In the given question, a statement of Assertion is followed by a statement of Reason. Mark the correct answer.

Assertion: The provincial committees of the Congress were based on linguistic regions.
Reason: Gandhiji encouraged the communication of the nationalist message in the mother tongue, rather than in the language of the rulers, English.

Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

The correct answer is Option 1: Both the Assertion and the Reason are correct and the Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion.

Assertion: The provincial committees of the Congress were based on linguistic regions. This statement is true. The Indian National Congress, during the independence movement, did organize its provincial committees based on linguistic regions to a significant extent. This helped them better connect with the masses and communicate their message more effectively.

Reason: Gandhiji encouraged the communication of the nationalist message in the mother tongue, rather than in the language of the rulers, English. This is also true. Mahatma Gandhi emphasized reaching out to the common people and raising awareness about the independence movement. Using their native languages was crucial for this purpose.

By forming committees based on linguistic regions, the Congress aligned itself with Gandhiji's vision of reaching out to the masses through their mother tongue. This approach facilitated better communication and mobilization of support for the national cause. Thus, the reason correctly explains the Assertion.

"While Mahatma Gandhi’s mass appeal was undoubtedly genuine – and in the context of Indian politics, without precedent – it must also be stressed that his success in broadening the basis of nationalism was based on careful organisation. New branches of the Congress were set up in various parts of India. A series of “Praja Mandals” were established to promote the nationalist creed in the princely states. Gandhiji encouraged the communication of the nationalist message in the mother tongue, rather than in the language of the rulers, English. Thus, the provincial committees of the Congress were based on linguistic regions, rather than on the artificial boundaries of British India. In these different ways nationalism was taken to the farthest corners of the country and embraced by social groups previously untouched by it."