punjab

Punjab, often referred to as the “Land of Five Rivers,” is a northwestern state of India, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and agricultural prosperity. The name “Punjab” originates from the Persian words panj (five) and ab (water), referring to the five rivers—Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, and Jhelum—that once flowed through the region.

Known as the breadbasket of India, Punjab plays a pivotal role in the country’s agricultural production, particularly wheat and rice cultivation. Its capital, Chandigarh, is a modern, planned city symbolizing the state’s blend of tradition and progress. Punjabi culture is celebrated worldwide through its colorful festivals, energetic Bhangra dance, soulful music, and delicious cuisine like makki di roti and sarson da saag. The state also holds spiritual significance as the birthplace of Sikhism, with the Golden Temple in Amritsar being a revered site.

Let us dive into the trivia questions to know more about this beautiful state:

Punjab

1. Formation of Punjab

  1. When was the current state of Punjab in India established?
    1966
  2. Which movement led to the creation of the Punjabi-speaking state?
    Punjabi Suba
  3. Which state was formed alongside Punjab during the 1966 reorganization?
    Haryana

2. Administrative, Demographic and Political Facts

  1. What is the capital city of Punjab?
    Chandigarh
  2. Who is the current Chief Minister of Punjab?
    Bhagwant Mann
  3. Which political party is currently in power in Punjab?
    AAP
  4. What is the official language of Punjab?
    Punjabi
  5. What is the literacy rate of Punjab as per the 2011 census?
    75.84%
  6. What is the sex ratio of Punjab according to the 2011 census (females per 1000 males)?
    895
  7. How many districts are there in Punjab?
    23
  8. What is the population density of Punjab (persons per square kilometer) as per the 2011 census?
    551
  9. Which river is a major water source in Punjab?
    Sutlej
  10. What is the predominant religion in Punjab?
    Sikhism

3. State Symbols

  1. What is the state animal of Punjab?
    Blackbuck
  2. What is the state bird of Punjab?
    Baaz (Northern Goshawk)
  3. What is the state tree of Punjab?
    Sheesham
  4. What is the state flower of Punjab?
    Gladiolus
  5. What is the state aquatic animal of Punjab?
    Dolphin
  6. What is the state emblem of Punjab?
    Lion
  7. What is the state motto of Punjab?
    Satyameva Jayate
  8. What is the state sport of Punjab?
    Kabaddi
  9. What is the state language of Punjab?
    Punjabi

4. History

  1. Which ancient civilization flourished in Punjab around 2500 BCE?
    Harappa
  2. Which river’s valley was central to the Indus Valley Civilization in Punjab?
    Indus
  3. Which conqueror invaded Punjab in 326 BCE?
    Alexander
  4. Which empire ruled Punjab during the 4th century BCE?
    Maurya Empire
  5. Which religion’s founder, Guru Nanak, was born in Punjab in 1469?
    Sikhism
  6. Which Mughal emperor’s reign saw the construction of the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore?
    Shah Jahan
  7. Who established the Sikh Empire in 1801?
    Ranjit Singh
  8. Which battle in 1849 led to the British annexation of Punjab?
    Battle of Gujrat
  9. In which year was Punjab partitioned between India and Pakistan?
    1947
  10. Which movement in the 1960s led to the creation of a Punjabi-speaking state?
    Punjabi Suba
  11. Which city became the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana?
    Chandigarh
  12. Which operation in 1984 targeted militants in the Golden Temple?
    Operation Blue Star
  13. Which river is traditionally considered one of the five rivers of Punjab?
    Sutlej
  14. Which ancient text mentions the region of Punjab as ‘Sapta Sindhu’?
    Rigveda

5. Geography

  1. Which river is the longest in Punjab?
    Sutlej
  2. Which mountain range lies to the northeast of Punjab?
    Himalayas
  3. What is the predominant soil type in Punjab?
    Alluvial
  4. Which neighboring country borders Punjab to the west?
    Pakistan
  5. Which city is known as the ‘Manchester of India’ due to its textile industry?
    Ludhiana
  6. What is the approximate area of Punjab in square kilometers?
    50,362 sq km
  7. Which river forms part of Punjab’s border with Pakistan?
    Ravi
  8. What is the name of the desert area in the southwestern part of Punjab?
    Thar
  9. Which city in Punjab is famous for the Golden Temple?
    Amritsar
  10. What is the average elevation of Punjab in meters?
    300 m
  11. Which river flows through the city of Jalandhar?
    Beas
  12. What is the climate classification of Punjab?
    Semi-arid
  13. Which city is known as the ‘Royal City’ of Punjab?
    Patiala

6. Agriculture

  1. What is the primary crop grown in Punjab?
    Wheat
  2. Which crop is commonly double-cropped with wheat in Punjab?
    Rice
  3. What type of soil predominantly characterizes Punjab’s agricultural land?
    Alluvial
  4. Which irrigation system extensively supports Punjab’s agriculture?
    Canal
  5. What is the term for the agricultural movement that increased crop yields in Punjab during the 1960s and 1970s?
    Green Revolution
  6. Which river is a major source of irrigation water in Punjab?
    Sutlej
  7. What is the predominant farming method used in Punjab?
    Intensive
  8. Which city in Punjab is renowned for its agricultural university?
    Ludhiana
  9. What is the main cash crop cultivated in Punjab?
    Cotton
  10. Which agricultural practice in Punjab has led to concerns about air pollution?
    Stubble Burning
  11. What is the primary source of groundwater depletion in Punjab?
    Over-irrigation
  12. Which fruit is extensively grown in the Malwa region of Punjab?
    Kinnow
  13. What is the term for the traditional irrigation wells used in Punjab?
    Tube wells
  14. Which agricultural product from Punjab contributes significantly to India’s dairy industry?
    Milk
  15. What is the main agricultural export commodity of Punjab?
    Basmati

7. Art and Culture

  1. What is the traditional dance form of Punjab?
    Bhangra
  2. Which musical instrument is commonly associated with Punjabi folk music?
    Dhol
  3. What is the traditional Punjabi string instrument similar to a sitar?
    Ektara
  4. Which form of storytelling involves singing epic tales in Punjab?
    Kissa
  5. What is the traditional Punjabi art of weaving intricate patterns on fabric?
    Phulkari
  6. Which traditional Punjabi craft involves creating intricate designs on metal?
    Kundal
  7. What is the traditional Punjabi art of pottery making?
    Kumhar
  8. Which traditional Punjabi art involves creating intricate designs on wood?
    Jali
  9. What is the traditional Punjabi art of creating designs on glass?
    Meenakari
  10. Which traditional Punjabi art involves creating designs on leather?
    Kundal
  11. What is the traditional Punjabi art of creating designs on paper?
    Kalamkari
  12. Which traditional Punjabi art involves creating designs on stone?
    Pahari
  13. What is the traditional Punjabi art of creating designs on fabric using wax?
    Batik
  14. Which traditional Punjabi art involves creating designs on fabric using dye?
    Tie-dye
  15. What is the traditional Punjabi art of creating designs on fabric using embroidery?
    Zardozi
Punjab Festival

8. Economy

  1. What is the primary sector of Punjab’s economy?
    Agriculture
  2. Which crop is predominantly grown in Punjab?
    Wheat
  3. What is the capital city of Punjab?
    Chandigarh
  4. Which river is a major source of irrigation in Punjab?
    Sutlej
  5. What is the per capita income of Punjab for the year 2022–23?
    ₹1,81,716
  6. Which city in Punjab is known as the ‘Manchester of India’ due to its textile industry?
    Ludhiana
  7. What is the unemployment rate in Punjab for the year 2023–24?
    5.9%
  8. Which industry is a significant contributor to Punjab’s economy besides agriculture?
    Manufacturing
  9. What is the literacy rate in Punjab as per the 2011 census?
    75.8%
  10. Which sector contributes 50% to Punjab’s GDP as of 2020–21?
    Services
  11. What is the poverty rate in Punjab as per the 2017–18 data?
    8.26%
  12. Which city in Punjab is known for its sports goods industry?
    Jalandhar

9. Forests and Wildlife

  1. Which river is home to the Indus River Dolphin?
    Beas
  2. Which wildlife sanctuary is located in the district of Tarn Taran Sahib?
    Harike
  3. Which animal is known for its black and white stripes and is found in Punjab’s forests?
    Zebra
  4. Which bird species is known for its vibrant plumage and is found in Punjab’s wetlands?
    Peafowl
  5. Which animal is known for its long neck and is found in Punjab’s grasslands?
    Giraffe
  6. Which animal is known for its distinctive black and white fur and is found in Punjab’s forests?
    Panda
  7. Which animal is known for its long trunk and is found in Punjab’s forests?
    Elephant
  8. How many wildlife sanctuaries are there in Punjab?
    12
  9. Which is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Punjab?
    Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary