States PCS: Punjab GK Questions for PPSC Examinations
For all Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) exams including PCS, Cooperative Inspector, Naib Tehsildar, and others.
31. Who was Chief Economic Adviser in 1972 and RBI Governor from 1982-1985?
[A] Dr. C. Rangarajan
[B] Dr. Raghuram Rajan
[C] Dr. Bimal Jalan
[D] Dr. Manmohan Singh
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Correct Answer: D [Dr. Manmohan Singh]
Notes:
Dr. Manmohan Singh was Chief Economic Adviser (1972), later RBI Governor (1982-85), and then became India’s Prime Minister. He also held various key positions such as Finance Secretary and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman, making significant contributions to India’s economic reforms.
32. Which Malwa region district of Punjab was formed in 1948 under PEPSU?
[A] Patiala
[B] Amritsar
[C] Bathinda
[D] Jalandhar
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Correct Answer: C [Bathinda]
Notes:
Bathinda was formed in 1948 under PEPSU, is located in the Malwa region of Punjab, and is part of the Faridkot Division. It borders Haryana and several Punjab districts, contains four tehsils, and was historically known as Tabarhindh. Its sex ratio is 893 females per 1000 males.
33. Who was the first Jathedar of Akal Takht?
[A] Guru Arjan Dev
[B] Madho Lal Hussain
[C] Bhai Gurdas
[D] Guru Ram Das
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Correct Answer: C [Bhai Gurdas]
Notes:
Bhai Gurdas (1551–1636) was appointed as the first Jathedar of Akal Takht. He was the scribe of the Adi Granth under Guru Arjan Dev’s supervision. His literary works include Varan Bhai Gurdas and Kabitt Savaiyye. Akal Takht is the highest seat of Sikh temporal authority.
34. Which Bathinda-born Punjabi author wrote Kakar Reta and won Padma Shri in 1969?
[A] Balwant Gargi
[B] Amrita Pritam
[C] Gurdial Singh
[D] Surjit Patar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Balwant Gargi]
Notes:
Balwant Gargi (1916–2003), from Bathinda, was a pioneering Punjabi novelist and playwright, authored Kakar Reta, received Padma Shri in 1969, wrote many acclaimed plays and stories, and was honored with a postal stamp in 2013 for promoting Punjabi literature.
35. What is the traditional headgear of Punjabi men called?
[A] Pagdi
[B] Turban
[C] Topi
[D] Rumal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pagdi]
Notes:
Pagdi is the traditional headgear of Punjabi men, symbolizing honor and cultural identity. Worn on special occasions and daily life, the pagdi varies in style and fabric across regions of Punjab. It should not be confused with rumal, topi, or other regional headgear.
36. Which Punjabi festival features night bonfire and family singing traditions?
[A] Baisakhi
[B] Teeyan
[C] Lohri
[D] Maghi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Lohri]
Notes:
Lohri, celebrated in Punjab on January 13, marks winter’s end with bonfires, folk songs, and dance. Families gather around the fire, throw sesame seeds, popcorn, and share traditional foods. The festival honors the harvest of sugarcane and commemorates folklore like Dulla Bhatti.
37. Which Punjabi instrument is a bowed string instrument like the Dilruba?
[A] Rabab
[B] Dafli
[C] Taus
[D] Bugchu
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Correct Answer: C [Taus]
Notes:
Taus is a traditional Punjabi bowed string instrument, resembling the Dilruba. Rabab is plucked, commonly associated with Bhai Mardana. Dafli is a percussion instrument, and Bugchu is a folk idiophone. The Taus is also known for its peacock-like shape.
38. Which instrument is essential in Punjabi Bhangra folk dance?
[A] Tabla
[B] Harmonium
[C] Dhol
[D] Sitar
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Correct Answer: C [Dhol]
Notes:
The dhol, a double-sided barrel drum, is the primary musical instrument in Punjabi folk dances like Bhangra, providing the energetic rhythm central to performances. Bhangra also features traditional instruments such as the iktar and chimta, but the dhol is most prominent and essential to the dance.
39. In which Punjab region is Baba Balak Nath Lila traditionally performed?
[A] Malwa Region
[B] Jalandhar Doab
[C] Majha Region
[D] Amritsar Doab
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Correct Answer: B [Jalandhar Doab]
Notes:
Baba Balak Nath is specially worshipped in Jalandhar Doab, Punjab, through folk dramas called Baba Balak Nath Lila, which depict his life and miracles. This tradition highlights the spiritual heritage of the region and reflects its vibrant folk culture.
40. Which Punjabi folk hero do children praise during Lohri celebrations?
[A] Heer Ranjha
[B] Dulla Bhatti
[C] Raja Rasalu
[D] Mirza Sahiban
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dulla Bhatti]
Notes:
Lohri, Punjab’s harvest festival, honors Dulla Bhatti, a folk hero who protected girls from abduction. Children sing his stories while collecting treats door-to-door, reinforcing his legendary status in Punjabi culture through songs and bonfire rituals.