Context:
Recently, on the occasion of Shyamji Krishna Varma’s death anniversary, the Prime Minister paid heartfelt tributes to the great freedom fighter
Shyamji Krishna Varma:
- Born in 1857 in the Kachchh region of present-day Gujarat.
- An ardent admirer of Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj.
- Became the 1st President of the Bombay Arya Samaj and was influenced by Dayananda’s call for Indian self-rule.
- Served as the Diwan (Prime Minister) of several princely states in India
- Founded India House in London, which became a hub for radical nationalists and Indian students in Britain
- VD Savarkar was an active member of India House.
- Launched The Indian Sociologist, a monthly journal.
- In 1907, to avoid British prosecution due to his revolutionary activities, Shyamji Krishna Varma moved to Paris.
- Continued his advocacy for Indian independence from Geneva, Switzerland, until his death in 1930.
- Amemorial named Kranti Teerth was established in Gujarat to commemorate him
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. The first woman President of the Indian National Congress was Sarojini Naidu.
2. The first Muslim President of the Indian National Congress was Badruddin Tyabji.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is not correct. Annie Besant was the first woman President of Indian National Congress (INC).