11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. Where was the renowned Urdu poet Abr Ahasani Gunnauri born?
[A] Rampur
[B] Gunnaur
[C] Moradabad
[D] Aligarh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gunnaur]
Notes:
Abr Ahasani Gunnauri was born in Gunnaur, Badaun, Uttar Pradesh.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. Which Urdu poet from Aurangabad served as President of Anjuman Taraqqi-i-Urdu, Maharashtra?
[A] Aneesur Rahman
[B] Shafiq Ansari
[C] Sikandar Ali Wajd
[D] Saifuddin Saif
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sikandar Ali Wajd]
Notes:
Sikandar Ali Wajd (1914–1983), noted Urdu poet from Aurangabad, was President of Anjuman Taraqqi-i-Urdu, Maharashtra, and received Padma Shri in 1970. He was a Rajya Sabha member, authored several poetry collections, and his legacy continues through a memorial trust and auditorium named after him in Aurangabad.
20. Which Indian state gives Urdu official status and is famous for Deccani culture?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Telangana
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Telangana]
Notes:
Telangana is one of four Indian states granting Urdu official status, and Hyderabad is the hub of Deccani culture, noted for Mazahiya Mushaira (humor poetry) and Dollywood cinema. The state’s Deccani Urdu has a distinct literary history blending Indo-Aryan and Dravidian influences.
