Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question requires verifying the historical accuracy of four statements related to the founding and editorship of prominent Indian newspapers.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze each statement:
(A) Phiroj Shah founded the Bombay Chronicle: The Bombay Chronicle, an English-language newspaper, was started in 1910 by Sir Pherozeshah Mehta. "Phiroj Shah" is a common rendering of Pherozeshah. Thus, this statement is correct.
(B) The Searchlight newspaper was first started in Bihar: The Searchlight was an English newspaper established in 1918 in Patna, Bihar, by Sachchidananda Sinha. It played a crucial role in the Indian freedom movement in the region. Thus, this statement is correct.
(C) The National Herald was first started in Lucknow: The National Herald was founded in 1938 by Jawaharlal Nehru in Lucknow. It was intended to voice the views of the Indian National Congress. Thus, this statement is correct.
(D) The Pioneer newspaper was first published under the editorship of K.M. Panikar: The Pioneer was founded in Allahabad in 1865 by George Allen. K.M. Panikar was a notable editor, but he was associated with The Hindustan Times, not the initial publication of The Pioneer. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Statements (A), (B), and (C) are correct, while statement (D) is incorrect. Therefore, the correct option is (C).