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. Which movement in Punjab was launched to purify Sikh religious practices and restore Gurdwara control to elected Sikh bodies?
[A] Singh Sabha Movement
[B] Akali Movement
[C] Ghadar Movement
[D] Baba Ram Singh Movement
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Correct Answer: B [Akali Movement]
Notes:
The Akali Movement (1920s) aimed to liberate Gurdwaras from corrupt mahants and established SGPC’s authority.
2. Which Governor-General did Maharaja Ranjit Singh meet at the 1831 Ropar Meeting?
[A] Lord Cornwallis
[B] Lord William Bentinck
[C] Lord Dalhousie
[D] Lord Wellesley
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Correct Answer: B [Lord William Bentinck]
Notes:
Maharaja Ranjit Singh met Lord William Bentinck at Ropar in 1831. This historic meeting focused on diplomatic ties between the Sikh Empire and the British, leading to the Indus Navigation Treaty (1832), but did not agree on the Sikh annexation of Sindh.
3. Which Sikh dynasty ruled the princely state of Kapurthala in Punjab?
[A] Ramgarhia Dynasty
[B] Patiala Dynasty
[C] Phulkian Dynasty
[D] Ahluwalia Dynasty
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Correct Answer: D [Ahluwalia Dynasty]
Notes:
Kapurthala State was ruled by the Ahluwalia Dynasty, founded by Jassa Singh Ahluwalia in 1774. The dynasty originated from the Ahluwalia misl, with rulers retaining estates during Ranjit Singh and British eras. Kapurthala acceded to India in 1947.
4. Which party’s leaders were arrested during Operation Woodrose in 1984?
[A] Indian National Congress
[B] Bharatiya Janata Party
[C] Shiromani Akali Dal
[D] Communist Party of India
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Correct Answer: C [Shiromani Akali Dal]
Notes:
Operation Woodrose was launched in Punjab after Operation Blue Star; Akali Dal leaders and thousands of Sikhs were detained under special acts. The operation targeted Sikh militancy and resulted in mass arrests, especially of Shiromani Akali Dal members and leaders. This intensified alienation and militancy in Punjab during 1984.
5. Who renamed Gobindgarh Fort in Amritsar in honor of Guru Gobind Singh?
[A] Guru Hargobind
[B] Maharaja Dalip Singh
[C] Raja Ranjit Dev
[D] Maharaja Ranjit Singh
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Correct Answer: D [Maharaja Ranjit Singh]
Notes:
Gobindgarh Fort in Amritsar was renamed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh after Guru Gobind Singh. Built by Gujjar Singh Bhangi, it was later expanded with French designs under Ranjit Singh and became a treasury, famously housing the Koh-i-Noor diamond.
6. Which Sikh Guru founded the Kavi Darbars, famous poet assemblies?
[A] Guru Gobind Singh Ji
[B] Guru Nanak Dev Ji
[C] Guru Arjan Dev Ji
[D] Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Guru Gobind Singh Ji]
Notes:
Guru Gobind Singh Ji established Kavi Darbars, or poet courts, in Anandpur and Paonta Sahib, inspiring Sikh literary culture. These gatherings featured 52 poets and were key in producing Sikh scriptures, Braj and Persian poetry, and Indian epics’ translations. They greatly nurtured Sikh intellectual and literary traditions.
7. Which Sikh leader is linked with the slogan Deg Tegh Fateh?
[A] Baba Deep Singh
[B] Guru Gobind Singh
[C] Ranjit Singh
[D] Banda Singh Bahadur
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Correct Answer: D [Banda Singh Bahadur]
Notes:
Deg Tegh Fateh, meaning victory to charity and arms, was notably used by Banda Singh Bahadur. The slogan symbolizes the Khalsa’s twin duties—charity (Deg) and defense (Tegh). It was later adopted by other Sikh leaders and as a state anthem in Patiala until 1948.
8. Who built Jamrud Fort near Khyber Pass in 1836?
[A] Ranjit Singh
[B] Jassa Singh Ahluwalia
[C] Gulab Singh
[D] Hari Singh Nalwa
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Correct Answer: D [Hari Singh Nalwa]
Notes:
Jamrud Fort was constructed by Sikh General Hari Singh Nalwa in 1836 near the strategic Khyber Pass. The fort marked the westernmost boundary of the Sikh Empire and played a crucial role in defending against Afghan invasions. Nalwa died defending it during the 1837 battle against Afghan forces.
9. Who wrote the Punjabi epic verse play ‘Loona’?
[A] Amrita Pritam
[B] Surjit Patar
[C] Mohan Singh
[D] Shiv Kumar Batalvi
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Correct Answer: D [Shiv Kumar Batalvi]
Notes:
‘Loona’ is a renowned Punjabi epic verse play by Shiv Kumar Batalvi, inspired by the legend of Puran Bhagat. Published in 1965, it won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1967. Batalvi profoundly impacted modern Punjabi literature and pioneered the modern Punjabi kissa genre with this work.
10. Bhangra folk dance is originally associated with which Punjab region?
[A] Doaba
[B] Majha
[C] Malwa
[D] Puadh
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Correct Answer: B [Majha]
Notes:
Bhangra originated in Punjab’s Majha region, particularly in Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Lahore districts. It is traditionally performed during the Vaisakhi harvest festival, reflecting the agricultural spirit and cultural pride of the region. Its energetic movements symbolize the joy of the harvest.