Famous Personalities — Set 10
Rajasthan GK · प्रसिद्ध व्यक्तित्व · Questions 91–100 of 100
Which Rajasthan-born sportsperson won a bronze medal in shooting at the 2004 Athens Olympics?
Correct Answer: A. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, born in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, won a silver medal (not bronze) in double trap shooting at the 2004 Athens Olympics. He was India's first individual Olympic silver medalist in a shooting event. Rathore later won gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. He retired from competitive sports and entered politics, serving as a Union Cabinet Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs.
Durgadas Rathore is celebrated in Rajasthan for protecting which Mughal prince and the kingdom of Marwar?
Correct Answer: A. Prince Akbar and Marwar
Durgadas Rathore (1638-1718) was a legendary Rajput military commander who protected Prince Akbar (son of Aurangzeb) after the prince rebelled against his father and sought refuge in Marwar. Durgadas also safeguarded the infant prince Ajit Singh of Jodhpur from Mughal captivity and ensured his succession to the Marwar throne. He fought a long 26-year struggle against the Mughals to protect Marwar's sovereignty. His unwavering loyalty and courage earned him the title 'Rathore ka Kul Deepak' (Lamp of the Rathore clan).
Limdi's Gaurishankar Udayshankar Oza, known for his work in Rajasthan, won which award for his contributions to Hindi literature?
Correct Answer: A. Sahitya Akademi Award
Rajasthan has produced several Sahitya Akademi Award winners for their contributions to Hindi, Rajasthani, and other regional languages. The Sahitya Akademi recognizes outstanding literary contributions across India's 24 languages. Rajasthani writers have consistently received national recognition for their work in poetry, fiction, and drama. These literary figures have helped preserve and promote Rajasthan's rich oral and written literary traditions.
Rao Jodha, founder of Jodhpur city, established it in which year?
Correct Answer: B. 1459
Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathore clan, founded the city of Jodhpur in 1459 AD after shifting his capital from Mandore. He also commissioned the construction of the imposing Mehrangarh Fort on a rocky hilltop to protect the new capital. The city was named Jodhpur in his honor. Jodhpur grew to become the second largest city in Rajasthan and the capital of the historical Marwar kingdom.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru famously described which Rajasthani city's ruler as 'the last of the great rulers of the princely states'?
Correct Answer: A. Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner
Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner (1880-1943) was regarded as one of the most progressive and capable rulers of any princely state in British India. Nehru praised him for his statesmanship and modernization efforts in Bikaner. Ganga Singh built the Gang Canal (Ganga Nahar) to irrigate the arid Thar region, transforming agriculture in the area. He also represented India at the Paris Peace Conference in 1919 and the League of Nations.
Who was the first woman from Rajasthan to be elected to the Lok Sabha?
Correct Answer: C. Sharda Bhargava
Sharda Bhargava was among the earliest women from Rajasthan to participate in national parliamentary politics after independence. Rajasthan has had several significant women in politics including Gayatri Devi of Jaipur who defeated Congress with one of the largest margins in 1962. Vasundhara Raje later became the first woman Chief Minister of Rajasthan serving two terms (2003-2008 and 2013-2018). Women's political participation in Rajasthan has grown substantially since independence.
Dr. Sitaram Lalas is known for his monumental contribution to which aspect of Rajasthani culture?
Correct Answer: B. Rajasthani language dictionary
Dr. Sitaram Lalas compiled the monumental 'Rajasthani Sabad Kos' (Rajasthani Dictionary), which is one of the most comprehensive dictionaries of the Rajasthani language ever produced. This multi-volume work spanning thousands of pages documented vocabulary, idioms, and literary usage across Rajasthan's diverse dialects. His work is invaluable for scholars, linguists, and those seeking the official recognition of Rajasthani as a scheduled language. Lalas devoted decades of his life to this enormous scholarly undertaking.
Prithviraj Chauhan, the last Hindu ruler of Delhi, belonged to which Rajput clan?
Correct Answer: C. Chahamana (Chauhan)
Prithviraj Chauhan (1149-1192) belonged to the Chahamana (Chauhan) dynasty and ruled from Ajmer and Delhi as the last independent Hindu emperor of Delhi before the Islamic conquest. He defeated Muhammad of Ghor in the First Battle of Tarain (1191) but was defeated and captured in the Second Battle of Tarain (1192). Prithviraj's court poet Chand Bardai composed the Prithviraj Raso, a celebrated epic poem glorifying his valor. He remains a legendary hero of Rajasthan and Indian history.
Which Rajasthan-born scientist is known for his work on cosmic radiation and received the Padma Bhushan?
Correct Answer: A. Dr. Daulat Singh Kothari
Dr. Daulat Singh Kothari (1906-1993) was a renowned physicist from Udaipur, Rajasthan, who made significant contributions to cosmic radiation research and the application of physics to defense. He served as Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister of India and was the first Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC). Kothari was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his scientific contributions. He is also remembered for chairing the historic Kothari Education Commission (1964-66) that shaped India's modern education policy.
Hariram Badal, a noted personality from Rajasthan, is famous for which sport?
Correct Answer: C. Archery
Rajasthan has produced several notable archers and sportspersons who have represented India at the national and international levels. Archery has a traditional significance in Rajasthan due to its warrior heritage. The state government supports sports development through the Rajasthan State Sports Council. Rajasthani athletes continue to excel in traditional and modern sports, bringing recognition to the state at national championships and international competitions.