Q1. What is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh?
a) Dharamshala
b) Shimla
c) Manali
d) Kullu
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Correct Answer: b) Shimla
Explanation: Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. It was declared the summer capital of British India in 1864 and remained the capital of Himachal Pradesh after it became a full-fledged state in 1971. Shimla is known for its colonial architecture, scenic beauty, and pleasant climate.
Q2. Which is the largest district of Himachal Pradesh by area?
a) Kinnaur
b) Chamba
c) Lahaul and Spiti
d) Kangra
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Correct Answer: c) Lahaul and Spiti
Explanation: Lahaul and Spiti is the largest district of Himachal Pradesh by area, covering 13,833 square kilometers. It is a remote and sparsely populated region known for its rugged terrain, high-altitude deserts, and Buddhist culture. The district is famous for its monasteries and unique landscapes.
Q3. What is the state animal of Himachal Pradesh?
a) Snow Leopard
b) Himalayan Monal
c) Himalayan Tahr
d) Musk Deer
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Correct Answer: a) Snow Leopard
Explanation: The Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) is the state animal of Himachal Pradesh. This elusive big cat is found in the high-altitude regions of the state, particularly in the trans-Himalayan areas. The snow leopard is an endangered species and is protected under various conservation programs in Himachal Pradesh.
Q4. Which river is known as the “River of Sorrow” in Himachal Pradesh?
a) Beas
b) Sutlej
c) Ravi
d) Chenab
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Correct Answer: b) Sutlej
Explanation: The Sutlej River is often referred to as the “River of Sorrow” in Himachal Pradesh due to its frequent flooding and the damage it causes to surrounding areas. It is one of the major rivers of the state, originating in Tibet and flowing through Kinnaur and Shimla districts before entering Punjab.
Q5. What is the highest mountain peak in Himachal Pradesh?
a) Kinner Kailash
b) Shilla
c) Reo Purgyil
d) Deo Tibba
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Correct Answer: c) Reo Purgyil
Explanation: Reo Purgyil, standing at 6,816 meters (22,362 feet) above sea level, is the highest mountain peak in Himachal Pradesh. It is located in the Kinnaur district on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Tibet. The peak is part of the Zaskar Range and offers challenging climbing opportunities for mountaineers.
Q6. Which famous hill station in Himachal Pradesh is known as the “Queen of Hills”?
a) Manali
b) Dalhousie
c) Shimla
d) Kasauli
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Correct Answer: c) Shimla
Explanation: Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, is famously known as the “Queen of Hills”. This title was given during the British colonial era due to its picturesque beauty, pleasant climate, and popularity as a summer retreat. Shimla’s charming colonial architecture, scenic landscapes, and the famous Mall Road contribute to its regal status among hill stations.
Q7. What is the state flower of Himachal Pradesh?
a) Rhododendron
b) Pink Rhododendron
c) White Rhododendron
d) Lotus
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Correct Answer: b) Pink Rhododendron
Explanation: The Pink Rhododendron (Rhododendron campanulatum) is the state flower of Himachal Pradesh. This beautiful flowering plant is found in the higher altitudes of the Himalayan region. It blooms in various shades of pink and is an important part of the state’s biodiversity and cultural symbolism.
Q8. Which district of Himachal Pradesh is known as the “Apple Bowl of India”?
a) Kullu
b) Shimla
c) Kinnaur
d) Mandi
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Correct Answer: b) Shimla
Explanation: Shimla district is known as the “Apple Bowl of India” due to its extensive apple orchards and high-quality apple production. The region’s climate and soil conditions are ideal for apple cultivation, making it one of the largest apple-producing areas in the country. This has significantly contributed to the state’s economy and agricultural fame.
Q9. What is the official language of Himachal Pradesh?
a) Hindi
b) Pahari
c) Sanskrit
d) Punjabi
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Correct Answer: a) Hindi
Explanation: Hindi is the official language of Himachal Pradesh. It is widely spoken and used for administrative purposes throughout the state. However, Himachal Pradesh is also home to various regional languages and dialects, including Pahari, which is a group of Indo-Aryan languages spoken in different parts of the state.
Q10. Which famous Bollywood actress hails from Himachal Pradesh?
a) Preity Zinta
b) Kangana Ranaut
c) Yami Gautam
d) Anushka Sharma
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Correct Answer: b) Kangana Ranaut
Explanation: Kangana Ranaut, a renowned Bollywood actress and multiple National Film Award winner, hails from Bhambla, a small town in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. She has been vocal about her roots and often speaks about her connection to the state. Ranaut’s success in the film industry has brought attention to Himachal Pradesh’s talent pool.