Here are some General Knowledge (GK) questions and answers on the life and contributions of
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a prominent figure in India’s history:
Question 1. Who was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar?
Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, full name Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, was a prominent Indian jurist, social reformer, and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution.
Question 2. When and where was Dr. B.R. Ambedkar born?
Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, which is now in Madhya Pradesh, India.
Question 3. What is Dr. Ambedkar’s significant contribution to the Indian Constitution?
Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution. He played a pivotal role in drafting the Constitution and ensuring that it upheld the principles of justice, equality, and social justice.
Question 4. What is the significance of April 14th in India?
Answer: April 14th is celebrated as “Ambedkar Jayanti” in India, marking the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. It is a day to honor his contributions to the nation.
Question 5. What was Dr. Ambedkar’s role in the social reform movement in India?
Answer: Dr. Ambedkar was a champion of social justice and the rights of marginalized communities, particularly the Dalits (formerly known as “untouchables”). He worked tirelessly to eradicate caste-based discrimination and inequality in Indian society.
Question 6. What was the name of Dr. Ambedkar’s famous book on the caste system in India?
Answer: Dr. Ambedkar wrote a significant book titled “Annihilation of Caste,” in which he critiqued the caste system and called for its abolition.
Question 7. Which political party did Dr. B.R. Ambedkar established to advocate for the rights of the Dalits?**
Answer: Dr. Ambedkar founded the “Scheduled Castes Federation,” which later transformed into the “Republican Party of India” to represent and advocate for the interests of the Scheduled Castes (Dalits).
Question 8. What is the significance of the “Poona Pact” in the context of Dr. Ambedkar’s work?
Answer: The Poona Pact, signed in 1932, was an agreement between Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi. It allowed for reserved seats for Dalits in legislative bodies and is considered a milestone in the fight against untouchability and for political representation.
Question 9. What post did Dr. Ambedkar hold in the independent Indian government?
Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar served as India’s first Law Minister in independent India’s government.
Question 10. When did Dr. B.R. Ambedkar pass away, and where is he buried?
Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar passed away on December 6, 1956. He is buried at Chaitya Bhoomi, a memorial in Mumbai, which has become a pilgrimage site for millions of his followers.
Question 11. What is the significance of the term “Babasaheb” when referring to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar?
Answer: “Babasaheb” is an honorary title of respect and affection given to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by his followers. It is a Marathi term meaning “respected father.”
Question 12. Dr. Ambedkar was the first person from a socially marginalized community to earn a doctorate degree abroad. Where did he earn his Ph.D.?
Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar earned his Ph.D. in economics from Columbia University, New York, in 1927.
Question 13. What is the significance of the “Mahad Satyagraha” led by Dr. Ambedkar in 1927?
Answer: The Mahad Satyagraha was a social movement led by Dr. Ambedkar to secure the right of the untouchables to access public water resources in Mahad, Maharashtra. It was a pivotal moment in the struggle for the rights of the Dalits.
Question 14. What award did Dr. B.R. Ambedkar posthumously receive in 1990 in recognition of his contributions to the upliftment of the Dalits?
Answer: In 1990, Dr. Ambedkar was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor.
Question 15. Dr. Ambedkar played a crucial role in the formation of which organization that worked for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes?
Answer: Dr. Ambedkar was instrumental in the establishment of the “All India Scheduled Castes Federation” (AISCF) in 1942, which aimed to uplift and safeguard the rights of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
Question 16. What famous temple entry movement did Dr. Ambedkar lead in 1930?
Answer: Dr. Ambedkar led the historic “Kalaram Temple Entry Satyagraha” in 1930, where he and his followers protested against the exclusion of untouchables from the Kalaram Temple in Nashik, Maharashtra.
Question 17. Which book authored by Dr. Ambedkar critiques the religious practices and beliefs in Hinduism and suggests conversion to Buddhism as an alternative?
Answer: Dr. Ambedkar’s book “The Annihilation of Caste” criticizes the Hindu caste system and advocates for the conversion of untouchables to Buddhism as a means of escaping the social discrimination they faced.
Question 18. What did Dr. Ambedkar mean by “Educate, Agitate, Organize”?
Answer: “Educate, Agitate, Organize” was Dr. Ambedkar’s mantra for social change. He believed that educating people about their rights, agitating against social injustices, and organizing to assert their rights were essential for social reform.
Question 19. Which historical event did Dr. Ambedkar commemorated by converting to Buddhism along with his followers?
Answer: Dr. Ambedkar, along with thousands of his followers, converted to Buddhism on October 14, 1956, marking the 2,500th anniversary of Buddha’s parinirvana (death).
Question 20. What is the significance of the “Ambedkarite Movement” in India today?
Answer: The Ambedkarite Movement, inspired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s ideas and teachings, continues to advocate for social justice, the rights of marginalized communities, and the eradication of caste-based discrimination in India.
Question 21. What important legislation did Dr. Ambedkar introduce and advocate for in the Indian Parliament to protect the rights of the Scheduled Castes (Dalits)?
Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a key role in the framing and passage of the “Scheduled Castes Federation Bill” in 1942, which aimed at safeguarding the political rights of the Scheduled Castes.
Question 22. Dr. Ambedkar was a prolific writer. Which literary work is considered his magnum opus, addressing the issues of untouchability and social discrimination?
Answer: Dr. Ambedkar’s magnum opus is “Annihilation of Caste,” a text that critically examined the caste system in Hinduism and called for its annihilation.
Question 23. Dr. Ambedkar served as the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. In which year was the Indian Constitution adopted and enacted?
Answer: The Indian Constitution was adopted on January 26, 1950, marking the day when India became a Republic.
Question 24. What role did Dr. Ambedkar play in the formation of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?
Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was appointed as the Chairman of the RBI’s first Finance Commission and played a pivotal role in its establishment, helping lay the foundation for India’s central banking system.
Question 25. Dr. Ambedkar was a prominent leader in the fight for women’s rights. Which significant legislation did he actively support to improve the legal status of women in India?
Answer: Dr. Ambedkar was a strong advocate of the Hindu Code Bill, which aimed to reform and modernize laws pertaining to marriage, divorce, and property rights for women within the Hindu community.
Question 26. What is the name of the autobiography written by Dr. Ambedkar, which provides insights into his life and struggles against social discrimination?
Answer: Dr. Ambedkar’s autobiography is titled “Waiting for a Visa,” where he reflects on his personal experiences and the challenges he faced as a Dalit in India.
Question 27. In which international forum did Dr. Ambedkar represent India and address the issue of racial discrimination in 1948?
Answer: Dr. Ambedkar represented India at the United Nations and played a significant role in framing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, where he highlighted the issue of racial discrimination and untouchability.
Question 28. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birthplace, Mhow, was renamed in his honor. What is the current name of this place?
Answer: Mhow, the birthplace of Dr. Ambedkar, was renamed as Dr. Ambedkar Nagar in his honor.
Question 29. In addition to his contributions to law and social reform, Dr. Ambedkar was an accomplished scholar in which field?
Answer: Dr. Ambedkar was an accomplished economist and made significant contributions in the field of economics.
Question 30. What was Dr. Ambedkar’s vision for an ideal society, which he referred to as “The Buddha’s Path” or “Dhamma”?
Answer: Dr. Ambedkar envisioned a just society based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, and he often referred to this vision as “The Buddha’s Path” or “Dhamma.”
