Famous Personalities — Set 8
Gujarat GK · प्रसिद्ध व्यक्तित्व · Questions 71–80 of 100
Shreyas Foundation in Ahmedabad is associated with which prominent Gujarati family?
Correct Answer: B. Sarabhai family
The Shreyas Foundation and the Calico Museum of Textiles in Ahmedabad are associated with the illustrious Sarabhai family, founded by the same family that produced Vikram Sarabhai, the father of Indian space science. Gautam Sarabhai and his sister Gira Sarabhai founded the National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad in 1961, which became a world-class design institution. The Sarabhai family's contributions to art, science, education, and industry have made them one of Gujarat's most celebrated families.
Pandit Shyamji Krishna Verma was a Gujarati freedom fighter who founded which organisation in London?
Correct Answer: B. India House and the Indian Home Rule Society
Shyamji Krishna Verma (1857-1930) was born in Mandvi, Kutch, Gujarat, and became a revolutionary nationalist who founded India House in London (1905) and the Indian Home Rule Society to organize Indian students abroad for independence. India House became the epicenter of Indian revolutionary activities in Britain, inspiring leaders like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and Madanlal Dhingra. Shyamji Verma died in Geneva in exile, and his ashes were brought back to India and installed in Bhuj, Kutch, in 2003.
Sonal Mansingh, the renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and cultural ambassador, has which connection to Gujarat?
Correct Answer: B. She is of Gujarati origin through her family lineage
Sonal Mansingh (born 1944) is a celebrated Bharatanatyam and Odissi dancer and Padma Vibhushan recipient who is of Gujarati origin. Though born in Mumbai, her family has Gujarati roots and she has performed extensively across Gujarat, celebrating Gujarat's rich cultural heritage. She was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 2018 and has been a prominent voice for classical Indian arts and culture. Gujarat's own classical dance traditions include the ancient 'Bhavai' folk theatre form.
Muljibhai Madhavani, a prominent Gujarati business figure, built a significant business empire in which African country?
Correct Answer: B. Uganda
The Madhvani family, originally Gujarati, built one of East Africa's most successful business empires in Uganda, where they are major players in sugar, steel, beverages, and hospitality industries. Muljibhai Madhavani founded the business in Uganda in the early 20th century, and despite being expelled along with other Asians by Idi Amin in 1972, the family returned and rebuilt their empire. The Gujarati diaspora in East Africa — Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania — represents one of India's most successful overseas business communities.
Kanaiyalal Munshi was also a freedom fighter. He was imprisoned during which movement?
Correct Answer: B. Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement
K.M. Munshi actively participated in India's freedom struggle under Mahatma Gandhi and was imprisoned multiple times during the Civil Disobedience Movement (1930-1934) and the Quit India Movement (1942). He later served as a Cabinet minister in independent India, as Governor of Uttar Pradesh (1952-1957), and as Union Minister for Agriculture. His political and cultural contributions make him one of the most multifaceted personalities in Gujarat's modern history.
Harilal Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi's eldest son, created controversy by converting to which religion before reconverting to Hinduism?
Correct Answer: C. Islam
Harilal Gandhi (1888-1948), Mahatma Gandhi's eldest son, led a turbulent life marked by conflicts with his father over education and personal choices. In 1936, he publicly converted to Islam and took the name Abdullah Gandhi, creating significant public controversy given his father's prominence. He later reconverted to Hinduism, but his life was troubled by alcoholism and financial difficulties. The complex father-son relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and Harilal has been explored in novels and films.
Nandubhai Mehta 'Nandubhai' was famous as a pioneering journalist of which Gujarati newspaper?
Correct Answer: A. Gujarat Samachar
Gujarat Samachar, founded in 1932, is one of Gujarat's oldest and most widely circulated Gujarati-language newspapers, headquartered in Ahmedabad. Sandesh, founded in 1923 in Surat, is another major Gujarati newspaper. Together, these publications have played a critical role in shaping public opinion, promoting Gujarati language and culture, and covering Gujarat's social, political, and economic developments for over nine decades.
Sardar Patel's statue known as 'Statue of Unity' was built in record time by which company?
Correct Answer: A. Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
The Statue of Unity was constructed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Limited under contract for the Gujarat government, completing the 182-metre statue in approximately 33 months — a remarkable construction feat. L&T coordinated with more than 250 contractors, 3,400 engineers, and over 4,000 skilled workers to complete the project. The face of Sardar Patel was sculpted by Ram V. Sutar, the renowned Indian sculptor who also created the Chambal Valley statues and the Rashtrapati Bhavan fountains.
Bhai Shankarbhai Patel 'Natubhai', the founder of Navneet Publications, made which contribution to Gujarat?
Correct Answer: B. Published educational books and study guides that transformed education in Gujarat and India
Navneet Publications (India) Ltd., founded in Mumbai in 1959, produces educational books, study guides, and stationery primarily in Gujarati, Marathi, and English, catering to students across Gujarat and Maharashtra. It is one of India's leading educational publishers with iconic products like Navneet question papers and digest books that have helped generations of students prepare for board examinations. Navneet has been instrumental in making quality educational materials affordable and accessible to students from all economic backgrounds.
Who led the Kheda Satyagraha of 1918 alongside Mahatma Gandhi, fighting for farmers' rights during a famine?
Correct Answer: B. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, along with Mahatma Gandhi, led the Kheda Satyagraha of 1918 in Kheda district, Gujarat, when farmers demanded relief from land revenue payment during a famine year. The movement was significant as it was the first time Patel worked closely with Gandhi in a Satyagraha campaign in India, marking the beginning of their long political partnership. The campaign ended successfully when the British government agreed to suspend revenue collection until the famine conditions improved.