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Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964) was a prominent Indian statesman and the first Prime Minister of independent India, serving from 1947 to 1964. He played a pivotal role in the country’s struggle for freedom from British colonial rule and was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. Jawaharlal Nehru was known for his visionary leadership and commitment to building a modern, democratic, and secular India. He laid the foundation for many of the country’s institutions and policies, emphasising education, science, and industrial development. Here are 50 GK Questions and Answers about Jawaharlal Nehru:
- Who was Jawaharlal Nehru?
Ans. Jawaharlal Nehru served as India’s first Prime Minister and emerged as a prominent figure in the Indian struggle for independence.
- When was Jawaharlal Nehru born?
Ans. November 14, 1889.
- Where was Jawaharlal Nehru born?
Ans. Allahabad, British India (now Prayagraj, India).
- What was Jawaharlal Nehru’s father’s name?
Ans. Motilal Nehru.
- Who was Jawaharlal Nehru’s mentor and political guru?
Ans. Mahatma Gandhi.
- What is the significance of Jawaharlal Nehru’s “Tryst with Destiny” speech?
Ans. It marked India’s independence and was delivered on August 15, 1947.
- How long did Jawaharlal Nehru serve as India’s Prime Minister?
Ans. He served as Prime Minister for 17 years, from 1947 to 1964.
- Which important institution did Nehru establish in 1951 to promote scientific research and development in India?
Ans. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- What is the name of Jawaharlal Nehru’s autobiography?
Ans. “The Discovery of India.”
- Which international organisation did Nehru help found in 1955 for promoting cooperation among Asian countries?
Ans. The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
- What is the name of Jawaharlal Nehru’s daughter, who also served as India’s Prime Minister?
Ans. Indira Gandhi.
- What is the Nehru-Gandhi family’s political party in India?
Ans. Indian National Congress.
- What is the name of Jawaharlal Nehru’s wife?
Ans. Kamala Nehru.
- In which year did Jawaharlal Nehru pass away?
Ans. 1964.
- What is the significance of Nehru’s Panchsheel principles?
Ans. They are a set of five principles of peaceful coexistence in international relations.
- Which famous institution in India was named after Nehru?
Ans. The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
- What was Nehru’s role in the drafting of the Indian Constitution?
Ans. He was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly’s committee on fundamental rights.
- What is Nehru’s vision of India captured in his famous book “The Discovery of India”?
Ans. He traced the historical and cultural development of India.
- Which river is associated with the construction of the Bhakra Dam, a major project during Nehru’s leadership?
Ans. The Sutlej River.
- What is Nehru’s famous quote about children and the future of India?
Ans. “Children are the future of the nation.”
- What is the significance of Nehru’s foreign policy of non-alignment during the Cold War era?
Ans. India maintained neutrality and didn’t align with either the U.S. or the Soviet Union.
- Who succeeded Jawaharlal Nehru as India’s Prime Minister after his death?
Ans. Gulzarilal Nanda served as an interim Prime Minister, followed by Lal Bahadur Shastri.
- What is the name of Nehru’s granddaughter who later became a prominent politician?
Ans. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
- Which award was posthumously conferred upon Jawaharlal Nehru for his outstanding contribution to world peace?
Ans. The Bharat Ratna.
- In which prison did Nehru spend several years during the Indian independence movement?
Ans. He spent time in various British prisons, including Allahabad Prison and Deoli Detention Camp.
- What were Jawaharlal Nehru’s contributions to India’s education system?
Ans. He laid the foundation for educational institutions like the IITs and IIMs.
- What was the name of Nehru’s sister, who was a prominent leader in the freedom movement?
Ans. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit.
- Which significant event took place on Nehru’s birthday in 1962?
Ans. The Indo-China War began on November 14, 1962.
- What was the name of the committee that Nehru headed to draft a report on the status of women in India?
Ans. The Status of Women Committee.
- What is Nehru’s role in the founding of the Planning Commission of India?
Ans. He was instrumental in establishing the Planning Commission in 1950.
- What is the significance of Nehru’s “Five-Year Plans” for India’s economic development?
Ans. They were aimed at achieving economic growth and self-sufficiency.
- Which international organisation did Nehru strongly support for decolonization and self-determination of nations?
Ans. The United Nations.
- What is Nehru’s famous quote on India’s tryst with destiny?
Ans. “At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom.”
- Which prominent leader of the freedom movement was a close associate of Nehru and later became India’s first President?
Ans. Dr. Rajendra Prasad.
- Who was the first woman to become the Prime Minister of India and served under Nehru’s legacy?
Ans. Indira Gandhi.
- What is the name of the policy that Nehru pursued to promote self-reliance and reduce dependence on foreign goods?
Ans. The “Swadeshi” or “Self-Reliance” Policy.
- Which iconic educational institution did Nehru attend in England for his higher education?
Ans. Harrow School and Trinity College, Cambridge.
- What was the name of the committee that Nehru appointed to oversee the construction of the Bhakra Nangal Dam project?
Ans. The Bhakra Management Board.
- Which major event in India’s history is associated with Nehru’s famous “Tryst with Destiny” speech?
Ans. The midnight of August 15, 1947, marking India’s independence.
- What is the significance of Nehru’s support for the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War era?
Ans. India maintained independence in foreign policy and was not aligned with any superpower.
- What is the meaning of the word “Pandit” in Jawaharlal Nehru’s full name?
Ans. Pandit” is an honorary title meaning”scholar ” or”wise person “.
- What was Nehru’s stance on the promotion of secularism in India?
Ans. He strongly advocated for a secular and inclusive India.
- Which major industrial project in India was inaugurated by Nehru in 1951 and symbolised the country’s industrial progress?
Ans. The Bhilai Steel Plant.
- What is the significance of Nehru’s policy of “mixed economy” for India’s economic development?
Ans. It combined elements of socialism and capitalism to promote economic growth.
- What is the name of the famous prison where Nehru was incarcerated for a long period during the independence movement?
Ans. Allahabad Central Jail.
- What did Nehru’s policy of “Panchsheel” promote in international relations?
Ans. Peace, cooperation, and mutual respect among nations.
- What was Nehru’s view on the role of the youth in India’s development?
Ans. He believed that the youth were the future of the nation and needed to be educated and empowered.
- What is the name of Nehru’s famous book for children that tells the story of Indian history in a simple and engaging way?
Ans. The Glimpses of World History.
- What is the significance of the Bandung Conference, which Nehru attended in 1955?
Ans. It marked a gathering of Asian and African nations committed to independence and development.
- What is the legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru in modern India?
Ans. Nehru’s legacy includes his role in shaping India’s democratic institutions, promoting education, and advocating for peace and international cooperation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Jawaharlal Nehru
Who was Jawaharlal Nehru?
Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of India and a prominent leader in the country's fight for independence from British rule.
When and where was Jawaharlal Nehru born?
He was born on November 14, 1889, in Allahabad, which is now known as Prayagraj, India.
Who was Jawaharlal Nehru's father?
His father was Motilal Nehru.
Who was Nehru's political mentor?
Mahatma Gandhi was his political guru and a close associate.
What is the significance of Nehru's Tryst with Destiny speech?
This speech marked India's independence and was delivered on August 15, 1947.