PPSC Excise and Taxation Inspector 2018 Question Paper

Practice Mode:
3.

Which of the following sets of princely states are termed as "Phulkian States" ?

A: Patiala, Malerkotla, Nabha
B: Patiala, Nabha, Jind, Kapurthala
C: Patiala, Jind, Malerkotla
D: Patiala, Jind, Nabha

The answer is: D

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Explanation

Answer: D - Patiala, Jind, Nabha
 

Explanation:

Phulkian States refers to the princely states ruled by the Phulkian dynasty - a Sikh ruling family descended from Phul, a Jat Sikh chieftain of the 17th century.
 

The three classic Phulkian States are:

  • Patiala (the largest and most prominent)
  • Jind
  • Nabha

Why other options are wrong:

  • Malerkotla was a Muslim nawab state, not part of the Phulkian dynasty - it is frequently used as a distractor in Punjab-related questions.
  • Kapurthala was ruled by the Ahluwalia dynasty, not Phulkian.
  • Options A and C both include Malerkotla - immediately eliminates them.
  • Option B includes Kapurthala - also wrong.

Key facts to retain:

  • All three Phulkian states eventually merged into PEPSU (Patiala and East Punjab States Union) in 1948 after independence.
  • PEPSU later merged into Punjab state in 1956.
  • Patiala was the largest of the three Phulkian states and its ruler headed PEPSU.