Q 01/05

What is the capital of India?

A) New Delhi

B) Mumbai

C) Kolkata

D) Bengaluru

Answer · why

A) New Delhi

Delhi's planned twin was inaugurated as the imperial capital in 1931, replacing Calcutta; Mumbai remains the largest city by population.

Q 02/05

India ranks where among the world's countries by land area?

A) Third

B) Seventh

C) Fifth

D) Tenth

Answer · why

B) Seventh

It is the largest by population, having overtaken China in 2023, but sits behind Russia, Canada, China, the USA, Brazil and Australia by area.

Q 03/05

On what date did India gain independence from Britain?

A) 2 October 1947

B) 26 January 1950

C) 15 August 1947

D) 14 August 1948

Answer · why

C) 15 August 1947

Nehru marked the moment with his 'Tryst with Destiny' speech; 26 January 1950, when the constitution took effect, became Republic Day.

Q 04/05

Which river gives India its name?

A) The Yamuna

B) The Ganges

C) The Brahmaputra

D) The Indus

Answer · why

D) The Indus

The Greeks called the river Indos; ironically most of the Indus now flows through Pakistan. The constitution's other name for the country is Bharat.

Q 05/05

Which ancient urban culture flourished in the subcontinent around 2500-1900 BCE?

A) The Indus Valley Civilisation

B) The Mauryan Empire

C) The Gupta Empire

D) The Kuru Kingdom

Answer · why

A) The Indus Valley Civilisation

Its cities Harappa and Mohenjo-daro had grid streets and covered drains, and its script has never been deciphered.