States PCS: Gujarat GK Questions for GPSC Exams
For all Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) exams including Class 1 & 2 Services, DySO, STI, PI, and other Gujarat state competitive exams.
1. Who was the Diwan of Junagadh responsible for constructing 12,000 steps on Mt Girnar?
[A] Gopal Krishna Gokhale
[B] Haridas Viharidas Desai
[C] Morvi Maharaja Sir Waghji Thakor
[D] Bhavsinhji II of Bhavnagar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Haridas Viharidas Desai]
Notes:
Haridas Viharidas Desai (1840–1895) was Diwan of Junagadh from 1883, known for major reforms, building 12,000 steps on Mt Girnar, roads, temples, and railway linking Junagadh to Veraval. Appointed to Royal Opium Commission in 1895 by Queen Victoria.
2. Which dynasty ruled the Lata region of Gujarat during the 10th-11th centuries as feudatories of the Western Chalukyas?
[A] Chalukyas of Lata
[B] Solankis (Chaulukyas)
[C] Paramaras
[D] Rashtrakutas
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Chalukyas of Lata]
Notes:
The Chalukyas of Lata ruled Gujarat’s Lata region in the 10th-11th centuries as Western Chalukya feudatories. Key rulers include Barappa, Gogi-raja, Kirtiraja, and Trilochana-pala. Their origin links to deity Virinchi; they were defeated by the Chaulukyas (Solankis).
3. Ranakadevi, a legendary 12th-century queen of Saurashtra, was associated with which dynasty?
[A] Solanki Dynasty
[B] Paramara Dynasty
[C] Vaghela Dynasty
[D] Chudasama Dynasty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Chudasama Dynasty]
Notes:
Ranakadevi, a legendary 12th-century queen of Khengara, Chudasama ruler of Saurashtra, is linked to the battle with Chaulukya king Jayasimha Siddharaja. Her memorial stone and shrine exist in Wadhwan; her historicity remains doubtful.
4. Who was responsible for initiating the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple in 1947?
[A] Jawaharlal Nehru
[B] Dr. Rajendra Prasad
[C] Bhagat Singh
[D] Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel]
Notes:
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel initiated the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple in 1947. The temple, rebuilt in Māru-Gurjara architectural style, was inaugurated in 1951.
5. Who is famously known as Veer for pioneering modern Gujarati literature and advocating social reform during British rule?
[A] Narmad
[B] Umashankar Joshi
[C] Jhaverchand Meghani
[D] Kalapi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Narmad]
Notes:
Poet Narmadashankar Lalshankar Dave, known as Narmad, was titled Veer for his pioneering role in modern Gujarati literature and his advocacy of social reform and nationalism during British rule.
6. Which river in Gujarat is personified as the goddess Tapati in Hindu mythology?
[A] Narmada River
[B] Tapi River
[C] Sabarmati River
[D] Mahi River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tapi River]
Notes:
Tapi River in Gujarat is personified as Tapati, daughter of Surya (Sun God) and Chhaya, revered as a goddess in Hindu mythology and mentioned in the Mahabharata.
7. Who is the first Gujarati to win the World Children’s Chess Championship?
[A] Bhavya Lal
[B] Pragnika Vaka
[C] Ritik Jain
[D] Mehul Patel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pragnika Vaka]
Notes:
Pragnika Vaka is the first Gujarati to win the World Children’s Chess Championship, securing the Under-7 Girls title at the FIDE World School Chess Championship.
8. In which city was the first Gujarati-medium school established in 1836?
[A] Ahmedabad
[B] Surat
[C] Vadodara
[D] Rajkot
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Surat]
Notes:
The first Gujarati-medium school was established in Surat in 1836, marking the start of formal Gujarati education.
9. Which king’s dedication to truthfulness inspired Mahatma Gandhi during his childhood?
[A] King Ashoka
[B] King Vikramaditya
[C] King Harishchandra
[D] King Chandragupta Maurya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [King Harishchandra]
Notes:
Gandhiji was inspired in childhood by the play Harishchandra, which depicted King Harishchandra’s unwavering commitment to truth, instilling in him the ideal of living a truthful life.
10. Which of the following birds is the official state bird of Gujarat?
[A] Indian Roller
[B] Peafowl
[C] Greater Flamingo
[D] Asian Koel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Greater Flamingo]
Notes:
The state bird of Gujarat is the Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), known for its pink plumage and long legs, commonly found in wetlands and coastal regions.
