States PCS: Punjab GK Questions for PPSC Examinations
For all Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) exams including PCS, Cooperative Inspector, Naib Tehsildar, and others.
1. Who ruled as the Sultan of Pothohar from 1739 to 1767?
[A] Himmat Khan
[B] Muqarrab Khan Gakhar
[C] Mu’azzam Khan
[D] Ahmad Shah Durrani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Muqarrab Khan Gakhar]
Notes:
Muqarrab Khan Gakhar (1705–1767) ruled Pothohar from 1739 to 1767. He captured Gujrat (1741), allied with Nader Shah, submitted to Ahmad Shah Durrani, defended Rawalpindi, and combated the Sikhs before losing Gujrat and Rawalpindi. His tomb is at Bagh Jogian.
2. Which treaty, signed in 1809, acknowledged Sikh autonomy east of the Sutlej River and curtailed Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s territorial expansion?
[A] Treaty of Amritsar
[B] Treaty of Gandamak
[C] Treaty of Sugauli
[D] Treaty of Lahore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Treaty of Lahore]
Notes:
The Treaty of Lahore (1809) recognized Sikh sovereignty east of the Sutlej River, limiting Ranjit Singh’s expansion and bringing Cis-Sutlej states under British protection, thus marking the Sutlej as the Anglo-Sikh frontier in Punjab.
3. Which ancient city in Punjab region served as a provincial capital under the Mauryan Empire?
[A] Taxila
[B] Multan
[C] Harappa
[D] Chandigarh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Taxila]
Notes:
Taxila, located in ancient Punjab, was made a provincial capital by the Mauryan Empire. It was an important center of learning, home to the renowned ancient university, and a key administrative and cultural city during Chandragupta and Ashoka’s reigns.
4. Which eyewitness testified before Congress about the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh Massacre?
[A] Ratan Devi
[B] Udham Singh
[C] Bhagat Singh
[D] Saifuddin Kitchlew
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ratan Devi]
Notes:
Ratan Devi was a key eyewitness of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. She located her husband’s body at the site, stayed overnight, and gave testimony to the Indian National Congress inquiry. She also testified in the O’Dwyer v. Nair Libel Case and refused compensation.
5. Gatka originated from which ancient martial art system?
[A] Kalaripayattu
[B] Vajra Mushti
[C] Shastar Vidya
[D] Thang-Ta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Shastar Vidya]
Notes:
Gatka, Sikh martial art, originated from Shastar Vidya. Practiced in Punjab since the 15th century, it combines weapon skills and spiritual training. Banned during British rule, it is now recognized in national games. Gatka remains integral to Sikh and Punjabi martial traditions.
6. Which script did munīms use for Haryanvi, Punjabi, or Saraiki in northwest India?
[A] Gurmukhi
[B] Shahmukhi
[C] Devanagari
[D] Langdi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Langdi]
Notes:
Langdi (Langdi Hindi) was used by munīms for bookkeeping in Haryanvi, Punjabi, and Saraiki. Associated with northwest India, it was prominent among traders and merchants. Langdi is considered a derivative or variant of the Mahajani script, primarily undocumented, and was essential for business records.
7. Who popularized the Punjabi folk narrative style Jugni before 1947?
[A] Gurdas Maan
[B] Harbhajan Mann
[C] Alam Lohar
[D] Asa Singh Mastana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Alam Lohar]
Notes:
Alam Lohar popularized Jugni before 1947 in Punjab. He is renowned for innovating this folk style, blending spiritual, social, and political themes, and inspiring subsequent artists. Jugni is now a global Punjabi cultural symbol and often sung at weddings and festivals.
8. Which Muslim-born Sikh rababi served Guru Hargobind and fought in 1634 Amritsar battle?
[A] Bhai Mardana
[B] Babak
[C] Rai Balvand
[D] Bhagat Puran Singh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Babak]
Notes:
Babak, a Muslim-born rababi, served Guru Hargobind, participated in the 1634 Amritsar battle, helped evacuate Guru’s daughter, and performed kirtan duties. He performed final rites for other rababis and died in Amritsar in 1642 at Guru Hargobind’s request.
9. In which Punjab district was BSP founder Kanshi Ram born?
[A] Amritsar
[B] Ludhiana
[C] Jalandhar
[D] Ropar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ropar]
Notes:
Kanshi Ram, BSP founder, was born in Ropar district, Punjab in 1934. He founded BAMCEF (1971), DS4 (1981), and BSP (1984), significantly impacting Dalit politics in India. Statues and memorials commemorate him in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh.
10. Who was the first Indian CO of Gorkha Rifles, awarded Maha Vir Chakra in 1948?
[A] Sam Manekshaw
[B] Harbaksh Singh
[C] Anant Singh Pathania
[D] Joginder Singh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Anant Singh Pathania]
Notes:
Anant Singh Pathania was the first Indian CO of Gorkha Rifles and received the Maha Vir Chakra for exemplary leadership during the 1948 Kashmir conflict. He was also the first Indian to win a Military Cross in WWII and later became Director General of Military Intelligence.
