Himachal Pradesh GK Questions

Explore the most important Himachal Pradesh GK Questions for upcoming competitive exams like HPPSC, HPSSC, Patwari, and Police – boost your preparation with accurate and exam-focused content. If you are getting ready for competitive exams that include Himachal Pradesh-related topics, this page will serve as a valuable resource for your preparation. It includes a carefully curated list of the most important and frequently asked questions about Himachal Pradesh’s history, geography, culture, politics, and significant events. Each point is designed to help you strengthen your knowledge and boost your confidence for exams. Go through this content to revise key facts and enhance your chances of success.

What is the significance of the Treaty of Sugauli in Himachal history?

🟩 The Treaty of Sugauli (1815–16)

• The treaty was concluded between the British East India Company and the Gurkhas of Nepal following the Anglo-Gurkha War.
• According to its terms, the Gurkhas were compelled to cede the regions of Garhwal and Kumaon to the British.
• The British then included parts like Sirmaur and Shimla hills into their territory, shaping modern Himachal.
• This treaty laid the foundation for British control over the hilly territories of Himachal Pradesh.

What was the main objective of the Pajhota movement in Sirmaur during 1942?

🟩 To support the Quit India Movement

• The Pajhota Movement was an important revolt in the princely state of Sirmaur, sparked by the Quit India Movement of 1942.
• It was led by people of the Pajhota area, who protested against the king’s autocratic rule and British dominance.
• This is the only movement in Himachal that directly responded to Gandhi’s Quit India call.
  It showed the rising political consciousness of the Himachali people.

Who established the princely state of Chamba, and in which century?

🟩 Maru Varman in the 6th century A.D.

• Raja Meru Varman, originally from Kalagram (now known as Kalpa), established the Chamba kingdom.
• Raja Sahil Varman established the town of Chamba in the 10th century.
• Under his rule, Chamba grew into an important hub for art, sculpture, and miniature painting, gaining prominence for its rich cultural heritage.
• Its cultural and political heritage is one of the oldest in the Western Himalayas.

Which region of Himachal Pradesh was part of the ancient Trigarta kingdom?

🟩 Kangra region

• Trigarta is mentioned as one of the oldest kingdoms in the epic Mahabharata.
• The Katoch dynasty ruled it, one of the oldest royal families still in existence today.
• Kangra, formerly called Nagarkot, was the central seat of power in the ancient Trigarta realm.
• This area was strategically important due to its fertile valleys and access to trade routes.

When was the Shimla Agreement signed, and what was its relevance to Himachal Pradesh?

🟩 Signed on July 2, 1972, in Shimla

• After the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War, the Shimla Agreement was formalized between India and Pakistan to address various bilateral issues.
• It was held in Shimla, which brought global attention to the city as a center for peace talks.
• The agreement emphasized peaceful resolution of disputes and laid the foundation for Indo-Pak bilateral relations.
• Shimla became an internationally recognized city after this historic event.

What is the significance of the Kalka-Shimla Railway in Himachal Pradesh’s heritage?

🟩 UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Constructed in 1903, the Kalka-Shimla Railway ranks among the highest narrow-gauge rail lines globally.
• The Kalka-Shimla Railway, with its 102 tunnels and 864 bridges, is a prime example of the impressive engineering skills that the British used during the colonial era, showcasing their expertise in building such a complex railway system through challenging terrain.
• In 2008, UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site under the “Mountain Railways of India” classification.
• This railway is a major tourist attraction and a symbol of colonial heritage in Himachal.

What role did the Bushahr state play in the revolt of 1857?

🟩 Did not participate actively

• While much of India was rising against British rule in 1857, most Himachali princely states, including Bushahr, remained neutral.
• The difficult terrain and the presence of British-friendly rulers limited revolutionary activity.
• However, some individuals showed sympathy for the freedom struggle.
• It reflects the complex political loyalties during British rule in the hills.

Which ruler built the famous Kangra Fort, and what is its historical value?

🟩 Raja Susharma Chandra – Legendary Builder

• The historic Kangra Fort is associated with the ancient Trigarta kingdom, once governed by the Katoch rulers.
• According to legends, Raja Susharma Chandra built it during the Mahabharata period.
• It was attacked by many rulers, including Mahmud of Ghazni and the British, showing its importance.
• The fort stands as a symbol of Himachal’s ancient strength and resistance.

What was the importance of the Treaty of Bilaspur in Himachal’s political history?

🟩 Bilaspur merged with the Indian Union in 1948

• The princely state of Bilaspur signed an agreement to join independent India in 1948.
• It was officially included in Himachal Pradesh in 1954, adding to the region’s strength and unity.
• This peaceful integration helped shape the map of modern Himachal.
• It also marked the decline of princely rule in the hills.

Who founded the princely state of Bilaspur and when?

🟩 Bir Chand in 7th century A.D.

• Raja Bir Chand established the kingdom of Bilaspur, formerly called Kahlur, during the 7th century.
• Bilaspur was counted among the earliest princely states in the Shimla hill region.
• The rulers belonged to the Chandravanshi Rajput clan, who traced their lineage back to Lord Krishna.
• The state later played a key role during British times and merged with Himachal in 1954.

What was the Dhami firing incident of 1939?

🟩 A protest against princely rule in the Dhami state

• In 1939, a peaceful protest took place in Dhami state demanding civil rights and responsible governance.
• The local ruler ordered firing on the protestors, leading to deaths and injuries.
• This was one of the earliest freedom struggles in Himachal against feudal oppression.
• It inspired political awareness in other nearby hill states.

What was the role of the Praja Mandal movements in Himachal’s princely states?

🟩 To demand democratic reforms under princely rule

• Praja Mandal movements started in various Himachali states like Sirmaur, Mandi, and Suket in the 1930s–40s.
• They aimed to limit the power of autocratic kings and introduce democratic rights for common people.
• These movements aligned with India’s larger freedom struggle.
• They helped integrate the princely states into a democratic India after independence.

Which Himachali state was the first to accept the Instrument of Accession after independence?

🟩 Chamba State in 1947

• The princely state of Chamba signed the Instrument of Accession to join the Indian Union on 15th April 1948.
• After India gained independence, the Raja of Chamba peacefully agreed to merge his state with the Indian Union.
• This peaceful merger helped set an example for other states in the region.
• It contributed significantly to the creation of the Himachal Pradesh province.

What was the Suket Satyagraha, and why was it important?

🟩 A people’s movement in Suket state during 1948

• The people of Suket began the Satyagraha to demand justice and basic civil rights from their king.
• It was inspired by Gandhian principles of non-violence and civil disobedience.
• Leaders like Pandit Padam Dev played a key role in this movement.
• It was a strong example of the growing democratic spirit in Himachal’s hill regions.

Who was the ruler of Mandi state during British rule, and what was his contribution?

🟩 Raja Bhawani Sen (1851–1902)

• Raja Bhawani Sen of Mandi was renowned for introducing administrative changes and advancing education in his state.
• He supported the construction of roads and schools, bringing modernization to his state.
• He maintained cordial relations with the British but also supported local development.
• His rule is remembered for balanced governance and social welfare efforts.

Important HP GK Questions

Which treaty formally concluded the Gurkha War, impacting Himachal’s boundaries?

🟩 Treaty of Sugauli (1815)

The Katoch dynasty claimed descent from which ancient kingdom?

🟩 Trigarta kingdom

Which major hill states largely supported the British in 1857?

🟩 Bilaspur, Chamba, Mandi

What is the primary composition of the geological ‘Krol Belt’?

🟩 Limestone, shale, sandstone

Which lake is known for its floating island and Prashar Rishi temple?

🟩 Prashar Lake

Which pass connects Pangi Valley with the rest of Himachal?

🟩 Sach Pass

In which year did Himachal Pradesh become a full state?

🟩 1971

What was the administrative body before the Vidhan Sabha?

🟩 Territorial Council

The ‘Losar Shona Chuksam’ dance is from which region and festival?

🟩 Kinnaur, Losar

What tradition involves symbolic deity marriages for harmony?

🟩 Deity marriage

Which Chamba fair involves offering ‘Minjar’ into the Ravi?

🟩 Minjar Fair

Baijnath Temple is dedicated to which form of Lord Shiva?

🟩 Vaidyanath

Which Shakti Peetha is known for its natural gas flames?

🟩 Jwalamukhi Temple

Hatkoti Temples are primarily dedicated to which deities?

🟩 Durga and Shiva

Which tribe is dominant in the Spiti Valley?

🟩 Bhotiya

What is the traditional council in Kinnaur called?

🟩 Panchayat/Shasan

Besides Gaddis and Gujjars, which tribe inhabits the Pangi Valley?

🟩 Pangwal

What is the aim of a hypothetical ‘Pahali Kiran Yojana’?

🟩 Early childhood care in underserved areas (if it exists)

What does a hypothetical ‘Gram Samridhi Protsahan’ promote?

🟩 Rural entrepreneurship (if it exists)

Which sector does a handicraft promotion scheme support?

🟩 Local artisans and cooperatives

Which hill state remained largely neutral during the 1857 revolt?

🟩 Sirmaur

What is the primary rock type of the Dharamsala region?

🟩 Sandstone

The ‘floating island’ is a unique feature of which lake?

🟩 Prashar Lake

Which pass connects the Lahaul and Spiti valleys?

🟩 Kunzum Pass

Who was the first Lieutenant Governor of Himachal Pradesh?

🟩 Major General Himmat Singh

The ‘Choliya’ dance is associated with which district?

🟩 Kinnaur

The ‘Lavi Fair’ at Rampur primarily features the trade of what?

🟩 Wool and dry fruits

The Hadimba Devi Temple in Manali is built in which architectural style?

🟩 Pagoda

The Masrur rock-cut temples are believed to date back to which century?

🟩 8th century AD

The Pin Valley National Park is known for its population of which endangered animal?

🟩 Snow leopard

The ‘Gaddi’ tribe primarily resides in which two districts?

🟩 Chamba and Kangra

What is the main objective of the ‘Mukhya Mantri Grihini Suvidha Yojana’?

🟩 Providing free LPG connections to women

Which international agency often supports the ‘Himachal Pradesh Crop Diversification Promotion Project’?

🟩 World Bank

Which river forms a significant gorge near Bilaspur?

🟩 Sutlej

Which district is the Shivalik fossil park located in?

🟩 Sirmaur

What was the former name of Solan town?

🟩 Soloni

Major river originating from HP?

🟩 Sutlej

A River known for the Bhakra Nangal Dam?

🟩 Sutlej

River forming the Kangra Valley?

🟩 Ravi

Is the river associated with the town of Mandi?

🟩 Beas

The highest mountain peak in HP?

🟩 Reo Purgyil

Major Himalayan range in HP?

🟩 Dhauladhar

A Famous hill station in the Shivalik range?

🟩 Shimla

Mountain pass connecting Spiti Valley with Kinnaur?

🟩 Kunzum Pass

“Abode of Gods” mountain range?

🟩 Dhauladhar