Govind Dhondhu Pant, popularly known as Nanasaheb and one of the principal leaders of Revolt of 1857, was the adopted heir and successor of _____.
Explanation:
Nanasaheb, born Govind Dhondhu Pant, was the adopted son of the last Maratha Peshwa, Baji Rao II. After Baji Rao II's death, the British denied Nanasaheb his father's pension and title, which fueled his resentment and led him to become a key leader in the 1857 Revolt, particularly in Kanpur. Option B, King of Jhansi, refers to Gangadhar Rao Newalkar, the husband of Rani Lakshmibai, whose adopted son's succession was also denied by the British. Options C and D, Madhav Rao Scindia and Malhar Rao Holkar, represent other prominent Maratha dynasties (Scindia of Gwalior and Holkar of Indore, respectively) but are not directly related to Nanasaheb's lineage or adoption.