The founder of the Phoenix Settlement was Mahatma Gandhi, making option 'A' the correct answer.

Mahatma Gandhi and the Phoenix Settlement
- Mahatma Gandhi, also known as Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, was a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement against British rule. He was known for his principles of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience.
- In 1904, Gandhi established the Phoenix Settlement near Durban in South Africa. The settlement was named after the mythical bird that rose from its own ashes, symbolizing rebirth and resilience.
- The purpose of the Phoenix Settlement was to provide a place for Gandhi and his followers to live a simple, self-sufficient lifestyle based on principles of communal living, manual labor, and the pursuit of spiritual and intellectual growth.
- Gandhi believed in the power of agriculture and manual labor to uplift individuals and communities. He wanted to demonstrate that self-reliance and sustainability were possible through these practices.
- The settlement consisted of a farm where the residents cultivated crops and raised livestock. They also engaged in various crafts and cottage industries to sustain themselves economically.
- In addition to their work, the residents of the settlement also dedicated time to education, spiritual practices, and social upliftment. Gandhi believed in holistic development and emphasized the importance of education and self-improvement.
- The Phoenix Settlement served as a model for Gandhi's later experiments in communal living, such as the Tolstoy Farm in South Africa and the Sabarmati Ashram in India.
- Gandhi's time at the Phoenix Settlement greatly influenced his philosophy and approach to social and political change. It was here that he developed many of the ideas and principles that would shape his future activism and leadership.
- The Phoenix Settlement continues to exist to this day and is now a national monument in South Africa. It serves as a reminder of Gandhi's ideals and his contributions to the struggle for justice and equality.