Uttarakhand General Knowledge (GK) Questions for Competitive Exams. Important questions from previous year exam question papers for practice.
Uttarakhand General Knowledge Questions
Question 1: In Uttarakhand, what is a ‘Doon’ called?
a) Structural valleys
b) River valleys
c) Alpine meadows
d) Narrow valleys
Explanation: Doons are called narrow and longitudinal valleys. These valleys are found in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas. Examples include Kothari Doon, Dehradun, and Patli Doon.
Question 2: On which river is the Tehri Dam located?
a) Ganga
b) Bhagirathi
c) Yamuna
d) Alaknanda
Explanation: The Tehri Dam is India’s highest and largest dam. It is built on the Bhagirathi River at a height of 260.5 meters. The Tehri Dam is the eighth largest dam in the world and is used for irrigation and power generation.
Question 3: Rishikesh is situated on the banks of which river?
a) Ganga
b) Yamuna
c) Nalanda
d) Saryu
Explanation: It is situated on the right bank of the Ganga River and is a pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Question 4: Which city in Uttarakhand is famous as the ‘City of Lakes’?
a) Nainital
b) Dehradun
c) Badrinath
d) Haridwar
Explanation: The center of Nainital’s beauty is the beautiful Naini Lake located here. In the sunlight, the seven… The Mall Road built on one side of the lake is now known as Pt. Govind Ballabh Marg… A large plain area on the northern part of the lake is known as Flats.
Question 5: Which city is known as the ‘Queen of the Mountains’?
a) Mussoorie
b) Nainital
c) Almora
d) Yamunotri
Explanation: Mussoorie or Mansuri is a hill station in the state of Uttarakhand, India, also known as the ‘Queen of the Mountains’.
Question 6: Where is Gangotri Dham located?
a) Yamunotri
b) Haridwar
c) Uttarkashi
d) Dehradun
Explanation: Gangotri is a town and major Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Uttarkashi district of the state of Uttarakhand, India.
Question 7: What is the state tree of Uttarakhand?
a) ‘Buransh’ (Rhododendron arboreum)
b) Peepal (Ficus religiosa)
c) Tulsi (Holy Basil)
d) Sal (Shorea robusta)
Explanation: The state tree of Uttarakhand is ‘Buransh’ (Rhododendron arboreum). The flowers of the Buransh tree are found in various regions of the state and are considered environmentally important. Its flowers also have medicinal benefits and are used in various traditional treatments. This tree is found in high-altitude areas and has been declared the state tree due to its beauty.
Question 8: What is the state flower of Uttarakhand?
a) Buransh (Rhododendron arboreum)
b) Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
c) Brahmakamal (Saussurea obvallata)
d) Rose (Rosa)
Explanation: Brahmakamal is a perennial plant. It grows in high rocks and inaccessible areas. It is found abundantly in Kashmir, central Nepal, the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand, the Kedarnath-Shivling region, etc.
Question 9: The pedestrian journey for which religious pilgrimage begins from Gaurikund?
a) Badrinath
b) Kedarnath
c) Gangotri
d) Amarnath
Explanation: The Kedarnath Yatra (pilgrimage) begins on foot from Gaurikund.
Question 10: ‘Rajaji National Park’ is famous for which animal?
a) Elephant
b) Deer
c) Peacock
d) Snake
Explanation: Rajaji National Park is located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It is known for its elephant population.
Question 11: What is the capital of Uttarakhand?
a) Nainital
b) Haridwar
c) Dehradun
d) Almora
Explanation: Dehradun is the permanent capital of Uttarakhand. It was declared the capital at the time of the formation of the state of Uttarakhand on November 9, 2000. It is the largest city and administrative center of the state, where the main offices of the state government and the Legislative Assembly are located. In addition, Gairsain has been declared the summer capital, where the sessions of the Legislative Assembly are held during the summer.
Question 12: Where is the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly located?
a) Haridwar
b) Nainital
c) Gairsain
d) Dehradun
Explanation: The Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly is located in Dehradun.
Question 13: Where is the summer session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly held?
a) Pithoragarh
b) Almora
c) Gairsain
d) Rishikesh
Explanation: The summer sessions of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly are held in Gairsain.
Question 14: What is the total number of members in the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly?
a) 60
b) 70
c) 80
d) 90
Explanation: The total number of members in the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly is 70.
Question 15: When was the first session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly held?
a) 2000
b) 2002
c) 2004
d) 2006
Explanation: The first session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly was held in 2002.
Question 16: When was Gairsain declared the summer capital?
a) 2018
b) 2019
c) 2020
d) 2021
Explanation: Gairsain was declared the summer capital of Uttarakhand in 2020.
Question 18: In which year was Jim Corbett National Park established?
a) 1936
b) 1956
c) 1973
d) 1980
Explanation: Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936. It is considered India’s first national park, and it is named after the famous hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett.
Question 19: In which year was the name of Uttarakhand changed from Uttaranchal to Uttarakhand?
a) January 2005
b) January 2007
c) July 2003
d) January 2008
Explanation: In January 2007, the new state changed its name to Uttarakhand.
Question 20: Lakhudiyar is located in which city of Uttarakhand?
a) Nainital
b) Almora
c) Pithoragarh
d) Champawat
Explanation: Lakhudiyar is located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. It is an ancient cave where rock paintings from the prehistoric period can be seen. “Lakhudiyar” means “one lakh caves,” and this place is famous for the artifacts and paintings of the early period of human civilization. The rock paintings here suggest that this place was inhabited in the early stages of human civilization’s development.
Question 21: ‘Katar Mal Surya Mandir’ (Katar Mal Sun Temple) is located in which place in Uttarakhand?
a) Ranikhet
b) Almora
c) Haridwar
d) Rishikesh
Explanation: Katar Mal Surya Mandir is located in Adheli Sunar village of Almora district in Uttarakhand. This temple is situated at an altitude of about 2,116 meters above sea level. It is one of the largest high-altitude temples in Kumaon.
Question 22: What was the ancient name of Jim Corbett National Park?
a) Hailey National Park
b) Rajaji National Park
c) Kaziranga National Park
d) Pench National Park
Explanation: The ancient name of Jim Corbett National Park was Hailey National Park, which was later changed in 1957 in honor of Jim Corbett.
Question 23: Jim Corbett National Park is famous for the conservation of which animal?
a) Asiatic Lion
b) Bengal Tiger
c) Indian Elephant
d) Himalayan Black Bear
Explanation: Jim Corbett National Park is primarily famous for the conservation of the Bengal Tiger. This park was also the first reserve under ‘Project Tiger’, which was launched in 1973.
Question 24: In which district of Uttarakhand is Corbett National Park located?
a) Dehradun
b) Nainital
c) Haridwar
d) Uttarkashi
Explanation: Corbett National Park is located in the Nainital district of the state of Uttarakhand. It is the oldest national park in India and was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park. It is named after the famous naturalist Jim Corbett. This park is famous for the conservation of the tiger species and has a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Question 25: In which year did the Chipko Movement start?
a) 1968
b) 1972
c) 1973
d) 1980
Explanation: The Chipko Movement started in 1973 when local people united to protest against the felling of forests.
Question 26: What was the main objective of the Chipko Movement?
a) Promotion of women’s education
b) Environmental protection
c) Agricultural reform
d) Environmental protection
Explanation: The Chipko Movement was an environmental protection movement. It was carried out by farmers in the state of Uttarakhand (then part of Uttar Pradesh) in India to protest against the felling of Angu trees. They were protesting against the felling of forests by contractors of the state forest department and asserting their traditional rights over them.
Question 27: Which city is situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers?
a) Haridwar
b) Rishikesh
c) Rudraprayag
d) Devprayag
Explanation: Rudraprayag is a major city located in Uttarakhand where the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers meet. This place is religiously significant and is a major site for pilgrims.
Question 28: Which is the highest mountain in Uttarakhand?
a) Kedarnath
b) Nanda Devi
c) Trishul
d) Uttar Karn
Explanation: Nanda Devi is the highest mountain in Uttarakhand with an approximate height of 7,816 meters (25,643 feet). This mountain is located in the Himalayan range and is situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
Question 29: Vigyan Dham (Science Center) is located in which city of Uttarakhand?
a) Haridwar
b) Nainital
c) Dehradun
d) Roorkee
Explanation: Vigyan Dham is located in the city of Dehradun in Uttarakhand. It is a major science and technology research center that works to promote science and technical education.
Question 30: Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) is located in which city of Uttarakhand?
a) Haridwar
b) Dehradun
c) Nainital
d) Roorkee
Explanation: The Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) is located in the city of Nainital, Uttarakhand. This institute is known for its major contributions to research in astronomy and astrophysics.
Question 31: Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya (Dev Sanskriti University) is located in which city?
a) Haridwar
b) Dehradun
c) Rishikesh
d) Nainital
Explanation: Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya is located in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. It was established in 2002.
Question 32: Who established Shantikunj in Haridwar?
a) Swami Vivekananda
b) Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya
c) Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati
d) Swami Sachchidananda
Explanation: Shantikunj in Haridwar was established by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya. Shantikunj is a spiritual and social organization whose aim is to re-establish ethics, religion, and humanity in society.
Question 33: Who is known as the ‘Gandhi of Uttarakhand’?
a) Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya
b) Indramani Badoni
c) Maharshi Devprayag
d) Swami Vivekananda
Explanation: Indramani Badoni is known as the ‘Gandhi of Uttarakhand’.
Question 34: Where is Gauchar Airport located?
a) Chamoli
b) Himachal Pradesh
c) Uttar Pradesh
d) Nainital
Explanation: Gauchar Airport is located in the state of Uttarakhand. This airport is situated in Gauchar in the Chamoli district and is especially important for the Char Dham Yatra (pilgrimage).
Question 35: When are the gates of Badrinath Dham opened?
a) May
b) April
c) August
d) January
Explanation: Badrinath Dham is usually open from May to November. This shrine remains in seclusion for six months every year. The most suitable time to visit here is after the snowfall, which is between May to June and September to October.
Question 36: Who is considered the first freedom fighter of Uttarakhand?
a) Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna
b) Kalu Mehra
c) Shridev Suman
d) Govind Ballabh Pant
Explanation: Kalu Mehra is considered the first freedom fighter of Uttarakhand. Kalu Mehra formed a secret organization ‘Krantiveer’ in Champawat in the year 1857 and fought against the British.
Question 37: Who is the first poet of Kumaon literature?
a) Shivdutt Sati
b) Mohan Upreti
c) Gumani Pant
d) Lakshmi Datt Joshi
Explanation: Gumani Pant is considered the first poet of Kumaon literature. He composed many important works in the Kumaoni language, including his poems, couplets, and satires.
Question 38: Where is the Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy located?
a) Mussoorie
b) Dehradun
c) Nainital
d) Shimla
Explanation: The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) is located in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. This academy is the premier institution for the training of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers in India.
Question 39: Uttarakhand is which state of the country?
a) 27th
b) 15th
c) 18th
d) 23rd
Explanation: On November 9, 2000, the state of Uttaranchal became the 27th state of India. It was carved out of Uttar Pradesh, and in January 2007, the new state changed its name to Uttarakhand.
Question 40: By what name is Uttarakhand described in Buddhist texts?
a) Kedarkhand
b) Himavant
c) Shivalik
d) Manaskhand
Explanation: In Buddhist texts, Uttarakhand is referred to as ‘Himavant’, which denotes the region close to the Himalayas.
Question 41: Where is the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) located?
a) New Delhi
b) Roorkee
c) Dehradun
d) Lucknow
Explanation: The Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) is located in Roorkee, Uttarakhand. This institute conducts research in the fields of building construction, earthquake-resistant technology, disaster management, and building materials. It was established in 1947.
Question 42: Where is the Herbal Research and Development Institute located?
a) Dehradun
b) Gopeshwar
c) Nainital
d) Haridwar
Explanation: The Herbal Research and Development Institute is located in Gopeshwar, Uttarakhand. This institute works for the conservation, research, and development of medicinal plants and herbs.
Question 43: What types of programs are run by the Herbal Research and Development Institute?
a) Training in the cultivation of medicinal plants
b) Medical education
c) Food security programs
d) Environmental protection
Explanation: The institute provides training and technical assistance in the cultivation of medicinal plants to help farmers and researchers in this field.
Question 44: How many total districts are there in the state of Uttarakhand?
a) 12
b) 14
c) 22
d) 13
Explanation: There are a total of 13 districts in the state of Uttarakhand.
Question 45: Which country/state borders the south of the state of Uttarakhand?
a) Nepal
b) Uttar Pradesh
c) Himachal Pradesh
d) Bengal
Explanation: The state of Uttar Pradesh borders the south of the state of Uttarakhand.
Question 46: Which city of Uttarakhand is called the ‘Gateway of Kumaon’?
a) Nainital
b) Haldwani
c) Kashipur
d) Rudrapur
Explanation: Haldwani, located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, is one of the most populous cities in the state. It is also called the “Gateway of Kumaon.“
Question 47: Which city of Uttarakhand is famous by the name ‘Lychee City’?
a) Nainital
b) Dehradun
c) Haridwar
d) Rudrapur
Explanation: Due to the large number of lychees in Dehradun, it was also called ‘Lychee City’. However, now only one or two lychee orchards are visible in Dehradun, which was once famous as ‘Lychee City’.
Question 48: Which is the largest district in Uttarakhand in terms of area?
a) Dehradun
b) Nainital
c) Pithoragarh
d) Chamoli
Explanation: The total area of Uttarakhand state is approximately 53,483 square km. This is about 1.69 percent of the area of India. Chamoli district is the largest district in the state in terms of area.
Question 49: The ‘Ichari Dam Project’ is located on which river?
a) Ganga
b) Yamunotri
c) Tons
d) Bhagirathi
Explanation: The Ichari Dam is a concrete gravity dam on the Tons River about 13 km north of Dakpathar in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, India. The dam’s primary purpose is hydroelectric power generation and it is a run-of-the-river type hydroelectric plant. It was completed in 1972.
Question 50: Where is the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) located in Uttarakhand?
a) Dehradun
b) Haldwani
c) Rishikesh
d) Nainital
Explanation: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Uttarakhand is located in Rishikesh. AIIMS Rishikesh was inaugurated in 2012.
Question 51: Which British traveler discovered Nainital?
a) John Hay
b) Major Burton
c) Peter Barron
d) James Sutton
Explanation: This city was discovered in the year 1841 by an English merchant named Peter Barron, but there is a tank in Nainital that proves that it was discovered even before 1841.
Question 52: In which year was the town of Ranikhet established?
a) 1884
b) 1869
c) 1875
d) 1859
Explanation: The Ranikhet Cantonment Board was established in 1869 and its officer was known as the Cantonment Magistrate and his office as the Cantonment Court.
Question 53: Who is known as the founder of Garhwali painting?
a) Devaki Nandan Kartikay
b) Shankar Dhwaj
c) Ramsingh Bhandari
d) Mola Ram
Explanation: The credit for being the founder of the Garhwali style of painting goes to the famous painter Mola Ram (1743-1833).