1. Who first used the name Urdu for the language around 1780?
[A] Mir Taqi Mir
[B] Ghulam Hamadani Mushafi
[C] Mirza Ghalib
[D] Allama Iqbal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ghulam Hamadani Mushafi]
Notes:
Ghulam Hamadani Mushafi coined the term “Urdu” for the language circa 1780. The word derives from Turkish, meaning “camp” or “army,” highlighting its origin as a language of the Mughal military camps and administration, blending Persian, Arabic, Turkish, and local Indian dialects.
2. Which Nawab of Rampur was a famous Urdu writer and poet?
[A] Nawab Yusef Ali Khan Bahadur
[B] Nawab Raza Ali Khan Bahadur
[C] Nawab Kalb Ali Khan Bahadur
[D] Nawab Muhammad Mushtaq Ali Khan Bahadur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nawab Kalb Ali Khan Bahadur]
Notes:
Nawab Kalb Ali Khan Bahadur (ruled 1865–1887) was celebrated for his Urdu poetry, prose, and essays. He promoted arts, literature, and established libraries in Rampur, making the region a renowned literary center.
3. Which statement about Urdu magazine Shabkhoon is correct?
[A] Shabkhoon received support from Indian Postal Service.
[B] It was initially named Teesha after a Persian character.
[C] Shabkhoon’s calligraphy was done by Salimullah Naiyer.
[D] Its first editor was progressive writer Ejaz Hussain.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Its first editor was progressive writer Ejaz Hussain.]
Notes:
Shabkhoon, a major Urdu literary magazine, was first edited by Ejaz Hussain, noted for his contribution to progressive Urdu literature after the 1960s literary movement.
4. Which Uttar Pradesh city is famed for refining Urdu prose and literature?
[A] Meerut
[B] Lucknow
[C] Varanasi
[D] Allahabad (Prayagraj)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Lucknow]
Notes:
Lucknow is a historic hub of Urdu prose and literature in Uttar Pradesh, noted for its cultural sophistication, Nawabi heritage, and influential literary personalities, including Mir Taqi Mir and Mirza Hadi Ruswa.
5. In Indian cuisine, what does the Hindi-Urdu word aloo mean?
[A] Potato
[B] Tomato
[C] Onion
[D] Chili
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Potato]
Notes:
Aloo translates to potato, a staple ingredient in many Indian dishes like aloo tikki.
6. Where was the renowned Urdu poet Abr Ahasani Gunnauri born?
[A] Rampur
[B] Gunnaur
[C] Moradabad
[D] Aligarh
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Correct Answer: B [Gunnaur]
Notes:
Abr Ahasani Gunnauri was born in Gunnaur, Badaun, Uttar Pradesh.
7. Which Urdu journal was founded by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan to encourage social reforms among Muslims?
[A] Aligarh Gazette
[B] Tahzib-ul-Akhlaq
[C] Awadh Punch
[D] Risala-e-Nur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tahzib-ul-Akhlaq]
Notes:
Tahzib-ul-Akhlaq, started in 1870 by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, promoted modern education and rationalism among Indian Muslims.
8. Consider the following statements regarding the communication system in Uttar Pradesh:
- Radio broadcasting in Uttar Pradesh began only after India's independence.
- Doordarshan is the exclusive visual communication medium in the state.
- The first Urdu newspaper in Uttar Pradesh was established in 1900.
- The state has significant print media presence in Hindi, English, and Urdu.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 3 and 4
[C] Only 4
[D] 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 4]
Notes:
Statement 4 is correct, as Uttar Pradesh boasts a strong presence of print media in Hindi, English, and Urdu. Statements 1, 2, and 3 are incorrect: radio broadcasting started before independence, Doordarshan is not the only visual medium, and the first Urdu newspaper predates 1900. Thus, only statement 4 is accurate.
9. Which of the following personalities was born in Agra and is famously known for his contribution to Urdu poetry?
[A] Ustad Bismillah Khan
[B] Mirza Ghalib
[C] Firaq Gorakhpuri
[D] Amir Khusrau
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Mirza Ghalib]
Notes:
Renowned Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib was born in Agra in 1797. Ghalib’s literary works in Urdu and Persian are considered masterpieces, celebrated for their depth, subtlety, and philosophical insights. His poetry and letters are studied even today for their linguistic beauty and social commentary. The other personalities listed, though eminent in music and poetry, have different origins and associations. Thus, Mirza Ghalib is the correct answer for contributions to Urdu poetry from Agra.
10. Who is regarded as the father of Urdu poetry?
[A] Wali Muhammad Wali
[B] Mir Taqi Mir
[C] Siraj-ud-Din Ali Khan Arzu
[D] Shah Hatim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Wali Muhammad Wali]
Notes:
Wali Muhammad Wali (1667–1707) is considered the father of Urdu poetry. He was the first to popularize Urdu ghazals, brought local themes and language to Urdu, and influenced poets in Delhi during his 1700 visit, fundamentally shaping Urdu poetic tradition.
