General Knowledge (GK) is a key subject for students preparing for competitive exams. It plays a crucial role in ensuring success, as GK questions are an integral part of almost all exams and interviews. In Punjab, many government and private job exams emphasize GK, making it essential for aspirants to study and practice regularly. With the right preparation, GK can give you the edge needed to achieve your goals. To support your exam preparation, we’ve compiled important Chandigarh GK questions to help you excel.
1. What is the founding year of Chandigarh?
A) 1947
B) 1956
C) 1966
D) 1976
Answer: C) 1966
Explanation: Chandigarh was officially established as a Union Territory on 1st November 1966, following the reorganization of Punjab. It was created as the capital city for both Punjab and Haryana.
2. How many districts are there in Chandigarh?
A) 2
B) 5
C) 1
D) 3
Answer: C) 1
Explanation: Chandigarh is a single-district Union Territory, meaning the entire area is governed as one administrative unit.
3. What does the word “Punjab” mean?
A) Land of Warriors
B) Land of Five Rivers
C) Land of Mountains
D) Land of Kings
Answer: B) Land of Five Rivers
Explanation: The name Punjab comes from the Persian words ‘Panj’ (five) and ‘Ab’ (water), referring to the five rivers that flow through the state.
4. Who designed the architecture of Chandigarh?
A) Le Corbusier
B) Frank Lloyd Wright
C) Charles Correa
D) Louis Sullivan
Answer: A) Le Corbusier
Explanation: The famous French architect Le Corbusier designed Chandigarh, envisioning it as a modern city with organized sectors, broad roads, and efficient planning.
5. What is the state tree of Punjab?
A) Banyan
B) Sheesham
C) Neem
D) Peepal
Answer: B) Sheesham
Explanation: Sheesham, or Indian rosewood, is the state tree of Punjab. It is valued for its durable wood and ecological importance.
6. Which are the popular folk dances of Punjab?
A) Kathak and Bharatnatyam
B) Odissi and Kuchipudi
C) Bhangra, Jhumar, Sammi, and Gidda
D) Garba and Dandiya
Answer: C) Bhangra, Jhumar, Sammi, and Gidda
Explanation: Punjab is famous for its vibrant and energetic folk dances like Bhangra, Jhumar, Sammi, and Gidda, showcasing its rich cultural heritage.
7. Who was the first Chief Minister of Punjab?
A) Pratap Singh Kairon
B) Dr. Gopi Chand Bhargava
C) Surjit Singh Barnala
D) Charanjit Singh Channi
Answer: B) Dr. Gopi Chand Bhargava
Explanation: Dr. Gopi Chand Bhargava served as the first Chief Minister of Punjab after independence, taking office in 1947.
8. Which fruit is produced the most in Punjab?
A) Mango
B) Kinnow
C) Banana
D) Apple
Answer: B) Kinnow
Explanation: Kinnow, a type of mandarin orange, is extensively cultivated in Punjab due to its favorable soil and climate conditions, making it the state’s most widely produced fruit.
9. Which Indian freedom fighter assassinated a British officer in Britain?
A) Bhagat Singh
B) Udham Singh
C) Chandrashekhar Azad
D) Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: B) Udham Singh
Explanation: Udham Singh avenged the Jallianwala Bagh massacre by assassinating Michael O’Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, in London in 1940.
10. Which city in Punjab has an international cricket stadium?
A) Amritsar
B) Mohali
C) Ludhiana
D) Jalandhar
Answer: B) Mohali
Explanation: The Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, located in Mohali, is a prominent international cricket venue known for hosting significant matches.
11. Which city in Punjab is known as ‘Guru Ki Kashi’?
A) Amritsar
B) Patiala
C) Talwandi Sabo
D) Bathinda
Answer: C) Talwandi Sabo
Explanation: Talwandi Sabo is called ‘Guru Ki Kashi’ because it was the place where Guru Gobind Singh Ji compiled the final version of the Guru Granth Sahib.
12. After Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s death, who ascended the throne of Lahore Darbar?
A) Kharak Singh
B) Sher Singh
C) Duleep Singh
D) Hira Singh
Answer: A) Kharak Singh
Explanation: Kharak Singh, the eldest son of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, succeeded him to the throne of the Lahore Darbar, although his rule was short-lived.
13. What is the official language of Punjab?
A) Hindi
B) Punjabi
C) Urdu
D) English
Answer: B) Punjabi
Explanation: Punjabi is the official language of Punjab and is spoken widely by the local population as a part of their cultural identity.
14. What is the state animal of Punjab?
A) Tiger
B) Blackbuck
C) Elephant
D) Leopard
Answer: B) Blackbuck
Explanation: The Blackbuck, known for its striking spiral horns, is the state animal of Punjab and represents grace and beauty.
15. Which rivers are considered the main rivers of Punjab?
A) Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra
B) Satluj, Ravi, Jhelum, Beas, and Chenab
C) Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri
D) Indus, Gomti, and Tapi
Answer: B) Satluj, Ravi, Jhelum, Beas, and Chenab
Explanation: Punjab, meaning the ‘Land of Five Rivers,’ derives its name from these rivers: Satluj, Ravi, Jhelum, Beas, and Chenab, which are vital for its agriculture.
16. Which Sikh Guru started the tradition of Guru Ka Langar?
A) Guru Arjan Dev Ji
B) Guru Har Krishan Ji
C) Guru Nanak Dev Ji
D) Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Answer: C) Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Explanation: Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, started the tradition of Guru Ka Langar to promote equality and selfless service, where everyone, irrespective of caste or creed, could sit together and share a meal.
17. Which Sikh Guru started the martial art of Gatka?
A) Guru Gobind Singh Ji
B) Guru Arjan Dev Ji
C) Guru Har Gobind Ji
D) Guru Nanak Dev Ji
Answer: C) Guru Har Gobind Ji
Explanation: Guru Har Gobind Ji, the sixth Sikh Guru, introduced the martial art of Gatka to instill self-defense and discipline among the Sikhs.
18. Who created the Rock Garden in Chandigarh?
A) Nek Chand
B) Le Corbusier
C) Charles Correa
D) Laurie Baker
Answer: A) Nek Chand
Explanation: The Rock Garden in Chandigarh was designed by Nek Chand, a self-taught artist who used recycled materials to create this unique and iconic space.
19. In which city is the Golden Temple located?
A) Ludhiana
B) Jalandhar
C) Amritsar
D) Chandigarh
Answer: C) Amritsar
Explanation: The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is located in Amritsar and is the most significant pilgrimage site for Sikhs worldwide.
20. Which country lies to the west of Punjab?
A) Afghanistan
B) China
C) Pakistan
D) Nepal
Answer: C) Pakistan
Explanation: The state of Punjab shares its western border with Pakistan, divided during the partition of India in 1947.
21. What is the largest city in Punjab?
A) Chandigarh
B) Ludhiana
C) Patiala
D) Amritsar
Answer: B) Ludhiana
Explanation: Ludhiana is the largest city in Punjab and is known as an industrial hub, particularly for textiles and hosiery.
22. Where is the High Court of Punjab located?
A) Ludhiana
B) Chandigarh
C) Jalandhar
D) Amritsar
Answer: B) Chandigarh
Explanation: The Punjab and Haryana High Court is situated in Chandigarh, the shared capital of both Punjab and Haryana.
23. Which script was introduced in Punjab by Emperor Ashoka?
A) Devanagari
B) Gurmukhi
C) Brahmi
D) Kharosthi
Answer: C) Brahmi
Explanation: Emperor Ashoka introduced the Brahmi script in his inscriptions, which was widely used in Punjab during his reign.
24. Who was the first Governor of Punjab after independence?
A) Chandulal Madhavlal Trivedi
B) Kharak Singh
C) Surjit Singh Barnala
D) Bhim Sen Sachar
Answer: A) Chandulal Madhavlal Trivedi
Explanation: Chandulal Madhavlal Trivedi was the first Governor of Punjab after India gained independence in 1947.
25. Who mentioned the name Punjab in Ain-i-Akbari?
A) Abul Fazl
B) Akbar
C) Todar Mal
D) Birbal
Answer: A) Abul Fazl
Explanation: Abul Fazl, the court historian of Akbar, mentioned Punjab in his famous work Ain-i-Akbari.
26. Where is the Institute of Microbial Technology located in Punjab?
A) Ludhiana
B) Chandigarh
C) Amritsar
D) Jalandhar
Answer: B) Chandigarh
Explanation: The Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), a prominent research institution, is situated in Chandigarh.
27. Which script is used in Indian Punjab?
A) Devanagari
B) Urdu
C) Gurmukhi
D) Roman
Answer: C) Gurmukhi
Explanation: The Gurmukhi script is primarily used in Punjab and is associated with the Punjabi language and Sikh scriptures.
28. Which Sikh Guru started the Masand system?
A) Guru Nanak Dev Ji
B) Guru Arjan Dev Ji
C) Guru Ram Das Ji
D) Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Answer: C) Guru Ram Das Ji
Explanation: Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru, introduced the Masand system for efficient administration and collection of voluntary contributions from followers.
29. The name Punjab is derived from which language?
A) Persian
B) Sanskrit
C) Arabic
D) Hindi
Answer: A) Persian
Explanation: The name Punjab comes from Persian, combining the words ‘Panj’ (five) and ‘Ab’ (water), referring to its five rivers.
30. How many Lok Sabha seats are there in Punjab?
A) 11
B) 12
C) 13
D) 14
Answer: C) 13
Explanation: Punjab sends 13 representatives to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament.
31. In which year was the Khalsa established?
A) 1666
B) 1699
C) 1708
D) 1750
Answer: B) 1699
Explanation: The Khalsa was established in 1699 by Guru Gobind Singh Ji to uphold justice and equality and to defend the faith.
32. How many municipal corporations are there in Punjab?
A) 8
B) 10
C) 12
D) 15
Answer: B) 10
Explanation: Punjab has a total of 10 municipal corporations, which manage the administration of urban areas.
33. What is the major tourist attraction in Punjab?
A) Wagah Border
B) Rock Garden
C) Golden Temple
D) Jallianwala Bagh
Answer: C) Golden Temple
Explanation: The Golden Temple in Amritsar is Punjab’s most prominent tourist destination and a spiritual hub for Sikhs worldwide.
34. How many assembly seats are there in Punjab?
A) 100
B) 107
C) 117
D) 127
Answer: C) 117
Explanation: Punjab has 117 assembly seats for its legislative assembly, representing constituencies across the state.
35. How many members of the Rajya Sabha represent Punjab?
A) 6
B) 7
C) 8
D) 9
Answer: B) 7
Explanation: Punjab is represented by 7 members in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India’s Parliament.
36. When is Punjab State Day celebrated?
A) 26 January
B) 15 August
C) 1 November
D) 14 April
Answer: C) 1 November
Explanation: 1 November marks the day Punjab was reorganized in 1966, and it is celebrated as Punjab State Day.
37. In which city was the world’s largest rugby ball made?
A) Amritsar
B) Ludhiana
C) Jalandhar
D) Chandigarh
Answer: C) Jalandhar
Explanation: The city of Jalandhar, known for its sports manufacturing industry, produced the world’s largest rugby ball.
38. Which district in Punjab has the largest forest area?
A) Ludhiana
B) Amritsar
C) Hoshiarpur
D) Patiala
Answer: C) Hoshiarpur
Explanation: Hoshiarpur district has the highest forest cover in Punjab, contributing significantly to the state’s green cover.
39. Which city in Punjab has the highest population density?
A) Amritsar
B) Ludhiana
C) Jalandhar
D) Chandigarh
Answer: B) Ludhiana
Explanation: Ludhiana, being an industrial hub, has the highest population density in Punjab.
40. Which is the smallest district of Punjab by area?
A) Kapurthala
B) Mohali
C) Mansa
D) Pathankot
Answer: A) Kapurthala
Explanation: Kapurthala is the smallest district in Punjab in terms of area.
41. Which Indian state is known as the Breadbasket of India?
A) Haryana
B) Punjab
C) Uttar Pradesh
D) Rajasthan
Answer: B) Punjab
Explanation: Punjab is called the Breadbasket of India due to its massive wheat and rice production.
42. Where does the Indira Gandhi Canal originate?
A) Bhakra Dam
B) Ropar Barrage
C) Harike Barrage
D) Sutlej River
Answer: C) Harike Barrage
Explanation: The Indira Gandhi Canal, vital for irrigation in Rajasthan, originates from the Harike Barrage in Punjab.
43. When did the First Anglo-Sikh War begin?
A) 1843
B) 1845
C) 1847
D) 1857
Answer: B) 1845
Explanation: The First Anglo-Sikh War started in December 1845 between the Sikh Empire and the British East India Company.
44. Jalandhar is famous for which industry?
A) Textile
B) Sports goods
C) Automobiles
D) Handicrafts
Answer: B) Sports goods
Explanation: Jalandhar is renowned worldwide for its sports goods manufacturing industry.
45. Which insurance scheme for the poor in Punjab is named after Bhagat Puran Singh?
A) Ayushman Bharat
B) Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Bima Yojana
C) Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana
D) Jan Suraksha Yojana
Answer: B) Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Bima Yojana
Explanation: The Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Bima Yojana provides health insurance to poor families in Punjab.
46. When did Punjab’s longest period of President’s Rule begin?
A) 1985
B) 1987
C) 1990
D) 1992
Answer: B) 1987
Explanation: Punjab came under President’s Rule in 1987, which lasted for the longest duration due to political instability.
47. Who was the founding president of the Ghadar Party?
A) Kartar Singh Sarabha
B) Lala Hardayal
C) Sohan Singh Bhakna
D) Bhagat Singh
Answer: C) Sohan Singh Bhakna
Explanation: Sohan Singh Bhakna was the founding president of the Ghadar Party, which aimed to free India from British rule.
48. For which industry is Kapurthala city known on Punjab’s industrial map?
A) Bicycle manufacturing
B) Rail coach factory
C) Paper industry
D) Chemical production
Answer: B) Rail coach factory
Explanation: Kapurthala is famous for its Rail Coach Factory, which produces railway coaches.
49. Who wrote the famous Punjabi novel Pavitra Paapi?
A) Nanak Singh
B) Amrita Pritam
C) Shiv Kumar Batalvi
D) Khushwant Singh
Answer: A) Nanak Singh
Explanation: Nanak Singh authored the renowned Punjabi novel Pavitra Paapi, a classic in Punjabi literature.
50. Which city in Punjab was known as “Virat Ki Nagri”?
A) Amritsar
B) Dasuya
C) Tarn Taran
D) Pathankot
Answer: B) Dasuya
Explanation: Dasuya was historically known as Virat Ki Nagri, associated with the Mahabharata.
51. Where is Chhatbir Zoo located?
A) Mohali
B) Ludhiana
C) Patiala
D) Jalandhar
Answer: A) Mohali
Explanation: Chhatbir Zoo, a major wildlife attraction, is located in Mohali district.
52. Which Sikh Guru built the Anandgarh Sahib Fort?
A) Guru Nanak Dev Ji
B) Guru Arjan Dev Ji
C) Guru Gobind Singh Ji
D) Guru Hargobind Ji
Answer: C) Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Explanation: Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Sikh Guru, built the Anandgarh Sahib Fort for defense against enemies.
53. Who built the Bahadurgarh Fort?
A) Guru Gobind Singh Ji
B) Nawab Saif Khan
C) Maharaja Ranjit Singh
D) Mir Mannu
Answer: B) Nawab Saif Khan
Explanation: The Bahadurgarh Fort was built by Nawab Saif Khan, showcasing Mughal architecture.
54. In which district is Maharaja Sher Singh’s palace located?
A) Ludhiana
B) Amritsar
C) Gurdaspur
D) Patiala
Answer: C) Gurdaspur
Explanation: The palace of Maharaja Sher Singh is located in Gurdaspur district and is a significant historical site.
55. What is the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji?
A) Amritsar
B) Patna
C) Anandpur Sahib
D) Tarn Taran
Answer: B) Patna
Explanation: Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born in Patna Sahib, Bihar, on 22 December 1666.
56. Which state shares Punjab’s northern boundary?
A) Himachal Pradesh
B) Haryana
C) Jammu and Kashmir
D) Rajasthan
Answer: C) Jammu and Kashmir
Explanation: Punjab shares its northern boundary with Jammu and Kashmir, now part of the Union Territory of J&K.
57. When was the first assembly election in independent Punjab held?
A) 1947
B) 1952
C) 1966
D) 1971
Answer: B) 1952
Explanation: The first assembly election in Punjab after independence was conducted in 1952.
58. In which Indian state/territory is the use of plastic bags completely banned?
A) Delhi
B) Chandigarh
C) Maharashtra
D) Kerala
Answer: B) Chandigarh
Explanation: Chandigarh is known for its eco-friendly policies, including a complete ban on the use of plastic bags, making it a model city for environmental consciousness.
59. What is the total area of Chandigarh?
A) 100 sq. km
B) 114 sq. km
C) 125 sq. km
D) 150 sq. km
Answer: B) 114 sq. km
Explanation: Chandigarh covers an area of 114 sq. km, making it a compact yet well-planned Union Territory.
60. What are the main languages spoken in Chandigarh?
A) Hindi and English
B) Hindi and Punjabi
C) Punjabi and Urdu
D) Hindi and Marathi
Answer: B) Hindi and Punjabi
Explanation: Being located in the north of India, Hindi and Punjabi are the dominant languages spoken by the people in Chandigarh.
