1874 मध्ये ज्योतीबा फुले यांनी ________ यांच्या विनंतीवरून सत्यशोधक समाजाची शाखा मुंबई मध्ये सुरू केली.

The correct answer is Option B (Krishnrao Bhalekar).

Key Points:
• Historical Context: Satyashodhak Samaj was founded by Mahatma Jyotirao Phule on 24th September 1873 in Pune to liberate the Shudra and Ati-Shudra communities from socio-religious exploitation.
• Mumbai Branch Establishment: Following the rapid expansion and influence of the Samaj, a branch was established in Mumbai in 1874.
• Key Role of Krishnarao Bhalekar: Krishnarao Pandurang Bhalekar, one of the most ardent associates of Mahatma Phule and founder of the prominent weekly *Deenbandhu* (1877), actively urged and requested Mahatma Phule to start a formal branch in Bombay to mobilize mill workers and lower castes.
• Bombay Leadership: Key Telugu-speaking prominent personalities like Vyankayya Ayyavaru, Jaya Yallappa Lingu, and Narayan Meghaji Lokhande later nurtured and expanded this Mumbai branch significantly.
• Key Takeaway: Krishnarao Bhalekar was instrumental in persuading Mahatma Phule to extend the institutional reach of Satyashodhak Samaj from Pune to Bombay in 1874.
• Key Takeaway: Jyotiba Phule established the Mumbai branch of Satyashodhak Samaj in 1874 on the request of Krishnarao Bhalekar.