States PCS: Maharashtra GK Questions for MPSC Examinations
For all Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) exams including Rajyaseva, Group B, PSI, STI, ASO, and other Maharashtra government posts.
11. Who governed Mazagaon island during Portuguese control?
[A] António Pessoa
[B] Garcia de Orta
[C] Francisco de Almeida
[D] Afonso de Albuquerque
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [António Pessoa]
Notes:
António Pessoa governed Mazagaon from 1547 to 1571 during Portuguese rule. Mazagaon, part of present-day Mumbai, was one of the islands under Portuguese control before being ceded to the British in the 17th century. Pessoa played a significant administrative role in the region.
12. Which river, from Satpura in Maharashtra, is a Tapti tributary?
[A] Gomai River
[B] Purna River
[C] Girna River
[D] Panjar River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gomai River]
Notes:
The Gomai River, originating in the Satpura Range in Maharashtra, is a tributary of the Tapti River. It joins the Tapti about 2 km east of Prakasha. Other Tapti tributaries in the region include Purna, Girna, and Panjar Rivers.
13. Which river flows through Anjangaon, the “Banana Hub of Vidarbha”?
[A] Purna
[B] Wardha
[C] Penganga
[D] Shahanoor
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Shahanoor]
Notes:
The Shahanoor River flows through Anjangaon, Amravati district, Maharashtra. Anjangaon is historically important and renowned for banana production. The Shahanoor Dam provides water to 156 villages and 2 cities. The river is also referenced as Sharneera in historical records.
14. During the Maratha Empire, who were referred to as ‘sawakar’?
[A] Landlords
[B] Merchants
[C] Bankers
[D] Soldiers
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bankers]
Notes:
In the Maratha Empire, ‘sawakar’ referred to bankers, often from the Chitpavan Brahmin community. They played a crucial role in finance, especially in Pune, which emerged as the main financial center during Peshwa rule.
15. Which mango variety was the first to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in Maharashtra?
[A] Marathwada Kesar
[B] Alphonso
[C] Ratna
[D] Pairi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Marathwada Kesar]
Notes:
Marathwada Kesar was the first mango variety from Maharashtra to be granted a GI tag, even before Alphonso. It is known for its vibrant color, sweet taste, and aromatic fragrance, representing the unique qualities of the Marathwada region.
16. Which ancient culture is associated with the state of Maharashtra?
[A] Jorwe culture
[B] Harappan culture
[C] Malwa culture
[D] Neolithic Deccan culture
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jorwe culture]
Notes:
The Jorwe culture (c. 1300–700 BCE) thrived in Maharashtra, with key archaeological sites like Daimabad. It is known for mud fortifications, elliptical temples, and represents early settled life and urban planning in the region.
17. Which historic battle is detailed in the Atakur inscription, offering an alternative narrative and highlighting the role of Maharashtra’s feudal militias during the 10th century?
[A] Battle of Patan
[B] Battle of Prabhas
[C] Battle of Takkolam
[D] Battle of Wai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Battle of Takkolam]
Notes:
The Atakur inscription narrates the Battle of Takkolam (948–949 CE) between the Rashtrakutas and Cholas. It documents Maharashtra’s local militias’ participation, reflecting the state’s feudal structure and its vital role in shaping regional and imperial politics of South India in the 10th century.
18. Who founded the Navsari branch of the Chalukya dynasty in present-day Gujarat and Maharashtra?
[A] Bhuvanashraya Shridharavarman
[B] Vikramaditya I
[C] Jayasimha Siddharaja
[D] Dharashraya Jayasimhavarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Dharashraya Jayasimhavarman]
Notes:
Dharashraya Jayasimhavarman founded the Navsari branch of the Chalukyas. His 685 CE inscription records land grants in the Nashik region, reflecting the dynasty’s influence in ancient Maharashtra and Gujarat. The Chalukyas were significant rulers in western India during the early medieval period.
19. Who holds the record for being the longest serving Chief Minister of Maharashtra?
[A] Shivajirao Patil Nilangekar
[B] Devendra Fadnavis
[C] Sharad Pawar
[D] Vasantrao Naik
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Vasantrao Naik]
Notes:
Vasantrao Naik was Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 1963 to 1975, serving for nearly 12 years, the longest tenure in the state’s history. He is noted for promoting the Green Revolution, agricultural reforms, irrigation projects, and rural development in Maharashtra.
20. Which Indian art historian is credited with discovering inscriptions at Pitalkhora near Aurangabad?
[A] Shivaji Sargar
[B] Anjali Sharma
[C] Dulari Qureshi
[D] Ramesh Shankar Gupte
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dulari Qureshi]
Notes:
Dulari Qureshi, born in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, is known for discovering inscriptions at Pitalkhora. She is a noted art historian, author, and retired professor. She has contributed significantly to research on Maharashtra’s cave sites, especially Aurangabad and Ajanta.
