Modern Indian History

Nathuram Godse assassinated Mahatma Gandhi on January 30, 1948, at a prayer meeting in Birla House, New Delhi. Godse was a Hindu nationalist who opposed Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence and his accommodation of Muslim interests.

Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, which was then part of the Porbandar State in the Kathiawar Agency of the British Indian Empire (now in Gujarat, India). This date is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday in India, and Gandhi's birthday is also recognized as the International Day of Non-Violence by the United Nations.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was married to Kasturbai Makhanji in May 1883 when he was 13 years old, following the custom of child marriage prevalent in 19th century India. Kasturbai was 14 at the time of their arranged marriage, which was a common practice in that era despite later reforms against child marriage.

Gandhiji authored both 'Hind Swaraj' (1909) and 'My Experiments with Truth' (autobiography serialized in 1920s). Hind Swaraj outlines his political philosophy, while his autobiography details his life and principles. 'Light of India' is not associated with Gandhiji.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel met Gandhiji for about an hour on January 30, 1948, departing just minutes before Gandhiji was shot on his way to the prayer meeting at Birla House. This is well-documented in historical accounts of that day.

Gandhiji's concept of 'Swaraj' meant freedom for the meanest person in India - not just political independence from British rule, but liberation for every individual, especially the poorest and most marginalized. This is a key Gandhian principle.

Gandhiji adopted the loin cloth in 1921 after returning from South Africa, as part of his commitment to simple living and solidarity with India's rural poor. This decision came during the Non-Cooperation Movement. The other options (1925, 1930, 1932) are incorrect as they occur after this transformational decision.

Gandhiji's father, Karamchand Gandhi, served as the Diwan (prime minister) of Porbandar state. A Diwan was a high-ranking administrative official in princely states, responsible for governance and revenue collection. This position afforded the family considerable respect and status in society.

Gandhiji's childhood nickname was 'Moniya' or 'Manu'. This affectionate name was used by his family and close friends during his early years in Porbandar and Rajkot. The name 'Moniya' was a common diminutive form in Gujarati culture.

During his stay in England (1888-1891), Gandhiji joined the Vegetarian Society and became an active member. He had already committed to vegetarianism before leaving India and found community through this society. He even served on the executive committee and wrote articles for their publication.

Sheikh Mehtab, a childhood friend of Gandhiji, persuaded him to eat meat to become strong like the British. This was a significant influence during Gandhi's teenage years. Gandhi's experimentation with meat eating caused him great guilt and secrecy from his devout Hindu parents.

Swami Vivekananda founded both Ramakrishna Math (a monastic order) and Ramakrishna Mission (a service society) in 1897, shortly after his return from the Parliament of Religions. The two organizations work together - the Math focuses on spiritual training while the Mission focuses on social service. Since both were founded in 1897, option C "Both 1 & 2" is correct.

Swami Vivekananda passed away at 9:10 PM on July 4, 1902, while meditating in his room at Belur Math. He had completed his evening meditation and was entering a meditative state when he attained Mahasamadhi (liberation from the body). Options A, B, and D are incorrect as he was not engaged in ordinary activities like eating, sleeping, or giving a speech at that moment.

Pingali Venkayya, an Indian freedom fighter from Andhra Pradesh, designed the Indian national flag in 1921. The design was later modified by the flag committee, and the current version was adopted in 1947. Mahatma Gandhi suggested the addition of the charkha (spinning wheel), which was later replaced by the Ashok Chakra. Sister Nivedita and Annie Besant were not involved in the flag's design.

The Indian national flag was officially adopted on July 22, 1947, just days before India's independence on August 15, 1947. The Constituent Assembly adopted the flag in its present form after considering various designs and modifications. Options A, B, and D are incorrect dates surrounding the actual adoption.