Q1. What is the capital city of Odisha?
a) Cuttack
b) Puri
c) Bhubaneswar
d) Rourkela
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Correct Answer: c) Bhubaneswar
Explanation: Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha. It is known as the “Temple City of India” due to the presence of numerous ancient temples. The city became the capital in 1948, replacing Cuttack, which was the former capital of Odisha.
Q2. Which famous temple in Puri is dedicated to Lord Jagannath?
a) Lingaraj Temple
b) Jagannath Temple
c) Sun Temple
d) Mukteshwar Temple
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Correct Answer: b) Jagannath Temple
Explanation: The Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the most famous temples in Odisha. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, and is one of the four major pilgrimage sites (Char Dham) for Hindus. The temple is renowned for its annual Rath Yatra festival.
Q3. Which dance form originated in Odisha and is one of the eight classical dance forms of India?
a) Bharatanatyam
b) Kathak
c) Odissi
d) Kuchipudi
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Correct Answer: c) Odissi
Explanation: Odissi is a classical dance form that originated in Odisha. It is one of the eight recognized classical dance forms of India. Odissi is known for its graceful movements, intricate footwork, and expressive gestures, often depicting stories from Hindu mythology.
Q4. Which famous lake in Odisha is known as Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon?
a) Chilika Lake
b) Ansupa Lake
c) Kanjia Lake
d) Hirakud Reservoir
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Correct Answer: a) Chilika Lake
Explanation: Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, located in Odisha. It is a unique ecosystem that supports a wide variety of flora and fauna, including migratory birds. The lake is also an important source of livelihood for local communities through fishing and tourism.
Q5. Which UNESCO World Heritage Site in Odisha is famous for its 13th-century sun temple?
a) Jagannath Temple
b) Lingaraj Temple
c) Konark Sun Temple
d) Mukteshwar Temple
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Correct Answer: c) Konark Sun Temple
Explanation: The Konark Sun Temple, located in Odisha, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 13th century, it is renowned for its intricate stone carvings and architectural marvel. The temple is designed in the shape of a giant chariot with elaborately carved stone wheels, pillars, and walls.
Q6. Which river is the longest in Odisha?
a) Mahanadi
b) Brahmani
c) Baitarani
d) Subarnarekha
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Correct Answer: a) Mahanadi
Explanation: The Mahanadi is the longest river in Odisha, flowing for about 494 km within the state. It originates in Chhattisgarh and flows through Odisha before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The river is crucial for irrigation, power generation, and supports diverse ecosystems along its course.
Q7. What is the official language of Odisha?
a) Hindi
b) Bengali
c) Odia
d) Telugu
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Correct Answer: c) Odia
Explanation: Odia (formerly known as Oriya) is the official language of Odisha. It is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by the majority of the population in the state. Odia has a rich literary tradition and is one of the classical languages of India, known for its unique script and pronunciation.
Q8. Which famous wildlife sanctuary in Odisha is known for its population of saltwater crocodiles?
a) Simlipal National Park
b) Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
c) Chandaka Elephant Reserve
d) Nandankanan Zoological Park
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Correct Answer: b) Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
Explanation: Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Odisha’s Kendrapara district, is famous for its large population of saltwater crocodiles. It is one of India’s largest mangrove ecosystems and provides a unique habitat for various species of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species.
Q9. Which ancient king of Kalinga converted to Buddhism after the Kalinga War?
a) Ashoka
b) Kharavela
c) Narasimhadeva I
d) Anantavarman Chodaganga
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Correct Answer: a) Ashoka
Explanation: Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan dynasty fought the Kalinga War in 261 BCE against the kingdom of Kalinga (present-day Odisha). The brutality of the war led to Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism and his adoption of the policy of Dhamma. This event marked a significant turning point in Indian history.
Q10. Which famous steel plant in Odisha was established with German collaboration in the 1950s?
a) Tata Steel Plant
b) SAIL Rourkela Steel Plant
c) Jindal Steel Plant
d) Bhushan Steel Plant
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Correct Answer: b) SAIL Rourkela Steel Plant
Explanation: The Rourkela Steel Plant, operated by Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), was established in the 1950s with German collaboration. It was one of India’s first integrated steel plants and played a crucial role in the country’s industrial development. The plant continues to be a major contributor to Odisha’s economy.