1995 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 1995 · General Studies

Question 87: History and Culture

The word Adivasi was used for the first time to refer to the tribal people by

aMahatma Gandhi
bThakkar Bappa
cJyotiba Phule
dB.R. Ambedkar

AnswerThe answer is (b).

A. V. Thakkar, known as Thakkar Bappa, a Servants of India Society worker devoted to the welfare of tribal people and the depressed classes, is credited with first using the word Adivasi, meaning original inhabitants, for the tribal communities. Gandhi popularised Harijan for the untouchables, and Phule and Ambedkar worked on caste. Remember: Adivasi, Thakkar Bappa.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Gandhi popularised Harijan for the untouchables, not Adivasi.
  • (b) Right: Thakkar Bappa.
  • (c) Jyotiba Phule worked against caste oppression and founded the Satyashodhak Samaj; he did not coin Adivasi.
  • (d) Ambedkar led the cause of the depressed classes and did not coin Adivasi.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1995, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.