​Dr. Atmaram Pandurang and Justice Ranade founded the ________ in Maharashtra espousing principles of enlightenment based on Vedas.​

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (A) ​Prarthana Samaj​.

• The Prarthana Samaj was a reform movement within Hinduism.
• It was a religious and social reform movement in Bombay, India.
• The Prarthana Samaj was founded in 1867.
• It was founded by Dadoba Pandurang and Atmaram Pandurang.
• The movement focused on religious and social reform in Maharashtra.
• The popularity of the Prarthana Samaj increased after Mahadev Govind Ranade joined.
• Veeresalingam Pantulu was the Telugu reformer who encouraged the Prarthana Samaj in South India.
• The newspaper called 'Subodh-Patrika' was run by the Prarthana Samaj.
• It was started for social awareness.
• It was published in Marathi-English languages.

Incorrect options explanation:

• The Bharat Dharma Mahamandal was a Hindu organization that was founded in 1887 by Pandit Din Dayalu Sharma in Haridwar. The organization's goal was to preserve Sanatan Dharma and bring together the leaders of the orthodox Hindu community. 
• Brahmo Samaj:Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded Brahmo Sabha in 1828, which was later renamed Brahmo Samaj. Its chief aim was the worship of the eternal God. It was against priesthood, rituals, and sacrifices.
• Arya Samaj: It was founded in 1875 at Bombay by Swami Dayanand Saraswati. Swami Dayanand Saraswati gave the slogan ‘Go back to the Vedas‘ and ‘the Vedas are the source of all knowledge’.