1. Which is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh?
A. Shimla
B. Mandi
C. Dharamshala
D. Solan
Answer: A. Shimla
Explanation: Shimla is the summer and official capital of Himachal Pradesh. Dharamshala serves as the winter capital.
2. Himachal Pradesh was granted full statehood in which year?
A. 1948
B. 1956
C. 1971
D. 1987
Answer: C. 1971
Explanation: Himachal Pradesh became the 18th state of India on 25 January 1971.
3. Which is the largest district of Himachal Pradesh by area?
A. Kangra
B. Lahaul-Spiti
C. Kinnaur
D. Mandi
Answer: B. Lahaul-Spiti
Explanation: Lahaul-Spiti is the biggest district by area, covering rugged Himalayan terrain.
4. Renuka Lake is located in which district?
A. Sirmaur
B. Bilaspur
C. Hamirpur
D. Solan
Answer: A. Sirmaur
Explanation: Renuka Lake, the largest natural lake in HP, is in Sirmaur district.
5. Who is known as the ‘Iron Man of Himachal Pradesh’?
A. Dr. Y.S. Parmar
B. Jai Ram Thakur
C. Virbhadra Singh
D. Shanta Kumar
Answer: A. Dr. Y.S. Parmar
Explanation: He was the first Chief Minister and played a key role in the creation and development of Himachal Pradesh.
6. The traditional dance form ‘Nati’ belongs to which region?
A. Kullu
B. Shimla
C. Chamba
D. Kangra
Answer: A. Kullu
Explanation: Kullu Nati is a world-famous folk dance and is part of local festivals like Dussehra.
7. Which river is also known as the “Sorrow of Himachal Pradesh”?
A. Beas
B. Sutlej
C. Ravi
D. Chenab
Answer: B. Sutlej
Explanation: Due to frequent floods and damage in the region, the Sutlej River is called the sorrow of Himachal.
8. Pin Valley National Park is famous for which animal?
A. Bengal Tiger
B. Snow Leopard
C. Asiatic Lion
D. Black Bear
Answer: B. Snow Leopard
Explanation: Pin Valley is a high-altitude cold desert sanctuary known for snow leopards.
9. The Bhakra Nangal Dam is built on which river?
A. Ravi
B. Satluj
C. Beas
D. Yamuna
Answer: B. Satluj
Explanation: Bhakra Dam, one of India’s highest gravity dams, is constructed on the Sutlej River.
10. In which district is the famous ‘Bijli Mahadev Temple’ located?
A. Kullu
B. Kinnaur
C. Kangra
D. Shimla
Answer: A. Kullu
Explanation: Bijli Mahadev Temple is located in Kullu Valley and is known for lightning striking the Shiva lingam.
11. Which pass connects Kullu Valley with Lahaul-Spiti?
A. Rohtang Pass
B. Baralacha Pass
C. Kunzum Pass
D. Shipki La
Answer: A. Rohtang Pass
Explanation: Rohtang Pass (13,050 ft) connects Manali (Kullu) with Lahaul-Spiti.
12. The ‘Shimachal’ word from which Himachal is derived means?
A. Snow-laden mountains
B. Land of Gods
C. Green valleys
D. Land of festivals
Answer: A. Snow-laden mountains
Explanation: The Sanskrit words ‘Hima’ (snow) + ‘Achal’ (mountain) form Himachal, meaning “snowy mountains.”
13. Which town is known as the “City of Temples”?
A. Chamba
B. Kangra
C. Mandi
D. Hamirpur
Answer: C. Mandi
Explanation: Mandi has over 300 temples, earning it the name City of Temples.
14. The folk festival ‘Minjar’ is celebrated in?
A. Chamba
B. Kullu
C. Shimla
D. Solan
Answer: A. Chamba
Explanation: Minjar is Chamba’s most famous harvest festival, celebrated with great cultural importance.
15. The Great Himalayan National Park is located in which district?
A. Solan
B. Kullu
C. Shimla
D. Sirmaur
Answer: B. Kullu
Explanation: GHNP, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in Kullu district.