States PCS: Maharashtra GK Questions for MPSC Examinations

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Prajakta Koli, Indian YouTuber and actress, was appointed the first Youth Climate Champion by UNDP India in 2022. She is also known for advocacy on climate action and global representation, and was listed in Forbes 30 under 30 in 2019.

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Vajjada II ruled the North Konkan branch of the Shilahara dynasty (1010-1015 CE), closely connected to the Kadamba dynasty through marriage alliances. Shilahara dynasty was prominent in western India, particularly Maharashtra and Konkan regions, during the 9th–13th centuries.

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Charu Majumdar, with Kanu Sanyal and Jangal Santhal, founded the Naxalite movement in 1967 at Naxalbari, West Bengal. This Maoist-inspired uprising led to the formation of CPI (Marxist–Leninist) in 1969 and spread to several Indian states, particularly in West Bengal and central India.

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Mumbai Dabbawalas, started in 1890 by Mahadeo Havaji Bachche, deliver 175,000-200,000 lunchboxes daily. They are known for their efficient, color-coded system and remarkable accuracy, mainly staffed by the Varkari community. Registered as Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Association, they are world-renowned for their unique logistics.

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Suresh Jadhav was SII’s executive director, leading development of the Meningococcal A conjugate vaccine. He contributed to SII becoming the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer and played a pivotal role in global vaccine supply and quality accreditation, impacting immunization efforts across developing countries.

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Milind Tambe pioneered the security games framework used in airport security, notably first deployed at LAX. He is a Harvard professor, director at Google Research India, globally recognized for AI for social good, and recipient of notable AI and computer science awards.

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Maharashtra leads India in grape production, contributing over 67% of national output in 2023–24 and has the highest grape productivity among all states.

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The Gondhali are a traditional community from Maharashtra known for performing the Gondhal ritual as part of religious ceremonies. They are recognized for their use of the sambal, a distinctive two-faced drum tied around the neck and placed on the thighs, providing a particular rhythm unique to their performances. This sets them apart from other notable Maharashtra performers like Shahir Sable, Bal Gandharva, and Vasantrao Deshpande, who are famous for different folk, theatrical, or classical traditions and do not use the sambal in their performances.

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Sai Baba of Shirdi was given the name “Sai” by the priest Mahalsapati upon his arrival in Shirdi around 1858. The word “Sai” signifies a holy or saintly figure, reflecting the deep respect Mahalsapati had for him. Mahalsapati, a temple priest, was among Sai Baba’s earliest and closest devotees and was instrumental in recognizing Sai Baba’s spiritual presence. The origins of Sai Baba remain mysterious, yet his teachings of compassion, unity, and religious harmony have greatly influenced Maharashtra and India as a whole.

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Chaityabhumi is a documentary by Somnath Waghmare that focuses on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The documentary was produced by Pa. Ranjith’s Neelam Productions. Pa. Ranjith, originally from Tamil Nadu, is celebrated for championing Dalit issues through cinema. His production of this Marathi documentary signifies strong cross-regional support within Dalit activism. The film has garnered international attention, being screened at renowned institutions such as LSE and Columbia University, and found a wider audience through its release on MUBI on Ambedkar’s birth anniversary.