States PCS: Uttarakhand GK for UKPSC Exams
For all Uttarakhand Public Service Commission (UKPSC) exams including UKPCS, JE, AE, and state-level competitive posts.
1. Which of the following pairs is incorrect? (UPSC Prelims 1986)
[A] Kiwi — Bird
[B] Alligator — Crocodile
[C] Bat — Mammal
[D] Fish — Pisces
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Alligator — Crocodile]
Notes:
Alligators are large reptiles, members of the order Crocodylia. Alligators and crocodiles are therefore closely related, and people often confuse one with the other however, these two reptiles are very different. An alligator is distinguished by its wide, rounded snout and black color.
2. When was Uttarakhand officially formed as a state?
[A] 9 November 2000
[B] 1 November 2005
[C] 1 February 2006
[D] 1 January 2007
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [9 November 2000]
Notes:
Uttarakhand was created as the 27th state of India on 9 November 2000 by the Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000. It was initially named Uttaranchal, and renamed Uttarakhand on 1 January 2007, but formation date remains 9 November 2000.
3. What is Rajasthan’s current reservation percentage for OBC in state services?
[A] 27%
[B] 21%
[C] 16%
[D] 12%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [27%]
Notes:
In August 2023, Rajasthan increased OBC reservation from 21% to 27%, adding 6% for most backward castes. The Supreme Court has upheld a maximum of 27% OBC reservation in state civil posts.
4. Where in Uttarakhand did Gandhi write ‘Anasakti Yoga’ commentary?
[A] Almora
[B] Haridwar
[C] Pauri
[D] Kausani
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kausani]
Notes:
Mahatma Gandhi completed the translation and treatise on Anasakti Yoga at Kausani in 1929. He stayed there for two weeks during the summer and described Kausani as the Switzerland of India. The site is now known as Anasakti Ashram, containing a museum about his life and work during that period.
5. What is the region from Maya Kshetra (Haridwar) to the Himalayas called in Skanda Purana?
[A] Bharata Khanda
[B] Uttara Khanda
[C] Kedara Khanda
[D] Haridwar Khanda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kedara Khanda]
Notes:
Kedara Khanda in the Skanda Purana covers the region from Maya Kshetra (Haridwar) to the Himalayas. It includes pilgrimage sites such as Kedarnath Tirtha and has 35 chapters dedicated to this holy northern Indian territory. Maya Kshetra is linked with Haridwar, where Devi Sati gave up her body during Daksha’s sacrifice. This Khanda describes sacred sites within this vast geographical area.
6. Where is the Gorkha-period Naithda Fort located in Uttarakhand?
[A] Dehradun
[B] Almora
[C] Pithoragarh
[D] Nainital
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Almora]
Notes:
Naithda Fort is located in Almora district of Uttarakhand. It was built during the Gorkha rule in the Kumaon region in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The fort lies near the Naithda Devi temple on the Ramnagar–Ganai route, about 5 km from the town of Masi.
7. In Almora’s Jakhan Devi Temple, whose abode is confirmed?
[A] Gandharva
[B] Naga
[C] Khasa
[D] Yaksha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Yaksha]
Notes:
Jakhan Devi Temple in Almora is linked with Yaksha, nature-spirits mentioned in ancient Indian texts. The deity is identified with Yakshini Devi of Alkapuri, described in classical Sanskrit literature. The temple sanctum contains a self-manifested rectangular stone slab revered as the goddess, reflecting Yakshini-related Shakti worship traditions specific to the Almora region in Uttarakhand.
8. When did Tehri princely state merge with India?
[A] 1815
[B] 1947
[C] 1950
[D] 1949
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [1949]
Notes:
Tehri Garhwal was a princely state ruled by the Shah dynasty from 1815. After India’s independence in 1947, it merged with India on 1 August 1949. The state became part of the United Provinces, later known as Uttar Pradesh. Maharaja Manvendra Shah transferred administration to the Indian government in 1949.
9. Who founded the Garhdesh Seva Sangha in Delhi in 1938?
[A] Bhairavdatt Joshi
[B] Barrister Mukundilal
[C] Shridev Suman
[D] Anusuya Prasad Bahugupta
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Shridev Suman]
Notes:
Shridev Suman established the Garhdesh Seva Sangha in 1938 to demand a separate state for Garhwal. He was a freedom fighter from Tehri Garhwal and later formed the Himalaya Seva Sangha. Suman undertook an 84-day fast in Tehri jail, where he died at age 29.
10. Which is the largest district of Uttarakhand by area?
[A] Dehradun
[B] Nainital
[C] Uttarkashi
[D] Chamoli
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Chamoli]
Notes:
Chamoli is the largest district in Uttarakhand, covering 8,030 sq km. It is part of the Garhwal division with headquarters at Gopeshwar. Uttarkashi, the second largest district, covers 8,016 sq km. Dehradun and Nainital districts cover 3,088 sq km and 3,860 sq km respectively.
