Q21. Which famous Bollywood actor was born in Pune, Maharashtra?
a) Amitabh Bachchan
b) Shah Rukh Khan
c) Aamir Khan
d) Madhuri Dixit
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Correct Answer: d) Madhuri Dixit
Explanation: Madhuri Dixit, one of Bollywood’s most popular actresses, was born in Pune, Maharashtra on May 15, 1967. Known as the “Dhak Dhak Girl” of Bollywood, she has won numerous awards for her performances in films like “Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!” and “Devdas”.
Q22. Which famous freedom fighter from Maharashtra was known as ‘Lokmanya’?
a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
b) Gopal Krishna Gokhale
c) Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
d) Dadabhai Naoroji
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Correct Answer: a) Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Explanation: Bal Gangadhar Tilak, born in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, was a prominent freedom fighter known as ‘Lokmanya’ (respected by the people). He was one of the first advocates of Swaraj (self-rule) and is known for his famous quote, “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it!”
Q23. Which district in Maharashtra is famous for its Alphonso mangoes?
a) Ratnagiri
b) Nashik
c) Kolhapur
d) Nagpur
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Correct Answer: a) Ratnagiri
Explanation: Ratnagiri district in the Konkan region of Maharashtra is famous for its Alphonso mangoes, locally known as ‘Hapus’. These mangoes are renowned for their sweetness, rich flavor, and smooth texture. Ratnagiri Alphonso mangoes have a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognizing their unique qualities.
Q24. Which university in Maharashtra is one of the oldest in India?
a) University of Mumbai
b) Savitribai Phule Pune University
c) Nagpur University
d) Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University
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Correct Answer: a) University of Mumbai
Explanation: The University of Mumbai, established in 1857, is one of the oldest universities in India. It was one of the first three universities in India, along with Calcutta and Madras universities. The university has produced many notable alumni and plays a significant role in higher education in Maharashtra.
Q25. Which famous Marathi saint-poet wrote the Dnyaneshwari?
a) Tukaram
b) Namdev
c) Dnyaneshwar
d) Eknath
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Correct Answer: c) Dnyaneshwar
Explanation: Sant Dnyaneshwar, a 13th-century Marathi saint-poet, wrote the Dnyaneshwari, a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita in Marathi. This work is considered a masterpiece of Marathi literature and philosophy. Dnyaneshwar played a crucial role in making philosophical concepts accessible to the common people.
Q26. Which hill station in Maharashtra is known as ‘Queen of Satpura Range’?
a) Matheran
b) Mahabaleshwar
c) Panchgani
d) Pachmarhi
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Correct Answer: a) Matheran
Explanation: Matheran, located in Raigad district, is known as the ‘Queen of Satpura Range’. It’s the smallest hill station in India and is famous for being an eco-sensitive region where vehicles are not allowed. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, walking trails, and a unique toy train ride to reach the hill station.
Q27. Which famous social reformer from Maharashtra founded the Satyashodhak Samaj?
a) Jyotirao Phule
b) B.R. Ambedkar
c) Savitribai Phule
d) Dhondo Keshav Karve
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Correct Answer: a) Jyotirao Phule
Explanation: Jyotirao Phule, a prominent social reformer from Maharashtra, founded the Satyashodhak Samaj (Truth-seekers’ Society) in 1873. The organization worked towards eradicating social evils like untouchability and the caste system. Phule was a pioneer in promoting education for women and lower castes in Maharashtra.
Q28. Which fort in Maharashtra is known as the ‘Gibraltar of the East’?
a) Raigad Fort
b) Pratapgad Fort
c) Sinhagad Fort
d) Murud-Janjira Fort
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Correct Answer: d) Murud-Janjira Fort
Explanation: Murud-Janjira Fort, located on an island near the coastal town of Murud in Raigad district, is known as the ‘Gibraltar of the East’. This sea fort was never conquered despite numerous attempts by various rulers. Its unique location and strong fortifications make it a remarkable example of medieval maritime architecture.
Q29. Which city in Maharashtra is known as the ‘Manchester of India’?
a) Mumbai
b) Pune
c) Solapur
d) Nagpur
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Correct Answer: c) Solapur
Explanation: Solapur is often referred to as the ‘Manchester of India’ due to its textile industry. The city has been a major center for cotton mills since the British era. Solapur is particularly famous for its chadars (bed sheets) and towels, which are exported worldwide.
Q30. Who was the first woman teacher in India, hailing from Maharashtra?
a) Savitribai Phule
b) Ramabai Ranade
c) Anandibai Joshi
d) Tarabai Shinde
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Correct Answer: a) Savitribai Phule
Explanation: Savitribai Phule, born in Naigaon, Maharashtra, is recognized as the first woman teacher in India. Along with her husband Jyotirao Phule, she played a crucial role in promoting education for girls and women from lower castes. She opened the first school for girls in Pune in 1848.