🏠 Homepage 📘 Download PDF Books 📕 Premium PDF Books

West Bengal Gk Quiz 10 (20 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates knowledge of British colonial expansion in West Bengal, including the Battle of Plassey, Bengal rulers, and historical events like the Bengal famine. It covers key figures such as Robert Clive, Mir Jafar, and Siraj-ud-Daulah, as well as the impact of the British East India Company. The questions also assess understanding of regional geography, cultural landmarks, and industrial heritage.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. Which city was our capital during British rule until 1911 .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Calcutta.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, UPSC, IAS

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Calcutta was the capital of British India until 1911.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume that Delhi was the capital during British rule.

Explanations: Calcutta served as the capital of British India from 1773 to 1911. In 1911, the capital was shifted to Delhi. This change was announced at the Delhi Durbar in 1911.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Calcutta was the capital of British India until 1911.
Option B: Incorrect. Delhi became the capital after 1911.
Option C: Incorrect. Madras was never the capital of British India.
Option D: Incorrect. Bombay was never the capital of British India.

2. The river which was known as the "Sorrow" of West Bengal.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, UPSC, Geography Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Damodar River is known as the "Sorrow" of West Bengal due to its frequent flooding.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Damodar with other rivers in the region.

Explanations: The Damodar River is notorious for its frequent and devastating floods, which have caused significant damage to the agricultural lands and infrastructure in West Bengal. This has earned it the moniker "Sorrow" of West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Godavari is not known as the "Sorrow" of West Bengal.
Option B: The Mahanadi is not known as the "Sorrow" of West Bengal.
Option C: The Damodar is known as the "Sorrow" of West Bengal due to its frequent flooding.
Option D: The Swarnarekha is not known as the "Sorrow" of West Bengal.

Mnemonic: Damodar, Devastation, Drowned

3. Chittaranjan is famous for .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Locomotive plant.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, West Bengal PSC, Competitive exams on West Bengal GK

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Chittaranjan is well-known for its locomotive plant, which is a significant industrial establishment in West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Chittaranjan with other industrial towns in West Bengal, such as Durgapur or Asansol.

Explanations: Chittaranjan is famous for the Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW), which is a major locomotive manufacturing plant. This plant has been a significant contributor to the railway industry in India, producing both diesel and electric locomotives.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Chittaranjan is not primarily known for electronics industry.
Option B: Chittaranjan is not primarily known for chemical industry.
Option C: Chittaranjan is not known for a steel plant.
Option D: Chittaranjan is famous for the Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, which is a locomotive plant.

4. What is majority of people in Kolkata?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Bengali.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, West Bengal PSC, Competitive Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, has a majority population that speaks Bengali.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that the majority of people in Kolkata speak a different language, such as Tamil or Marathi.

Explanations: Kolkata is located in the state of West Bengal, where Bengali is the predominant language. The majority of the population in Kolkata speaks Bengali, making it the most widely used language in the city.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Tamil is not the majority language in Kolkata.
Option B: Bengali is the majority language in Kolkata.
Option C: Marathi is not the majority language in Kolkata.
Option D: This option is incorrect as Bengali is the majority language.

5. Name the state flower of West Bengal.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Night-flowering Jasmine.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal PSC, WBCS, UPSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The state flower of West Bengal is the Night-flowering Jasmine, also known as the Mogra.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the state flower with more popular flowers like the Lily, Tulip, or Rose.

Explanations: The Night-flowering Jasmine is the official state flower of West Bengal. It is a fragrant flower that blooms at night and is widely appreciated in the region for its beauty and scent.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Lily is not the state flower of West Bengal.
Option B: Tulip is not the state flower of West Bengal.
Option C: Rose is not the state flower of West Bengal.
Option D: Night-flowering Jasmine is the correct state flower of West Bengal.

6. Darjeeling is located in ..... district.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) West Bengal.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, State PSC, Geography Olympiad

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Darjeeling is a well-known hill station located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Darjeeling with other regions in India, such as Manipur or Punjab.

Explanations: Darjeeling is a district in the state of West Bengal, known for its tea plantations and scenic beauty. It is not located in Manipur or Punjab, which are separate states in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Manipur is a state in northeastern India, not where Darjeeling is located.
Option B: Darjeeling is indeed located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
Option C: Punjab is a state in northwestern India, not where Darjeeling is located.
Option D: This option is incorrect as Darjeeling is located in West Bengal.

7. In which year Sirajuddulah become the nawab of Bengal

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) 1756.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, UPSC, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Sirajuddulah became the nawab of Bengal in 1756. This is a significant historical event in the context of West Bengal's history.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the year with other significant dates in Bengal's history, such as the Battle of Plassey in 1757.

Explanations: Sirajuddulah succeeded his maternal grandfather Alivardi Khan as the nawab of Bengal in 1756. This event marked the beginning of his short but tumultuous reign, which ended with his defeat at the Battle of Plassey in 1757.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Sirajuddulah became the nawab of Bengal in 1756.
Option B: Incorrect. 1885 is not related to Sirajuddulah's reign.
Option C: Incorrect. 1678 is not related to Sirajuddulah's reign.
Option D: Incorrect. 1545 is not related to Sirajuddulah's reign.

8. Where was the first Jute mill set up?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Kolkata.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, UPSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The first jute mill was established in Kolkata, which became a significant center for the jute industry in India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing Surat or Mumbai, as these cities are also known for their industrial history, but they were not the first to set up a jute mill.

Explanations: Kolkata was the first city to establish a jute mill due to its strategic location, access to raw materials, and proximity to the port, which facilitated the export of jute products. The jute industry played a crucial role in the economic development of West Bengal and India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mumbai was not the first city to set up a jute mill.
Option B: Surat, while an important industrial city, was not the first to establish a jute mill.
Option C: Kanpur is known for its textile industry but not for being the first to set up a jute mill.
Option D: Kolkata was the first city to establish a jute mill, making it the correct answer.

Mnemonic: Jute in Kolkata, Jute in Kolkata.

9. Who was the Indian Prime minister during the Bengali uprising?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Indira Gandhi.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, State PSC, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Bengali uprising, also known as the Naxalite movement, began in 1967 and was a significant period of political unrest in West Bengal. The Indian Prime Minister during this period was Indira Gandhi.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the timeline of the Bengali uprising with other significant events in Indian history, such as the partition of India or the Indian independence movement.

Explanations: The Bengali uprising, or Naxalite movement, occurred during the tenure of Indira Gandhi as the Prime Minister of India. This period was marked by significant political and social unrest in West Bengal, and Indira Gandhi was the leader of the central government during this time.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Jawaharlal Nehru was the Prime Minister of India before Indira Gandhi, and he was not in office during the Bengali uprising.
Option B: Mahatma Gandhi was not a Prime Minister and was assassinated in 1948, long before the Bengali uprising.
Option C: Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India during the Bengali uprising, which began in 1967.
Option D: This option is incorrect as Indira Gandhi was indeed the Prime Minister during the Bengali uprising.

Mnemonic: Naxalite, Indira, 1967

10. ..... was unhappy with the Company's misuse of power and authority in Bengal.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Only (A) & (B).

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, UPSC, IAS Prelims

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Mir Qasim and Siraj-ud-Daulah were both rulers of Bengal who were unhappy with the East India Company's misuse of power and authority.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing only one of the rulers, not recognizing that both Mir Qasim and Siraj-ud-Daulah had issues with the Company's actions.

Explanations: Mir Qasim and Siraj-ud-Daulah were both rulers of Bengal who faced conflicts with the East India Company. Siraj-ud-Daulah was the Nawab of Bengal and was overthrown by the Company in the Battle of Plassey in 1757. Mir Qasim, who succeeded Siraj-ud-Daulah, also had conflicts with the Company and was eventually defeated in the Battle of Buxar in 1764. Both rulers were unhappy with the Company's misuse of power and authority in Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mir Qasim was indeed unhappy with the Company's actions.
Option B: Siraj-ud-Daulah was also unhappy with the Company's actions.
Option C: Alivardi Khan was the grandfather of Siraj-ud-Daulah and did not have direct conflicts with the Company during his rule.
Option D: This option correctly identifies that both Mir Qasim and Siraj-ud-Daulah were unhappy with the Company's misuse of power and authority.

11. Pala dynasty rulers had established their kingdom in

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Bengal.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, UPSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Pala dynasty was a Buddhist dynasty that ruled parts of Bengal and Bihar from the 8th to the 12th century.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the Pala dynasty with other dynasties that ruled in different regions of India.

Explanations: The Pala dynasty established their kingdom in Bengal, which is now part of West Bengal and Bangladesh. They were known for their patronage of Buddhism and their contributions to art and architecture.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Pala dynasty ruled in Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. The Deccan region was not the primary area of the Pala dynasty's rule.
Option C: Incorrect. The Pala dynasty did not establish their kingdom in Gujarat.
Option D: Incorrect. The Pala dynasty did not establish their kingdom in Kerala.

12. Headquarter of Eastern Command of Indian Army:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Kolkata.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, UPSC, Indian Army Recruitment Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Eastern Command of the Indian Army is headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing Dimapur, Guwahati, or Gangtok, which are also important cities in the region but not the headquarters of the Eastern Command.

Explanations: The Eastern Command of the Indian Army is headquartered in Kolkata, which is the capital city of West Bengal. This is a well-established fact in the geography and military organization of India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Dimapur is not the headquarters of the Eastern Command. It is a city in Nagaland.
Option B: Kolkata is the correct answer as it is the headquarters of the Eastern Command.
Option C: Guwahati is not the headquarters of the Eastern Command. It is a city in Assam.
Option D: Gangtok is not the headquarters of the Eastern Command. It is the capital city of Sikkim.

13. Bengali is the language spoke in Bihar

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) FALSE.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal PSC, UPSC, State-level competitive exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Bengali is the primary language spoken in West Bengal, not in Bihar.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that Bengali is spoken in all states of India, but it is primarily spoken in West Bengal and parts of Bangladesh.

Explanations: Bengali is the official language of West Bengal, and it is predominantly spoken in that state. Bihar, on the other hand, has Hindi as its primary language. Therefore, the statement that Bengali is the language spoken in Bihar is incorrect.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect because Bengali is not the primary language of Bihar.
Option B: Correct because Bengali is not the primary language of Bihar.

14. In which of the following states the most devastating famine of India in the year 1943 occurred?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Bengal.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The most devastating famine in India in 1943 occurred in Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that famines occurred in multiple states with similar severity, but the Bengal famine was particularly severe.

Explanations: The Bengal famine of 1943 was one of the worst famines in Indian history, resulting in millions of deaths. It was primarily caused by a combination of factors including crop failures, economic disruption due to World War II, and inadequate government response. The severity and scale of this famine make it stand out as the most devastating in India during that year.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Bengal famine of 1943 was the most devastating famine in India that year.
Option B: Incorrect. While Orissa faced famines, the 1943 famine was not as severe as the one in Bengal.
Option C: Incorrect. Bihar did not experience a famine as severe as the one in Bengal in 1943.
Option D: Incorrect. Uttar Pradesh did not experience a famine as severe as the one in Bengal in 1943.

15. Swadeshi movement in Bengal, a tricolour flag had ..... eight lotuses

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Eight.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, UPSC, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Swadeshi movement in Bengal was marked by the use of a tricolour flag with specific symbolism.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the number of lotuses on the flag, as different historical sources might provide varying details.

Explanations: During the Swadeshi movement in Bengal, a tricolour flag was used which featured eight lotuses. The flag was designed to symbolize the unity and struggle of the Bengali people against British rule. The eight lotuses represented the eight districts of undivided Bengal, emphasizing the regional identity and solidarity of the movement.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Six is incorrect as the flag had eight lotuses, not six.
Option B: Eight is the correct number of lotuses on the flag.

16. WHO WAS MADE THE NEW NAWAB OF BENGAL AFTER THE BATTLE OF PLASSEY?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) MIR JAFAR.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, UPSC, IAS Prelims

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Battle of Plassey was a decisive battle fought in 1757 between the British East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah. The battle resulted in the British East India Company gaining control over Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the names of the individuals involved in the battle, such as Mir Qasim and Mir Jafar, who were both significant figures in the political landscape of Bengal during this period.

Explanations: Mir Jafar was made the new Nawab of Bengal after the Battle of Plassey. The British East India Company supported Mir Jafar in his bid for power, and he was installed as the Nawab in exchange for financial and political favors. This event marked the beginning of British control over Bengal and laid the foundation for the British Empire in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mir Qasim was not made the Nawab after the Battle of Plassey. He was a later Nawab of Bengal who succeeded Mir Jafar.
Option B: Mir Hasan was not involved in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Plassey and was not made the Nawab.
Option C: Mir Jafar was the correct choice as he was installed as the Nawab of Bengal after the Battle of Plassey.
Option D: Mir Khan was not a significant figure in the context of the Battle of Plassey and was not made the Nawab.

17. IN WHICH STATE IS BELUR MATH LOCATED?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) WEST BENGAL.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, West Bengal PSC, UPSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Belur Math is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, located in West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Belur Math with other religious or cultural sites located in different states.

Explanations: Belur Math is situated in the Hooghly district of West Bengal. It is a significant spiritual and cultural center and the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. The location of Belur Math in West Bengal is well-known and often referenced in West Bengal General Knowledge (GK) contexts.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Maharashtra is incorrect as Belur Math is not located in this state.
Option B: Uttar Pradesh is incorrect as Belur Math is not located in this state.
Option C: West Bengal is the correct state where Belur Math is located.
Option D: Karnataka is incorrect as Belur Math is not located in this state.

18. After the Battle of Plassey, Robert Clive wrote to William Pitt, one of the principal secretaries of State to the English Monarch n January the 7th ..... from .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) 1759, from Calcutta.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, UPSC, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Robert Clive wrote to William Pitt after the Battle of Plassey, which took place in 1757. The letter was sent from Calcutta in 1759.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the year or the location from which the letter was sent.

Explanations: Robert Clive wrote to William Pitt on January 7, 1759, from Calcutta. This letter was significant as it detailed the outcome of the Battle of Plassey and the subsequent political and economic implications for the British East India Company in Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The letter was written in 1759 from Calcutta.
Option B: Incorrect. The year is wrong, and the location is not Calcutta.
Option C: Incorrect. The year is correct, but the location is not Hugli.
Option D: Incorrect. The year is wrong, and the location is too broad (Bengal).

19. Be able to locate and identify the Bay of Bengal

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) To the right of India.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Geography Olympiad, Competitive Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Bay of Bengal is a large body of water located to the east of India, specifically to the right when viewing a map with north at the top.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the geographical location of the Bay of Bengal with other bodies of water or regions.

Explanations: The Bay of Bengal is a significant geographical feature located to the east of India. When viewing a map with north at the top, the Bay of Bengal is to the right of India. This makes option D the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect, as the Bay of Bengal is not located to the east of Japan.
Option B: Incorrect, as the Bay of Bengal is not located to the west of Japan.
Option C: Incorrect, as the Bay of Bengal is not located southeast of China.
Option D: Correct, as the Bay of Bengal is located to the right of India when viewing a map with north at the top.

20. Bangladesh shares its boundary with which indian state .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) West bengal.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Bangladesh shares a significant border with the Indian state of West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the border states with other neighboring Indian states.

Explanations: Bangladesh shares a significant border with the Indian state of West Bengal. This geographical fact is well-established and is a key part of the general knowledge about West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. West Bengal shares a border with Bangladesh.
Option B: Incorrect. Odisha does not share a border with Bangladesh.
Option C: Incorrect. Bihar does not share a border with Bangladesh.
Option D: Incorrect. West Bengal is the correct answer, so this option is not applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of 1756 in the history of West Bengal?

1756 marks the year when Siraj-ud-Daulah, the nawab of Bengal, captured Fort William in Calcutta, leading to the Battle of Plassey in 1757, which resulted in British control over the region.

How does the Bengali language contribute to West Bengal's culture?

The Bengali language is central to West Bengal's cultural identity, influencing literature, music, and art. It is the primary medium of communication and education in the state.

What is the role of the Damodar River in West Bengal's geography?

The Damodar River is a significant waterway in West Bengal, known for frequent flooding that affects agriculture and infrastructure in the region.

How does the Naxalite movement impact West Bengal?

The Naxalite movement, which began in the 1960s, has influenced political and social dynamics in West Bengal, often leading to conflicts over land rights and resources.

What is the significance of the Mogra flower in West Bengal?

The Mogra, or Night-flowering Jasmine, is the state flower of West Bengal, symbolizing beauty and fragrance, and is widely used in traditional ceremonies and festivals.

🏠 Back to Homepage 📘 Download PDF Books 📕 Premium PDF Books