States PCS: Punjab GK Questions for PPSC Examinations
For all Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) exams including PCS, Cooperative Inspector, Naib Tehsildar, and others.
11. Which city was the later capital of Menander?
[A] Pataliputra
[B] Ujjain
[C] Taxila
[D] Sakala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sakala]
Notes:
Menander I (Milinda) was a prominent Indo-Greek king who initially ruled from Taxila but later shifted his capital to Sakala (modern Sialkot). He is known for his dialogue with Nagasena (Milindapanha) and ruled from around 160–140 BCE in northwest India and Punjab.
12. Into which river does Punjab’s Buddha Nullah ultimately drain?
[A] Sutlej River
[B] Beas River
[C] Ghaggar River
[D] Yamuna River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sutlej River]
Notes:
Buddha Nullah, originating near Ludhiana in Punjab, ultimately drains into the Sutlej River. It is a major seasonal stream, known for significant pollution due to industrial waste from Ludhiana, and is a key environmental concern in the region.
13. What is the State Bird of Punjab?
[A] Blackbuck
[B] Indian Roller
[C] Northern Goshawk
[D] Baaz (Northern Goshawk)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Baaz (Northern Goshawk)]
Notes:
Punjab’s state bird is the Baaz, also known as the Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). The Baaz symbolizes strength and bravery, and is closely associated with Sikh culture and history. It is a large, powerful raptor found in forests across northern India, including Punjab.
14. Where did Guru Arjan compile the Adi Granth?
[A] Harmandir Sahib
[B] Akal Takht Sahib
[C] Baba Atal Rai Tower
[D] Ramsar Sahib
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ramsar Sahib]
Notes:
Guru Arjan compiled the Adi Granth at Ramsar Sahib, Amritsar, in 1604. Harmandir Sahib and Akal Takht are other prominent sites in Amritsar, while Baba Atal Rai Tower commemorates Guru Hargobind’s son. Ramsar Sarovar was specially built for Adi Granth’s compilation.
15. Which Sikh Guru established the Anand Karj wedding ceremony rituals?
[A] Guru Arjan Dev
[B] Guru Ram Das
[C] Guru Amar Das
[D] Guru Nanak Dev
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Correct Answer: C [Guru Amar Das]
Notes:
Guru Amar Das established Sikh rituals for weddings (Anand Karj). He divided the Sikh Sangat into 22 Manjis, promoted Guru Ka Langar, opposed social evils, and compiled hymns later part of Adi Granth. The Anand Karj is a 40-stanza hymn sung at Sikh religious events.
16. Which city was captured by the Sikh Empire in 1818?
[A] Lahore
[B] Amritsar
[C] Multan
[D] Peshawar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Multan]
Notes:
In 1818, the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh captured Multan from Afghan Durranis, led by Misr Diwan Chand. The fall of Multan marked a significant expansion of Sikh territory. Nawab Muzaffar Khan, the then governor, was killed during the siege.
17. Who led the Sikh army at the 1710 Battle of Chappar Chiri?
[A] Guru Gobind Singh
[B] Wazir Khan
[C] Ranjit Singh
[D] Banda Singh Bahadur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Banda Singh Bahadur]
Notes:
Banda Singh Bahadur led Sikhs at Chappar Chiri (1710), defeating Mughal forces under Wazir Khan and capturing Sirhind, avenging Guru Gobind Singh’s sons’ execution.
18. Who commanded Sikh forces at the 1702 Battle of Basoli?
[A] Raja Ajmer Chand
[B] Guru Gobind Singh
[C] Chhatrapati Shivaji
[D] Wazir Khan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Guru Gobind Singh]
Notes:
Guru Gobind Singh led the Sikhs in the 1702 Battle of Basoli, defeating combined Mughal and Hill Raja forces led by Raja Ajmer Chand. The battle followed the Sikh victory at Nirmohgarh. Guru Gobind Singh’s victory forced the enemy retreat and led to a truce with Raja Ajmer Chand.
19. Who captured Jamrud in 1836 for the Sikh Empire?
[A] Hari Singh Nalwa
[B] Ranjit Singh
[C] Gulab Singh
[D] Akbar Khan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Hari Singh Nalwa]
Notes:
Hari Singh Nalwa, commander under Ranjit Singh, captured Jamrud in 1836, securing the northwestern frontier of the Sikh Empire against Afghan incursions and strengthened Sikh control in the region.
20. What was the tenure of Guru Arjan Dev Ji as Sikh Guru?
[A] 1552-1581
[B] 1606-1628
[C] 1504-1539
[D] 1581-1606
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1581-1606]
Notes:
Guru Arjan Dev Ji was the fifth Sikh Guru from 1581 to 1606. He compiled the Adi Granth, constructed Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), and was the first Sikh Guru to be martyred. His tenure marked major developments in Sikhism’s core religious and social structure.
