States PCS: Uttar Pradesh GK Questions for UPPSC Examinations
For all Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) exams including PCS, RO/ARO, Assistant Engineer, and other major state exams.
1. What mainly caused the 1954 Prayag Kumbh Mela stampede?
[A] Sudden rainfall
[B] Earthquake
[C] Altered course of the Ganges River
[D] Political rally
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Altered course of the Ganges River]
Notes:
The Ganges River’s shifted course restricted available space at the Bund, resulting in severe crowd congestion and the 1954 Prayag Kumbh Mela stampede. This incident remains one of India’s worst religious gathering tragedies. No major weather or political events were reported as causes.
2. Which ancient Indian text highlights the political and religious significance of Prayaga as a prominent sacred site?
[A] Vayu Purana
[B] Garuda Purana
[C] Agni Purana
[D] Matsya Purana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Matsya Purana]
Notes:
The Matsya Purana praises Prayaga (Prayagraj) for its immense merit and strategic importance, especially in context of royal rituals like Ashvamedha.
3. Consider the following statements regarding Kanishka:
- He established a calendar era known as the Vikrama era in 58 BCE.
- He convened the 4th Buddhist Council at Kundalavana, Kashmir.
- He patronised scholars like Nagarjuna, Charaka, and Asvaghosa.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] 2 and 3 only
[B] Only 1 and 2
[C] 1, 2 and 3
[D] Only 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [2 and 3 only]
Notes:
Kanishka did not establish the Vikrama era; this was instituted by King Vikramaditya in 58 BCE. Kanishka started the Shaka era in 78 AD. He did, however, convene the 4th Buddhist Council at Kundalavana, Kashmir, and patronised eminent scholars such as Nagarjuna, Charaka, and Asvaghosa. Therefore, only statements 2 and 3 are correct.
4. Which dynasty from eastern Uttar Pradesh (4th-6th century CE) had Dharana gotra?
[A] Gupta dynasty
[B] Vardhana dynasty
[C] Chola dynasty
[D] Pal dynasty
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gupta dynasty]
Notes:
The Gupta dynasty originated in eastern Uttar Pradesh, 4th-6th century CE. Associated with the Dharana gotra, their varna status is debated: some sources suggest Vaishya, others Brahmana, due to marital alliances and surname traditions.
5. Which river confluence is represented by the waves in the emblem of Uttar Pradesh?
[A] Godavari-Tungabhadra
[B] Ganga-Yamuna
[C] Saraswati-Indus
[D] Narmada-Tapti
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ganga-Yamuna]
Notes:
The waves symbolize the Ganga-Yamuna confluence at Prayagraj, a key feature of the Uttar Pradesh emblem.
6. Which church, constructed between 1819 and 1821, is recognized as the oldest church in North India and the Agra Diocese?
[A] St. Mary’s Church, Delhi
[B] St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata
[C] St. Thomas Church, Mumbai
[D] St. John the Baptist Church, Meerut
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [St. John the Baptist Church, Meerut]
Notes:
St. John the Baptist Church in Meerut, built 1819-1821, is the oldest church in North India and Agra Diocese, featuring Palladian architecture and Anglican rites.
7. Who was the principal author of the 1928 ‘Nehru Report’, also known as the ‘Blue Print of Modern Constitution’?
[A] Bal Gangadhar Tilak
[B] Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
[C] Jawaharlal Nehru
[D] Motilal Nehru
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Motilal Nehru]
Notes:
Motilal Nehru chaired and presented the Nehru Report of 1928, providing a draft constitution for India in response to the Simon Commission.
8. Which tree’s heartwood is used for extracting catechu (kattha) in paan?
[A] Senegalia catechu
[B] Acacia nilotica
[C] Semal
[D] Mahua
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Senegalia catechu]
Notes:
Senegalia catechu, called Khair, yields catechu (kattha) from its heartwood. Catechu is used to flavor and color betel leaves (paan). The tree is common in dry deciduous forests, especially in Uttar Pradesh. It is also noted for tannins and traditional medicinal value.
9. Which body was set up in Uttar Pradesh under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987?
[A] Lokayukta
[B] District Legal Services Authority
[C] National Green Tribunal
[D] Central Vigilance Commission
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [District Legal Services Authority]
Notes:
The Act establishes State, District, and Tehsil Legal Services Authorities in Uttar Pradesh to offer free legal aid and organize Lok Adalats for dispute resolution, ensuring access to justice for marginalized populations.
10. Mathura shares its western boundary with which Indian state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Punjab
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajasthan]
Notes:
Mathura, in western Uttar Pradesh, shares its western boundary with Rajasthan. It is also close to Haryana, but not directly bordering it. The boundary facilitates economic, cultural, and religious connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
