Famous Personalities — Set 8
UP GK · प्रसिद्ध व्यक्तित्व · Questions 71–80 of 100
Hasrat Mohani, the freedom fighter who first demanded 'Complete Independence' (Poorna Swaraj) at the Congress session, was from which city in UP?
Correct Answer: D. Unnao
Hasrat Mohani (1875–1951) was born Syed Fazl-ul-Hasan in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. At the 1921 Ahmedabad Congress session, he was the first person to demand 'Poorna Swaraj' (Complete Independence). He was also a celebrated Urdu poet and composed the famous song 'Chupke Chupke Raat Din'. He is a rare figure who was both a communist and a devout Muslim.
Allama Shibli Nomani, the famous Islamic scholar and historian, was from which district of UP?
Correct Answer: C. Azamgarh
Allama Shibli Nomani (1857–1914) was born in Bindwal, Azamgarh district, Uttar Pradesh. He was a renowned Islamic scholar, historian, and literary critic who taught at Aligarh Muslim University. He founded the Shibli Academy (Darul Musannifin) at Azamgarh in 1914, which remains an important center of Urdu scholarship to this day.
Ustad Faiyaz Khan, one of the greatest classical vocalists of the Agra Gharana, was from which city?
Correct Answer: C. Agra
Ustad Faiyaz Khan (1886–1950) was born in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, and was the foremost exponent of the Agra Gharana of Hindustani classical music. He was known for his powerful voice and mastery of dhrupad and khayal singing. He was the court musician of the Baroda State and was awarded the title of 'Aftab-e-Mausiqi' (Sun of Music).
Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, known for renovating temples and ghats, contributed to which famous site in UP?
Correct Answer: D. Varanasi Ghats
Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar (1725–1795) of Indore is credited with renovating and constructing several ghats and temples in Varanasi, including parts of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple area. She built numerous dharamshalas, ghats, and temples along the Ganges in Varanasi. Though she ruled from Indore, her contributions to Varanasi's religious architecture are immense.
Govind Ballabh Pant, the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, was awarded the Bharat Ratna in which year?
Correct Answer: B. 1957
Govind Ballabh Pant (1887–1961) was born in Almora (then United Provinces, now Uttarakhand) and served as the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh from 1950 to 1954. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1957 for his contributions to the nation. He later served as the Union Home Minister from 1955 until his death in 1961.
Sampurnanand, who served as the Chief Minister of UP and was a Sanskrit scholar, was born in which city?
Correct Answer: B. Varanasi
Dr. Sampurnanand (1891–1969) was born in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh from 1954 to 1960 and later as the Governor of Rajasthan. He was a noted Sanskrit scholar, educationist, and astronomer. He established the Sampurnanand Sanskrit University in Varanasi in 1958.
Bismillah Khan played the shehnai at which iconic event on 15 August 1947?
Correct Answer: A. Independence Day at Red Fort
Ustad Bismillah Khan played the shehnai from the ramparts of the Red Fort on 15 August 1947, India's first Independence Day. His performance became symbolic of India's freedom. He continued to perform at the Red Fort on Independence Day for many years afterwards. He was deeply attached to Varanasi and the Ganga throughout his life.
Tulsidas wrote the Ramcharitmanas primarily while living in which city of UP?
Correct Answer: A. Varanasi
Tulsidas began writing the Ramcharitmanas in 1574 CE at Varanasi (Kashi) on Ram Navami day. He composed most of the epic at Prahlad Ghat and Tulsi Ghat in Varanasi. The work retells the Ramayana in Awadhi language and has become the most popular devotional text in North India. Tulsidas spent the major part of his life in Varanasi.
Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Awadh, developed which famous dance form at his court in Lucknow?
Correct Answer: C. Kathak
Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was a great patron and practitioner of Kathak dance and is credited with developing the Lucknow Gharana of Kathak. He composed many thumris, ghazals, and choreographic pieces for Kathak performances. Under his patronage, Kathak evolved from a temple dance form to a refined courtly art with elaborate abhinaya (expression) elements.
Which ruler of Jaunpur established the Sharqi dynasty and made the city a center of Islamic culture known as 'Shiraz of the East'?
Correct Answer: C. Ibrahim Shah Sharqi
Ibrahim Shah Sharqi (ruled 1402–1440) was the most prominent ruler of the Sharqi dynasty of Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. Under his patronage, Jaunpur became a great center of Islamic learning and culture, earning the title 'Shiraz-e-Hind' (Shiraz of India). He built the famous Atala Masjid and patronized scholars, artists, and musicians.