Jammu & Kashmir History MCQs

The historical and political evolution of Jammu and Kashmir serves as the bedrock for civil service examinations conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB). For an aspirant, understanding the transition from ancient Neolithic settlements like Burzahom to the recent legislative overhaul via the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019 is not merely a matter of rote memorization but a requirement for developing a nuanced perspective on governance, culture, and regional identity. The region’s history is uniquely documented, primarily through the Rajatarangini of Kalhana, which provides a chronological account that few other Indian regions possessed in the medieval period. This report offers a professional-grade analysis of these historical shifts, integrating archaeological evidence, archival records, and the latest current affairs from the 2024–2026 period to ensure the highest accuracy for competitive preparation.   

Archaeological Foundations and the Role of Institutional Preservation

The tangible heritage of Jammu and Kashmir is preserved through the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums. This department, established in its modern form in 1963, oversees the archival repositories in Srinagar, Jammu, and Leh. The repository in Leh, for instance, houses historical revenue records dating back to 1908 AD, including Jammabandi and land maps known as Massavies, which are essential for understanding the land tenure systems of the Dogra era. Institutional preservation is not just about keeping old papers; it is a mechanism for validating historical claims. The digitization of over 100,000 pages of historical records ensures that the evidence of past governance remains accessible for modern research and administrative continuity.   

Museums as Repositories of Power and Culture

The Dogra Art Museum in Jammu, located within the Mubarak Mandi complex, serves as a critical site for aspirants to understand the aesthetic and martial history of the region. Housing over 7,500 antiquities, the museum’s galleries—ranging from the Pahari miniature paintings to the Numismatics section—offer a visual timeline of the Kushan, Mughal, Sikh, and Dogra rules. The presence of rare manuscripts like the Shahnama and the Sikandarnama, alongside stone slab inscriptions and terracotta heads from ancient sites, bridges the gap between literary history and archaeological fact. For an examinee, the significance of these artifacts lies in their ability to confirm the timelines of specific dynasties, such as the Karkotas and Utpalas, whose coins and inscriptions are vital primary sources.   

Ancient Dynasties and the Golden Age of Kashmiri Architecture

The ancient history of Kashmir is characterized by the rise of local dynasties that projected power far beyond the mountain walls of the valley. The Karkota dynasty (c. 625–855 CE) represents the peak of this expansionist phase. Founded by Durlabhavardhana, the dynasty reached its zenith under Lalitaditya Muktapida, who is celebrated not only for his military conquests across Northern India and Central Asia but also for his patronage of the Martand Sun Temple. The ruins of Martand in Anantnag district remain a testament to the sophisticated stone-carving techniques and the synthesis of Gandharan, Gupta, and Greek architectural influences that defined the era.   

The transition to the Utpala dynasty in 855 AD under Avantivarman shifted the focus from military conquest to internal stabilization and economic welfare. Avantivarman’s reign is particularly notable for the work of his minister, Suyya, an engineering genius who addressed the perennial problem of flooding in the valley. By dredging the Vitasta (Jhelum) river and regulating the waters of the Mahapadma (Wular) Lake, Suyya reclaimed vast tracts of land for agriculture, which significantly reduced the price of rice and ended cycles of famine. This era also saw the foundation of the cities of Avantipora and Suyapur (modern-day Sopore).   

Medieval Sultanates and the Advent of Islam

The establishment of Muslim rule in 1339 AD by Shams-ud-din Shah Mir marked a transformative period for the region’s social fabric. Shah Mir’s rise to power was not a sudden invasion but the culmination of internal political decay within the later Hindu dynasties and the influence of Sufi saints and travelers who had begun frequenting the valley. The Shah Mir dynasty introduced a new administrative language and culture while often retaining local administrative structures to maintain stability.   

The most celebrated figure of this period is Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin (1420–1470), widely known as Budshah. His reign is remembered as a period of unprecedented religious tolerance and economic innovation. Budshah invited craftsmen from Samarqand and Persia, introducing industries that defined Kashmir’s global trade profile, such as paper machie, silk weaving, and wood carving. His secular outlook was reflected in his decision to recall Kashmiri Pandits who had fled during the more oppressive reign of his predecessor, Sultan Sikandar (Butshikan), and in his patronage of both Hindu and Islamic scholarship.   

The Chak Resistance and Mughal Integration

The Chak dynasty (1561–1586) briefly held power after the decline of the Shah Miris. Of Dardic origin, the Chaks were known for their fierce resistance to external threats, particularly the expanding Mughal Empire. However, internal sectarian conflicts and administrative weaknesses eventually paved the way for Emperor Akbar to annex Kashmir in 1586. Under the Mughals, Kashmir was integrated into a larger imperial economy, and Srinagar was transformed into a seasonal retreat for the Mughal court, leading to the creation of the iconic Mughal gardens like Shalimar and Nishat.   

The Formation of the Modern State and the Dogra Legacy

The modern political entity of Jammu and Kashmir was a product of 19th-century geopolitics and the decline of the Sikh Empire. Following the First Anglo-Sikh War, the British East India Company sought to create a friendly buffer state between British India and the potential threats from Central Asia. This culminated in the Treaty of Amritsar, signed on March 16, 1846.   

The Treaty of Amritsar: A Controversial Foundation

The Treaty of Amritsar is often described as the “Sale Deed of Kashmir” because it involved the transfer of the valley to Maharaja Gulab Singh for a sum of 75 lakh Nanakshahee rupees. Gulab Singh, a Dogra Rajput who had been a trusted lieutenant of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, utilized his strategic neutrality during the Anglo-Sikh conflict to secure his own sovereignty. This treaty unified diverse regions—Jammu, Kashmir, and later Ladakh, Baltistan, and Gilgit—under a single administrative umbrella, creating one of the largest princely states in colonial India.   

The Dogra dynasty ruled for exactly 101 years. Maharaja Ranbir Singh (1857–1885) introduced the ‘Darbar Move’, a biannual shifting of the administrative capital between Jammu and Srinagar, to manage the climatic and logistical challenges of the state. The last ruling Maharaja, Hari Singh, faced the tumultuous period of the 1947 partition. Despite initial hopes for independence, the tribal invasion from Pakistan forced him to sign the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947, formally joining the Union of India.   

The Reorganisation of 2019: A New Administrative Paradigm

For JKSSB aspirants, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, is perhaps the most critical legislative document. Passed by Parliament in August 2019, the Act effectively bifurcated the state into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir (with a Legislative Assembly) and Ladakh (without a Legislative Assembly). This change ended the special status previously enjoyed by the state under Article 370 and brought its administrative structure in line with the rest of the Indian Union.   

Legislative and Judicial Shifts

The Act mandated several key changes that aspirants must memorize:

1. Legislative Assembly: The Assembly for the UT of J&K was modeled after Puducherry (Article 239A). It consists of 114 seats (including 24 reserved for Pakistan-occupied areas), with reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes based on the 2011 census.   
2. Lieutenant Governor (LG): The executive head of both UTs is the LG, with the first LG of J&K being G.C. Murmu and the first of Ladakh being R.K. Mathur.   
3. Abolition of Legislative Council: The Upper House of the J&K legislature was abolished, streamlining the legislative process.   
4. Extension of Central Laws: 106 central laws, including the Indian Penal Code, 1860, and the Right to Education Act, 2009, were made applicable, while 153 state laws were repealed.   
5. Official Languages: In 2020, the J&K Official Languages Act was passed, designating Kashmiri, Dogri, Hindi, Urdu, and English as the official languages of the UT.   

Representation and Governance

Economic Landscape and Budgetary Vision (2024–2026)

The current administration has focused heavily on economic revitalization, as evidenced by the J&K Budget for 2025–26, presented by Chief Minister and Finance Minister Omar Abdullah in March 2025. The budget prioritizes “Mission YUVA” (YUVA Udyami Vikas Abhiyan), a flagship initiative designed to empower youth by creating 137,000 enterprises and 425,000 jobs over five years.   

Fiscal and Sectoral Highlights

J&K’s real GSDP is projected to grow at 7.06% in 2024–25, with the total size of the economy estimated at ₹2.65 lakh crores. The tertiary sector remains the primary driver, contributing 61.7% to the Gross State Value Added. Significant investments are being made in the power sector, aiming to double the hydel-power generation capacity to meet the growing industrial and domestic demand.   

• Infrastructure: The Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway is a key project under execution, expected to reduce travel time between Delhi and Katra to just six hours.   
• Social Welfare: The budget provides for free public transport (e-buses) for all women starting in April 2025 and an additional 10 kg of free ration for Antyodaya Anna Yojana beneficiaries.   
• GI Tags: To boost rural economies, the administration has secured Geographical Indication (GI) tags for several products, including Basohli Paintings (2023), Bhaderwah Rajmash (2023), and Mushqbudji Rice (2023).   

High-Yield MCQ Vault: History and Current Affairs

The following multiple-choice questions are designed to simulate the difficulty and thematic focus of JKSSB exams. Each question is accompanied by a detailed explanation to deepen the aspirant’s understanding.

Q1. The ruins of the Martand Sun Temple are located in which district of Jammu and Kashmir? A. Srinagar B. Anantnag C. Baramulla D. Jammu Answer: B. Anantnag Explanation: The Martand Sun Temple was built by Lalitaditya Muktapida of the Karkota dynasty in the 8th century. Its strategic location in Anantnag district made it a center of political and spiritual gravity during the Karkota era.   

Q2. Who was the first Muslim ruler of Kashmir to introduce the crafts of paper-making and silk-weaving? A. Sultan Sikandar B. Sultan Shihab-ud-din C. Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin D. Shams-ud-din Shah Mir Answer: C. Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin Explanation: Known as Budshah, Zain-ul-Abidin invited experts from Central Asia and Persia to train local artisans, laying the foundation for Kashmir’s world-famous handicraft and textile industries.   

Q3. Under the Treaty of Amritsar (1846), how much did Gulab Singh pay for the territory of Kashmir? A. 50 Lakh Nanakshahee Rupees B. 75 Lakh Nanakshahee Rupees C. 1 Crore Nanakshahee Rupees D. 25 Lakh Nanakshahee Rupees Answer: B. 75 Lakh Nanakshahee Rupees Explanation: The treaty, signed with the British after the First Anglo-Sikh War, established the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, unifying diverse regions under Dogra rule.   

Q4. The ‘Darbar Move’ practice, which involved shifting the capital between Srinagar and Jammu, was formally started by which ruler? A. Gulab Singh B. Pratap Singh C. Ranbir Singh D. Hari Singh Answer: C. Ranbir Singh Explanation: Maharaja Ranbir Singh initiated this practice in 1872 to ensure effective administration in both regions during seasonal climate changes. It remained in place until its suspension for digitization in 2021.   

Q5. According to the J&K Reorganisation Act 2019, how many seats are reserved for the Union Territory of Ladakh in the Lok Sabha? A. 2 B. 5 C. 1 D. 0 Answer: C. 1 Explanation: The Act allocated five seats to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and one seat to the Union Territory of Ladakh.   

Q6. The ‘Mission YUVA’ scheme, announced in the 2025-26 Budget, aims to create how many enterprises over five years? A. 50,000 B. 137,000 C. 250,000 D. 10,000 Answer: B. 137,000 Explanation: This mission is part of the government’s strategy to address unemployment and foster a robust entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Union Territory.   

Q7. Which ancient site in Kashmir is famous for its pit-dwelling Neolithic civilization? A. Martand B. Burzahom C. Parihaspur D. Avantipora Answer: B. Burzahom Explanation: Burzahom, located near Srinagar, provides crucial archaeological evidence of prehistoric life in the valley, including unique underground dwellings.   

Q8. The J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, abolished which of the following legislative bodies? A. Legislative Assembly B. High Court C. Legislative Council D. Public Service Commission Answer: C. Legislative Council Explanation: The Act converted the bicameral legislature of the former state into a unicameral assembly for the Union Territory of J&K.   

Q9. Which Sufi saint is associated with the introduction of the ‘Sozani’ craft and ‘Paper Machie’ to Kashmir? A. Sheikh Noor-ud-din Wali B. Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani C. Bulbul Shah D. Zain-ul-Abidin Answer: B. Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani Explanation: Known as Shah-i-Hamdan, this 14th-century saint arrived with hundreds of followers who were experts in various crafts, transforming the socio-economic landscape of the valley.   

Q10. The 2024 GI tag for Basmati rice in Jammu and Kashmir was awarded to which entity? A. J&K Agriculture Department B. Sarveshwar Foods Limited C. Jammu Rice Growers Association D. Banihal Honey Cooperative Answer: B. Sarveshwar Foods Limited Explanation: This marks a significant step in the commercial recognition and protection of premium Kashmiri agricultural products in the global market.   

Strategic Insights into Statehood and Identity

The history of Jammu and Kashmir is not just a series of dates but a narrative of evolving identity. The transition from a princely state under the Dogras to a special-status state under the Indian Constitution, and finally to a Union Territory, reflects broader shifts in Indian federalism. For an aspirant, the ability to connect the administrative decisions of the past (like the ‘State Subject’ laws passed by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1927 ) to the current legal changes (like the J&K Reorganisation Act) is vital.   

The Significance of Regional Connectivity

A recurring theme in the history of the region is the struggle for connectivity. From the ancient Silk Road routes  to the construction of the Jhelum Valley Road during the reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh , every major infrastructure project has shifted power dynamics. The current focus on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) and the Chenab Rail Bridge—the world’s highest—is the modern continuation of this historical quest to integrate the valley with the mainland. These projects are not merely engineering feats; they are political tools for ensuring economic stability and administrative reach.   

Institutional Memory and Governance

The work of the Archives and Museums department in digitizing records  serves a dual purpose. First, it preserves historical truth, countering narratives that may be politically motivated. Second, it provides a functional database for current administrators. For instance, the use of archival Jammabandi records from 1908  is still relevant for settling modern land disputes and implementing agricultural reforms under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).   

Future Outlook: The Path Forward (2026 and Beyond)

As J&K moves further into its status as a Union Territory, the administrative focus is shifting from security-centric governance to development-centric service delivery. The implementation of the “Good Governance Index”  and the expansion of digital services under the “JK Samadhan” portal  indicate a move toward transparent and accountable governance. For aspirants, this means that future examinations will likely place greater emphasis on e-governance, environmental sustainability, and public policy.   

Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development

Recent budgetary allocations for disaster management and climate resilience  highlight a new frontier in J&K’s administration. Following the devastating floods and landslides of 2025 , the government is prioritizing scientific waste management and the protection of water bodies like Dal Lake and Wular Lake. Understanding these environmental policies will be as crucial for candidates as knowing the dates of the Karkota kings.   

Conclusion

The study of Jammu and Kashmir history is a journey through a complex and vibrant past that continues to shape the present. From the architectural marvels of the ancient sun temples to the legislative precision of the Reorganisation Act, every layer of history contributes to the unique socio-political identity of the region. For JKSSB aspirants, success lies in synthesizing this historical depth with the fast-paced changes of modern administration. By mastering the core themes—dynastic evolution, the formation of the modern state, and the ongoing administrative overhaul—candidates can approach their exams with both the knowledge to answer MCQs and the insight to understand the future of the Union Territory.

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Sahil Digra

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