Important Personalities
16 solved SSC CGL General Knowledge previous year questions on Important Personalities, each with the correct answer and a full explanation.
Q1
"All India Muslim League" was formed at Dacca in _____ .
✓ Correct answer: d) 1906
ExplanationThe All-India Muslim League (AIML) was established on the 30th of December in 1906 in Dhaka, which is currently located in Bangladesh.This city was a part of British India at the time.The founders include Khwaja Salimullah, Vikar-ul-Mulk, Syed Amir Ali, Syed Nabiullah, Khan Bahadur Ghulam and Mustafa Chowdhury.Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, also known as Aga Khan III, was the first person to hold the position of Honorary President of the League.Hence, the correct answer is "D) 1906."
Q2 · 1905
In which year was India House established by Shyamji Verma?
✓ Correct answer: a) (1905)
ExplanationThe correct answer is A. 1905. India House was established by Shyamji Krishna Varma in London in 1905. It was a student residence and a meeting place for Indian revolutionaries.Varma was a lawyer and a nationalist who had been forced to flee India after being accused of sedition.He established the India House to promote the cause of Indian independence.
Q3
Which of the following revolutionaries stated during his trial that "he did not wish to glorify the cult of the bomb and pistol but wanted a revolution in society"?
✓ Correct answer: a) Bhagat Singh
Explanation"He desired a revolution in society, not to exalt the cult of the bomb and weapon," Bhagat Singh declared at his trial.Bhagat Singh was a revolutionary hero of the Indian independence movement in the early 20th century.He took part in two well-known assaults on British power: one on the chief of police in a nearby town, and the other on the Central Legislative Assembly of Delhi.Bhagat Singh, a fervent opponent of British rule in India, was executed by hanging in 1931 when he was only 23 years old for his illegal activities.Hence the correct answer is "Bhagat Singh"
Q4
Wood's Despatch is related with ______.
✓ Correct answer: a) Education
ExplanationWood's Despatch was an educational plan that was developed in the year 1854 by Sir Charles Wood, who was serving as the President of the Board of Control for the East India Company at the time.It placed a strong emphasis on the education of the general populace and declared that it is the obligation and responsibility of the Indian government to provide education for the Indian people.In India, people often refer to it as the "Magna Carta of English Education." Hence, the correct answer is "Education ."
Q5
In which of the following years, did Subhas Chandra Bose refer to Mahatma Gandhi as the "Father of the Nation"?
✓ Correct answer: a) 1942
ExplanationThe first time Subhas Chandra Bose referred to Mahatma Gandhi as the "Father of the Nation" was in 1942. In a speech he gave in Singapore on July 4, 1942, Bose said, "Mahatma Gandhi is the Father of the Nation.He is the guiding star of our struggle for freedom." Bose's reference to Gandhi as the "Father of the Nation" was widely welcomed by Indians across the political spectrum.It helped to boost Gandhi's image and to unify the Indian independence movement.Hence the correct answer is "A): 1942 ."
Q6
Chittaranjan Das was the political guru of which of the following personalities?
✓ Correct answer: a) Subhash Chandra Bose
ExplanationChittaranjan Das was a prominent Indian politician who established and led the Swaraj Party in Bengal during the time of the British Raj. - Deshbandhu is the name that is most often used to refer to him.He served as Subhash Chandra Bose's political mentor throughout their time together.Hence, the correct answer is "Subhash Chandra Bose".
Q7
The person known as the 'Father of Modern Dance in India" is:
✓ Correct answer: a) Uday Shankar
ExplanationUday Shankar (1900–1977) was an Indian dancer, choreographer, and pioneer in modern Indian dance.He combined traditional Indian dance with Western ballet, creating a distinctive style.He founded the first Indian dance school in 1938. His work profoundly impacted Indian and global dance, fostering cultural exchange and innovation.Uday Shankar, often called the 'Father of Modern Dance in India,' pioneered Indian dance forms.Hence, the correct answer is " Uday Shankar".
Q8
The famous scientist, Albert Einstein, was inspired by whose idea of non-violence?
✓ Correct answer: a) Mahatma Gandhi
ExplanationThe famous scientist Albert Einstein was inspired by the idea of non-violence put forward by Mahatma Gandhi.Einstein greatly admired Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence and considered him one of the greatest leaders of all time.The two corresponded and shared their thoughts on various topics, including social justice and human rights.Einstein even referred to Gandhi as "a role model for the generations to come" and praised his methods of passive resistance and civil disobedience.Hence, the correct answer is "Mahatma Gandhi".
Q9
Who was the first social reformer to view modern education as a vehicle for the spread of modern ideas in the country?
✓ Correct answer: a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
ExplanationRaja Ram Mohan Roy was a 19th-century Indian social reformer and polymath.He is considered to be the "Father of Modern India" for his contributions to the Brahmo Samaj, a religious reform movement that advocated for the abolition of sati and child marriage.In 1817, Raja Ram Mohan Roy supported the establishment of the Hindu College in Calcutta.He also founded the Vedanta College in 1825, which offered a more traditional curriculum that combined Western learning with Indian philosophy.Hence, the correct answer is “Raja Ram Mohan Roy”.
Q10
Where did Vivekananda participate at the World's Parliament of Religions?
✓ Correct answer: d) Chicago
ExplanationHistoric Event: The World's Parliament of Religions was a historic event held in 1893 in Chicago, Illinois, USA.Vivekananda's Participation: Swami Vivekananda, a prominent Indian spiritual leader, and philosopher represented Hinduism at this global gathering.He delivered his famous speech on September 11, 1893, where he began with the iconic words, "Sisters and Brothers of America," and introduced Hindu philosophy to the Western world.When Swami Vivekananda attended the Parliament of Religions on September 11, 1893, in Chicago, USA, he elevated the stature of Hinduism and India.Vedantic philosophy was his preaching.He denounced the Hindu emphasis on ceremonies and rituals nowadays, as well as the caste structure.Hence, the correct answer is ''Chicago''
Q11
Who among the following was one of the founders of Rahnumai Mazdayasnan Sabha or Religious Reform Association?
✓ Correct answer: b) Dadabhai Naoroji
ExplanationDadabhai Naoroji, among the listed options, was a founder of the Rahnumai Mazdayasnan Sabha (Religious Reform Association).Established in 1851, the association aimed to rejuvenate Parsi society and restore Zoroastrianism's purity.Dadabhai Naoroji, along with others, initiated this endeavor to modernize Parsi customs, promote education, and challenge orthodox religious practices.The association's efforts marked a significant step toward the Westernization of the Parsi community.Naoroji's involvement in founding the Religious Reform Association showcases his dedication to social and religious progress among the Parsis during the middle of the 19th century.Hence, the correct answer is "Dadabhai Naoroji".
Q12
Chittaranjan Das along with ________ set up the Swaraj Party in 1923 to contest the elections.
✓ Correct answer: c) Motilal Nehru
ExplanationChittaranjan Das and Motilal Nehru set up the Swaraj Party in 1923 to contest the elections.The party was formed within the Indian National Congress (INC) and advocated for the use of constitutional means to achieve self-rule for India.The Swaraj Party won a significant number of seats in the 1923 elections and became the largest opposition party in the Central Legislative Assembly.The party's activities helped to put pressure on the British government and contributed to the growth of the Indian independence movement.Hence, the correct answer is “ Motilal Nehru”.
Q13
Who was the first nationalist to give the theory of the drain of wealth from India to England?
✓ Correct answer: d) Dadabhai Naoroji
ExplanationDadabhai Naoroji is credited with giving the theory of "drain of wealth" from India to England.He was an Indian nationalist leader, scholar, and economist who extensively studied the economic impact of British colonial rule on India.He articulated his views on this theory in his book "Poverty and Un-British Rule in India," published in 1901. This theory highlighted how British colonial policies and economic practices were leading to the exploitation and impoverishment of India while enriching Britain.Hence, the correct answer is "Dadabhai Naoroji".
Q14
Primarily under whose persuasion did Mahatma Gandhi visit Champaran to understand the problems of peasants?
✓ Correct answer: d) Rajkumar Shukla
ExplanationMahatma Gandhi visited Champaran to understand the problems of peasants primarily under the persuasion of Rajkumar Shukla.Rajkumar Shukla was a local farmer from Champaran who played a crucial role in inviting Mahatma Gandhi to Champaran to support the indigo planters' cause.Rajkumar Shukla, a poor sharecropper, sought to meet Gandhi to address the unfair landlord system in Champaran.Shukla persistently followed Gandhi, urging him to visit his district.After Shukla's insistence, Gandhi agreed to visit Champaran.Hence, the correct answer is "Rajkumar Shukla."
Q15
Who among the following was the founder of ‘Tiger Legion' or ‘Free India Legion'?
✓ Correct answer: b) Subhas Chandra Bose
ExplanationSubhas Chandra Bose, also known as Netaji, was indeed the founder of the 'Tiger Legion' or 'Free India Legion.' He formed this unit with the intention of enlisting Indian prisoners of war and others in Nazi Germany to support India's struggle for independence during World War II.Vinayak Damodar Savarkar: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was a prominent freedom fighter.Sohan Singh Bhakhna: Sohan Singh Bhakhna was a Sikh leader and played a role in organizing Sikh communities.Lala Hardayal: Lala Hardayal was a revolutionary and freedom fighter.Hence the correct answer is "Subhas Chandra Bose".
Q16
Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in
✓ Correct answer: a) January 1915
ExplanationMahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in January 1915. An important turning point in India's fight for independence occurred when Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa in January 1915 after spending more than 20 years in South Africa.Gandhi Ji's presence sparked civil disobedience and noncooperation activities against British colonial rule as well as the revival of the Indian National Congress.His satyagraha concept was adopted as a tenet of the Indian freedom movement.His homecoming helped to lay the stage for his revolutionary leadership and the eventual 1947 declaration of India's independence.Hence, the correct answer is "January 1915".
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