Concept:Mahatma Gandhi's first major public appearance in India after returning from South Africa took place at the inauguration of Banaras Hindu University in 1916.
Explanation:On 4 February 1916, Gandhi addressed a gathering at the newly founded Banaras Hindu University (BHU).
This event is widely recognized as his first major public speech in India.
The audience included prominent princes, students, and the Maharaja of Darbhanga, who presided over the session.
BHU was established by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya under the BHU Act of 1915.
Other early movements led by Gandhi occurred later: Champaran Satyagraha (1917) involved indigo farmers in Bihar.
The Kheda Satyagraha (1918) was part of the Ahmedabad mill strike, where Gandhi used a hunger strike.
The Rowlatt Satyagraha (1919) was a nationwide protest against the repressive Rowlatt Act.
Thus, the correct chronological order places the BHU inauguration as the first major public appearance.
Answer:Inauguration of Banaras Hindu University (1916) – Option C.