______ यांनी नाशिक येथे 'ग्रंथोत्तेजक मंडळी' नावाची संस्था स्थापन केली होती.

The correct answer is Option C (Justice Ranade).

Key Points:
• Establishment Details: Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade established the 'Granthottejak Mandali' (Society for the Encouragement of Literature) at Nashik in 1894.
• Primary Objective: The organization aimed to promote Marathi literature, support local writers, publish useful books, and encourage reading habits among the public.
• Social Context: Justice M.G. Ranade was a prominent social reformer, economist, and founding member of the Prarthana Samaj and Indian National Congress, contributing immensely to Maharashtra's socio-cultural Renaissance.
• Examiner Trap: Candidates often confuse Nashik-based organizations with Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (Mitra Mela / Abhinav Bharat) or V.V. Shirwadkar (Kusumagraj). However, Granthottejak Mandali was specifically founded by Justice Ranade.
• Revision Note:
• Justice M.G. Ranade established 'Granthottejak Mandali' at Nashik in 1894 to encourage Marathi literature.