Question

Who was the first posthumous recipient of Bharat Ratna ?

• A. M.G. Ramachandran
• B. B.R. Ambedkar
• C. K. Kamraj
• D. Lal Bahadur Shastri

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1 — About Bharat Ratna:
The Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award, given for exceptional service in art, literature, science, public service, and sports. It was instituted in 1954.

Step 2 — Posthumous conferrals:
Originally, the Bharat Ratna was not awarded posthumously. However, after 1955, the rules were amended to allow posthumous recognition.

Step 3 — Identify the first posthumous recipient:
In 1966, former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri died suddenly in Tashkent after signing the peace agreement with Pakistan. Later, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 1966, making him the first person to receive it after death.

Step 4 — Conclusion:
Thus, Lal Bahadur Shastri holds the distinction of being the first posthumous recipient of Bharat Ratna.

Final Answer:
The correct option is (D) : Lal Bahadur Shastri.