Special
PUNJAB G.K.
‘Punj’ means five and ‘aab’ in Persian means water.
Punjab is referred to as land of five waters (rivers)
namely Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab and Jhelum. At
present, only three rivers traverse through Punjab as the
present day state of Punjab has lost most of its area after
partition to Pakistan and its further division after
independence.
BRIEF HISTORY OF PUNJAB
Punjab is not only cradle of Indian civilisation but also has
been gateway to India. Several foreigners came to India
from time to time and settled down here.
The earliest known civilization of people, whom we can
say were the original inhabitants of India, is said to have
originated in this part of India and is called ‘Indus Valley
Civilisation’. This civilisation is known to have risen around
3300 B.C. but withered away around 1800 B.C. These
times are known as ‘Bronze Age’. Why this civilization
perished and how it perished is still a matter of
controversy, but this civilization had all the ingredients of
a modern civilization with well planned cities with
drainage and storage system.
Second Phase: Around 1500 B.C., people from Central
Asia came here, chose to stay back and adopted it as
their own country. They were known as ‘aryans’. This era
is known as Vedic period during which the ‘vedas’ and
‘puranas’ are said to have been composed. This period is
associated with the beginning of Hindu religion. The
Punjab of this time is known as ‘Sapt- Sindhu’ or land of
Seven Rivers. This era continued upto around 600 B.C.
Third Phase: The 3rd phase witnessed origin of new
religions like Buddhism and Jainism, which developed as a
result of orthodoxy in Hinduism. Fairly large empires had
come into existence by this time.
In 326 B.C. Punjab was invaded by Alexander. He was
given a tough fight by Porus in the Battle of Hydespus but
lost the war. Alexander entered into alliance with Porus
and appointed him as his regent. East of Porus kingdom
was the powerful kingdom of ‘Magadh’ ruled by Nanda
dynasty. Alexander avoided confrontation with Magadh
rulers.
By the end of the sixth century, India was now
prosperous nation ruled by several kings in different
places.
GYANM’S GENERAL AWARENESS – NOVEMBER 2014
Thereafter there was a long spell of peace in the region.
Fourth Phase: In the seventh century, Muslims forces
started arriving. In 10th /11th century area was invaded
by Mohamad Ghaznavi and in the 12th century by
Mahmoud Ghouri. By the 13th century ‘slave dynasty’ of
Turkish origin had established their control over the area.
In the 16th century, the mughal forces led by Babar
defeated the ‘Lodhis’ in the first battle of Panipat in 1526
and established the ‘Mughal dynasty ‘. This dynasty ruled
India from 1526 to 1857.
Fifth Phase: By the end of the 17th century, Punjab
witnessed the rise of militant phase with the advent of a
new religion called ‘Sikhism; The mughal forces were
numerically large in number, but by now the ‘sikhs’
started organizing themselves and offered mughals stiff
resistance. With the decline of the mughals after the
death of Aurangzeb, the Sikhs consolidated their power in
different areas and by the end of the 18th century,
different ‘sikh misls’ held large parts of Punjab.
Punjab was under the control of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
who ruled from 1801 to 1839. Lahore was capital of his
empire and his regime is also known as Lahore Durbar.
During his reign the territory of Lahore Durbar extended
from Afghanistan (Khyber pass) in the west, Kashmir in
the north, Tibet in the east and Bahawalpur in the South.
In 1809, the Britishers entered into a treaty with
Maharaja Ranjit Singh accepting river Sutlej as the border
between the Sikh empire and the British Empire. The
treaty was signed on 25.04.1809 at a place near Ropar at
the banks of the river Sutlej.
Sixth Phase: The Britishers had come to India in 1600
as traders. By the end of the 18th century they had
acquired political aspirations and controlled a large part of
India.
After death of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the empire
weakened due to internal strife. In 1845 and 1849, two
battles known as Anglo-Sikh wars took place in which the
Lahore durbar lost and the Punjab was annexed by the
Britishers. On 29-3-1849, Treaty of Lahore was signed by
54
the Britishers with the dethroned king Maharaja Duleep
Singh depriving him of sovereignty, kingdom and fortune.
He surrendered the famous diamond ‘Kohinoor’ to the
Queen of England under terms of the treaty.
The Britishers divided Punjab into princely states and the
British province of Punjab which was granted statehood.
A Lieutenant Governor was appointed at Lahore as direct
representative of the British Crown.
Kashmir which was part of Lahore darbar was
sold to Gulab Singh who was Prime Minister in Lahore
darbar for Rs. 75 lacs.
SITUATION AT THE TIME OF INDEPENDENCE
The major part of Punjab was under British occupation
and princely states of Punjab. The area under the British
control was divided into Muslim dominated West Punjab
in Pakistan and the Sikh dominated eastern area as
province of Punjab in India. In 1950, two separate states
were created:
i. Punjab which included the Raj province of Punjab.
Gopi Chand Bhargava was the first Chief Minister of
Punjab.
ii. PEPSU: (acronym for Patiala and Eastern Punjab
States Union) It comprised formerly princely states
consisting of Patiala, Nabha, Jind, Kapurthala,
Malerekotla, Faridkot, Kalsian and Nalagarh.
The last Maharaja of Patiala, Yadavindra Singh, became
Rajpramukh (equivalent to the Governor) of the state with
principal city Patiala as its capital.
The union territory of Himachal Pradesh was also created
in 1950 with the merger of hill princely states and certain
Punjab hill states.
In 1956, PEPSU was merged into Punjab and several
northern districts of Punjab were hived off and added to
Himachal Pradesh.
In 1966, the state of Punjab was further divided into
Hindu dominated southern state of Haryana and the Sikh
dominated present day Punjab.
CAPITAL OF PUNJAB
Lahore was the capital of undivided Punjab which was
now part of Pakistan. Punjab had to look for a new
capital. In 1955, the central government decided to build
a new capital Chandigarh for the now divided Punjab or
the Eastern Punjab.
This is the first modern town established as a
planned city.
At present, Chandigarh serves as the capital of
Punjab and Haryana. This city has been designed by
French architect Le Corbusier.
GYANM’S GENERAL AWARENESS – NOVEMBER 2014
HISTORY OF SIKHS
Punjab witnessed a development which left a deep impact
on the social fibre of the state i.e. birth of a new religion
called – Sikhism.
Sikhism: Guru Nanak the first guru of Sikhs laid the
foundation of a new religion. During his times, the state
was torn with strife and under attack by Mughal army led
by Babur. Hindu religion was once again under the
Brahminical stranglehold. The Muslim repression was also
on the rise. It was under these circumstances that he
gave a new philosophy which preached equality of all and
tolerance for all faiths. His philosophy was quite akin to
the philosophy of Saint Kabir. But after death of Saint
Kabir, there was none to carry forward his message while
Guru Nanak appointed his successor and this line of
succession went on till tenth Guru Gobind Singh, the last
guru of Sikhs. Before his death, Guru Gobind Singh
designated Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal ‘Guru’ of
Sikhs.
TEN GURUS
1) Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469- 1539)
2) Guru Angad Dev Ji (1504-1552)
3) Guru Amardas Ji (1479- 1574)
4) Guru Ram Das Ji (1534- 1581)
5) Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563 – 1606)
6) Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji (1595- 1644)
7) Guru Har Rai Ji (1630- 1661)
8) Guru Harkrishan Sahib Ji (1656- 1664)
9) Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji (1621- 1675)
10) Guru Gobind Singh Ji (1666-1708)
Guru Granth Sahib: The fifth guru of Sikhs, Guru Arjun
Dev compiled the hymns of all the first four gurus. He
also included ‘hymns’ of several ‘bhagats' and compiled
the book which is known as ‘Adi Granth’. It included his
own ‘bani’ as well. The book compiled by him is known as
‘Adi Granth’ or ‘Pothi Sahib’. The Adi Granth was installed
in 1604 as the holy book at Sri Harmindar Sahib Amritsar,
with Baba Budha ji as its first ‘Head Granthi’. The granth
compiled by Guru Arjun Dev Ji was scribed by Bhai
Gurdas.
During his stay at Talwandi Sabo, also known as ‘Guru ki
Kashi’, Guru Gobind Singh Ji included the verses by Guru
Tegh Bahdur Ji at appropriate places in Adi Granth with
Bhai Mani Singh as the scribe. This book is now known as
‘Guru Granth Sahib’ and this scripture was bestowed the
‘Guruship’ by him before his death.
This scripture comprise 1430 pages and is composed in
31 ragas and contains 5894 hymns. It includes the bani
of:
i. First five gurus and the ninth guru
ii. Fifteen bhagats and eleven bhatts.
55
 SOME IMPORTANT EVENTS ASSOCIATED Guru Granth Sahib : Just before his death, Guru Gobind
Singh on 6 October 1708 asked his followers to fetch Sri
WITH SIKHISM Granth Sahib. He instructed that henceforth, Guru Granth
Sahib is the ‘guru’, thus ending the line of personal gurus.
Udasis by Guru Nanak Dev Ji: Guru Nanak Dev Ji Banda Singh Bahadur: He came in contact with Guru
undertook four journeys in four different directions. He Gobind Singh at Nanded. His original name was Lachman
travelled in all four directions - North, East, West and Das and belonged to Rajouri area of Jammu. He was a brave
South. He is believed to have travelled more than 28,000 fighter and was able to unite different sections of society in
Kms during the period from 1500 to 1524. These four his struggle against the excesses of mughals. One of his
journeys are known as four Udasis. great success was defeat of ‘Nawab of Sirhind’ who had
bricked alive the two youngest sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Langar Pratha: Wherever the guru travelled, Mata Khivi He was later on captured and tortured to death in 1716.
wife of the second Guru Angad Dev Ji provided food
(Langar) to the gathering. Though the institution of RISE OF SIKH MISLS
langar had started during the time of Guru Nanak, the
system of langar gained currency during the second Guru After Banda Bahadur was captured and executed, the
Angad Dev Ji. It was during the tenure of third guru Guru mughals tried to mend fences with Sikhs. In 1733,
Amar Das Ji that the system was formalised uniting the Zakariya Khan, governor of Punjab made peace with Sikhs
community by establishing the two key concepts: and bestowed the title of ‘Nawab’ on Kapur Singh. Kapur
Singh organised the Sikh misls into Dal Khalsa and
i. Pangat – All human beings equal, all of them appointed Jassa Singh Ahluwalia as the Supreme
should sit in a row without discrimination or Commander.
consideration of rank’
ii. Sangat – the congregation of people for the S.NO. NAME OF MISL FOUNDED BY
purpose of uttering the name of one God.
1 Faizalpuria or Singhpuria, Nawab Kapoor
Singh
Manji System: (Established by Guru Amar Das Ji): Guru
Amar Dass ji selected ‘twenty two’ devoted followers to 2 Ahluwalia Misl Jassa Singh
spread the message of ‘Guru Nanak’ across the country Ahluwalia
and also to provide spiritual guidance. Each such place
was known as ‘manji’ and they were also responsible for 3 Bhangi Misl Chajja Singh
management of ‘offerings’ by the ‘sangat’ and the same
was to be used for langar and the balance after meeting 4 Ramgarhia Misl Jassa Singh
the expenses was supposed to be passed on to Guru’s
golak at Goindwal Sahib. 5 Kanhiya Misl Jai Singh Kanhiya
Miri Piri: The concept was started by the sixth guru
6 Shukerchakia Misl Charat Singh
Hargobind Ji after the sacrifice of his father Guru Arjun
Dev Ji. He donned ‘two kirpans’, one to symbolize the 7 Phulkian Misl Chaudhari Paul
concept of ‘Miri or Temporal Authority’ and the second to
symbolize the concept of ‘Piri or Spiritual Authority’. It 8 Dallewalia Tara Singh
was a departure from earlier traditions when only spiritual Gheba
powers were worn by preceding gurus.
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib: During the 9 Nakai Misl Hira Singh
reign of Aurangzeb, Muslim fundamentalist forces started
forcing Hindus to convert and adopt Muslim religion. 10 Karor Singhia Misl Karor Singh
Kashmiri Pandits led by Pandit Kirpa Ram approached
11 Sahidi Nihang Misl Deep Singh
Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib (at Anandpur Sahib) to
intercede with the king on their behalf. He travelled to
12 Nishanwalia Misl Sangat Singh
Delhi, where he was asked to convert or face death. He
preferred the latter and was beheaded at Chandni Chowk.
Alongwith him, Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das and Bhai RANJIT SINGH AND THE SIKH EMPIRE
Dayala were also executed.
Ranjit Singh born in the Sandhawalia Clan (Sukerchakia
Birth of Khalsa: On the day of Vaisakhi i.e. 13th April, Misl). He succeeded his father at the age of 12 and after
1699, Guru Gobind Singh called Sikhs to congregate at various campaigns, all Sikh misls accepted him as their
Anandpur Sahib. He announced the formation of a new leader. Thus, he was able to unite all the Sikhs under one
religion – ‘khalsa’ and called upon his followers to wear banner. He was crowned at Lahore on April 12, 1801 and
five symbols, all beginning with letter- ‘k’; Kesh, Karra, died in 1839. After his death the Sikh empire withered
Kangha, Kachch and Kirpan. and in 1849 Britishers annexed Punjab as a part of British
Empire.
GYANM’S GENERAL AWARENESS – NOVEMBER 2014 56
VARIOUS MOVEMENTS RELATED FACTS – PUNJAB
TO PUNJAB
1) Nirankari Movement: Founded by Baba Dayal Das. CAPITAL CHANDIGARH
He called for return of Sikhism to its origins and (POPULATION 9.5
emphasized the worship of God as Nirankar (formless). LAKHS)
2) Naamdhari Movement: This movement founded Boundaries With J & K (N), Haryana and
was by Baba Ram Singh. He was disciple of Balak Singh Rajasthan (S), Pakistan (W),
of Kuka movement. Namdharis played a large role in Himachal Pradesh (N-E)
Indian freedom and cow protection movement. Latitude 29’30” N to 32’32” N
3) Singh Sabha Movement: In response to the Arya Longitude 73’55” to 76’ 50” E
Samaj and actions of Christians missionaries, prominent
personalities decided to constitute Singh Sabha on Area 50,362 sq km (1.54% of
October 1, 1873. Thakur Singh was its President and total geographical area of
country)
Gyani Gyan Singh its secretary.
Forest Area 6% of the total area of the
4) Arya Samaj Movement: The movement was state
founded by Swami Dayanand Sarasvati at Bombay in
Population (census 2011) 277.43 lakhs (2.29% of
1875. The most distinctive feature of Arya Samaj was the
country’s population)
Shuddi movement which means the reconversion of those
Rural population 173.44 lakhs (62.52% of
Hindus who had once been willingly or forcibly converted
total population)
into other religious but were now willing to come back
into the fold of Hinduism. Urban population 103.99 lakhs (37.48% of
5) Dev Samaj Movement: This movement was total population)
founded in 1877 at Lahore by Shiv Narayan Agnihotri. It Males 146.39 lakhs (52.8% of total
emphasized on the eternity of the soul, the supremacy of population)
the Guru and the need for good Acton. Females 131.04 lakhs (47.2% of total
6) Ahmadaia Movement: It is also known as Qadiani population)
movement. It was founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Population density (per sq 551
(1837-1908) at Qadian in Punjab, towards the end of the km)
19th century. The aim of the movement was to reform Sex Ratio 895 (846 for 0-6 age group)
Islam and to defend it against the onslaughts of Christian
Literacy rate 75.80%
missionaries and the Arya Samajists.
7) Gurudwara Reform Movement: This movement Male Literacy Rate 80.40%
came into prominence in 1920s. The main aim of the Female Literacy Rate 70.70%
Akalis was to purify the management of the Sikh Urban literacy rate 83.2%
gurudwaras or shrines by removing the corrupt and Rural literacy rate 71.4%
selfish mahants from them. This movement resulted in Life expectancy 69.4 years
the formation of Shrimoni Gurudwara Prabhandak
Committee in 1920 and the passage of Sikh Gurudwara Districts 22
Act 1925. Divisions (Jalandhar, Patiala,
8) Punjabi Suba Movement: In the 1950s and 1960s Firozepur, Faridkot Ropar)
the nationwide movement of linguistic groups seeking =5
statehood resulted in a massive recognization of states Sub-divisions 82
according to linguistic boundaries in 1956. Tehsils / Blocks 82 / 146
9) Dharam Yudh Morcha: In August 1982, the Akali Sub-Tehsils 85
Dal under the leadership of Harchand Singh Longowal
Inhabited villages 12581
launched the Dharam Yudh Morcha, or the battle for
righteousness. The major issues of the Morcha were: Panchayats 12776
i. Transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab Towns (One lac & above) 143
ii. Transfer of Punjabi speaking areas into Punjab, etc. Cities (Census Towns) 74
The Morcha resulted in start of militancy in Punjab High court Punjab & Haryana High
which lead to ‘Blue Star Operation’ on Harmandir Court, Chandigarh
Sahib and lateron murder of Indira Gandhi, Prime Strength of Vidhan Sabha 117
Minister of India. Seats of Lok Sabha 13
Thereafter, a agreement was signed between the Seats in Rajya Sabha 7
government of India and Akali Dal led by Harchand
State Bird Baaz (Eastern Goshawk)
Singh Logowal, which is prominently known as Rajiv-
Longowal Accord. Even this was not acceptable to State Animal Blackbuck (Kala Hiran)
militant leaders and Harchand Singh Logowal was State tree Shisham (called ‘Tahli’ in
assassinated by them. Punjab)

GYANM’S GENERAL AWARENESS – NOVEMBER 2014 57

 HISTORY OF PUNJAB
Birth Father/Mother Wife Contemp- Important Events
Guruship orary Ruler
–Death
(A.D.)
Guru 1469. Mehta Kalyan Sulakhni Lodhis, Was born at Nankana Sahib Near Lahore.
Nanak 1507- Das/Tripta Babar, Had two sons Baba Sri Chand & Baba Lakhmi Das.
1539 Humayun Baba Sri Chand founded Udasi Sect.
Four udasis (Journeys) Started Langar Institution of Langar and Guruship.
Breathed his last at Kartapur Sahib (Now in Pakistan).
Guru 1504. Pheru Mal / Ramo Khivi Sher Shah Was born at Harike (Amritsar) Also known as Bhai Lehna.
Angad 1539- Suri Introduced Gurmukhi Script
1552 Strengthened institution of Langar
Humayun sought blessings to the throne of Delhi
Guru 1479. Tej Mansa SherShah Established his headquarters at newly built town Goindwal
Amardas 1552- Bhan/Sulakhani Devi Suri, Sent Bhai Gurdas to Agra
1574 Humayun, Composed Anand Sahib and Abolished caste system
Akbar Had two sons Bhai Mohan & Bhai Mohri and Two daughters, Bibi Dani &
Bibi Bhani.
Guru 1534. Haridas / Daya Bhani Akbar Founded the city of Amritsar and designed Golden Temple. Composed
Ramdas 1574- Kaur “Lavan”, sung at the time of sikh marriage.
1581 Had three sons Priti Chand, Mahadev & Arjun Dev.
688 Shabads in Guru Granth Sahib.
Guru Arjan 1563. Guru Ramdas / Ganga Akbar, Started the construction of Harmandir. Its foundation was laid by Sufi Saint
Dev 1581- Bhani Jahagir Hazrat Mian Mir
1606 Founded the city of Taran Taran and dug a tank known to lure leprosy
Composed Sukhmani and 2218 hymns in Adi Granth
Compiled the AdiGranth with Bhai Gurdas as scribe.
Introduced the institution of Dasvand and strengthened the Masand system
Executed at Lahore on orders of Jahagir for sheltering the rebellious Prince
Khusro
Guru 1595. GuruArjan Nanaki Jahangir, Founded the concept of “Miri” and “Piri” “Temporal power and “Spiritual
Hargobind 1606- Dev/Ganga Shah Jahan powers”.
1644 first to maintain an army and fight wars
Constructed Akal Takhat and Logarh Fort at Amrtisar
Constructed the city of Kiratpur
Guru Har 1630. Gurditta/Nihal Krishan Shah Jahan, Helped Shah Jahan in curing Dara Shikoh by providing rare herbs
Rai 1644- Kaur Kaur Aurangzeb Was summoned by Auranzagzeb on the accusation of helping Dara Shikoh
1661 during the war of succession. Sent his son Ram Rai instead
Guru Hari 1656. Guru Har/ Krishan Aurangzeb Visited Delhi and stayed at the residence of Raja Jai Singh of Amber, Died
Krishan 1661- Kaur at Delhi of smallpox while serving epidemic stricken people
1664
Guru Tegh 1621. Guru Hargobind Gujri Aurangzeb Visited Bihar and Bengal
Bahadur 1665- /Nanaki Founded city of Anandpur
1675 Was executed on orders of Aurangzeb at Delhi, where now
Gurudwara Sis Ganj is situated. His body was taken by Lakhi Vanjara and
Cremated at his house which is now known as Gurudwara Rakab Ganj
Sahib.
His 'Sis' (head) wastaken away by Bhai Jaita, who brought back his head to
Anandpur Sahib.
115 sloakas in Guru Granth Sahib.
Guru 1666. Guru Tegh Sundri, Aurangzeb, Problems with hill chiefs especially Bhim Chadn of Kahlur (Bilaspur). On
Gobind 1675- Bahadur/Gujri Jeeto, Bahardur invitation by Chief of Sirmaur (Nahan) spent some time at the city of Paonta
Singh 1708 Sahib Kaur Shah Sahib. Birth of Khalsa on Baisakhi day of A.D. 1699.
Built Fort Anandgarh at Anandpur
Attacked by Mughals and hill Chiefs. Left Anandpur and wandered about
sometime being chased by Mughals
Wrote “Zafarnamah” Letter to Aurangzeb. Went south to meet Aurangzeb on
his invitation but Aurangzeb died.
Helped Bahadur Shah in Succession
Died on being stabbed by muslim fanatic probably sent by Wazir Khan, the
subedar of Sirhind
Wrote: Dasam Granth, Savaiye, Jaap Sahib.

GYANM’S GENERAL AWARENESS – NOVEMBER 2014 58

CULTURE
Punjab is more famous for its agriculture than its culture. The
reasons are obvious. In the late sixties and early seventies,
Punjab become the ‘grain bowl’ of the country and as a result
India became self reliant in food production.
However, Punjab is a land of rich traditions. Because of regular
invasions from West and Central Asia, its traditions whether in
respect of food habits, clothing or art have acquired and
absorbed different hues.
RELIGION & CASTE
Prior to partition, Punjab was a Muslim dominated area with
Hindus and Sikhs forming a large minority. After partition, the
Eastern Punjab which was later-on christened as Punjab in
1950, was now a hindu dominated state with sikhs being the
largest minority. In the present day Punjab, Sikhs are in
majority while Hindus are the largest minority, though Muslims
and Christians also constitute a fairly large number. The
demographic data of the state is as under:
Religion Percentage
Sikhs 63%
Hindus 34%
Muslims 2%
Christians 1.2%
Jains 0.16%
Though Sikhs do not believe in ‘casteism’, but the practice is
quite pervasive in the religion. Following reformist movements
among various religions played a great role in lowering the
caste barriers:
i. Ahmadiya movement among Muslims
ii. Arya Samaj among Hindus
iii. Singh Sabha movement in Sikhs
But caste system is so deeply rooted in the psyche that the
people have failed to shake it off. ‘Jats’ who were themselves
considered to be of low caste group joined the ‘Sikh’ fold in big
numbers and gained the top position in the hierarchy of Sikhs
because of economic prosperity.
As per 2011 census, scheduled castes constitute 16.6% of
Indian population while population of Scheduled Tribes is
8.6%.Punjab has the highest percent of Scheduled Caste
population; 31.9 per cent of the state's total number. It does
not have the Scheduled Tribe population.
SCHEDULED CASTE SCHEDULED TRIBE
India 16.6% 8.6%
Punjab 31.9% 0%
There are 37 Scheduled Castes notified in the State of Punjab.
As per 2001 census, around 75.7% of SC population of the
state was living in rural areas. Highest proportion of Scheduled
Tribe population is in Lakshdweep with 94.8% of its population
belonging to Scheduled Tribe category.
FOOD HABITS
The staple diet of Punjabis is based on wheat and cereals.
They are known for their like of rich fried food. Punjab tops in
consumption of milk and milk products. Paranthas, Nans, rotis
made of wheat flour and corn flour constitute their main food.
In winter, Maki-di-roti ans sarson-ka-saag are considered a
GYANM’S GENERAL AWARENESS – NOVEMBER 2014
delicacy and are also famous world-wide. In respect of non-
vegetarian food, mutton in form of ‘rogan josh’ is their
favourite dish. Chicken Tikka is a specific Punjabi novelty and it
is one of the most famous cuisine in many foreign countries.
ART & CRAFT
1. Phulkari: The most popular craft in Punjab is ‘Phulkari’,
which is a format of embroidery whereby flowery patterns
of silken thread are made with a high degree of skill. It is
further of two types :
i. Bagh: The whole cloth is covered with embroidery.
ii. Chope: The flowery patterns are at a distance from
each other.
This format of embroidery is said to have its origin in Iran
and the immigrants are said to have brought it to Punjab.
2. Pidhis: These are small four legged woven wooden stools
of daily use. These are getting out of use for people are
now adopting modern ways of life. Even rural areas have
taken to sofa and table in their daily life.
3. Durries: These are cotton spreads used to spread on bed
or the floor.
4. Jutties: These are foot wear and used by both men and
women. These foot wears are decorated with silken
embroidery to give them elegant look. Patiala and Abohar
are major juttie producing centres.
5. Dolls: These are crafted and dressed all over Punjab.
FOLK DANCES OF PUNJAB
The famous folk dances of Punjab are:
i. Bhangra for men
ii. Gidha for girls
Apart from Bhangra, the other dance formats practised by men
in Punjab are jhoomer, luddi, julli and dankara. For women
‘kikli’ is another famous form of dance and celebration.
FESTIVALS
TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS:
The festivals are popular occasions for social intersection and
enjoyment and the Punjabis celebrate them with gusto. Punjab
being a predominantly agricultural state that prides itself on its
food grain production.
i. Baisakhi: Baisakhi is celebrated in the month of April
after harvesting of wheat, which is the major crop of
the area and also staple diet of the people. This
festival acquired further boost with creation of ‘khalsa’
by Guru Gobind Singh on this day in 1699 at
Anandpur Sahib.
ii. Lohri: Lohri is seasonal festival marking end of
winter and is celebrated with bonfire at night.
iii. Maghi: This festival is celebrated just the day after
Lohri. This festival commemorates the heroic fight of
‘chali mekte’ of Guru Gobind Singh, who sacrificed
their life to save the life of their guru.
iv. Rakhri: On this day sisters tie decorated threads
called ‘rakhi or rakhri’ at the wrist of their brother and
brother vow to protect their sisters.
59
v. Tikka: It is celebrated a day after Diwali and on this
day women put a ‘tika’ on forehead of their brothers
to protect them from evils.
RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS:
DIWALI
This festival marks the return of Lord Ram from exile after his
victory over Ravana. The festivals is celebrated by Hindus and
Sikhs alike with lighting of earthern lamps at night. For Sikhs
the day holds is important for on this day Guru Hargobind
Sahib ji reached Amritsar and this day is celebrated as ‘Bandi
Chor Diwas’.
GURPURABS
The gurpurabs are celebrated by the Sikhs to express their
reverence for their gurus. Major gurpurabs celebrated by Sikhs
are:
i. Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev ji , the first Sikh Guru in
the month of Katak and
ii. The second in the month of Pausa (December-
January) to celebrated the birth anniversary of Guru
Gobind Singh.
Besides execution of Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
and Sahibjada’s (sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji) are also
celebrated as important gurpurabs.
HOLI AND HOLA MOHALLA
Holi apart from being a tradition spring festival of colours is
celebrated all over northern India. The Sikh community in
Punjab observes Holla Mohalla a day after Holi, with thousands
of devout Sikhs gathering at Anandpur Sahib-where Guru
Gobind Singh was baptized Sikhs to participate in the grand
fair of Holla Mohalla.
Apart from these, many other religious and traditional festivals
like Dushehra, Ram-Naumi, Krishna Janamashtami, Teejan etc.
are also celebrated in Punjab.
COSTUMES
The climate of the area being varied, people prefer to wear
cotton clothes, for it keeps them cool in summer and warm in
winter. Men prefer to wear long Kurta (shirt) with trousers.
Most unique identification of a sikh man is his turban and his
beard.
Women of the state also wear ‘salwar kameez’ along with a
dupatta (long stole). Though dupatta or the long stole is
getting lost in modernity and new age girls have taken to
shorts and jeans like never before.
LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
Punjabi is said to have evolved from ‘Shauraseni apabhramsa’.
It is said that traces of ‘prakrits’ especially ‘pali’ and other
proto-indo-aryan and pre-indo-aryan languages also appear in
Punjabi phonology and morphology.
In the era ‘pre-Guru Nanak’, ‘nathas’ and ‘yogis’ were
very active in Punjab and their compositions were in
‘apabhramsa and the language of the people. Gradually, the
language of the common people replaced the apabhramsa and
manifested itself as ‘sant-bhasha’. This language became
popular with the saints who travelled from one place to other
further popularizing the language.
GYANM’S GENERAL AWARENESS – NOVEMBER 2014
It emerged as an independent language in 12th
century with Fariduddin Ganjshakar, generally known as
‘Sheikh Farid’(1173-1266), who used this language of the
population to compose his teachings .The language flourished
when sikh gurus used this language predominantly to compose
their verses. The earliest known text of Punjabi is known as
‘Janam sakhis’ of Guru Nanak by his disciple ‘Bala’. It is said to
have been written after the death of Guru Nanak Dev at the
instance of Guru Angad Dev Ji.
The second Sikh guru, Guru Angad Dev Ji gave the
language its script which is known as ‘gurmukhi’.
SCRIPTS OF PUNJABI
There are at present two variants of this language. In
one variety, Punjabi is written in the ‘arabian’ script. This script
is followed in present day western Pakistan and is known as
‘lahnda variety’ (lahnda means ‘west’). This variety is written in
arabic script and is also called ‘shahmukhi’ script.
The other script is called ‘gurmukhi’ which was
devised by the second Sikh guru Guru Angad Dev for scriptural
use. It is now followed in the eastern Punjab or the present
day Punjab of India.
This language is spoken by more than ten crore
people all over the world. It is the 9th most spoken language in
the world and is the most widely spoken language in Pakistan,
11th most widely spoken in India and the 3rd most spoken
language in United Kingdom and Canada.
It is one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and
is the first official language of the Indian state of Punjab. In
Pakistan, Punjabi has not been granted official status at the
national level, though it is the most spoken language in the
largest province of Punjab (Pakistan).
DISTINCT DIALECTS:
A language may be spoken indifferent ways in different areas.
Similarly, Punjabi also has different dialects which are
characteristic to a particular area.
The major dialects of Punjabi in the present day Punjab are:
DIALECT AREA
Majhi Amritsar, Gurdaspur
Doabi Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur area
Pwadi Kharar, Ropar, Kural, Nurpur Bedi,
Morinda Rajpura and Samrala.
Malwi Ludhiana, Ambala, Bhatinda, GangaNagar,
Malerkotla, Fazilka and Farezepur, Hissar
and Sirsa area
PUNJABI WRITERS WHO HAVE
WON NATIONAL AWARDS
JNANPITH AWARDS: These awards are given for life time
contribution to Indian literature.
Amrita Pritam in 1981
Gurdial Singh in 1999
SARASWATI AWARDS:
Harbhajan Singh : 1994 for ‘Rukh te Rishi’
Dalip Kaur Tiwana : 2001 for ‘Katha Kaho Urvashi’
Surjit Patar : 2009 for ‘Lafzan di Dargah’
60
SOME IMPORTANT BOOKS IN PUNJABI DRAINAGE
At present, Punjab is left with only three rivers namely –
Book Author Satluj, Beas and Ravi.
Kaffian Bulle Shah Satluj is the main and major stream. It has its source in one
Chandi di War Guru Gobind Singh of the westerly Mansarover lake in Tibet. It criss-crosses
Chandanwadi Dhani Ram Chatrik Himachal Pradesh before entering Punjab near Nangal.
It is joined by the river Beas at ‘Harike’ before entering
Kissa Puran Bhagat Qadaryaar
Pakistan.
Rana Surat Singh Bhai Veer Singh
Sundri Bhai Veer Singh Beas river has a very short course rising from Beas Kund near
Lehar Hulare Bhai Veer Singh Rohtang Pass in Himachal to its confluence with Sutlej.
Save Patar Prof. Mohan Singh
Kagaj Te Kanvas Amrita Pritam Ravi originates in the Himalayas in the Chamba district in
Himachal Pradesh. It is the smallest of the five Punjab rivers. It
Luna Shiv Kumar
enters Punjab plain near Madhopur. It then flows along the
Chhita Lahoo Nanak Singh
Indo-Pak border for some distance before entering Pakistan
Pavitar Paapi Nanak Singh and joining the Chenab river. Lahore is situated on the banks
Jungnama Shah Mohamad of this reiver.
Marhi da Deeva Gurdyaal Singh On the southern margins of Punjab runs a seasonal river
Rasidi Ticket Amrita Pritam Ghaggar which is believed to be same as Vedic river Saraswati.

CANAL SYSTEM OF PUNJAB

LOVE BALLADS
Upper Bari Doab Canal: This canal rakes off from Ravi at
Heer Ranjha Damodar Madhopur. This canal is said to have been got constructed by
Heer Ranjha Waris Shah Maharaja Ranjit Singh and was extended by the Britishers for
Sasi Punnu Hashim Shah the purpose of irrigation.
Sohni Mahiwal Fazal Shah
Mirza Sahiban Hafiz Barkhudar Bist Doab Canal : This canal takes off from the right bank of
river Satluj at Ropar. It has two branches – Jalandhar Branch
Mirza Sahiban Peelu
and Nawan Shahar branch, This canal irrigates Hoshiarpur,
Jalandhar and Kapurthala region.
RELIGIOUS VERSES Bhakra Dam & Canal : It is one of the biggest multi purpose
Asa di Vaar Guru Nank Dev ji river valley scheme. The dam was completed on October 22,
1963 while the canal system was completed in 1968.
Japji Sahib Guru Nank Dev ji
Sidh Gosht Guru Nank Dev ji Sirhind Canal :This is one of the biggest canal system in
Barah Mah Guru Nank Dev ji India and irrigates malwa region of Punjab. The Sirhind canal
Anand Sahib Guru Amar Dass ji takes off at Ropar head works from river Satluj and upto
Lavaan Guru Ram Dass ji Doraha flows as one channel. Therafter, it divides into four
Sukhmani Sahib Guru Arjun Dev ji branches.
Jaap Sahib Guru Gobind Singh ji
Makhu Canal : This canal irrigates Moga region and branches
Savaiye Guru Gobind Singh ji off the Harike barrage at Harike.
Dasam Granth Guru Gobind Singh ji
Zafar Nama Guru Gobind Singh ji Shah Nahar Canal : The canal takes off from river Beas
Some Other Regligios Texts downstream of Pong dam. It irrigates semi-hilly of Himachal
Kafian Bulleh Shah Pradesh and some areas of Hoshiarpur district.
Kafian Shah Hussain
Some other river projects are:
Beas Project: A diversion dam has been constructed at
GEOGRAPHY OF PUNJAB Pandoh in Himachal Pradesh across river Beas. The waters of
Beas are diverted to river Satluj at ‘Slappar’. Pong Dam has
PHYSIOGRAPHY been constructed at Pong about 35 KM from Mukerian across
The present day Punjab is roughly triangular in shape the river Beas.
and it borders Pakistan on the west, Jammu & Kashmir on the
north, Himachal Pradesh on the north eastern and east and Thein Dam : It is constructed across river Ravi about 20 kilo
Haryana to its south and southeast. The area is comparatively meter above Madhopur.
small at 50,362 sq.kms. and mostly alluvial plain best suited
for accessibility and agriculture. The area is sloping gradually SOILS: Punjab is divided into three distinct regions on the
with 350 metres above sea level in the northeast and north to basis of soil types. The regions are:
about 180 metres in the southwest.
i) South –Western Punjab ii) Central Punjab and
Punjab is part of Sutlej basin, with Yamuna forming its
western border and Indus bordering it on the east. iii) Eastern Punjab.

GYANM’S GENERAL AWARENESS – NOVEMBER 2014 61

CLIMATE: The climate of Punjab is varies from extreme hot
to extreme cold and the major seasons in Punjab are : Cotton 481 1627 535
i. Summer: From April to June, the temperature can Sugarcane 83 489 5952
go as high as 50 degrees Celsius.
ii. Rainy: July to September. Though Punjab falls in The state ranks 2nd in wheat production in India after Uttar
low rainfall area but majority of its rainfall is due to Pradesh.
monsoon during this period. Average annual rainfall in
The total foodgrain production of Punjab in 2012-13 went
Punjab is 472.1 mm as per report of planning
down from 29076 in 2011-12 to 28502 due to drought. The
commission.
expected foodgrain (provisional) yield in the year 2013-14 is
iii. Winter: December to February. During this period
27801 million tonnnes, tells us about the falling yield and
the temperature can fall as low as 5 degree Celsius.
impact of climatic conditions on the economic conditions of the
In certain areas the temperature has gone as low as
farmers.
0 degree Celsius also in the recent years.
Some Important facts about Food production:
Between February and April is the transitional period and this
Punjab produced around 18% of the total wheat produced in
period when the weather is quite pleasant. This season is
the country (down in percentage terms from 20% in 2012) and
known as ‘Basant’ (Spring); while between October and 11% (increased from 9% last year) of the rice.
November, the trees start losing leaves and this period is
known as ‘Patjharh’ (Autumn) .
CONTRIBUTION TO THE CENTRAL POOL
ECONOMY 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14
The economy of the state is largely dependent on agriculture Wheat 38.7 33.6 43.4
with majority of its population professing farming. Rice 22.1 25.1 29.3

The state has number of small, medium and large scale Other major crops of Punjab are: sugarcane, maize, millet,
industrial units. Major industries in the state include metals, barley and fruit.
manufacturing textiles, hosiery, yarn, sports good, hand tools,
bicycles and light engineering goods. Punjab is the most prolific contributor to our national pool of
food grains.
COMPOSITION OF GSDP PUNJAB AT CURRENT PRICES
(%) 2013-14 Khanna, in Ludhiana district is the largest grain market in Asia.
SECTOR Punjab
Primary 20.81 Rabi Crops: Wheat, Gram, Barley, Potatoes and winter
Secondary 28.30 vegetable
Tertiary 50.86
Kharif Crops: Rice, Maize, Sugarcane, cotton and Pulses.
Overall 100
SHARE OF AGRICULTURE
Achievement in Eleventh Plan:
The share of agriculture in GSDP (Gross State Domestic
SECTOR TARGET ACHIEVEMENT Product) has decreased from 21.19% in 2004-05 to 17.51% in
Primary 2.40 1.67 2007-08, 15.47% in 2010-11 and 12.84% in 2013-14. It shows
Secondary 8.00 9.00 the declining trend of agriculture in the economy of Punjab.
Tertiary 7.40 8.31
Overall 5.90 6.74 However, it must be understood that the overall production of
(Source: Planning Commission) foodgrain has increased over a period of time; the state
produced only 65.06 lac mt of rice in 1990-91, the production
AGRICULTURE of which has now gone up to 113.74 lac my in 2012-13.
Agriculture is the backbone of Punjab economy.
The progress made by agriculture in Punjab is unparalleled. COMPARATIVE AGR. PRODUCTION (LAC MT)
The state was deficit in food at the time of independence but it 1990-91 2011-12 2012-13
made rapid progress during sixties and seventies. The Rice 65.06 105.42 113.74
production of wheat and rice has increased considerably during Wheat 121.59 179.82 165.91
this period and Punjab came to be known as the granary of
Total Foodgrain 192.18 290.76 285.02
India.
Food Grain Production Punjab 2012-13 AGRO-CLIMATIC ZONES
Area Production Yield
Sub-Mountations Zone Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur,
(000, hectares) (000, metric (Kg per
tonnes) hectare)
(kandi zone) Roopnagar, SAS Nagar
Rice 2845 11374 3741 Central Alluvial Zone Amritsar, Taran Taran, Kapurthala,
(Sweet water zone) Jalandhar,Ludhiana, Patiala,
Wheat 3512 16591 5097
Fatehgarh Sahib, Nawanshahar,
Other 145 525 3981 (maize)
Sangrur, Barnala
cereal
Pulse 13 12 – Southern Dry Zone Bathinda, Faridkot, Firozpur,
Total 6515 28502 (Cotton Belt) Mansa, Moga, Muktsar

GYANM’S GENERAL AWARENESS – NOVEMBER 2014 62

While the Net sown area of the state is around 41.55 lac 4. Faridkot (SC) Prof. Sadhu Singh (AAP)
hectares but the cropping intensity is almost double at 191%.
5. Fategarh Sahib (SC) : Harinder Singh Khalsa (AAP)
The net sown area of the state accounts for around 83% of its
geographical area while the irrigated area is around 98%. 6. Ferozpur Shri Sher Singh Ghubaya (SAD)
7. Gurdaspur Vinod Khanna (BJP)
PER CAPITA INCOME
As per the latest official data the Per capita income in 8. Hoshiarpur (SC) Vijay Sampla (BJP)
Punjab at current prices for 2013-14 is Rs. 92638. 9. Jalandhar (SC) Santokh Singh Chaudhary (INC)
While in terms of constant prices at 2004-05 level, the
per capita income has increased to Rs. 49411 in 2013-14. 10. Khadoor Sahib - Ranjit Singh Brahmpura (SAD)
PER CAPITA INCOME PUNJAB vs. ALL INDIA 11. Ludhiana Ravneet Singh Bittu (INC)

At Current Prices At Constant Prices 12. Patiala Dr. Dharam Vira Gandhi (AAP)

Punjab All India Punjab All India 13. Sangrur Bhagwant Mann (AAP)

2004-05 33103 24143 33103 24143

2) Rajya Sabha – 7
2011-12(P) 76895 61855 46325 38048
2012-13(Q) 84526 67839 47834 38856 Sr. No. Name Date of Retirement
2013-14(A) 92638 74380 49411 39904 1 Ashwani Kumar, Shri 09/04/2016
(Source: ESO News April – June 2013) 2 Bhunder, Shri Balwinder Singh 04/07/2016
3 Dhindsa, Sardar Sukhdev Singh 09/04/2016
ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE OF PUNJAB
Governor Sh. Shiv Raj Patil 4 Gill, Dr. M.S. 09/04/2016
Chief Minister Sh. Parkash Singh Badal 5 Gujral, Shri Naresh 09/04/2016
Deputy Chief Minister Sh. Sukhbir Singh Badal
Speaker of Vidhan Sabha Sh. Charanjit Singh Atwal 6 Khanna, Shri Avinash Rai 09/04/2016
Leader of Opposition in Sh. Sunil Jakhar (Congress) 7 Soni, Smt. Ambika 04/07/2016
Vidhan Sabha
Members of Vidhan Sabha: 117
DIVISIONS OF PUNJAB: 5
DIVISION DISTRICTS DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS
Jalandhar Gurdaspur, Amritsar, TaranTaran, Kapurthala, District with Maximum Area – Firozepur
Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahar, District with Minimum Area – SAS Nagar (Mohali)
Pathankot (Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar) District with Highest Population – Ludhiana (12.6%)
District with Lowest Population – Barnala (2.2%)
Patiala Roopnagar (Ropar), SAS Nagar (Mohali), District with Highest Sex Ratio – Hoshiarpur (961)
Ludhiana, Sangrur, Barnala, Patiala, District with Lowest Sex Ratio – Bhatinda (868)
Firozepur Firozpur, Muktsar, Moga, Fazilka District with Highest Literacy Ratio – Hoshiarpur (84.6%)
Faridkot Faridkot, Bathinda,Mansa District with Lowest Literacy Rate – Mansa(61.8%)
Rupnagar Mohali, Rupnagar, Fatehgarh Sahib District- -Highest Population Density – Ludhiana(978)
(Ropar) District -- Lowest Population Density – Muktsar ( 348)
District with Highest Urbanization – Ludhiana
District with Lowest Urbanization – Taran Taran
Number of Districts in Punjab: 22
(Source-Economic Survey Punjab2013-14)
Number of Sub-divisions in Punjab : 82
Number of Tehsils in Punjab: 82
Number of Sub-Tehsils in Punjab : 85 PUNJAB TOPS IN THESE FIELDS
Number of Blocks in Punjab : 146 Punjab consumes 10% of fertilizer consumption of India
Number of Towns in Punjab : 143 One third of all the tractors of India plough fields in
Punjab.
Contributes 29.30% of central pool of rice and 43.40% of
MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT central pool of wheat in 2013-14
Record yield of 4898 kg per hectare of Wheat & 3741 kg
1) Lok Sabha-13 ( election held May 2014 to 16th Lok per hectare Rice
Sabha) Per Capita eggs availability highest in India – 30 for India
and 126 for Punjab .
1. Amritsar Captain Amrinder Singh (INC) 971 gm per capita milk (in 2014) availability is highest in
2. Anandpur Sahib Prem Singh Chandumajra (SAD) India against 290 gm for All India.( 2012)
Highest number of vehicles per thousand population:-
3. Bathinda Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Bada (lSAD) Motor vehicles – 77, tractors – 55

GYANM’S GENERAL AWARENESS – NOVEMBER 2014 63

 Highest cropping intensity in the country.
Highest net area irrigated
Highest yield rate per hectare
Highest contribution of wheat and rice to the national pool
Highest consumption of fertilizers
Highest number of tube wells.

LITERACY RATE OF PUNJAB:

Overall Male Female Person

Rural 76.6% 65.7% 71.4%
Urban 86.7% 79.2% 83.2%
Total 80.4% 70.7% 75.8%

CHAIRMAN/PRESIDENTS OF VARIOUS
BODIES IN PUNJAB

Chairman of Punjab State Human Rights commission:

Justice Jagdish Bhalla
Chief Information Commissioner of Punjab: S. Sarwan
Singh Channy, IAS (Retd.)
Chairman of Punjab Mandi Board : Ajmer Singh Lakhowal
State Electoral Officer of Punjab : Sh. V.K.Singh I.A.S.
Chairperson of Punjab State Women’s commission : -
vacant
President of SGPC : Avtar Singh Makkar

EDUCATION
UNIVERSITIES LOCATION YEAR ESTB.
Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar Nov. 24, 1969
(GNDU)
Punjabi University Patiala April 30, 1962
Punjab University Chandigarh 1882 at Lahore;
Relocated Chd. -
1956
Punjab Agriculture Ludhiana 1962
University (PAU)
Punjab Technical University Jalandhar Jan. 16, 1997
(PTU) / Baba Sahib
Ambedkar Technical
University
Baba Farid University of Faridkot July 1998
Health & Sciences
Guru Angad Dev Veterinary Ludhiana Aug. 9, 2005
and Animal Sciences (Bifurcated
University from PAU)
Lovely Professional Phagwara 2006
University.
Thapar University Patiala 1956
Rajiv Gandhi National Law Patiala 2006
University.
Central University of Punjab Bhatinda 2009
Indian Institute of Ropar 2008
Technology
NIPER (National Institute of Mohali -
Pharmaceutical Education
and Research)
Indian School of Business Mohali 2012

GYANM’S GENERAL AWARENESS – NOVEMBER 2014 64

 Punjab G K Bytes
1) Guru Nanak Dev was born at which place: 27) Guru Nanak Dev Ji was born in the year: 1469 AD
Talwandi (Nankana Sahib) presently in 28) In which year did Guru Nanak Dev Ji breathed his
Pakistan last: 1539 AD
2) Who composed ‘Anand Sahib’: Guru Amardas 29) The ‘Travels’ by Guru Nanak Dev Ji are known as:
3) Guru Amardas was born at: Village Basarke Udasis
4) Guru Ramdas born at: Lahore (Chuna Mandi) 30) How many journeys were undertaken by Guru
5) Which Mugal ruler got guru Arjan Dev Ji executed: Nanak Devi Ji: Four
Emperor Jahanagir 31) What was the name of Father of Guru Nanak Dev Ji:
6) In which year Guru Arjan Dev Ji attained Mehta Kalyan Das
Martyrdom: 1606 AD 32) What was the name of mother of Guru Nanak Dev
7) How was Guru Hargobind related to Guru Arjan Dev Ji: Mata Tripta Ji
Ji: Guru Hargobind was son of Guru Arjan Dev 33) Name the wife of Guru Nanak Dev Ji: Mata
Ji Sulakhni
8) Guru Harbogind was born at: Guru ki Wadali 34) Name the wife of Guru Angad Dev Ji, whose name
(Amritsar) also appears in Guru Granth Sahib: Mata Khivi
9) In which year was Guru Harkrishan Ji born: 1656 35) Who were the contemporary rulers of India during
AD the times of Guru Nanak Dev Ji: Lodhis, Babar,
10) Guru Harkrishan was son of: Guru Har Rai Ji Himayun
11) How was Guru Har Rai related to Guru Hargobind: 36) Which Mughal emperor visited and paid obeisance to
Guru Har Rai was grandson of Guru Hargobind Guru Amar Das Ji: Akbar
Ji 37) Guru Amar Das Ji directed the mughal emperor to
12) What was the name of father of Guru Har Rai: Bhai ________ before paying his obeisance: sit in the
Gurditta Ji langar and partake food with commoners
13) Who was the 9th Guru of Sikhs: Guru Tegh 38) How was the Guru Ram Das Ji related to Guru Amar
Bahadur Sahib Ji Das Ji: Guru Ram Das Ji was son in law of Guru
Amar Das Ji
14) Guru Tegh Bahadur was son of: Guru Hargobind
Ji (6th Guru of Sikhs) 39) What was the name of wife of Guru Ram Das Ji:
Bibi Bhani
15) At which place was Guru Tegh Bahadur born:
Amritsar 40) What was the name of father of Guru Arjan Dev Ji:
Guru Ram Das Ji
16) Name the place at which Guru Gobind Singh Ji was
born: Patna Sahib (Bihar) 41) Name the contemporary rulers during the times of
Guru Arjan Dev Ji: Akbar and Jahangir
17) In which year was Guru Gobind Singh Ji born: 1666
AD 42) Guru Hargobind Ji was imprisoned by which Mughal
king: Jahangir
18) In which year Guru Gobind Singh Ji breathed his
last: 1708 AD 43) At which place was Guru Hargobind Ji imprisoned:
Gwalior Fort
19) Name the emperor who got the 9th Guru of Sikhs
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji executed: Aurangzeb 44) Name the Gurudwara which stand at the place
where Guru Arjan Dev Ji was Martyred: Gurudwara
20) In which year Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji attained
Dehra Sahib (Lahore, in 1606)
Martyrdom:11th November, 1675
45) What was the name of wife of Guru Arjan Dev Ji:
21) At which place Guru Gobind Singh Ji breathed his
Mata Ganga Ji
last: Hazoor Sahib (Maharashtra)
46) What was the original name of Guru Arjan Dev Ji:
22) By which other name is Hazoor Sahib known as:
Arjan Mal
Nanded
47) Which city was founded by the 3rd guru of Sikhs
23) Zaffarnamah, the poetical composition written by:
Guru Amardas Ji: Gobindwal Sahib
Guru Gobind Singh Ji
48) Which city was founded by Guru Angad Dev Ji, the
24) To whom was the Zaffarnamah addressed:
2nd guru: Khadoor Sahib
Aurangzeb
49) What was the original name of Guru Ramdas Ji, 4th
25) What is the meaning of Zaffarnamah: Epistle of
guru: Bhai Jetha Ji
Victory
50) Which “Salokas” by Guru Nanak referred to invasion
26) In which language is Zaffarnamah written: Persian
by Babar: Babarvani

GYANM’S GENERAL AWARENESS – NOVEMBER 2014 65

51) Where was Guru Nanak imprisoned by Babar forces: Arjan Dev Ji
Sayyadpur, In Pakistan 79) What was the original name of Guru Gobind Singh
52) Name the place and the Gurudwara where Guru Ji: Gobind Rai
Nanak Dev Ji mollified Vali Kandhari: Panja Sahib 80) Apart from the ‘vani’ of six gurus, Guru Granth Sahib
53) What was the name of the demon Guru Nanak Dev contains compositions of how many Bhagats:
Ji met while passing through Assam: Kauda Fifteen
Rakshash 81) Apart from Gurus and Bhagats, Guru Granth Sahib
54) What is the name of the composition that records contains compositions of _________ Bhattas:
the dialogue between Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Eleven
Sidhas: Sidh Ghosht 82) Name the person who got the Gurudwara at Nanded
55) What is the name of the two accomplices of Guru (Hazoor Sahib) built: Maharaja Ranjit Singh
Nanak Dev Ji: Bhai Mardana Ji and Bhai Bala Ji 83) The Gurudwara at Hazoor Sahib is situated on the
56) Name the Muslim accomplice of Guru Nanak Ji who banks of which river: Tapti
carried “Rabab” with him: Bhai Mardana 84) How many Hymns in Guru Granth Sahib are
57) The concept of ‘MIRI-PIRI’ was established by: contributed by Fifteen Bhagats: 922
Guru Hargobind Ji 85) Which Bhagat has contributed maximum Hymns in
58) Which guru was made to sit on hot iron plate and Guru Granth Sahib: Bhagat Kabir
burning sand was put on his body: Guru Arjan Dev 86) How many Hymns of Bhagat Kabir are included in
Ji Guru Granth Sahib: 541
59) Which guru established Amritsar: Guru Ramdas Ji 87) What was the hereditary occupation of Bhagat
60) Which guru got the tank in Amritsar excavated: Kabir: Weaver
Guru Ramdas Ji 88) Bhagat Kabir belonged to which cast: Julaha
61) Name the spiritual leader who built Harmandir 89) At which place in Delhi was Guru Tegh Bahadur
Sahib: Guru Arjan Dev Ji martyred: Chandani Chowk
62) Who compiled Adi Granth: Guru Arjan Dev Ji 90) Which Gurudwara is situated at Chandani Chowk in
63) Adi Granth also known as: Pothi Sahib memory of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji: Gurudwara Sis
64) Adi Granth contained ‘Vani’ of how many Sikh Ganj Sahib
Guru’s: Five 91) Name the Gurudwara situated at the place where
65) The Guru Granth Sahib contains vani of how many body of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji was cremated:
Sikh gurus: Six (First Five and The Ninth Guru, Gurudwara Rakab Ganj
Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji) 92) Who carried the head of Guru Tegh Bahadur from
66) Who was the first head granthi of Adi Granth: Baba Delhi to Anandpur Sahib: Bhai Jaita Ji
Budha Ji 93) Name the three persons who were martyred along
67) How many pages does Guru Granth Sahib with Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib: Bhai Mati Das,
contained: 1430 pages Bhai Sati Das, Bhai Dayala
68) When was Guru Granth Sahib anointed as eternal 94) What was the name of the leader of delegation of
guru of Sikhs: 3rd October, 1708 Kashmiri Brahamans that came to seek help from
Guru Tegh Bahadur: Pandit Kirpa Ram
69) In which year construction of Harmandir Sahib
completed: 1589 AD 95) Who built the Gurudwaras Rakab Ganj and Sis Ganj
built: Sardar Baghel Singh in 1790
70) Who was the scribe of Adi Granth: Bhai Gurdas Ji
96) Gurmukhi script was standardized by : 2nd Guru
71) Name the institution started by the 6th Guru Angad Dev ji
Hargobind Ji: Akal Takhat
97) On which day of 1699 Guru Gobind Singh Ji created
72) At what age Baba Budha Ji passed away: 125 Panth Khalsa: Vaisakhi ( 13th April 1699)
years in 1631
98) Which person is said to have betrayed Mata Gujari Ji
73) How many Guru’s did Baba Budha Ji serve: six and two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji:
74) Asa di var is composed by : Guru Nanak Dev ji Gangu Brahamin
75) Japji Sahib is the vani of which Sikh Guru: Guru 99) Name the Gurudwara which stands at the place
Nanak Dev Ji where two younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
76) Who laid the foundation of Harmandir Sahib were bricked alive: Gurudwara Fatehgarh Sahib
(Amritsar): Mian Mir 100) Name the five takhats: i) Akal Takhat (Amritsar)
77) Who was the scribe of Guru Granth Sahib when it ii) Damdama Sahib (Talwandi Sabo) iii)
was dictated by Guru Gobind Singh Ji: Bhai Mani Keshgarh Sahib (Anandpur Sahib) iv) Patna
Singh Sahib (Bihar) v) Hazoor Sahib (Nanded)
101) What was the original name of ‘Banda Singh
78) Sukhmani Sahib is composition of which Guru: Guru
Bahadur’: Lachman Das

GYANM’S GENERAL AWARENESS – NOVEMBER 2014 66

102) ‘Banda Singh Bahadur’ belonged to: Rajori Area Maharaja Ranjit Singh) in the year: 1819 AD
(Jammu) 128) The regime of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was also
103) Lachman Das who later on was known as Banda known as: Lahore Durbar
Bahadur renounced the world and acquired the 129) Treaty of Amritsar was signed in the year: 1809 AD
name: Madho Das
130) Maharaja Ranjit Singh was crowned on: April 12,
104) Lachman Das after renouncing the world acquired 1801 AD
the name Madho Das and settled at: Panchvati
(Nasik) 131) Maharaja Ranjit Singh belonged to ______ Misl:
Sukerchakia
105) Madho Das met Guru Gobind Singh at ______ and
acquired the new name Banda Bahadur: Nanded 132) What was the name of father of Maharaja Ranjit
Singh: Sardar Mahan Singh
106) ___________ was sent by Guru Gobind Singh to
Punjab to seek revenge from enemies of khalsa: 133) Maharaja Ranjit Singh belongs to _______ sikh clan:
Banda Bahadur Sandhwalia

107) Banda Bahadur conquered Sirhind defeating the 134) Maharaja Ranjit Singh was crowned by: Shri Sahib
mughal forces led by: Wazir Khan, Governor of Singh Bedi
Sirhind 135) Shri Sahib Singh Bedi was a descendent of: Shri
108) Wazir Khan was defeated by Banda Bahadur at the Guru Nanak Dev Ji
battle of: Chapar Chiri (: 3 : 136) Takhat Shri Patna Sahib and Takhat Shri Hajoor
Sahib was got built by: Maharaja Ranjit Singh
109) Banda Bahadur was defeated in the battle of:
Gurdas Nangal (Gurdaspur) 137) Maharaja Ranjit Singh got ________ gold plated:
Shri Harminder Sahib
110) Banda Bahadur was tortured and executed in the
year: 1716 AD 138) During the reign of Banda Bahadur, sikhs got
111) Banda Bahadur established his headquarter at which divided into: Tat Khalsa (9 9 < 5 5 and Bandai
place: Mukhlisar (presently in Distt Mohali) Sikhs

112) Mukhlisar was renamed by Banda Bahadur as: 139) Name the person who united Tat khalsa (9 9 < 5 5
Lohgarh and Bandai Sikhs: Bhai Mani Singh
113) _______was capital of first Sikh state under Banda 140) Number of MPs in Punjab Rajya Sabha is: 7
Singh Bahadur from years 1710-1715: Lohgarh 141) Singhpuria Misl was founded by: Nawab Kapur
(presently in Distt. Mohali) Singh
114) Name the person who is known as ‘Bearded Mother 142) The other name for Singhpuria Misl was:
Teresa’: Bhagat Puran Singh Faizalpuria
115) Lala Lajpat Rai was known as: Sher-e-Punjab 143) Ahluwalia Misl was founded by: Jassa Singh
116) Who is known as Flying Sikh of India: Milkha Ahluwalia
Singh 144) Jassa Singh Ahluwalia was given the title of ______
117) Le Corbusier, the architect of Chandigarh was citizen by Nawab Kapur Singh: Sultan-ul-quam
of: France 145) Sukherchakia Misl was founded by: Sardar Charat
118) During the Mahabharata period Punjab was known Singh (Grandfather of Maharaja Ranjit Singh)
as: Panchnada
146) Small Holocaust () 5 = 57 5 took place in the
119) Major Gen. Rajinder Singh is also known as: year: 1746 AD at Kahnuwan
Sparrow
147) The 2nd Holocaust took place at a place near
120) Which Mughal king was instrumental in execution of Ahmedgarh called: Village Kup
‘Banda Bahadur’: Farukh Siyar
148) The 2nd Holocaust took place in the year: 1762 AD
121) In which year ‘Zakariya Khan’ became governor of
149) In the 2nd Holocaust Sikhs were defeated by:
Punjab: 1726 AD
Ahmed Shah Abdali
122) In which year Nadir Shah attacked Punjab: 1738
150) The 2nd Holocaust is known as: Wadda
AD
Khalughara ( 5 = 57 5
123) Mir Manu became governor of Punjab in which year:
1748 AD
124)
125)
When was Dal Khalsa found: 1748 AD
In which year Maharaja Ranjit Singh annexed
Lahore: 1799 AD
EDUCATING THE MIND WITHOUT
126) Maharaja Ranjit Singh Annexed Amritsar in: 1805 EDUCATING THE HEART IS NO
AD
127) Kashmir became part of Lahore Durbar (Kingdom of
EDUCATION AT ALL
GYANM’S GENERAL AWARENESS – NOVEMBER 2014 67