Correct option is A
The answer is (a).
Prarthana Samaj was founded by Atmaram Panduranga, the movement gained momentum and popularity after scholar and reformer Mahadev Govind Ranade joined it.
The Samaj was different from the Brahmo Samaj of Bengal in that it was not as radical and took a cautious approach to the reformist programmes. For this reason, it was better received by the public as well.