Enhance your understanding of India with our comprehensive general knowledge quiz. Dive into various topics including history, geography, culture, politics, science, etc. Test your knowledge with questions like “Who was the first President of India?” or “What is the highest peak in India?” Each question is carefully crafted to provide not only the correct answers but also brief explanations to deepen your understanding. Whether you’re a student preparing for exams or simply a curious mind, this quiz is an excellent way to boost your general knowledge about India. Let’s get started and explore the richness of Indian heritage!
100 General Knowledge Questions
* General Knowledge
History
- Who was the first President of India?
- A. Rajendra Prasad
- B. Jawaharlal Nehru
- C. S. Radhakrishnan
- D. Indira Gandhi
- Explanation: Dr. Rajendra Prasad served as the first President of India from 1950 to 1962.
- Which movement was led by Mahatma Gandhi to protest British salt tax?
- A. Quit India Movement
- B. Non-Cooperation Movement
- C. Dandi March
- D. Swadeshi Movement
- Explanation: The Dandi March in 1930 was a significant part of the Salt Satyagraha against the British salt tax.
Geography
- Which is the longest river in India?
- A. Yamuna
- B. Godavari
- C. Narmada
- D. Ganges
- Explanation: The Ganges is the longest river in India, flowing across northern India into Bangladesh.
- What is the highest peak in India?
- A. Kanchenjunga
- B. Nanda Devi
- C. Mount Everest
- D. K2
- Explanation: Kanchenjunga is the highest peak in India, located in the Himalayas on the border with Nepal.
Culture
- Which festival is known as the Festival of Lights?
- A. Holi
- B. Diwali
- C. Dussehra
- D. Pongal
- Explanation: Diwali is the Festival of Lights, celebrated with lamps and fireworks.
- Who wrote the national anthem of India?
- A. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
- B. Rabindranath Tagore
- C. Sarojini Naidu
- D. Subramania Bharati
- Explanation: Rabindranath Tagore wrote the Indian national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana.”
Politics
- Which article of the Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability?
- A. Article 15
- B. Article 17
- C. Article 21
- D. Article 25
- Explanation: Article 17 of the Indian Constitution abolishes untouchability.
- Who is known as the architect of the Indian Constitution?
- A. Jawaharlal Nehru
- B. Mahatma Gandhi
- C. B.R. Ambedkar
- D. Sardar Patel
- Explanation: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is known as the architect of the Indian Constitution.
Science and Technology
- What is the name of India’s first satellite?
- A. Bhaskara
- B. Aryabhata
- C. Rohini
- D. INSAT
- Explanation: Aryabhata, launched in 1975, was India’s first satellite.
- Which Indian scientist won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930?
- A. C.V. Raman
- B. Homi Bhabha
- C. Vikram Sarabhai
- D. Jagadish Chandra Bose
- Explanation: C.V. Raman won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for his work on the scattering of light.
Economy
- Which sector is the largest contributor to India’s GDP?
- A. Agriculture
- B. Industry
- C. Services
- D. Mining
- Explanation: The services sector is the largest contributor to India’s GDP.
- What is the currency of India?
- A. Dollar
- B. Pound
- C. Rupee
- D. Yen
- Explanation: The currency of India is the Rupee.
Literature
- Who is the author of the book “India Wins Freedom”?
- A. Jawaharlal Nehru
- B. Mahatma Gandhi
- C. Abdul Kalam Azad
- D. Sardar Patel
- Explanation: “India Wins Freedom” is an autobiographical narrative by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
- Which ancient text is known as the Indian epic?
- A. Iliad
- B. Odyssey
- C. Mahabharata
- D. Aeneid
- Explanation: The Mahabharata is one of the major ancient Indian epics.
Sports
- Which sport is Sachin Tendulkar associated with?
- A. Football
- B. Hockey
- C. Cricket
- D. Tennis
- Explanation: Sachin Tendulkar is a former Indian cricketer widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket.
- Who won India’s first individual Olympic gold medal?
- A. Abhinav Bindra
- B. Leander Paes
- C. Sushil Kumar
- D. P.T. Usha
- Explanation: Abhinav Bindra won India’s first individual Olympic gold medal in shooting in 2008.
Education
- Which is the oldest university in India?
- A. University of Mumbai
- B. University of Calcutta
- C. Banaras Hindu University
- D. Nalanda University
- Explanation: Nalanda University, established in the 5th century CE, is the oldest university in India.
- Who is considered the father of the Indian space program?
- A. Homi Bhabha
- B. Vikram Sarabhai
- C. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
- D. Satish Dhawan
- Explanation: Dr. Vikram Sarabhai is considered the father of the Indian space program.
Freedom Struggle
- When did India gain independence from British rule?
- A. 1945
- B. 1947
- C. 1950
- D. 1952
- Explanation: India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.
- Who coined the slogan “Jai Hind”?
- A. Mahatma Gandhi
- B. Subhas Chandra Bose
- C. Jawaharlal Nehru
- D. Bhagat Singh
- Explanation: Subhas Chandra Bose coined the slogan “Jai Hind.”
Miscellaneous
- Which Indian state is known as the “Spice Garden of India”?
- A. Kerala
- B. Gujarat
- C. Tamil Nadu
- D. Karnataka
- Explanation: Kerala is known as the “Spice Garden of India” due to its variety of spices.
- What is the national animal of India?
- A. Lion
- B. Tiger
- C. Elephant
- D. Peacock
- Explanation: The Bengal Tiger is the national animal of India.
Major Landmarks
- Where is the Taj Mahal located?
- A. Delhi
- B. Mumbai
- C. Agra
- D. Jaipur
- Explanation: The Taj Mahal is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
- Which is the largest desert in India?
- A. Sahara Desert
- B. Thar Desert
- C. Gobi Desert
- D. Kalahari Desert
- Explanation: The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is the largest desert in India.
Festivals
- Which festival is celebrated by the Sikh community to mark the birth of Guru Nanak?
- A. Baisakhi
- B. Diwali
- C. Holi
- D. Guru Nanak Jayanti
- Explanation: Guru Nanak Jayanti is celebrated to mark the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
- What is the main festival celebrated in the state of Tamil Nadu?
- A. Pongal
- B. Onam
- C. Bihu
- D. Makar Sankranti
- Explanation: Pongal is the main harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu.
Food and Cuisine
- Which is a traditional South Indian breakfast dish?
- A. Samosa
- B. Idli
- C. Chole Bhature
- D. Biryani
- Explanation: Idli is a traditional South Indian breakfast dish made from fermented rice and lentil batter.
- Which Indian state is famous for its sweet dish “Rasgulla”?
- A. Maharashtra
- B. Gujarat
- C. West Bengal
- D. Punjab
- Explanation: West Bengal is famous for its sweet dish “Rasgulla.”
Arts and Crafts
- Which form of Indian classical dance originated in Kerala?
- A. Bharatanatyam
- B. Kathak
- C. Kathakali
- D. Odissi
- Explanation: Kathakali is a classical dance form that originated in Kerala.
- What is the main craft associated with the state of Rajasthan?
- A. Pottery
- B. Carpet weaving
- C. Block printing
- D. Embroidery
- Explanation: Block printing is a traditional craft associated with Rajasthan.
Wildlife
- Which sanctuary in India is famous for one-horned rhinoceros?
- A. Ranthambore
- B. Kaziranga
- C. Sundarbans
- D. Gir
- Explanation: Kaziranga National Park in Assam is famous for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses.
- Which bird is the national bird of India?
- A. Peacock
- B. Eagle
- C. Sparrow
- D. Parrot
- Explanation: The Peacock is the national bird of India.
Languages
- Which language is primarily spoken in the state of Maharashtra?
- A. Tamil
- B. Telugu
- C. Marathi
- D. Kannada
- Explanation: Marathi is the primary language spoken in Maharashtra.
- What is the official language of India?
- A. Hindi
- B. English
- C. Bengali
- D. Tamil
- Explanation: Hindi, with English as an associate official language, is the official language of India.
Rivers and Water Bodies
- Which river is known as the “Sorrow of Bihar”?
- A. Yamuna
- B. Godavari
- C. Kosi
- D. Krishna
- Explanation: The Kosi River is known as the “Sorrow of Bihar” due to its frequent flooding.
- Which is the largest lake in India?
- A. Chilika Lake
- B. Wular Lake
- C. Dal Lake
- D. Pulicat Lake
- Explanation: Chilika Lake in Odisha is the largest lake in India.
Environment and Ecology
- Which initiative was launched to improve urban cleanliness in India?
- A. Make in India
- B. Digital India
- C. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
- D. Skill India
- Explanation: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is an initiative launched to improve urban cleanliness in India.
- What is Chipko Movement associated with?
- A. Women’s rights
- B. Forest conservation
- C. Industrial development
- D. Child education
- Explanation: The Chipko Movement is associated with forest conservation, where villagers hugged trees to prevent them from being cut down.
Famous Personalities
- Who is known as the Nightingale of India?
- A. Lata Mangeshkar
- B. Indira Gandhi
- C. Sarojini Naidu
- D. M.S. Subbulakshmi
- Explanation: Sarojini Naidu is known as the Nightingale of India for her contributions to poetry and freedom struggle.
- Which Indian physicist is known for the Bose-Einstein statistics?
- A. Homi Bhabha
- B. Satyendra Nath Bose
- C. C.V. Raman
- D. Jagadish Chandra Bose
- Explanation: Satyendra Nath Bose is known for his work on Bose-Einstein statistics.
Social Issues
- Which scheme was launched for financial inclusion in India?
- A. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
- B. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
- C. Jan Dhan Yojana
- D. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
- Explanation: Jan Dhan Yojana was launched to promote financial inclusion in India.
- Which movement was started to fight against dowry system in India?
- A. Narmada Bachao Andolan
- B. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
- C. Anti-Dowry Movement
- D. Swadeshi Movement
- Explanation: The Anti-Dowry Movement was started to fight against the dowry system in India.
Historical Monuments
- Which monument is known as the “Black Taj Mahal”?
- A. Red Fort
- B. Jama Masjid
- C. Humayun’s Tomb
- D. Black Taj Mahal
- Explanation: The Black Taj Mahal is a legendary black marble mausoleum believed to be planned opposite the Taj Mahal.
- Where is the Gateway of India located?
- A. Delhi
- B. Kolkata
- C. Mumbai
- D. Chennai
- Explanation: The Gateway of India is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Government and Administration
- What is the term length for the President of India?
- A. 4 years
- B. 5 years
- C. 6 years
- D. 7 years
- Explanation: The President of India is elected for a term of 5 years.
- Which body is responsible for conducting elections in India?
- A. Supreme Court
- B. Election Commission
- C. Lok Sabha
- D. Rajya Sabha
- Explanation: The Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting elections in the country.
Indian Space Research
- Which was the first mission of ISRO to Mars?
- A. Chandrayaan-1
- B. Mars Orbiter Mission
- C. Mangalyaan
- D. Gaganyaan
- Explanation: The Mars Orbiter Mission, also called Mangalyaan, was ISRO’s first mission to Mars.
- What is the name of India’s indigenous GPS?
- A. IRNSS
- B. GAGAN
- C. NavIC
- D. GLONASS
- Explanation: NavIC is the name of India’s indigenous GPS system.
Indian Cinema
- Who is known as the first superstar of Indian cinema?
- A. Amitabh Bachchan
- B. Raj Kapoor
- C. Rajesh Khanna
- D. Dilip Kumar
- Explanation: Rajesh Khanna is considered the first superstar of Indian cinema.
- Which movie won the first Filmfare Award for Best Film?
- A. Mother India
- B. Do Bigha Zamin
- C. Mughal-e-Azam
- D. Jagriti
- Explanation: Do Bigha Zamin won the first Filmfare Award for Best Film in 1954.
Indian Railways
- Which is the longest railway platform in India?
- A. Gorakhpur
- B. Kharagpur
- C. Secunderabad
- D. Howrah
- Explanation: Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh has the longest railway platform in India.
- Which train is known as the “Palace on Wheels”?
- A. Rajdhani Express
- B. Shatabdi Express
- C. Palace on Wheels
- D. Duronto Express
- Explanation: The Palace on Wheels is a luxury tourist train in India.
Independence Movement
- Which event is associated with Jallianwala Bagh?
- A. Salt Satyagraha
- B. Chauri Chaura Incident
- C. Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
- D. Kakori Conspiracy
- Explanation: The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre occurred in 1919 when British troops opened fire on a peaceful gathering.
- Who was the last Governor-General of independent India?
- A. Lord Mountbatten
- B. C. Rajagopalachari
- C. Jawaharlal Nehru
- D. Sardar Patel
- Explanation: C. Rajagopalachari was the last Governor-General of independent India.
Indian Constitution
- Which part of the Indian Constitution deals with Fundamental Rights?
- A. Part II
- B. Part III
- C. Part IV
- D. Part V
- Explanation: Part III of the Indian Constitution deals with Fundamental Rights.
- How many schedules are there in the Indian Constitution?
- A. 10
- B. 11
- C. 12
- D. 13
- Explanation: There are 12 schedules in the Indian Constitution.
Environmental Issues
- Which project aims to interlink Indian rivers?
- A. Namami Gange
- B. Interlinking of Rivers
- C. Narmada Bachao
- D. Project Tiger
- Explanation: The Interlinking of Rivers project aims to connect various rivers in India to improve water management.
- Which tiger reserve is known for the highest tiger population in India?
- A. Sundarbans
- B. Bandhavgarh
- C. Ranthambore
- D. Jim Corbett
- Explanation: Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve is known for its significant tiger population.
Major Cities
- Which city is known as the Silicon Valley of India?
- A. Hyderabad
- B. Pune
- C. Bangalore
- D. Chennai
- Explanation: Bangalore is known as the Silicon Valley of India due to its role as the nation’s leading information technology exporter.
- Which city is famous for the Charminar?
- A. Delhi
- B. Jaipur
- C. Hyderabad
- D. Mumbai
- Explanation: The Charminar is a historic monument located in Hyderabad.
Traditional Attire
- What is the traditional attire of women in Kerala?
- A. Sari
- B. Mekhela Chador
- C. Kasavu Sari
- D. Salwar Kameez
- Explanation: The Kasavu Sari is the traditional attire of women in Kerala.
- Which traditional male garment is worn in Tamil Nadu?
- A. Dhoti
- B. Lungi
- C. Sherwani
- D. Kurta
- Explanation: The Lungi is a traditional garment worn by men in Tamil Nadu.
Indian Judiciary
- Who is the first female Chief Justice of India?
- A. Fathima Beevi
- B. Leila Seth
- C. Indu Malhotra
- D. R. Banumathi
- Explanation: Fathima Beevi was the first female judge of the Supreme Court of India, but India has yet to have a female Chief Justice.
- Which court is the highest judicial body in India?
- A. High Court
- B. District Court
- C. Supreme Court
- D. Family Court
- Explanation: The Supreme Court of India is the highest judicial body in the country.
Indian States and Union Territories
- Which is the largest state in India by area?
- A. Maharashtra
- B. Uttar Pradesh
- C. Rajasthan
- D. Madhya Pradesh
- Explanation: Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area.
- How many Union Territories are there in India?
- A. 5
- B. 7
- C. 8
- D. 9
- Explanation: There are 8 Union Territories in India as of 2024.
Indian Military
- Which is the highest gallantry award in India?
- A. Ashoka Chakra
- B. Param Vir Chakra
- C. Kirti Chakra
- D. Vir Chakra
- Explanation: The Param Vir Chakra is the highest military award for gallantry in India.
- What is the motto of the Indian Air Force?
- A. Service Before Self
- B. Touch the Sky with Glory
- C. Duty, Honor, Country
- D. Jai Hind
- Explanation: The motto of the Indian Air Force is “Touch the Sky with Glory.”
Historical Figures
- Who was known as the Iron Man of India?
- A. Jawaharlal Nehru
- B. Subhas Chandra Bose
- C. Sardar Patel
- D. Lal Bahadur Shastri
- Explanation: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was known as the Iron Man of India for his role in unifying the country.
- Who was the first Indian woman to win a Nobel Prize?
- A. Indira Gandhi
- B. Sarojini Naidu
- C. Mother Teresa
- D. Arundhati Roy
- Explanation: Mother Teresa was the first Indian woman to win a Nobel Prize, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
Indian Parliament
- Which house is known as the Upper House of the Indian Parliament?
- A. Lok Sabha
- B. Rajya Sabha
- C. Vidhan Sabha
- D. Vidhan Parishad
- Explanation: The Rajya Sabha is known as the Upper House of the Indian Parliament.
- Who presides over the Lok Sabha?
- A. President
- B. Vice President
- C. Speaker
- D. Prime Minister
- Explanation: The Speaker presides over the Lok Sabha.
Indian Dance Forms
- Which dance form is associated with Odisha?
- A. Bharatanatyam
- B. Kathak
- C. Odissi
- D. Manipuri
- Explanation: Odissi is a classical dance form from Odisha.
- Which dance is performed in the festival of Onam?
- A. Bharatnatyam
- B. Kathakali
- C. Kuchipudi
- D. Mohiniyattam
- Explanation: Kathakali is traditionally performed during the Onam festival in Kerala.
Indian Agriculture
- Which state is the largest producer of wheat in India?
- A. Punjab
- B. Haryana
- C. Uttar Pradesh
- D. Madhya Pradesh
- Explanation: Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer of wheat in India.
- What is the main cash crop of Tamil Nadu?
- A. Wheat
- B. Cotton
- C. Sugarcane
- D. Tea
- Explanation: Sugarcane is one of the main cash crops of Tamil Nadu.
Indian Independence Movement
- Who started the Home Rule Movement in India?
- A. Mahatma Gandhi
- B. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
- C. Jawaharlal Nehru
- D. Sardar Patel
- Explanation: Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant started the Home Rule Movement in India.
- What was the objective of the Quit India Movement?
- A. Demand for Purna Swaraj
- B. Protest against salt tax
- C. Boycott British goods
- D. Immediate end to British rule
- Explanation: The Quit India Movement aimed for the immediate end of British rule in India.
Indian Festivals
- Which festival marks the beginning of the Sikh New Year?
- A. Baisakhi
- B. Lohri
- C. Diwali
- D. Holi
- Explanation: Baisakhi marks the beginning of the Sikh New Year and the harvest season.
- Which festival is known as the Harvest Festival of Kerala?
- A. Pongal
- B. Bihu
- C. Onam
- D. Makar Sankranti
- Explanation: Onam is the harvest festival celebrated in Kerala.
Indian Literature
- Who wrote “Gitanjali,” a collection of poems?
- A. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
- B. Rabindranath Tagore
- C. Sarojini Naidu
- D. Subramania Bharati
- Explanation: Rabindranath Tagore wrote “Gitanjali,” for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.
- Who is the author of the book “The Discovery of India”?
- A. Mahatma Gandhi
- B. Jawaharlal Nehru
- C. Sardar Patel
- D. Subhas Chandra Bose
- Explanation: Jawaharlal Nehru is the author of “The Discovery of India.”
Indian Rivers
- Which river is known as the “Dakshina Ganga”?
- A. Krishna
- B. Kaveri
- C. Godavari
- D. Narmada
- Explanation: The Godavari River is referred to as the “Dakshina Ganga” or “Ganges of the South.”
- Which river flows through the city of Varanasi?
- A. Yamuna
- B. Ganges
- C. Brahmaputra
- D. Narmada
- Explanation: The Ganges River flows through the city of Varanasi.
Indian Transportation
- Which is the busiest airport in India?
- A. Indira Gandhi International Airport
- B. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
- C. Kempegowda International Airport
- D. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
- Explanation: Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi is the busiest airport in India.
- Which is the largest port in India?
- A. Mumbai Port
- B. Chennai Port
- C. Kandla Port
- D. Visakhapatnam Port
- Explanation: Mumbai Port is the largest port in India in terms of cargo traffic.
Indian Science
- Who is known as the Missile Man of India?
- A. Homi Bhabha
- B. Vikram Sarabhai
- C. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
- D. Satish Dhawan
- Explanation: A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is known as the Missile Man of
- Which Indian physicist discovered the Raman Effect?
- A. Homi Bhabha
- B. Satyendra Nath Bose
- C. C.V. Raman
- D. Jagadish Chandra Bose
- Explanation: C.V. Raman discovered the Raman Effect, for which he won the Nobel Prize in Physics.
Indian Religion
- Which is the holiest city in Hinduism?
- A. Varanasi
- B. Ayodhya
- C. Mathura
- D. Haridwar
- Explanation: Varanasi is considered the holiest city in Hinduism.
- Which religion was founded by Guru Nanak?
- A. Hinduism
- B. Buddhism
- C. Jainism
- D. Sikhism
- Explanation: Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak in the 15th century.
Indian Inventions
- Which ancient Indian scholar wrote the “Arthashastra”?
- A. Patanjali
- B. Aryabhata
- C. Chanakya
- D. Varahamihira
- Explanation: Chanakya, also known as Kautilya, wrote the “Arthashastra,” an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft and economics.
- Who invented the zero in mathematics?
- A. Bhaskara
- B. Aryabhata
- C. Brahmagupta
- D. Ramanujan
- Explanation: Brahmagupta is credited with the formalization of zero as a number in mathematics.
Indian Mythology
- Who is the main deity worshipped during the festival of Durga Puja?
- A. Saraswati
- B. Lakshmi
- C. Kali
- D. Durga
- Explanation: Durga Puja is a festival dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga.
- Which epic features the battle of Kurukshetra?
- A. Ramayana
- B. Mahabharata
- C. Bhagavad Gita
- D. Upanishads
- Explanation: The Mahabharata features the battle of Kurukshetra.
Indian Women Achievers
- Who was the first woman to become the President of India?
- A. Pratibha Patil
- B. Indira Gandhi
- C. Sarojini Naidu
- D. Meira Kumar
- Explanation: Pratibha Patil was the first woman to become the President of India.
- Who was the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest?
- A. Bachendri Pal
- B. Santosh Yadav
- C. Arunima Sinha
- D. Premlata Agarwal
- Explanation: Bachendri Pal was the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest.
Indian Sports Personalities
- Who is known as the Flying Sikh of India?
- A. Milkha Singh
- B. P.T. Usha
- C. Dhyan Chand
- D. Mary Kom
- Explanation: Milkha Singh is known as the Flying Sikh of India.
- Who won the first Olympic medal for independent India?
- A. Abhinav Bindra
- B. K.D. Jadhav
- C. P.T. Usha
- D. Leander Paes
- Explanation: K.D. Jadhav won the first individual Olympic medal for independent India in wrestling.
Indian Architecture
- Which temple is known as the “Black Pagoda”?
- A. Brihadeeswarar Temple
- B. Meenakshi Temple
- C. Konark Sun Temple
- D. Jagannath Temple
- Explanation: The Konark Sun Temple in Odisha is known as the “Black Pagoda.”
- Which monument is also known as the “Golden Temple”?
- A. Akshardham Temple
- B. Harmandir Sahib
- C. Lotus Temple
- D. Brihadeeswarar Temple
- Explanation: The Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, Punjab is also known as the “Golden Temple.”