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. Which endangered animal inhabits Upper Gangetic Plains’ major rivers?
[A] Indian rhinoceros
[B] Mugger crocodile
[C] Lesser florican
[D] Ganges river dolphin
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ganges river dolphin]
Notes:
The Ganges river dolphin (Platanista gangetica) is endemic to the Ganges-Brahmaputra river system, classified as endangered by IUCN. It serves as an ecological health indicator and is legally protected under Indian law. Other listed species prefer different habitats outside this ecoregion’s major rivers.
2. Which Mughal Emperor was blinded by Ghulam Kadir in 1788?
[A] Bahadur Shah I
[B] Shah Alam II
[C] Akbar II
[D] Jahandar Shah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Shah Alam II]
Notes:
In 1788, Ghulam Kadir blinded Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II during his occupation of Delhi. Marathas later restored Shah Alam II and drove out Ghulam Kadir. This event marked a significant decline of Mughal power in India.
3. Who is the 5th Jain Tirthankara born in Ayodhya to King Megha and Queen Mangalavati of the Ikshvaku dynasty?
[A] Rishabhanatha
[B] Ajitanatha
[C] Sumatinatha
[D] Shantinatha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sumatinatha]
Notes:
Sumatinatha is the 5th Tirthankara, born in Ayodhya to King Megha and Queen Mangalavati of the Ikshvaku dynasty; emblem is Heron.
4. Which Mughal prince, renowned for his interest in architecture and mysticism, made significant contributions to cultural sites in Uttar Pradesh?
[A] Aurangzeb
[B] Bahadur Shah I
[C] Shah Shuja
[D] Dara Shikoh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Dara Shikoh]
Notes:
Dara Shikoh, eldest son of Shah Jahan, was noted for promoting Sufi culture, translating Hindu scriptures into Persian, and patronizing spiritual and cultural sites in Uttar Pradesh.
5. The Rihand River, a tributary of the Son, is significant for hydropower generation in Uttar Pradesh. In which year and at which location was its major dam constructed?
[A] 1962, Pipri (Sonbhadra)
[B] 1975, Kanpur
[C] 1980, Allahabad
[D] 1956, Mirzapur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [1962, Pipri (Sonbhadra)]
Notes:
The Rihand Dam was built across Rihand River at Pipri, Sonbhadra in 1962 for hydropower generation.
6. Which river system does National Waterway-1 use in Uttar Pradesh?
[A] Ganga–Yamuna only
[B] Ghaghara–Saryu only
[C] Ganges–Bhagirathi–Hooghly
[D] Gomati–Rapti–Ganga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ganges–Bhagirathi–Hooghly]
Notes:
National Waterway-1 (NW-1) runs along the Ganges–Bhagirathi–Hooghly river system, stretching from Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) to Haldia (West Bengal), and is the longest waterway in India.
7. Which city was capital of North-Western Provinces from 1836 to 1858?
[A] Agra
[B] Lucknow
[C] Kanpur
[D] Meerut
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Agra]
Notes:
Agra was capital of North-Western Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) from 1836 until 1858, after which Allahabad became the capital following the events of the 1857 Revolt and administrative reorganization by the British.
8. Consider the following statements regarding Bahraich district:
- It is located on the banks of the Saryu River
- It has a literacy rate below 50%
- It is part of the Devipatan Division
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 2 and 3
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
All three statements are correct. Bahraich district is situated on the banks of the Saryu River, has a literacy rate of 49.4% (which is below 50%), and is administratively part of the Devipatan Division in Uttar Pradesh as per official records and the 2011 census data.
9. Who built the Chhota Imambara in Lucknow and for what purpose?
[A] Asaf-ud-Daula, for famine relief
[B] British Resident, as a public meeting hall
[C] Muhammad Ali Shah, as his own mausoleum
[D] Saadat Ali Khan, for Nawab Wajid Ali Shah
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Muhammad Ali Shah, as his own mausoleum]
Notes:
Chhota Imambara, also known as Hussainabad Imambara, was built in Lucknow by Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah between 1837 and 1842. He constructed it to serve as a mausoleum for himself and his family, and it stands today as one of Lucknow’s most important monuments, showcasing a distinctive Mughal revivalist architectural style. The Imambara reflects the Shia Muslim heritage of Awadh and has historical, cultural, and religious significance for the region.
10. Which Gahadavala king introduced Turushkadanda tax for Ghaznavid tribute?
[A] Govindachandra
[B] Chandradeva
[C] Madanapala
[D] Jayachandra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chandradeva]
Notes:
Chandradeva, founder of the Gahadavala dynasty, instituted the Turushkadanda tax to pay annual tribute to Ghaznavid Sultans. This tax was specifically levied to maintain peace with the Ghaznavids during his rule in North India, particularly in present-day Uttar Pradesh.
