Who did NOT accept nationalism (by observing conflicting claims of nations in Europe) as the highest sentiment in human beings?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is d) Rabindranath Tagore.
While Rabindranath Tagore composed the national anthems of two nations (India and Bangladesh), he was deeply skeptical of the concept of Nationalism, particularly in the way it had manifested in Europe.

Information Booster :
Tagore’s Critique of Nationalism
Tagore viewed nationalism as a "cruel epidemic of evil" and a "mechanical organization" of self-interest that prioritized political and economic power over human and spiritual values.

Observation of Europe: Tagore witnessed the aggressive and competitive nationalism in Europe, which eventually led to the devastation of World War I. He observed that when a nation organizes itself for the sole purpose of self-preservation and expansion, it becomes a "soulless machine" that crushes the moral and creative freedom of the individual.

Nationalism vs. Humanity: He famously stated, "I will never allow patriotism to triumph over humanity as long as I live." For him, the welfare of all humanity (Universalism) was a much higher sentiment than loyalty to a single nation-state.

Concept of 'Samaj' vs. 'Nation': Tagore argued that India’s strength lay in its Samaj (society/community), which was based on social cooperation and cultural pluralism, whereas the Western Nation was based on political and commercial conflict.

Spiritual Universalism: He advocated for a "World-University" (Visva-Bharati) where the East and West could meet in a spirit of learning and cooperation, rather than competition.

Additional Information :
The other personalities listed were foundational figures in the Indian nationalist movement and generally accepted nationalism as a primary vehicle for liberation and unity:

1. Madan Mohan Malviya: A staunch proponent of cultural nationalism, he worked to unite Indians by reviving pride in their heritage and education (founding Banaras Hindu University).

2. Bal Gangadhar Tilak: Known as the "Father of Indian Unrest," his nationalism was militant and populist. He famously declared, "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it," using cultural symbols like the Ganpati festival to mobilize the masses.

3. Subhas Chandra Bose: His nationalism was revolutionary and strategic. He believed that the nation must be liberated at any cost, even through military struggle (the Indian National Army), viewing the nation as the highest entity for which one must sacrifice everything.