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 event destroyed the ancient Shiva temple complex in Katha, Baghpat?
[A] Invasion by Mahmud of Ghazni
[B] Battle of Panipat
[C] Attack by Timur
[D] Revolt of 1857
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Attack by Timur]
Notes:
Timur’s invasion of India in 1398 resulted in the destruction of many sites, including the historical Shiva temple complex in Katha, Baghpat. His northern campaign left a deep impact, and records indicate large-scale plundering and devastation across Uttar Pradesh during this period.
2. Which statement is true about Kushinagar’s Parinirvana Stupa?
[A] The Parinirvana Stupa was excavated by Carlleyle in 1876, revealing a copper plate with the Nidana Sutra text.
[B] The Ramagrama stupa in Nepal is the only intact stupa containing relics of the Buddha.
[C] The reclining Buddha statue in the Parinirvana Temple is carved from a single block of red sandstone.
[D] A 3-meter tall seated Buddha statue carved from blue stone represents the Buddha in bhumi sparsh mudra.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [The Parinirvana Stupa was excavated by Carlleyle in 1876, revealing a copper plate with the Nidana Sutra text.]
Notes:
In 1876, archaeologist Carlleyle excavated the Parinirvana Stupa at Kushinagar and discovered a copper plate bearing the Nidana Sutra text, one of the important early epigraphic evidences from the site.
3. Which Lucknow monument was built by Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar Shah after Najaf’s tomb?
[A] Bara Imambara
[B] Rumi Darwaza
[C] Shah Najaf Imambara
[D] Chattar Manzil
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Shah Najaf Imambara]
Notes:
Shah Najaf Imambara in Lucknow was built by Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar Shah. It is modeled after the tomb of Caliph Ali in Najaf, Iraq, and serves as his own mausoleum. The structure’s brilliant dome was inspired by the original Najaf monument.
4. The Prayag Prashasti inscription, found on the Allahabad Pillar, is associated with which ancient Indian ruler?
[A] Samudragupta
[B] Chandragupta II
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Harsha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Samudragupta]
Notes:
The Prayag Prashasti was composed by Harisena to celebrate the achievements of Samudragupta, a Gupta emperor.
5. Which ancient kingdom, recognized as the first state-level society in northern Iron Age India, encompassed parts of present-day Haryana, Delhi, and western Uttar Pradesh?
[A] Magadha Kingdom
[B] Vatsa Kingdom
[C] Salva Kingdom
[D] Kuru Kingdom
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Kuru Kingdom]
Notes:
Kuru Kingdom (c. 1200–900 BCE) was the earliest state-level society in northern Iron Age India, covering Haryana, Delhi, and western Uttar Pradesh, linked to Painted Grey Ware culture and early Vedic Brahmanism.
6. The Farrukhabad Gharana, a prominent North Indian tabla tradition, is named after which city?
[A] Lucknow
[B] Varanasi
[C] Farrukhabad
[D] Kanpur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Farrukhabad]
Notes:
Farrukhabad Gharana originated in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, founded by Mir Akaasa and named by Ustad Haji Vilayat Ali Khan.
7. Why is Bhabar soil, found near Himalayan rivers, generally unsuitable for agriculture?
[A] It contains high levels of clay, making plowing difficult.
[B] It frequently gets waterlogged due to poor drainage.
[C] It is extremely porous, causing water to drain quickly beyond plant root reach.
[D] It is highly acidic, affecting crop growth adversely.
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [It is extremely porous, causing water to drain quickly beyond plant root reach.]
Notes:
Bhabar soil is coarse and porous, leading to rapid water percolation and lack of moisture retention for crops.
8. Who was the first Speaker of the UP Legislative Assembly after independence?
[A] Sucheta Kriplani
[B] Anna Ram Govind Kher
[C] Chandra Bhanu Gupta
[D] Syama Prasad Mukherjee
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Anna Ram Govind Kher]
Notes:
Anna Ram Govind Kher became the first Speaker of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1952, following India’s independence and the first general elections in the state.
9. Consider the following pairs regarding early newspapers and magazines and their places of publication:
- Buddhi Prakash – Agra
- Brahman – Kanpur
- Kavivachan Sudha – Kashi
- Hans – Varanasi
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
[A] Only 1 and 3
[B] 1, 2, and 4
[C] All of the above
[D] Only 2 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All of the above]
Notes:
All pairs are correctly matched: Buddhi Prakash was published from Agra, Brahman from Kanpur, Kavivachan Sudha from Kashi, and Hans from Varanasi. These publications played pivotal roles in the socio-cultural renaissance and the development of Indian literature and journalism during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
10. Which site in Uttar Pradesh houses the oldest site museum under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)?
[A] Sarnath Museum
[B] Lucknow State Museum
[C] Prayagraj Museum
[D] Jaunpur Fort Museum
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sarnath Museum]
Notes:
Sarnath Museum, established in 1910, is the oldest site museum managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Uttar Pradesh. It is most famous for housing the Lion Capital of Ashoka, which is now the national emblem of India. The museum contains a rich collection of Buddhist artifacts, sculptures, and relics excavated from the nearby Sarnath archaeological site, making it an important destination for historians and visitors interested in ancient Indian history and art.
