Bharat Ratna — Set 1
Awards & Honors · भारत रत्न · Questions 1–10 of 60
In which year was the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, instituted?
Correct Answer: D. 1954
The Bharat Ratna was established by the President of India on 2 January 1954. Initially, the statutes did not allow for posthumous awards, but this was amended in 1955. It is awarded in recognition of exceptional service or performance of the highest order.
The Bharat Ratna award is shaped like the leaf of which tree?
Correct Answer: D. Peepal
The award is designed as a peepal leaf made of toned bronze. The sun's image is embossed on the front side with the words 'Bharat Ratna' in Devanagari script. The reverse side features the State Emblem of India and the national motto.
Who was the first person to be honored with the Bharat Ratna award posthumously?
Correct Answer: D. Lal Bahadur Shastri
Lal Bahadur Shastri was given the award in 1966 after his sudden demise in Tashkent. He served as the second Prime Minister of independent India and coined the slogan 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan'. Since the 1955 amendment, several individuals have received this honor after their death.
Who among the following was the first scientist to receive the Bharat Ratna?
Correct Answer: A. C.V. Raman
C.V. Raman was among the first three recipients of the award in 1954. He won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for his work on the scattering of light. His discovery is celebrated annually in India as National Science Day.
Which non-citizen of India was the first to be awarded the Bharat Ratna?
Correct Answer: D. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan
Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, popularly known as Frontier Gandhi, received the award in 1987. He was a Pashtun leader and a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom struggle. He is the first person who was not a citizen of the Republic of India to receive this honor.
Who was the first woman to receive the Bharat Ratna award?
Correct Answer: C. Indira Gandhi
Indira Gandhi was honored with the Bharat Ratna in 1971. She served as the first and only female Prime Minister of India to date. She was recognized for her leadership during the 1971 war which led to the creation of Bangladesh.
How many individuals can receive the Bharat Ratna in a single calendar year at maximum?
Correct Answer: D. Three
Usually, the number of Bharat Ratna awards is restricted to a maximum of three in any particular year. However, in exceptional cases like 1999 and 2024, more than three awards have been announced. The recommendation for the award is made by the Prime Minister to the President.
The Bharat Ratna award is worn with a ribbon of which color?
Correct Answer: D. White
The medal is worn around the neck using a white ribbon. This color choice reflects peace and purity according to standard protocol. The award does not carry any monetary grant or title under Article 18(1) of the Constitution.
Who among the following musicians was the first to receive the Bharat Ratna?
Correct Answer: C. M.S. Subbulakshmi
M.S. Subbulakshmi became the first musician to be honored with the award in 1998. She was a legendary Carnatic singer known for her spiritual depth and vocal mastery. She was also the first Indian musician to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award.
Which Bharat Ratna recipient was the primary architect of the Indian Constitution?
Correct Answer: D. B.R. Ambedkar
B.R. Ambedkar was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990. He served as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee and India's first Law Minister. His contributions to social justice and the rights of the depressed classes are monumental.