States PCS: Maharashtra GK Questions for MPSC Examinations

Notes:
Lonar Lake, located in Buldhana district, Maharashtra, is the only hyper-velocity impact crater lake in basalt rock. Khagol Vishwa is renowned for its scientific research, environmental studies, and active advocacy for the lake’s ecological protection and awareness in the region.

Notes:
Vatapi Chalukyas were the first to clearly use “Shri Prithvi-vallabha” as a royal title. Later, Rashtrakutas and other dynasties adopted it. Inscriptions such as Mahakuta attested Vatapi Chalukyas’ use; the title means “Lord of the Earth” and denotes sovereignty and divine association.

Notes:
Rajashekhara, a 10th-century poet, served as court poet of the Pratiharas of Kannauj. He authored Kāvyamīmāṃsā, a Sanskrit literary manual, and Karpuramanjari in Prakrit. He was patronized by Emperor Mahendrapala I and uniquely credited his wife Avantisundarī for inspiring his works.

Notes:
Shivaji Maharaj built Sajra and Gojra forts near Vellore in 1678 during the siege of Vellore Fort. These hilltop forts were constructed to strategically bombard Vellore Fort, leading to Maratha control for the next 30 years. Their names mean “smart” and “cute” in Marathi.

Notes:
The Campa Cola Compound eviction case involved the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai. The Supreme Court ordered demolition of unauthorized floors and the BMC implemented the eviction. The compound is in Worli, Mumbai, which falls under BMC’s jurisdiction.

Notes:
Vithal Mahadeo Tarkunde, a noted judge and activist, founded People’s Union for Civil Liberties and Citizens for Democracy. He was pivotal in championing civil liberties, especially during the Emergency, and was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1998 for his notable contributions to the field of human rights in India.

Notes:
Ishwarsena, founder of the Abhira dynasty, issued an inscription in the Nasik cave during his 9th regnal year mentioning two donations of 1,000 and 500 karshapanas. These were specifically given to trade guilds at Govardhana (Old Nasik) for the purpose of providing medicines to sick monks. This reveals both his support for commerce and monastic welfare, and underscores the significant role of trade guilds in providing social services in ancient Maharashtra. Such donations are vital for our understanding of the economic and religious landscape of the period.

Notes:
Eknath Gaikwad was a prominent Maharashtra politician who represented the Dharavi constituency for three consecutive terms starting in 1985. Dharavi is recognized as Asia’s largest slum, which made his repeated electoral success significant. He came from an Ambedkarite Buddhist family and served as a Maharashtra state minister twice. His daughter, Varsha Gaikwad, carries forward his political legacy as a four-term MLA and former Cabinet Minister. Eknath Gaikwad lost the Mumbai South Central Lok Sabha seat to Rahul Shewale in 2014 and passed away in 2021 due to COVID-19.

Notes:
Kershasp Tehmurasp Satarawala, born in Satara, Maharashtra, played a significant administrative role in India. Among his many achievements, he was the Vice-Chairman and Co-ordinator of the IX Asian Games in 1982, held in New Delhi. This was a major international sporting event, and his leadership contributed to its successful organisation. Apart from this, he served in diverse roles such as Governor of Punjab, Ambassador to Mexico, and Chairman of Indian Airlines. His career reflects a blend of military, administrative, and diplomatic service spanning several decades.

Notes:
Mahabaleshwar is indeed the source of the Krishna River, and Chikhaldara is situated in Maharashtra's Satpura range. Toranmal is located in Nandurbar district. However, Lonavala is in Pune district, not Raigad district. Thus, statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect.