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.
41. Consider the following statements regarding the State Election Commissioner of Maharashtra:
- R. R. Patil was the first State Election Commissioner of Maharashtra.
- He served in this position from 1994 to 1999.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Both 1 and 2
[B] Only 1
[C] Only 2
[D] Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Neither 1 nor 2]
Notes:
Neither statement is correct. R. R. Patil, although a prominent leader and Home Minister of Maharashtra, was not the first State Election Commissioner of Maharashtra. The first State Election Commissioner was Dr. D. N. Chaudhari, appointed in 1994 and serving until 1999. R. R. Patil was never appointed to this constitutional position.
42. In which architectural style was the historical Lord Nrusimha temple of Ghatanji constructed?
[A] Nagara
[B] Dravidian
[C] Hemadpanti
[D] Kalinga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Hemadpanti]
Notes:
The Lord Nrusimha temple in Ghatanji, Maharashtra, is built in Hemadpanti style, named after 13th-century minister Hemadpant, noted for stone construction without lime, intricate carvings, and robust structures typical to Maharashtra temples of that era.
43. From which location does the Ulhas River originate in Maharashtra?
[A] Harishchandragad
[B] Nashik Plateau
[C] Lonavala Hills
[D] Western Ghats near Rajmachi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Western Ghats near Rajmachi]
Notes:
The Ulhas River originates in the Western Ghats near Rajmachi, Maharashtra. It flows westward through Thane district before emptying into the Arabian Sea near Mumbai, supporting agriculture and fishing, and sustaining diverse flora and fauna along its course.
44. Which inscription of Chalukya king Pulakeshin II details his conquest of Puri, highlighting its strategic importance and marking the decline of Maurya rule in Maharashtra?
[A] Lakkundi inscription
[B] Aihole inscription
[C] Pattadakal inscription
[D] Badami inscription
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Aihole inscription]
Notes:
The Aihole inscription of Pulakeshin II, composed by his court poet Ravikirti, records his victories including the conquest of Puri. It offers valuable information about Chalukya military achievements and marks the end of Mauryan influence in Maharashtra.
45. Which sages are worshipped during Rishi Panchami?
[A] Kashyapa, Narada, Agastya, Jamadagni, Vamadeva, Vishwamitra, Vasishtha
[B] Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadvaja, Vishvamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni, Vasishtha
[C] Agastya, Parashara, Pulastya, Atri, Vashistha, Bhrigu, Vishwamitra
[D] Vashistha, Vyasa, Narada, Garga, Bharadvaja, Jamadagni, Gautama
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadvaja, Vishvamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni, Vasishtha]
Notes:
On Rishi Panchami, the Saptarishi—Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadvaja, Vishvamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni, Vasishtha—are venerated. The ritual is held on Bhadrapada Shukla Panchami right after Ganesh Chaturthi, mainly for purification in Hindu tradition and practiced across India, especially by women.
46. Which major river flows through Pimpalas taluka in Maharashtra?
[A] Bhima
[B] Godavari
[C] Purna
[D] Krishna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Godavari]
Notes:
Godavari is the main river flowing through Pimpalas taluka in Nashik district, Maharashtra. The region is agriculturally rich and flood-prone due to this river and its tributary Kadawa. Godavari is the second longest river in India and the longest in peninsular India.
47. Who founded the princely state of Bhor in Pune district?
[A] Chimaji Appa
[B] Nana Phadnavis
[C] Balaji Vishwanath
[D] Shankaraji Narayan Gandekar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Shankaraji Narayan Gandekar]
Notes:
Shankaraji Narayan Gandekar, a Maratha Sacheev, founded Bhor State. He served under Chhatrapati Sambhaji and Rajaram, played key roles in military campaigns, and managed several Maratha territories, including the Maval region in Pune district, where Bhor princely state was established.
48. MJPJAY scheme covers medical expenses up to what amount per family, per year?
[A] ₹1.5 lakh
[B] ₹2 lakh
[C] ₹1 lakh
[D] ₹3 lakh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [₹1.5 lakh]
Notes:
Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana covers up to ₹1.5 lakh per family yearly. It provides cashless hospitalization for designated ration cardholders in Maharashtra and was previously called Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayee Arogya Yojana.
49. Who developed the “Chitaley technique” for wax preservation of fossil material in coal balls?
[A] Homi J. Bhabha
[B] Raghunath Mashelkar
[C] Anandibai Joshi
[D] Shyamala “Shya” Chitaley
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Shyamala “Shya” Chitaley]
Notes:
Shyamala “Shya” Chitaley, a well-known paleobotanist from Maharashtra, is credited with developing the “Chitaley technique” for preserving fossil material in coal balls using wax. This innovative approach has greatly enhanced the ability of scientists to preserve and study fossil plants, contributing extensively to the field of paleobotany. Her work helped build major fossil collections like those at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Chitaley’s legacy is celebrated globally, and a Permian conifer was named in her honor. The technique remains influential in fossil research today.
50. Who signed a defensive treaty with the English at Bombay in 1684 for artillery and gunpowder?
[A] Shivaji Maharaj
[B] Rajaram I
[C] Santaji Ghorpade
[D] Sambhaji
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sambhaji]
Notes:
Sambhaji, the second Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire, signed a defensive treaty with the English at Bombay in 1684. This treaty was established to procure artillery and gunpowder, reinforcing Maratha military strength to counter the Mughal and Portuguese threats. The agreement is notable as it demonstrated a rare collaboration between the Marathas and the English East India Company during that era. Sambhaji frequently sought to modernize his forces and embraced diplomatic alliances to ensure the survival and growth of the Maratha Empire.
