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. 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.
2. Who was the king of Nishadha in the Nala-Damayanti episode?
[A] Pushkara
[B] Nala
[C] Rituparna
[D] Bhima
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nala]
Notes:
Nala ruled Nishadha in the Mahabharata’s Nala-Damayanti episode. He lost his kingdom to Pushkara and later regained it with Damayanti’s support. Nala is famous for his culinary and charioteering skills and is considered an ideal king and husband in Indian epics.
3. Who led the Varendra rebellion against Pala king Mahipala II?
[A] Mahipala II
[B] Rudok
[C] Bhima
[D] Divya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Divya]
Notes:
Divya, a Kaivarta leader, led the Varendra rebellion against Mahipala II and established independent rule in Bengal, significantly weakening the Pala dynasty’s power in the region during the late 11th century.
4. 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.
5. Who is famously known as Uttar Pradesh’s high-tech farmer for pioneering tissue culture farming and banana cultivation in the state?
[A] Subhash Palekar
[B] Ramesh Chand
[C] Ram Saran Verma
[D] Bhupendra Singh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ram Saran Verma]
Notes:
Ram Saran Verma introduced tissue culture farming and banana cultivation in UP, expanded farming significantly, and received Padma Shri in 2019.
6. Who became the fourth Nawab of Awadh in 1797 with the support of the British?
[A] Saadat Ali Khan II
[B] Wazir Ali Khan
[C] Asaf-ud-Daulah
[D] Shuja-ud-Daula
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Wazir Ali Khan]
Notes:
Wazir Ali Khan, adopted son of Asaf-ud-Daulah, ascended in 1797 with British support but was deposed within months for alleged disloyalty.
7. Who introduced the silver “Tanka” and copper “Jital” coins in Delhi Sultanate?
[A] Balban
[B] Qutb ud-Din Aibak
[C] Alauddin Khilji
[D] Iltutmish
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Iltutmish]
Notes:
Iltutmish standardized Delhi Sultanate coinage by introducing the silver Tanka and copper Jital around 1220 CE.
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. By the end of 2025, what is the projected total power generation capacity (in MW) of Uttar Pradesh?
[A] 27,184
[B] 24,868
[C] 30,000
[D] 32,210
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [27,184]
Notes:
With projects like the Panki extension and Ghatampur power units completed, Uttar Pradesh’s total generation capacity is projected to reach 27,184 MW by the end of 2025.
10. How are members of a Nagar Panchayat chosen?
[A] Nominated by the District Collector
[B] Directly elected by local voters
[C] Appointed by the Governor
[D] Nominated by the Chief Minister
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Directly elected by local voters]
Notes:
Members of a Nagar Panchayat, including the Chairperson and ward members, are directly elected by residents of the area, ensuring democratic local governance as per the Indian Constitution’s 74th Amendment Act.