Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: D K Karve
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question links India highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, with a unique historical occasion. Usually the Bharat Ratna is awarded at various stages in a person life, but in one special case it coincided with the recipient 100th birthday. Remembering such rare facts helps candidates stand out in honours and awards questions, which are common in competitive examinations and civil services prelims.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The key is to recall that Dhondo Keshav Karve, commonly known as D K Karve or Maharshi Karve, was a social reformer who worked for women education and widow remarriage. He was born on 18 April 1858 and was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1958, the year he completed 100 years. This fact is frequently highlighted in history and general knowledge books. Other Bharat Ratna recipients like Acharya Vinoba Bhave, JRD Tata, Zakir Husain, and C Rajagopalachari have different conferment dates and ages, so they do not fit the specific condition given in the question.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that D K Karve was a pioneer of women education in India and founded the first women university.
Step 2: Remember that he was born in 1858 and received the Bharat Ratna in 1958, exactly one hundred years later.
Step 3: Identify D K Karve among the options as the only person whose Bharat Ratna conferment is associated with his centenary.
Step 4: Eliminate other options because their Bharat Ratna awards do not coincide with a 100th birthday celebration.
Verification / Alternative check:
Historical records show that Dhondo Keshav Karve was conferred with the Bharat Ratna in 1958, on the occasion of his centenary year. He was honoured for his lifetime work in promoting women education and social reform. In comparison, Acharya Vinoba Bhave received the Bharat Ratna in 1983, JRD Tata in 1992, Zakir Husain posthumously in 1963, and C Rajagopalachari in 1954. None of these dates align with their 100th birthdays. This confirmation proves that D K Karve is the only correct answer.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Acharya Vinoba Bhave was a spiritual leader and Sarvodaya worker who did receive the Bharat Ratna, but not on his 100th birthday.
JRD Tata was an industrialist awarded the Bharat Ratna in recognition of his contributions to industry and civil aviation, yet the award year does not match a centenary celebration.
Zakir Husain, former President of India, received the Bharat Ratna but not in the year of his 100th birthday, and he passed away before reaching that age.
C Rajagopalachari, the last Governor General of India, was among the earliest Bharat Ratna awardees, but his award was not linked to his 100th birthday either.
Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse the contributions of Acharya Vinoba Bhave and D K Karve because both are associated with social reform and respect in Indian history. Another mistake is to focus only on the fact that all options are prominent Bharat Ratna awardees without paying attention to the specific clue about the 100th birthday. Some candidates also mix up different commemorative stamps and awards issued on anniversaries and wrongly associate them with the Bharat Ratna. Always read the condition carefully and remember that the centenary linked Bharat Ratna is associated with D K Karve.
Final Answer:
The Bharat Ratna awarded on the occasion of a 100th birthday was conferred upon D K Karve.
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