditional ‘Ganpati Festival’.
B. Started editing ‘Kesari’.
C. Refused to apologise to the Government and was sentenced to 18 months of rigorous imprisonment.
D. Started celebrating ‘Shivaji Festival’

Correct option is C

Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a prominent freedom fighter and social reformer, played a crucial role in the Indian freedom movement. His activities had a clear chronological sequence:
B. Started editing ‘Kesari’: Tilak started editing the Marathi daily ‘Kesari’ in 1881. The newspaper became a powerful medium for promoting his nationalistic ideas and was central to his campaign for Indian independence. This was his first major step toward mobilizing the masses.
A. Started celebrating the traditional ‘Ganpati Festival’: In 1893, Tilak began the public celebration of the Ganpati festival. His intent was to use the festival as a platform for nationalistic unity and to raise awareness about the need for self-rule. This was part of his strategy to make nationalism more accessible to the common people.
D. Started celebrating ‘Shivaji Festival’: In 1895, Tilak started the Shivaji festival to commemorate the great Maratha king, Shivaji. This event was another effort to inspire pride in India's heritage and culture, while simultaneously mobilizing the masses for the freedom struggle.
C. Refused to apologise to the Government and was sentenced to 18 months of rigorous imprisonment: In 1908, Tilak was arrested for sedition due to his provocative writings in ‘Kesari’ and ‘Maratha’. He refused to apologize, even after being sentenced to 18 months of rigorous imprisonment, which only enhanced his popularity and determination for India's cause.