Q1. Which is the capital city of Maharashtra?
a) Pune
b) Nagpur
c) Mumbai
d) Nashik
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Correct Answer: c) Mumbai
Explanation: Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the capital city of Maharashtra. It is India’s financial and commercial hub, located on the west coast. Mumbai is also famous for being home to Bollywood, the Hindi film industry.
Q2. When was Maharashtra state formed?
a) 1 May 1960
b) 15 August 1947
c) 26 January 1950
d) 1 November 1956
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Correct Answer: a) 1 May 1960
Explanation: Maharashtra was formed on 1 May 1960 as a result of the Bombay Reorganization Act. This date is celebrated annually as Maharashtra Day. The state was created by splitting the bilingual Bombay State into Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Q3. Who was the first Chief Minister of Maharashtra?
a) Vasantrao Naik
b) Yashwantrao Chavan
c) Sharad Pawar
d) Vilasrao Deshmukh
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Correct Answer: b) Yashwantrao Chavan
Explanation: Yashwantrao Chavan served as the first Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 1 May 1960 to 19 November 1962. He was a prominent Maratha leader and played a key role in the formation of Maharashtra state. Later, he also served as Deputy Prime Minister of India.
Q4. Which is the largest city in Maharashtra by population?
a) Pune
b) Nagpur
c) Mumbai
d) Thane
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Correct Answer: c) Mumbai
Explanation: Mumbai is the largest city in Maharashtra and India by population. As per the 2011 census, Mumbai’s population was over 12 million. It is a major urban center known for its diverse culture, economic opportunities, and cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Q5. What is the official language of Maharashtra?
a) Hindi
b) Marathi
c) Gujarati
d) Konkani
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Correct Answer: b) Marathi
Explanation: Marathi is the official language of Maharashtra. It is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by about 83 million people, primarily in Maharashtra. Marathi has a rich literary tradition and is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India.
Q6. Which mountain range runs through Maharashtra?
a) Aravalli Range
b) Vindhya Range
c) Western Ghats
d) Eastern Ghats
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Correct Answer: c) Western Ghats
Explanation: The Western Ghats, also known as Sahyadri mountains, run through Maharashtra. This mountain range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its rich biodiversity. It influences the climate and rainfall patterns of the state.
Q7. Which is the largest national park in Maharashtra?
a) Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
b) Sanjay Gandhi National Park
c) Navegaon National Park
d) Chandoli National Park
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Correct Answer: a) Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
Explanation: Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is the largest national park in Maharashtra, covering an area of about 625 sq km. Located in Chandrapur district, it is known for its significant tiger population and diverse flora and fauna.
Q8. Which fort was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s kingdom?
a) Raigad Fort
b) Pratapgad Fort
c) Sinhagad Fort
d) Shivneri Fort
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Correct Answer: a) Raigad Fort
Explanation: Raigad Fort, located in Raigad district, was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Maratha Empire. It was here that Shivaji was crowned as the Chhatrapati (emperor) in 1674. The fort is a significant historical and architectural monument.
Q9. Which river is known as the lifeline of Maharashtra?
a) Krishna
b) Godavari
c) Tapi
d) Narmada
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Correct Answer: b) Godavari
Explanation: The Godavari River is often called the lifeline of Maharashtra. It is the longest river in peninsular India and second longest in the country. The river originates in Nashik district and flows through Maharashtra before entering other states.
Q10. Who founded the Maratha Empire?
a) Sambhaji
b) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
c) Baji Rao I
d) Balaji Vishwanath
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Correct Answer: b) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Explanation: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj founded the Maratha Empire in 1674. He is revered as a great warrior and administrator who challenged the Mughal Empire. Shivaji’s policies and strategies laid the foundation for a strong Maratha state.