States PCS: Maharashtra GK Questions for MPSC Examinations

Notes:
The title ‘Rustam-i-Zamani’ was held by the Governor of Rajapur, symbolizing valor and strong relations with Shivaji Maharaj. Rajapur played a strategic role during this period; many Bijapuri generals sought refuge there, making it important in Maharashtra’s political history.

Notes:
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar established the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha on 20 July 1924 in Bombay to promote education and welfare of the Depressed Classes. The Sabha’s motto was “educate, organize and agitate.” It was registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860.

Notes:
Raja Bhavanrao Srinivasrao, ruler of Aundh State in Maharashtra, started the Aundh Experiment (1938-1947), introducing village self-government, collaborating with Gandhi and Maurice Frydman. The experiment transferred administrative power to villagers, became a model for self-rule in Indian princely states, and ended in 1947 with state integration.

Notes:
Aparaditya I, a Shilahara ruler (1170–1197 CE) from North Konkan, authored the Apararka commentary on Yajnavalkya Smriti. This work is an authoritative Dharmashastra text, especially in Kashmir, where it was introduced by Tejahkantha, a minister. Aparaditya was also renowned for his scholarship in law and music.

Notes:
“Girl in White Cotton” is Avni Doshi’s debut novel, published in 2019, shortlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize. It was released as “Burnt Sugar” in the UK and explores mother-daughter relationships and memory in Pune. The novel is partly inspired by Doshi’s personal experiences.

Notes:
Nitin Govardhan Ghule, born in 1986, is an Indian Kabaddi player and 2010 Asian Games gold medalist. He started at Adinath Sports Club, Pune, and has competed internationally, including the 2008 Asian Beach Kabaddi Games for India. His achievements highlight Maharashtra’s Kabaddi prominence.

Notes:
Daya Pawar (1935–1996) authored “Baluta” (1978), regarded as the first major Dalit autobiography in Marathi literature. The book highlights caste oppression in Maharashtra and pioneered the Dalit autobiographical genre. Pawar received the Padma Shri and Maharashtra State Literary Award for his contributions.

Notes:
Korlai Fort, near Chaul in Raigad district, Maharashtra, was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and served as a key coastal defense. The site is historically linked to Ptolemy’s Symullla and Chaul’s importance in the textile trade. It later came under Maratha and British rule.

Notes:
Dr. Homi Sethna was the first president of Maharashtra Academy of Sciences, established in 1976 to promote science in Maharashtra. MAS, with headquarters near Kashele in Karjat, includes eminent scientists such as Ratan Kumar Sinha and Jayant Narlikar among its fellows.

Notes:
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar led a mass conversion to Buddhism at Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur, on 14 October 1956 with over 600,000 followers, significantly impacting the Dalit Buddhist movement in India. The event is commemorated annually as Dhammachakra Pravartan Din.