Greetings, Aspirants!
Are you aiming for a Himachal Pradesh Govt Job in 2026? To crack exams like Clerk, HP JOA IT, HP Panchayat Secretary and HP Patwari conducted by HPRCA & HPPSC, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) are your best weapon. I have compiled a list of High-Yield India GK questions that are repeatedly asked in HPSSC, HPRCA, and HPPSC exams. Don't miss these 'Most Expected' questions to strengthen your score. Let’s get started!
Question 1: Who gave India the name "Hindustan"?
Answer : Ancient Persians
Description: The name "Hindustan" was originally given to India by the Ancient Persians. It is a combination of two words: "Hindu" (the Persian adaptation of the Sanskrit word 'Sindhu', referring to the Indus River, In old Persian the sound of 's' often became 'h', Sindhu was pronounced like Hindu. ) and the Persian suffix "-stan" (meaning 'land' or 'place') Thus, "Hindustan" literally meaning "Land of the Indus" or the land beyond the Indus River.
Question 2: Who wrote the book titled "The Discovery of India"?
Answer : Jawaharlal Nehru
Description: The Discovery of India is a book written by the Indian freedom fighter Jawaharlal Nehru (the first Prime Minister of India) between1942 and 1945 while he was imprisoned at the Ahmednagar Fort by the British colonial authorities for his participation in the Quit India Movement. It was first published in 1946 and it is primarily related to history, culture and philosophy of India. It is considered a classic of Indian history and served as the basis for the 1988 television series "Bharat Ek Khoj".
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Question 3: How many neighboring countries does India have?
Answer : Nine (9)
Description: India shares its borders with 9 neighboring countries.
1. Land Neighbors (7 Countries) names: Bangladesh (India shares its longest land border with Bangladesh 4,096.7 km), China, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan and Afghanistan (India shares a short border (106 km) in the Wakhan Corridor area (currently in the Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir region). The total land border of India is approximately 15,106.7 km.
2. Sea Neighbors (2 Countries): While these countries do not share a land mass with India, they are separated by narrow stretches of water, names: Sri Lanka and Maldives.
1. Longest Border: Bangladesh (4,096.7 km)
2. Shortest Border: Afghanistan (106 km)
3.Total States Involved: 17 Indian states share international land borders.
Question 4: On which date was India declared a Republic?
Answer : January 26, 1950
Answer : January 26, 1950
Description: Although India attained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, it remained a Dominion under the British Crown for nearly three years. On January 26, 1950, the Constitution of India came into force, replacing the Government of India Act (1935) and transforming the country into a new republic. It declares India to be a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Chairman of the Drafting Committee, is regarded as the chief architect of the Constitution, and Dr. Rajendra Prasad became India's first President in the Durbar Hall of the Government House. The Lion Capital of Ashoka, located at Sarnath, was also officially adopted as the National Emblem of India.
Why January 26 Chosen for Republic day?
The 26th of January was chosen because, on this very day in 1930, the Indian National Congress declared 'Purna Swaraj' (complete independence) at its Lahore session. The Republic of India is defined by its Constitution, which is the longest written constitution in the world.
The 26th of January was chosen because, on this very day in 1930, the Indian National Congress declared 'Purna Swaraj' (complete independence) at its Lahore session. The Republic of India is defined by its Constitution, which is the longest written constitution in the world.
Question 5: Who is the composer of India's National Anthem, "Jana Gana Mana"?
Answer : Rabindranath Tagore
Description: India's national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana," was composed by the multifaceted genius Rabindranath Tagore. It was first sung on December 27, 1911, at the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress (INC). The Constituent Assembly of India officially adopted the first stanza of this song as the National Anthem on January 24, 1950. It was originally composed in a highly Sanskritized form of Bengali known as 'Sadhu Bhasha'.
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In February 1919, at the invitation of Principal James H. Cousins, Tagore was visiting the Besant Theosophical College in Madanapalle (Andhra Pradesh). During an informal gathering, Tagore sang its Bengali version (*Bharat Bhagya Vidhata*) of English Version " The Morning Song of India" for the students and teachers.
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