Categories
Art and Culture

Pandita Ramabai: Life and Contributions

Pandita Ramabai, born on 23 April 1858 in Karnataka, was a prominent social reformer and advocate for women’s rights. She founded Sharada Sadan for widows and Mukti Mission for women’s education. Converting to Christianity in 1883, she faced criticism yet continued her reforms. Ramabai passed away on 5 April 1922 in Pune.


Early Life

  • Born: 23 April 1858, Gangamoola, Karnataka (then Bombay Presidency, British India).
  • Family: Born into a Brahmin family, father Anant Shastri Dongre was a Sanskrit scholar.
  • Education: Learned Sanskrit, Hindu scriptures, and social issues from her father.
  • Title: Given the title “Pandita” (Scholar) and “Saraswati” for her knowledge in Sanskrit.

Social Reforms and Contributions

  • Advocate for Women’s Rights – Focused on education and social upliftment of women.
  • Widow Upliftment – Established Sharada Sadan (1889) in Mumbai for widows and destitute women.
  • Education Reforms – Founded Mukti Mission in Pune (1898) to provide education, shelter, and empowerment to women.
  • Books Written:
    • The High-Caste Hindu Woman – Highlighted women’s struggles in Hindu society.
    • The Peoples of the United States – Described her experiences in the USA.

Religious Views and Conversion

  • Converted to Christianity in 1883 after visiting England.
  • Believed in women’s independence and religious freedom.
  • Faced criticism but continued her social reform work.

Death

  • Died: 5 April 1922, Pune, Maharashtra.

MCQs on Pandita Ramabai

1. When was Pandita Ramabai born?
a) 1850
b) 1858
c) 1864
d) 1872
→ Answer: b) 1858

2. Why was Pandita Ramabai given the title “Pandita”?
a) She was a poet
b) She was a political leader
c) She was a Sanskrit scholar
d) She was a doctor
→ Answer: c) She was a Sanskrit scholar

3. What was the main focus of Pandita Ramabai’s social reform work?
a) Peasant rights
b) Widow education and upliftment
c) Military training
d) Environmental conservation
→ Answer: b) Widow education and upliftment

4. Which institution was founded by Pandita Ramabai for widows?
a) Banaras Hindu University
b) Sharada Sadan
c) DAV College
d) Bethune School
→ Answer: b) Sharada Sadan

5. What is the name of the mission founded by Pandita Ramabai in Pune?
a) Ramakrishna Mission
b) Mukti Mission
c) Shanti Mission
d) Arya Samaj
→ Answer: b) Mukti Mission

6. What was the name of the book written by Pandita Ramabai on women’s conditions in Hindu society?
a) The High-Caste Hindu Woman
b) Satyarth Prakash
c) Anand Math
d) Hind Swaraj
→ Answer: a) The High-Caste Hindu Woman

7. In which year did Pandita Ramabai convert to Christianity?
a) 1883
b) 1891
c) 1902
d) 1920
→ Answer: a) 1883

8. Where did Pandita Ramabai establish Mukti Mission?
a) Mumbai
b) Pune
c) Kolkata
d) Chennai
→ Answer: b) Pune


Short Answer Questions

Q1: Who was Pandita Ramabai?
A: She was a social reformer, educationist, and women’s rights activist, mainly known for her work in widow education.

Q2: Why was she given the title “Pandita”?
A: Due to her expertise in Sanskrit and Hindu scriptures.

Q3: Name one book written by Pandita Ramabai.
A: The High-Caste Hindu Woman.

Q4: What was the main purpose of Sharada Sadan?
A: It was a home and educational institution for widows.

Q5: Where did Pandita Ramabai establish Mukti Mission?
A: In Pune, Maharashtra.

Q6: When did Pandita Ramabai convert to Christianity?
A: In 1883, after visiting England.

Q7: When and where did Pandita Ramabai die?
A: She died on 5 April 1922 in Pune, Maharashtra.


This copy-paste-friendly note covers all key points needed for competitive exams with the corrected birthplace. 🚀 Let me know if you need any more edits!

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.