Famous Personalities — Set 1
Maharashtra GK · प्रसिद्ध व्यक्तित्व · Questions 1–10 of 80
Who was the founder of the Maratha Empire and is known for his guerrilla warfare tactics?
Correct Answer: A. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680) founded the Maratha Empire in 1674 and revolutionized warfare with his innovative guerrilla tactics. He established a strong administrative system and is revered as a symbol of Marathi pride and independence. His capital was at Raigad and he carved out a kingdom from Mughal dominance.
Peshwa Bajirao I is famous for his successful military campaigns. What was his popular title?
Correct Answer: A. Thorale Rao
Peshwa Bajirao I (1700-1740) earned the title 'Thorale Rao' (Great Rao) for his extraordinary military conquests. He expanded the Maratha Empire across large parts of India and never lost a battle. He transformed the Maratha power into a formidable military force that challenged Mughal authority.
Jyotirao Phule was a social reformer who fought against caste discrimination. Which organization did he found in 1873?
Correct Answer: B. Satyashodhak Samaj
Jyotirao Phule (1827-1890) founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth-Seeking Society) in 1873 to work against caste discrimination and promote social equality. He was a pioneer in advocating education for women and lower castes. He conducted the first marriage ceremony between a widow and a widower to challenge social norms.
Savitribai Phule was a pioneering educator and social activist. She is known for opening the first school for girls in Maharashtra in which year?
Correct Answer: B. 1852
Savitribai Phule (1831-1897) opened the first school for girls in Maharashtra in 1852, marking a revolutionary step in women's education. She faced severe social ostracism for her work but continued her mission with unwavering determination. She also participated in the independence movement and worked extensively for the uplift of widows and lower castes.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a freedom fighter and nationalist. He is famous for popularizing which slogan?
Correct Answer: B. Swaraj is my birthright
Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1856-1920) popularized the slogan 'Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it' which became a rallying cry for Indian independence. He was imprisoned for sedition and wrote extensively on Hindu philosophy while in prison. He is regarded as the father of the Indian national movement and an architect of Marathi nationalism.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a social reformer and political leader. He served as a member of the Imperial Legislative Council. What was his famous work?
Correct Answer: D. His contributions to education and social welfare
Gopal Krishna Gokhale (1866-1915) was known for his moderate approach to nationalism and his significant contributions to education and social welfare. He founded the Servants of India Society and worked extensively on legislative reforms. Gandhi referred to him as his political guru and learned parliamentary tactics from him.
Lala Lajpat Rai, born in Punjab but closely associated with Maharashtra, was a freedom fighter. How did he die?
Correct Answer: C. From injuries sustained during a lathi charge
Lala Lajpat Rai (1865-1928), the Lion of Punjab, died from injuries sustained during a brutal lathi charge by the British police on November 30, 1928. He was leading a protest against the Simon Commission when he was attacked. His death became a defining moment in the independence struggle.
Aurobindo Ghosh was a revolutionary turned spiritual leader from Maharashtra. Where did he find refuge after leaving India?
Correct Answer: C. Pondicherry
Sri Aurobindo (1872-1950) was a revolutionary and later a spiritual philosopher. After leaving India, he found refuge in Pondicherry (then French territory) where he established an ashram and developed his philosophy of Integral Yoga. He transformed his political activism into spiritual pursuits and became a towering figure in Indian spiritualism.
Subhas Chandra Bose, associated with Maharashtra independence movement, adopted which approach for independence?
Correct Answer: B. Armed struggle and military tactics
Subhas Chandra Bose (1897-1945) was a fiery nationalist who believed in armed struggle for independence. He founded the Indian National Army (INA) and formed alliances with Japan and Germany during World War II. Though controversial, his revolutionary approach mobilized youth across India and remains an inspiration for freedom fighters.
V.D. Savarkar was a controversial ideological thinker and freedom fighter. What political ideology did he develop?
Correct Answer: B. Hindu Nationalism and Hindutva
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (1883-1966) developed the ideology of Hindutva (Hindu-ness) emphasizing Hindu nationalism. He was a revolutionary who spent years in the Andaman prison. Though a controversial figure, he made significant contributions to nationalist thought and influenced many independence activists. His political ideology became foundational to certain nationalist movements.