India Quiz: General Knowledge Questions with Answers and Explanations

Kanchenjunga, located in the eastern Himalayas on the border between India and Nepal, stands at 8,586 meters (28,169 feet). It is the third-highest mountain in the world and the highest in India. Locals regard it as a sacred mountain, and climbing it from the Indian side is restricted to preserve its sanctity.

The Rajya Sabha (Council of States) is the upper house of India’s Parliament, representing the states and union territories. It has 245 members, most of whom are elected by state legislatures. The lower house, Lok Sabha, represents the people directly.

The Indian Rupee (INR) is India’s official currency, managed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The modern symbol “₹” was adopted in 2010, combining the Devanagari “र” (Ra) and the Roman “R”. Coins are available in denominations like ₹1, ₹2, ₹5, ₹10, and ₹20, while banknotes range from ₹10 to ₹2000. The Rupee traces its roots to ancient India, where silver coins called rupiya were issued by Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century.

New Delhi serves as the capital of India and is the heart of the Indian government. It was inaugurated as the capital in 1931, replacing Calcutta (now Kolkata), which had served as the British Indian capital. The city is home to significant national institutions such as Rashtrapati Bhavan (President’s House), Parliament House, and the Supreme Court of India. Designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, New Delhi is known for its wide boulevards, colonial architecture, and greenery.

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam earned the title “Missile Man of India” for his pivotal role in developing India’s ballistic missile and space programs. He contributed to projects like Agni and Prithvi missiles and played a key role in India’s Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998. Later, he became the 11th President of India (2002–2007), inspiring millions through his vision for education, science, and youth empowerment.

The mango is celebrated as the national fruit of India, symbolizing love and prosperity. India produces the largest variety of mangoes in the world, such as Alphonso, Dasheri, and Langra, and exports them globally.

The River Ganga is the most sacred river in Hinduism, believed to purify the soul and wash away sins. Originating from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas, it flows over 2,500 km through northern India before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The river supports millions of people for farming and daily life. The Ganga Aarti ceremonies at Varanasi and Haridwar are globally renowned spiritual events.

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is called the Pink City because its old buildings were painted pink in 1876 to welcome Prince Albert (Queen Victoria’s husband). The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its forts, palaces, and vibrant culture.

Jawaharlal Nehru became independent India’s first Prime Minister on 15 August 1947. A visionary leader, Nehru played a central role in building India’s democratic institutions, industrial base, and non-aligned foreign policy. He emphasized science and education, establishing institutions like IITs and AIIMS, and promoted secularism and unity in the diverse new nation.

Diwali or Deepavali is one of India’s most celebrated festivals. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. People decorate homes with lamps (diyas), share sweets, and burst fireworks. It’s a public holiday across India, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains.

The Indian Peacock (Pavo cristatus) is admired for its dazzling plumage and graceful dance. Declared the national bird in 1963, it symbolizes grace, pride, and beauty. The bird holds religious importance in Hindu mythology, associated with Lord Krishna and Goddess Saraswati.

Although Cricket is the most popular sport, Field Hockey has long been considered India’s traditional national game. India’s hockey team dominated the sport in the mid-20th century, winning 8 Olympic gold medals, including 6 consecutive wins from 1928 to 1956. Legendary players like Dhyan Chand, known as “The Wizard of Hockey,” brought immense pride to the nation.
The Indian men’s team continues to perform well internationally, with a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics marking a return to glory.

As of 2025, India is composed of 28 states and 8 union territories. The most recent change occurred in 2019, when Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into two union territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
India’s states are largely formed based on linguistic and cultural identities, ensuring representation and administrative efficiency. Major states include Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, each contributing uniquely to India’s economy, culture, and heritage.

Indira Gandhi, daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru, became India’s first and only woman Prime Minister in 1966. She served from 1966–1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984. Known for her strong leadership, she nationalized banks, led India to victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, and was instrumental in the creation of Bangladesh. Her leadership style earned her the title “Iron Lady of India.” Despite controversies like the Emergency (1975–1977), she remains one of the most influential figures in India’s political history.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was established on 15 August 1969 under the leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, often called the Father of the Indian Space Program. Its goal was to harness space technology for national development.
ISRO has achieved remarkable milestones, including:

• Chandrayaan Missions – India’s lunar exploration program (Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed on the Moon’s south pole in 2023).

• Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission) – Made India the first Asian country to reach Mars orbit in 2014.

• Aditya-L1 (2023) – India’s first solar mission.
  Today, ISRO stands among the world’s most respected space agencies for its cost-effective and innovative missions.

Mahatma Gandhi (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi) is regarded as the Father of the Nation for his pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence. He championed the principles of non-violence (Ahimsa) and truth (Satya) through movements such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and the Quit India Movement. His peaceful philosophy inspired civil rights movements worldwide, including those led by Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.

On 26 January 1950, India adopted its Constitution, becoming a republic with a democratic system of governance. This day commemorates the transition from British Dominion to a fully sovereign republic, with Dr. Rajendra Prasad as the first President. The date was chosen to honor the 1930 declaration of Purna Swaraj (complete independence).

The Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is India’s national flower. It symbolizes purity, beauty, and spiritual awakening, as it blooms beautifully even in muddy water. The flower is deeply associated with Hindu deities like Lakshmi and Saraswati, representing prosperity and knowledge.

Kerala is called the “Spice Garden of India” because of its rich variety of spices like cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. The state has been a major spice exporter since ancient times, attracting traders from Arabia, Europe, and China. The spice trade contributed greatly to Kerala’s cultural and historical significance, especially through ports like Kochi.

The Royal Bengal Tiger was declared India’s national animal in 1973, replacing the lion. It symbolizes strength, courage, and power. India launched Project Tiger in 1973 to conserve its rapidly declining tiger population. Today, India is home to over 70% of the world’s wild tigers, mainly in reserves like Jim Corbett, Bandhavgarh, and Sundarbans.

The Godavari River is the longest river that flows entirely within India, stretching around 1,465 km. Originating in Maharashtra, it flows eastward across several states before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. It is often called the Dakshin Ganga (Ganges of the South) due to its cultural and religious importance.

The Taj Mahal, located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. Completed in 1653, the white marble mausoleum is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles. The Taj Mahal symbolizes eternal love and attracts over 7 million visitors annually. Its marble reflects different shades depending on the time of day, making it one of the most photographed monuments globally.

Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, is called the “Silicon Valley of India” because it’s the country’s biggest technology hub. It houses major IT companies like Infosys, Wipro, TCS, and global tech giants such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. The city’s climate, skilled workforce, and startup-friendly culture have made it one of Asia’s leading innovation centers.

Rabindranath Tagore, India’s first Nobel laureate in Literature (1913), wrote “Jana Gana Mana” in Bengali in 1911. It was officially adopted as India’s national anthem on 24 January 1950. The anthem praises the unity and diversity of India, celebrating the spirit of the nation.

India achieved independence from British colonial rule on 15 August 1947, after nearly two centuries of subjugation. This historic day marks the end of the British Raj and the birth of a sovereign India. The event was the result of long, peaceful resistance led by Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian National Congress, and countless freedom fighters.