Here are 25 multiple-choice questions on the history of Jammu and Kashmir, tailored for JKSSB and similar competitive exams:
Q1. Which ancient text provides the most comprehensive historical account of Kashmir up to the 12th century AD?
(a) Mahabharata
(b) Rajatarangini
(c) Ramayana
(d) Arthashastra
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Rajatarangini, authored by Kalhana in the 12th century, is a historical chronicle of Kashmir, considered a significant primary source documenting its dynastic history.
Q2. Who was the founder of the Utpala Dynasty in Kashmir?
(a) Lalitaditya Muktapida
(b) Avantivarman
(c) Didda
(d) Kshemagupta
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Avantivarman founded the Utpala Dynasty in the 9th century and made significant contributions to irrigation and agriculture in Kashmir.
Q3. The famous Martand Sun Temple in Kashmir was constructed by which ruler?
(a) Avantivarman
(b) Zain-ul-Abidin
(c) Lalitaditya Muktapida
(d) Kalhana
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota Dynasty is credited with the construction of the magnificent Martand Sun Temple in the 8th century AD.
Q4. Which Queen of Kashmir is known for her strong rule and for transferring power to her nephew, Sangramaraja, eventually leading to the Lohara Dynasty?
(a) Kota Rani
(b) Yashomati
(c) Didda
(d) Sugandha
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Queen Didda, an influential ruler of Kashmir in the late 10th and early 11th centuries, was known for her astute political skills and strong reign.
Q5. Who was the last independent Hindu ruler of Kashmir before the establishment of Muslim rule?
(a) Lalitaditya Muktapida
(b) Avantivarman
(c) Udayanadeva
(d) Kota Rani
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Kota Rani was the last Hindu ruler of Kashmir. After her fall, Shah Mir established the Shah Mir Dynasty, marking the beginning of Muslim rule.
Q6. Who founded the Shah Mir Dynasty, marking the beginning of Muslim rule in Kashmir?
(a) Sikandar Butshikan
(b) Zain-ul-Abidin
(c) Shah Mir
(d) Sultan Sadruddin
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Shah Mir, originally from Swat, ascended the throne in 1339 AD, establishing the Shah Mir Dynasty.
Q7. Which ruler is famously known as ‘Budshah’ (The Great King) for his tolerant policies and development works in Kashmir?
(a) Sikandar Butshikan
(b) Zain-ul-Abidin
(c) Ghazi Shah Chak
(d) Yousuf Shah Chak
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin (1420-1470 AD) earned the title ‘Budshah’ for his promotion of religious tolerance, revival of Kashmiri arts and crafts, and public welfare projects.
Q8. During the reign of which Sultan was the policy of forced conversion and destruction of temples actively pursued, earning him the epithet ‘Butshikan’ (Idol Breaker)?
(a) Zain-ul-Abidin
(b) Shah Mir
(c) Sikandar Butshikan
(d) Haider Shah
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Sultan Sikandar (1389-1413 AD) is known for his strict interpretation of Islamic law and policies that led to the destruction of many temples and forced conversions.
Q9. The Chak Dynasty ruled Kashmir after which major dynasty?
(a) Karkota Dynasty
(b) Utpala Dynasty
(c) Shah Mir Dynasty
(d) Lohara Dynasty
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Chak Dynasty succeeded the Shah Mir Dynasty in 1561 AD, ruling Kashmir until its annexation by the Mughals.
Q10. Who was the last independent ruler of the Chak Dynasty before the Mughal conquest of Kashmir?
(a) Ghazi Shah Chak
(b) Yousuf Shah Chak
(c) Lohar Chak
(d) Husain Shah Chak
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Yousuf Shah Chak was the last independent ruler before Akbar’s forces annexed Kashmir into the Mughal Empire in 1586 AD.
Q11. The Mughal rule in Kashmir began under which emperor?
(a) Humayun
(b) Babur
(c) Akbar
(d) Jahangir
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Emperor Akbar conquered Kashmir in 1586 AD, integrating it into the Mughal Empire.
Q12. Which Mughal emperor was particularly enchanted by Kashmir and visited it numerous times, establishing many gardens?
(a) Akbar
(b) Shah Jahan
(c) Jahangir
(d) Aurangzeb
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Emperor Jahangir had a deep love for Kashmir and spent considerable time there, contributing to the development of many Mughal gardens like Shalimar Bagh.
Q13. In which year did the Afghan (Durrani) rule begin in Kashmir?
(a) 1707 AD
(b) 1753 AD
(c) 1819 AD
(d) 1846 AD
Answer: (b)
Explanation: After the decline of the Mughal Empire, Kashmir came under Afghan rule in 1753 AD, lasting for about 66 years.
Q14. Who led the Sikh forces to conquer Kashmir from the Afghans in 1819?
(a) Maharaja Ranjit Singh
(b) Gulab Singh
(c) Hari Singh
(d) Zorawar Singh
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Sikh Empire annexed Kashmir from the Afghans in 1819, marking the beginning of Sikh rule.
Q15. The Treaty of Amritsar, signed in 1846, led to the establishment of which ruling dynasty in Jammu and Kashmir?
(a) Shah Mir Dynasty
(b) Chak Dynasty
(c) Dogra Dynasty
(d) Sikh Empire
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Treaty of Amritsar, signed between the British East India Company and Maharaja Gulab Singh, sold Kashmir to Gulab Singh, establishing the Dogra Dynasty.
Q16. Who was the first Dogra ruler of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir?
(a) Maharaja Hari Singh
(b) Maharaja Pratap Singh
(c) Maharaja Ranbir Singh
(d) Maharaja Gulab Singh
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Maharaja Gulab Singh became the founder of the Dogra Dynasty and the first Maharaja of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir in 1846.
Q17. Which Dogra ruler is credited with introducing significant administrative reforms, including the establishment of modern education and healthcare facilities, and land reforms?
(a) Maharaja Gulab Singh
(b) Maharaja Ranbir Singh
(c) Maharaja Pratap Singh
(d) Maharaja Hari Singh
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Maharaja Pratap Singh (1885-1925 AD) introduced numerous progressive reforms in administration, education, public works, and land revenue.
Q18. Who was the last ruling Maharaja of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir at the time of Partition of India in 1947?
(a) Maharaja Gulab Singh
(b) Maharaja Hari Singh
(c) Maharaja Ranbir Singh
(d) Maharaja Pratap Singh
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Maharaja Hari Singh was the last Dogra ruler who signed the Instrument of Accession with India in October 1947.
Q19. The ‘Quit Kashmir’ movement in 1946 was launched against which ruling power?
(a) British Colonial Rule
(b) Mughal Rule
(c) Dogra Rule
(d) Afghan Rule
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The ‘Quit Kashmir’ movement, led by Sheikh Abdullah, was a protest against the Dogra rule and demanded an end to the monarchy.
Q20. In which month and year did Maharaja Hari Singh sign the Instrument of Accession with India?
(a) August 1947
(b) September 1947
(c) October 1947
(d) November 1947
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Instrument of Accession was signed on October 26, 1947, by Maharaja Hari Singh, making Jammu and Kashmir a part of India following tribal incursions from Pakistan.
Q21. Who was the first Prime Minister (Wazir-e-Azam) of Jammu and Kashmir after its accession to India?
(a) Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad
(b) Sheikh Abdullah
(c) Ghulam Mohammad Sadiq
(d) Mir Qasim
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Sheikh Abdullah became the first Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir shortly after its accession to India.
Q22. Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated in which year?
(a) 2014
(b) 2016
(c) 2019
(d) 2020
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Article 370 was abrogated by the Indian Parliament on August 5, 2019, leading to the reorganization of the state into two Union Territories.
Q23. The State of Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into two Union Territories, namely Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, on which date?
(a) August 5, 2019
(b) October 31, 2019
(c) January 26, 2020
(d) August 15, 2020
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, came into effect on October 31, 2019, officially making the state two Union Territories.
Q24. The ancient city of Pandrethan, with its famous temples, near Srinagar, was the capital of Kashmir during which dynasty’s early rule?
(a) Karkota Dynasty
(b) Utpala Dynasty
(c) Shah Mir Dynasty
(d) Lohara Dynasty
Answer: (a)
Explanation: Pandrethan (ancient Puranadishthana) served as the capital of Kashmir for a period, particularly during the early Karkota Dynasty.
Q25. Which important pass connects Ladakh region with the Kashmir Valley?
(a) Banihal Pass
(b) Zojila Pass
(c) Pir Panjal Pass
(d) Jehlum Valley Cart Road
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Zojila Pass is a high mountain pass in the Himalayas, located on the National Highway 1 between Srinagar and Leh, connecting the Kashmir Valley with the Ladakh region.
