Q1. Which of the following rivers does not flow through Punjab?
a) Beas
b) Sutlej
c) Ravi
d) Yamuna
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Correct Answer: d) Yamuna
Explanation: Punjab is known as the land of five rivers, but the Yamuna is not one of them. The five rivers that flow through Punjab are Beas, Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum. The Yamuna flows through other northern Indian states but not Punjab.
Q2. What is the capital city of Punjab?
a) Amritsar
b) Ludhiana
c) Chandigarh
d) Jalandhar
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Correct Answer: c) Chandigarh
Explanation: Chandigarh serves as the capital city of Punjab. It is a union territory that functions as the capital for both Punjab and Haryana states. Chandigarh is known for its modern urban planning and architecture, designed by Le Corbusier.
Q3. Which language is the official language of Punjab?
a) Hindi
b) Punjabi
c) Urdu
d) English
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Correct Answer: b) Punjabi
Explanation: Punjabi is the official language of Punjab, India. It is written in the Gurmukhi script and is the most widely spoken language in the state. Punjabi is also one of the 22 scheduled languages of India recognized in the Constitution.
Q4. What percentage of India’s wheat production comes from Punjab?
a) 5-10%
b) 10-15%
c) 15-20%
d) 20-25%
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Correct Answer: c) 15-20%
Explanation: Punjab is often called the “Granary of India” due to its significant agricultural output. The state contributes approximately 15-20% of India’s wheat production, despite covering only 1.53% of the country’s geographical area, showcasing its high agricultural productivity.
Q5. Which of the following is NOT a major crop of Punjab?
a) Wheat
b) Rice
c) Cotton
d) Tea
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Correct Answer: d) Tea
Explanation: While Punjab is known for its agricultural production, tea is not a major crop in the state. Punjab primarily produces wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane, and various fruits and vegetables. Tea cultivation is more common in states like Assam and West Bengal.
Q6. What is the popular folk dance of Punjab performed by men?
a) Kathak
b) Bhangra
c) Giddha
d) Garba
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Correct Answer: b) Bhangra
Explanation: Bhangra is the most famous folk dance of Punjab performed by men. It is characterized by energetic movements, often accompanied by the beat of a drum called the dhol. Bhangra originated as a harvest dance and has gained international popularity.
Q7. Which Sikh Guru founded the city of Amritsar?
a) Guru Nanak Dev
b) Guru Angad Dev
c) Guru Ram Das
d) Guru Arjan Dev
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Correct Answer: c) Guru Ram Das
Explanation: Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, founded the city of Amritsar in 1577. He started the construction of the Amrit Sarovar (holy tank) around which the city developed. Amritsar later became the spiritual and cultural center of Sikhism.
Q8. What is the state animal of Punjab?
a) Lion
b) Tiger
c) Blackbuck
d) Elephant
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Correct Answer: c) Blackbuck
Explanation: The blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), also known as the Indian antelope, is the state animal of Punjab. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and is known for its distinctive spiral horns and coat patterns. The blackbuck symbolizes the state’s wildlife heritage.
Q9. Which famous Sufi saint’s shrine is located in Pakpattan, Punjab?
a) Baba Farid
b) Bulleh Shah
c) Shah Hussain
d) Waris Shah
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Correct Answer: a) Baba Farid
Explanation: The shrine of Baba Farid, a renowned Sufi saint and poet, is located in Pakpattan, Punjab. Baba Farid was a 12th-century Sufi preacher and is considered one of the founding fathers of the Punjabi language. His shrine is an important pilgrimage site for both Muslims and Sikhs.
Q10. What is the literacy rate of Punjab according to the 2011 census?
a) 65.7%
b) 75.8%
c) 85.9%
d) 95.7%
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Correct Answer: b) 75.8%
Explanation: According to the 2011 census, the literacy rate of Punjab was 75.8%. This places Punjab above the national average literacy rate. The state has made significant strides in education, with a particular focus on improving female literacy rates in recent years.