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!