Modern Indian History

Sabarmati Ashram was established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on the banks of the Sabarmati River. It served as Gandhi's residence and one of the main centers of the Indian freedom struggle, becoming the launchpad for the Champaran Satyagraha, Salt March, and other movements. The ashram was formally named 'Satyagraha Ashram' and embodied Gandhi's principles of simple living and self-reliance.

Sabarmati Ashram, also known as Gandhi Ashram, was established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It served as his residence and was a center for India's freedom movement, especially the Salt Satyagraha. Vinoba Bhave was a follower, not the founder.

Sikander Lodhi (Sikandar Lodi), the Sultan of Delhi from 1489-1517, made Agra his capital and is credited with establishing the city's importance in 1504. While other options are famous historical figures, they're not associated with founding Agra. The city later became famous under the Mughals for the Taj Mahal.

Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal (as a mausoleum for his wife), Jama Masjid (one of India's largest mosques in Delhi), and the Red Fort (his palace in Delhi). He was the Mughal emperor famous for grand architectural projects. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi are freedom fighters from a much later period.

The Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) was a social movement against large dams on the Narmada River. Medha Patkar was one of its key founders and leaders who advocated for the rights of people displaced by the Sardar Sarovar Dam and other dam projects.

The Bhoodan Movement (Land Gift Movement) was launched by Vinoba Bhave in 1951. He encouraged wealthy landowners to voluntarily donate land to landless laborers as a way to address rural inequality and promote social justice through nonviolent means.

The Forward Bloc was founded by Subhas Chandra Bose in 1939 after he resigned from the Indian National Congress due to differences with Gandhi's moderate approach. The party aimed to continue the struggle for complete independence through more radical and militant methods.

Madan Mohan Malaviya was a prominent leader associated with the Hindu Mahasabha, which was founded in 1915 to represent Hindu interests and promote Hindu nationalism. He was also the founder of Banaras Hindu University and played a significant role in India's independence movement and educational reform.

Uttarakhand became the 27th state of India on November 9, 2000. Before its creation, India had 26 states. Counting includes all states from the original reorganization of states in 1956 through subsequent creations.

Gandhiji's grandfather was Uttamchand Gandhi, also known as Ota Gandhi. He was the diwan of Porbandar state. The family had a tradition of serving as diwans (prime ministers) in various princely states of Gujarat.

Uttamchand Gandhi (Gandhiji's grandfather) was affectionately called "Ota Gandhi" in the family. This alias name is mentioned in various biographical accounts. The term "Ota" likely derives from affectionate diminutive forms used in Gujarati families.

Gandhiji's father was Karamchand Gandhi (1822-1885), who served as the diwan (prime minister) of Porbandar state. He was the father of Mahatma Gandhi and had four sons, with Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi being the youngest. Karamchand was known for his administrative skills and moderate income.

Dhruva's story of unwavering devotion to his parents despite severe hardships deeply influenced Gandhiji's philosophy of duty and sacrifice. Shravana is known for parental devotion but Dhruva's story particularly resonated with Gandhi's spiritual journey.

Harishchandra's play, about the king who never lied despite extreme trials, profoundly impacted young Gandhi and shaped his commitment to truth. Dhruva, Prahlada, and Bharata are other mythological figures but Harishchandra's story of truth was specifically transformative for Gandhi.

Gandhiji was married to Kasturba at age 13 in 1883, which was the prevailing custom of that time period in India. This child marriage was later criticized by Gandhi himself in his adult life.