Question

In the state of Kolhapur, ______did substantial work for the abolition of caste distinction.
A. Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar
B. Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj
C. Vitthal Ramji Shinde
D. Periyar Ramaswamy

Answer 1

Hint: In the Indian state of Maharashtra, Kolhapur is a city, and district headquarters of district Kolhapur. It was a nineteenth gun salute prior to Indian Independence, a princely state known as Kolhapur State.

Complete step by step answer:
Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj was also known as Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. He belonged to the Bhonsle dynasty of Marathas and was a Raja (reign. 1894 – 1900) and the first Maharaja (1900-1922) of the Indian princely state of Kolhapur. He was considered a real Democrat and social reformer and was a prominent ruler who during his reign, was associated with many progressive policies. For 28 years, during his reign from 1894 to 1922, he instituted various social reforms in his empire. For the lower castes, he is credited to improve the conditions. He created one of the earliest affirmative action programs in history that gave 50 percent reservation to weaker sections. In Kolhapur, he started separate hostels for students from the communities of Jain, Muslims, Shimpi, Devadnya, Vaishya, Maratha, Lingayat, Panchal, Dhor-Chambhar and Nabhik and Miss Clark Boarding, especially for students from untouchable communities. He provided scholarships to the backward castes, poor, and intelligent students so they could pursue their studies.
So, the correct answer is Option B.

Note: The Maharaja was greatly impressed by the intellect and innovative ideas about untouchability of young Bhimrao Ambedkar. The two met several times and went through potential ways of abolishing the negatives of caste segregation by providing selected individuals with "caste-based reservation"