Q1. Which year was Puducherry officially renamed from Pondicherry?
a) 2004
b) 2005
c) 2006
d) 2007
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Correct Answer: c) 2006
Explanation: Pondicherry was officially renamed to Puducherry in 2006. The change was made to reflect the Tamil pronunciation and spelling of the territory’s name. This decision was part of a broader trend in India to revert colonial-era place names to their indigenous equivalents.
Q2. How many districts comprise the Union Territory of Puducherry?
a) 2
b) 3
c) 4
d) 5
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Correct Answer: c) 4
Explanation: The Union Territory of Puducherry consists of four districts: Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. These districts are geographically separate and are enclaves located within other Indian states. Puducherry and Karaikal are surrounded by Tamil Nadu, Mahe by Kerala, and Yanam by Andhra Pradesh.
Q3. Who was the first Chief Minister of Puducherry?
a) M. O. H. Farook
b) V. Venkatasubha Reddiar
c) Edouard Goubert
d) Subramanyan Ramaswamy
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Correct Answer: c) Edouard Goubert
Explanation: Edouard Goubert was the first Chief Minister of Puducherry, serving from 1963 to 1964. He played a significant role in the integration of Puducherry with India and was instrumental in shaping the early political landscape of the territory after its merger with the Indian Union.
Q4. What is the state bird of Puducherry?
a) Eagle
b) Dove
c) Pigeon
d) Koel
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Correct Answer: d) Koel
Explanation: The Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) is the state bird of Puducherry. This bird is known for its distinctive call and is commonly found in the region. The selection of the Koel as the state bird reflects its cultural and ecological significance in Puducherry.
Q5. In which year was Puducherry integrated into India?
a) 1960
b) 1962
c) 1963
d) 1965
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Correct Answer: c) 1963
Explanation: Puducherry was officially integrated into India on August 16, 1962. However, the de jure (legal) transfer took place in 1963 when the French Parliament ratified the treaty with India. This marked the end of French colonial rule in India and Puducherry’s formal inclusion as a Union Territory.
Q6. What is the state animal of Puducherry?
a) Chital
b) Deer
c) Tiger
d) Squirrel
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Correct Answer: d) Squirrel
Explanation: The squirrel is the state animal of Puducherry. This choice reflects the abundance of squirrels in the region and their significance in local ecosystems. Squirrels are commonly seen in Puducherry’s urban and rural areas, contributing to the territory’s biodiversity.
Q7. In which year did Puducherry become a French colonial possession?
a) 1674
b) 1679
c) 1688
d) 1695
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Correct Answer: a) 1674
Explanation: Puducherry became a French colonial possession in 1674 when François Martin, the French East India Company’s director, established a trading center there. This marked the beginning of French influence in the region, which lasted for nearly three centuries until India’s independence.
Q8. Which state surrounds the Yanam district of Puducherry?
a) Tamil Nadu
b) Kerala
c) Andhra Pradesh
d) Karnataka
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Correct Answer: c) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: The Yanam district of Puducherry is an enclave surrounded by the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, about 200 km from Visakhapatnam. This geographical arrangement is a result of the historical French colonial presence in different parts of India.
Q9. In which year was Pondicherry University established?
a) 1976
b) 1981
c) 1985
d) 1989
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Correct Answer: c) 1985
Explanation: Pondicherry University was established in 1985 by an Act of Parliament. It is a central university and has played a crucial role in higher education in the Union Territory. The university has contributed significantly to the academic and research landscape of Puducherry since its inception.
Q10. Which state surrounds the Mahe district of Puducherry?
a) Karnataka
b) Goa
c) Tamil Nadu
d) Kerala
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Correct Answer: d) Kerala
Explanation: The Mahe district of Puducherry is an enclave surrounded by the state of Kerala. It is located on the Malabar Coast, about 70 km from Kozhikode (Calicut). This unique geographical arrangement is a legacy of French colonial rule in India, where French territories were scattered along the Indian coastline.