Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > Geography

Quiz about India: Test Your Knowledge

Quick, free India trivia quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Cindy NieUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cut illustration of India map monument lotus and books on coral background for culture history geography trivia quiz

This quiz about India helps you check what you know about its culture, history, food, and places, with quick questions and instant answers to help you learn as you go. Want more practice? Explore India trivia questions, try an Indian politics quiz, or go broader with a quiz about Asia.

What is the capital city of India?
Mumbai
Kolkata
Chennai
New Delhi
New Delhi was officially declared as the capital of India in 1911, replacing Calcutta. It serves as the seat of all three branches of the Government of India. The city hosts Rashtrapati Bhavan, Parliament House, and the Supreme Court.
Which animal is the national animal of India?
Indian Elephant
Indian Rhinoceros
Asiatic Lion
Bengal Tiger
The Bengal tiger was declared the national animal of India in 1973 to highlight wildlife conservation. It symbolizes strength, grace, and power. Bengal tigers are native to the Indian subcontinent and are classified as endangered.
What is the official currency of India?
Indian Franc
Indian Rupee
Indian Dollar
Indian Pound
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the official currency of India, introduced in the 16th century by the Mughal Empire. It is issued and regulated by the Reserve Bank of India. The symbol ? was officially adopted in 2010.
Which flower is the national flower of India?
Lotus
Rose
Marigold
Jasmine
The lotus was designated as the national flower of India in 1950. It holds cultural and religious significance in Hinduism and Buddhism. The lotus symbolizes purity, beauty, wealth, and knowledge in Indian traditions.
Which is the largest state in India by area?
Rajasthan
Maharashtra
Uttar Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh
Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area, covering over 342,000 square kilometers. It is located in the northwestern part of the country. Rajasthan features the Thar Desert and a rich cultural heritage with historic forts and palaces.
Which festival is known as the 'Festival of Lights' in India?
Pongal
Holi
Navratri
Diwali
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is called the Festival of Lights because of the tradition of lighting oil lamps and fireworks. It usually falls between October and November, marking the victory of light over darkness. Diwali is celebrated by millions across India and the Indian diaspora.
What is the national bird of India?
Sarus Crane
Indian Peafowl (Peacock)
Indian Roller
Great Indian Hornbill
The Indian Peafowl, commonly called the peacock, was declared the national bird of India in 1963. It symbolizes grace, beauty, and integrity. Peafowl are native to the Indian subcontinent and are protected under Indian law.
Which river flows through the holy city of Varanasi?
Godavari
Narmada
Yamuna
Ganges
The Ganges River flows through Varanasi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It holds great religious significance in Hinduism, and many pilgrims visit to perform rituals on its banks. The Ganges is also a vital water source for millions in northern India.
Which Mughal emperor commissioned the construction of the Taj Mahal?
Shah Jahan
Jahangir
Akbar
Aurangzeb
The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal and completed in 1653. It is located in Agra and is considered a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. The white marble mausoleum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Who served as the first Prime Minister of independent India?
Mahatma Gandhi
Jawaharlal Nehru
Lal Bahadur Shastri
Sardar Patel
Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of India on August 15, 1947. He played a leading role in the Indian independence movement and established many institutions of modern India. Nehru served until his death in 1964.
Which is currently the largest cargo port in India by annual tonnage?
Kolkata Port
Mundra Port
Chennai Port
Mumbai Port
Mundra Port in Gujarat became India's largest cargo port by annual tonnage after substantial expansion. It is operated by Adani Ports & SEZ and handles bulk and containerized cargo. Mundra Port's strategic location on the West Coast boosts trade efficiency.
The Sundarbans, known for its mangrove forests and tigers, is primarily located in which Indian state?
Tamil Nadu
Odisha
West Bengal
Andhra Pradesh
The Sundarbans region spans southern Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal. It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is famous for the Bengal tiger and unique tidal waterways.
Which language has the highest number of native speakers in India?
Marathi
Tamil
Hindi
Bengali
Hindi is the most spoken native language in India, with over 40% of the population using it as their first language. It is one of the 22 scheduled languages in the Indian Constitution. Hindi serves as a lingua franca in many northern and central states.
Which Indian state is nicknamed the 'Land of Five Rivers'?
Punjab
Haryana
Uttar Pradesh
Kerala
Punjab is known as the 'Land of Five Rivers' referring to the Beas, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej. The name 'Punjab' itself comes from the Persian words 'panj' (five) and 'ab' (water). These rivers flow through the region before joining the Indus.
What is the highest civilian award given by the Government of India?
Bharat Ratna
Padma Vibhushan
Padma Bhushan
Padma Shri
The Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian honor, established in 1954. It is awarded for exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavor. Recipients include scientists, artists, public figures, and leaders.
Which mountain range forms the northern boundary of India?
Alps
Rockies
Andes
Himalayas
The Himalayan mountain range forms the northern boundary of India, stretching across five countries. It includes some of the world's highest peaks, such as Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga. The Himalayas influence climate and are a major source of rivers in South Asia.
Who composed the national anthem of India, 'Jana Gana Mana'?
Allama Iqbal
Kavi Pradeep
Rabindranath Tagore
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
Rabindranath Tagore composed 'Jana Gana Mana' in 1911. It was first sung at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress. The anthem was officially adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 24, 1950.
In which year did India conduct its first successful nuclear test, code-named 'Smiling Buddha'?
1967
1998
1974
1980
'Smiling Buddha' was the codename for India's first successful nuclear test conducted on May 18, 1974, at Pokhran in Rajasthan. This made India the sixth nation to detonate a nuclear device. The test was described as a peaceful nuclear explosion by the Indian government.
Which classical dance form originated in the state of Kerala?
Kathak
Bharatanatyam
Kathakali
Odissi
Kathakali is a classical dance-drama that originated in Kerala during the 17th century. It is characterized by elaborate costumes, face painting, and expressive gestures. Stories are usually drawn from Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
What is the name of the Indian Space Research Organisation's first lunar mission?
Chandrayaan-1
Vikram Lander
Mangalyaan
Shukrayaan
Chandrayaan-1 was launched by ISRO on October 22, 2008, as India's first mission to the Moon. It discovered water molecules in lunar soil and provided high-resolution maps of the lunar surface. Chandrayaan-1 was a key step in India's space exploration program.
Which dynasty was responsible for building the Sun Temple at Konark?
Chalukya Dynasty
Chola Dynasty
Eastern Ganga Dynasty
Gupta Dynasty
The Sun Temple at Konark was constructed by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty around 1250 CE. The temple is renowned for its intricate stone carvings and chariot shape. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Odisha.
Under which act was the administration of India transferred from the East India Company to the British Crown in 1858?
Rowlatt Act 1919
Charter Act 1833
Government of India Act 1858
Indian Councils Act 1861
The Government of India Act 1858 was passed following the Indian Rebellion of 1857. It ended the rule of the East India Company and transferred governance directly to the British Crown. The Act established the office of the Secretary of State for India.
Which treaty concluded the Third Anglo-Mysore War in 1792?
Treaty of Seringapatam
Treaty of Amritsar
Treaty of Allahabad
Treaty of Bassein
The Treaty of Seringapatam was signed on March 18, 1792, ending the Third Anglo-Mysore War between Tipu Sultan and the British East India Company. Under the treaty, Tipu ceded nearly half his territory. Seringapatam (Srirangapatna) was the capital of Mysore.
Who is recognized as the principal architect of India's Constitution?
Jawaharlal Nehru
Dr. Rajendra Prasad
Dr. S. Radhakrishnan
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar is widely referred to as the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. He was the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly. Ambedkar's leadership was pivotal in framing India's governance framework.
Approximately how many million years ago did the volcanic activity that formed the Deccan Traps occur?
65 million years ago
70 million years ago
85 million years ago
55 million years ago
The Deccan Traps were formed by massive volcanic eruptions around 65 million years ago at the end of the Cretaceous period. These lava flows cover large parts of west-central India. They are one of the largest volcanic features on Earth and may have influenced the mass extinction event.
0
{"name":"What is the capital city of India?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"What is the capital city of India?, Which animal is the national animal of India?, What is the official currency of India?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Major Historical Milestones -

    Readers will recall key events from India's past, from ancient empires to the independence movement, enabling a deeper appreciation of its history.

  2. Identify Cultural Highlights -

    Readers will identify important elements of Indian culture, such as languages, traditions, festivals, and cuisine, enhancing their cultural literacy.

  3. Locate Geographic Landmarks -

    Readers will pinpoint significant geographic features and regions across India, from the Himalayas to coastal plains, improving their spatial understanding.

  4. Discover Fun Facts about India -

    Readers will uncover surprising and entertaining trivia about India, adding intrigue and delight to their learning experience.

  5. Apply Effective Quiz Techniques -

    Readers will apply strategies for tackling trivia on India and india quiz questions, sharpening their critical thinking and recall under pressure.

  6. Assess Knowledge Gaps and Growth -

    Readers will assess their performance to identify areas for improvement, guiding further exploration of Indian history, culture, and geography.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Linguistic Diversity -

    India recognizes 22 official languages through 13 scripts and hosts over 1,600 dialects (Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India). A handy mnemonic "BBB D M" (Bengali, Bhojpuri, Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Assamese) helps you recall key languages. Remembering these is a popular india quiz topic that highlights the country's cultural tapestry.

  2. Historic Eras and Dynasties -

    India's timeline from the Indus Valley (c.3300 - 1300 BCE) through the Mughal Empire (1526 - 1857 CE) frames major eras you'll see in an indian history quiz (Archaeological Survey of India). Use the acronym "IV GM B" (Indus, Vedic, Gupta, Mughal, British) to recall five milestone periods. Tracing these dynasties sheds light on art, architecture, and administrative innovations.

  3. Signature Cultural Festivals -

    Diwali, Holi, Eid, Onam and Pongal exemplify religious and regional diversity, as documented by the Ministry of Culture. The phrase "DEOP" can help you remember Diwali, Eid, Onam, Pongal for your next india trivia quiz. Festivals often top fun facts about India lists with colorful customs and age-old stories.

  4. Geographical Extremes -

    From Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) in the Himalayas to the Thar Desert (approx. 200,000 km2) and a 7,500 km coastline, India's landscape is remarkably varied (Geological Survey of India). Mapping major rivers like the Ganges and Brahmaputra helps you ace any trivia on india geography. These extremes influence climate, agriculture, and settlement patterns across states.

  5. Economic Milestones -

    India ranks as the world's 5th largest economy by nominal GDP and has a service sector contributing over 55% of GDP (World Bank, IMF). Remember "5-5-55" for 5th rank, 5% agriculture, 55% services as a quick fun fact about India's economic structure. These figures appear often in general knowledge and india quiz rounds.

Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

General Knowledge Trivia Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker