Thought for Today
Emergence of Modern Rajasthan: MCQs with Explanations
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What were the primary agents of social awakening in Rajasthan during the 19th-20th centuries?
- a) Religious institutions
- b) Colonial rulers
- c) Political leaders
- d) Socio-economic reforms
Explanation: The correct answer is d) Socio-economic reforms. During the 19th-20th centuries, Rajasthan witnessed significant socio-economic changes brought about by various reform movements aimed at addressing social inequalities, caste discrimination, and promoting education and modernization.
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Which movement played a crucial role in challenging caste-based discrimination in Rajasthan?
- a) Bhakti Movement
- b) Satyagraha Movement
- c) Arya Samaj Movement
- d) Dalit Movement
Explanation: The correct answer is c) Arya Samaj Movement. The Arya Samaj Movement, founded by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, actively campaigned against caste-based discrimination and advocated for social equality and upliftment of marginalized communities.
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Who were the key figures associated with the Bhakti Movement in Rajasthan?
- a) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
- b) Guru Nanak
- c) Meera Bai
- d) Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation: The correct answer is c) Meera Bai. Meera Bai, a prominent saint-poetess, played a significant role in spreading the Bhakti Movement in Rajasthan through her devotional songs praising Lord Krishna and advocating spiritual devotion over ritualistic practices.
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Which socio-economic reform initiative aimed at promoting women's education in Rajasthan?
- a) Widow Remarriage Act
- b) Sati Regulation Act
- c) Female Infanticide Prevention Act
- d) Purdah System Abolition
Explanation: The correct answer is d) Purdah System Abolition. The abolition of the Purdah system was a significant socio-economic reform initiative that aimed to empower women by promoting education and providing them with opportunities for social participation and economic independence.
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What was the significance of the Jat Movement in Rajasthan?
- a) Advocated for agrarian reforms
- b) Fought against British colonialism
- c) Promoted religious tolerance
- d) Championed tribal rights
Explanation: The correct answer is a) Advocated for agrarian reforms. The Jat Movement in Rajasthan primarily focused on advocating for agrarian reforms, including land redistribution and fairer taxation policies, to address the socio-economic grievances of the rural population.
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Which organization played a crucial role in promoting social reforms and modern education in Rajasthan?
- a) Indian National Congress (INC)
- b) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)
- c) Brahmo Samaj
- d) Arya Pratinidhi Sabha
Explanation: The correct answer is d) Arya Pratinidhi Sabha. The Arya Pratinidhi Sabha was instrumental in promoting social reforms, advocating for modern education, and combating social evils like caste discrimination and untouchability in Rajasthan during the 19th-20th centuries.
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What was the primary objective of the Alwar Movement in Rajasthan?
- a) Promoting industrialization
- b) Resisting British taxation policies
- c) Establishing democratic governance
- d) Combating child marriage
Explanation: The correct answer is b) Resisting British taxation policies. The Alwar Movement, led by the people of Alwar princely state, aimed to resist oppressive British taxation policies and demand greater autonomy and representation in governance.
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Which reformer is known for advocating for the abolition of child marriage and promoting women's rights in Rajasthan?
- a) Swami Vivekananda
- b) Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay
- c) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
- d) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Explanation: The correct answer is c) Raja Ram Mohan Roy. Raja Ram Mohan Roy, often referred to as the "Father of Indian Renaissance," actively campaigned against social evils like child marriage and advocated for women's rights and education.
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What was the impact of the Bishnoi Movement in Rajasthan?
- a) Conservation of environment and wildlife
- b) Promotion of indigenous arts and crafts
- c) Resistance against foreign invasion
- d) Advocacy for religious syncretism
Explanation: The correct answer is a) Conservation of environment and wildlife. The Bishnoi Movement, led by the Bishnoi community, emphasized the protection of nature and wildlife, making significant contributions to environmental conservation in Rajasthan.
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Which social reform initiative aimed at eradicating untouchability and promoting social equality in Rajasthan?
- a) Swadeshi Movement
- b) Backward Classes Movement
- c) Anti-Untouchability Movement
- d) Green Revolution
Explanation: The correct answer is c) Anti-Untouchability Movement. The Anti-Untouchability Movement aimed to eradicate the practice of untouchability and promote social equality and inclusion of marginalized communities in Rajasthan society.
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Which socio-religious movement emphasized the importance of social equality and universal brotherhood in Rajasthan?
- a) Bhakti Movement
- b) Sufi Movement
- c) Nirankari Movement
- d) Swadeshi Movement
Explanation: The correct answer is b) Sufi Movement. The Sufi Movement in Rajasthan promoted the values of love, tolerance, and social equality, transcending caste and creed barriers.
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Who was the pioneer of the Satyagraha Movement in Rajasthan, advocating for non-violent resistance against British colonial rule?
- a) Maharana Pratap
- b) Maharaja Ganga Singh
- c) Jawaharlal Nehru
- d) Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation: The correct answer is d) Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi led the Satyagraha Movement in Rajasthan, urging people to peacefully protest against British injustices and assert their rights.
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Which educational institution was established in Rajasthan during the 19th century to promote modern education and scientific thinking?
- a) Mayo College
- b) Rajputana College
- c) Maharaja's College
- d) Mayo School of Arts
Explanation: The correct answer is a) Mayo College. Mayo College, founded in 1875 in Ajmer, played a pivotal role in imparting modern education and nurturing future leaders in Rajasthan.
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What was the primary objective of the Prajamandal Movement in Rajasthan?
- a) Achieving independence from British rule
- b) Promoting religious harmony
- c) Advocating for democratic reforms
- d) Eradicating social evils
Explanation: The correct answer is c) Advocating for democratic reforms. The Prajamandal Movement aimed to secure political representation and democratic rights for the people of Rajasthan under British colonial rule.
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Which social reformer initiated the campaign against the Devadasi system prevalent in Rajasthan?
- a) Swami Vivekananda
- b) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
- c) Jyotirao Phule
- d) Dayanand Saraswati
Explanation: The correct answer is b) Raja Ram Mohan Roy. Raja Ram Mohan Roy campaigned against social evils like the Devadasi system, advocating for women's rights and dignity.
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What was the primary focus of the Bheel Movement in Rajasthan?
- a) Land reforms
- b) Tribal autonomy
- c) Environmental conservation
- d) Religious revivalism
Explanation: The correct answer is b) Tribal autonomy. The Bheel Movement sought to assert tribal rights, including land ownership and self-governance, in Rajasthan.
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Which organization played a significant role in promoting the cooperative movement and rural development in Rajasthan?
- a) Rajasthan Seva Sangh
- b) Rajasthan Cooperative Union
- c) Rajasthan Agriculture Board
- d) Rajasthan Khadi Board
Explanation: The correct answer is a) Rajasthan Seva Sangh. Rajasthan Seva Sangh actively promoted the cooperative movement, encouraging rural communities to pool resources and improve their socio-economic conditions.
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Who was the driving force behind the establishment of the Jodhpur National University in Rajasthan?
- a) Maharaja Umaid Singh
- b) Maharaja Jaswant Singh
- c) Maharaja Hanwant Singh
- d) Maharaja Gaj Singh
Explanation: The correct answer is c) Maharaja Hanwant Singh. Maharaja Hanwant Singh of Jodhpur played a pivotal role in establishing the Jodhpur National University, aiming to advance education and research in the region.
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Which cultural revivalist movement aimed to preserve and promote traditional Rajasthani arts, crafts, and heritage?
- a) Sangeet Natak Akademi
- b) Rajasthan Lalit Kala Akademi
- c) Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Academy
- d) Rajasthan Sahitya Akademi
Explanation: The correct answer is b) Rajasthan Lalit Kala Akademi. Rajasthan Lalit Kala Akademi focused on revitalizing traditional arts and crafts, fostering creativity, and preserving cultural heritage in Rajasthan.
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What was the primary objective of the Social Welfare Board established in Rajasthan?
- a) Providing financial assistance to the needy
- b) Implementing social welfare schemes
- c) Promoting women's empowerment
- d) Combating child labor
Explanation: The correct answer is b) Implementing social welfare schemes. The Social Welfare Board in Rajasthan was tasked with planning and implementing various social welfare programs to uplift marginalized sections of society and promote social justice.