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 British-era institution in Mussoorie was converted into a detention camp for German civilians during World War II?
[A] The Woodstock School
[B] St. George’s College
[C] Mussoorie Library
[D] The Savoy Hotel
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [The Savoy Hotel]
Notes:
The Savoy Hotel in Mussoorie was used as an internment camp for German civilians during WWII, a little-known aspect of Uttarakhand’s colonial history.
2. Which is the highest mountain peak in Uttarakhand?
[A] Nanda Devi
[B] Kedarnath Peak
[C] Trisul
[D] Kamet
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Nanda Devi]
Notes:
Nanda Devi, at 7,816 meters, is the highest peak in Uttarakhand; it is part of the Garhwal Himalayas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. When was Uttarakhand established?
[A] 1 October 1998
[B] 9 November 2000
[C] 5 September 2000
[D] 4 August 2001
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [9 November 2000]
Notes:
Uttarakhand was formed as India’s 27th state on 9 November 2000. It was created by carving out territory from Uttar Pradesh. Initially named Uttaranchal, the name changed to Uttarakhand in 2007. The formation date is celebrated as Uttarakhand State Foundation Day.
4. What is the state flower of Uttarakhand?
[A] Buransh
[B] Brahma Kamal
[C] Lotus
[D] Rhododendron
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Brahma Kamal]
Notes:
Uttarakhand’s state flower is Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata), a rare Himalayan flower found at high altitudes. It blooms mainly at night and is significant in Hindu religious rituals, offered at shrines like Kedarnath and Badrinath. Buransh is the state tree of Uttarakhand, not the state flower.
5. How many species of Brahma lotus are found in Uttarakhand?
[A] One
[B] Three
[C] Two
[D] Four
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Two]
Notes:
Brahmaea wallichii, the owl moth, is recorded in Uttarakhand but no official data confirms multiple Brahma lotus species. Uttarakhand’s biodiversity includes both flora and fauna at various elevations, with Brahmaea wallichii sightings noted at Gagar and Maheshkhan in Nainital district. The state flower of Uttarakhand is not officially linked to Brahma lotus species, and documented records specify only two related species presence in this region.
6. Which commission was formed to select Uttarakhand’s permanent capital site?
[A] Pant Commission
[B] Banerjee Commission
[C] Dixit Commission
[D] None of these
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dixit Commission]
Notes:
Uttarakhand was formed in November 2000. The Dixit Commission was established in 2001 to choose the permanent capital site. It submitted its report between 2008–2009 recommending Dehradun as the permanent capital. The commission evaluated geography, connectivity, and administrative convenience to make its recommendation.
7. Which state has the monal as its state bird?
[A] Jammu and Kashmir
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
The Himalayan monal also known as Himalayan Peacock was the state bird of Himachal Pradesh until 2007. It is currently the state bird of Uttarakhand. The bird is native to Himalayan forests and is found at elevations between 2,100 and 4,500 meters.
8. Which is NOT a true state symbol of Uttarakhand?
[A] Buransh as state tree
[B] Himalayan Monal as state bird
[C] Badminton as state sport
[D] Alpine Musk Deer as state animal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Badminton as state sport]
Notes:
Uttarakhand’s official state tree is Buransh (Rhododendron arboreum). Himalayan Monal is the recognized state bird. Alpine Musk Deer is the state animal. No official state sport, including badminton, has been declared by Uttarakhand government till date.
9. In which year was the Almora newspaper first published?
[A] 1870
[B] 1771
[C] 1871
[D] 1971
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [1871]
Notes:
The Hindi newspaper “Almora Akhbar” started publication in 1871 after a press was established in Almora. It was one of the earliest newspapers in the Kumaon region and the first Hindi newspaper of present-day Uttar Pradesh. This newspaper played a role during the British rule in spreading social and political awareness.
10. According to Mahabharata’s Vana Parva, what was Pulinda king Subahu’s capital?
[A] Joshimath
[B] Devprayag
[C] Srinagar
[D] Aklapuri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Aklapuri]
Notes:
In the Vana Parva of the Mahabharata, King Subahu ruled the Pulindas. His capital city is named Aklapuri, located in the Himalayan and adjoining forested regions. The text does not identify Aklapuri with contemporary towns like Joshimath, Devprayag, or Srinagar. The Pulindas were ancient hill tribes mentioned in Indian epics.
