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West Bengal Gk Quiz 12 (20 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates knowledge of West Bengal's culinary heritage, including traditional sweets like rasgulla and sandesh, and its geographical features such as the Hooghly River and eastern coastal plains. Historical events like the Bengal Famine and the Indian Rebellion of 1857 are also covered, along with cultural practices and landmarks like Durga Puja and the Indian Museum.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. Which from these is a Bengali sweet?

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, Indian Culture Exams, Regional Cuisine Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Rasgulla is a traditional Bengali sweet made from chhena (cottage cheese) and semolina, soaked in sugar syrup.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse Rasgulla with other popular Indian sweets like Kheer, Kulfi, or Payasam, which are not specifically Bengali.

Explanations: Rasgulla is a well-known Bengali sweet, originating from West Bengal. It is made from chhena and semolina and is soaked in sugar syrup, making it a distinct part of Bengali cuisine.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kheer is a popular Indian dessert made from milk and rice, but it is not specifically a Bengali sweet.
Option B: Rasgulla is a traditional Bengali sweet, making it the correct answer.
Option C: Kulfi is a popular Indian frozen dessert, but it is not specifically a Bengali sweet.
Option D: Payasam is a sweet dish made from milk and sugar, but it is not specifically a Bengali sweet.

Mnemonic: Rasgulla = Bengali Bliss

2. Durga pooja is predominantly celebrated in which of the following state?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated predominantly in West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume that Durga Puja is celebrated equally across all states in India.

Explanations: Durga Puja is a significant festival in West Bengal, where it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is a major cultural event. The festival is less prominent in other states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Goa.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Durga Puja is not predominantly celebrated in Maharashtra.
Option B: Durga Puja is predominantly celebrated in West Bengal.
Option C: Durga Puja is not predominantly celebrated in Tamil Nadu.
Option D: Durga Puja is not predominantly celebrated in Goa.

3. During the British, this Indian city was India's capital till 1912; before Delhi became India's capital. Which Indian city is this?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Calcutta, now known as Kolkata, was the capital of British India until 1912. It was then shifted to Delhi.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the historical timeline of the capital cities, especially given the significant changes in governance and administration during the colonial period.

Explanations: Calcutta served as the capital of British India from 1773 to 1912. The British colonial government chose Calcutta as the capital due to its strategic location and economic importance. In 1912, the capital was shifted to Delhi to centralize the administration and to symbolize the British presence more effectively.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Bombay was never the capital of British India. It was an important commercial center but not the capital.
Option B: Calcutta was the capital of British India until 1912.
Option C: Madras was an important city but never served as the capital of British India.
Option D: Benaras (Varanasi) was a culturally significant city but never the capital of British India.

Mnemonic: C for Capital, C for Calcutta.

4. West Bengal shares boarder with the following country:

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: West Bengal shares a border with Nepal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume that West Bengal borders only India's other states and not a foreign country.

Explanations: West Bengal shares a small border with Nepal in the northern part of the state. This border is located in the Darjeeling district. Nepal is a landlocked country situated to the north of India, and it shares borders with several Indian states, including West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Nepal shares a border with West Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. Thailand is not a neighboring country of West Bengal.
Option C: Incorrect. Sri Lanka is an island nation and does not share a border with West Bengal.
Option D: Incorrect. Nepal is a neighboring country of West Bengal.

5. "The young Bengali movement " started by Henry Louis Vivian Derozio in .....

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Henry Louis Vivian Derozio started the young Bengali movement in Calcutta.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the location with Bengal, which is a broader region.

Explanations: Henry Louis Vivian Derozio initiated the young Bengali movement in Calcutta, which was the center of intellectual and cultural activities in the region during the early 19th century. This movement aimed to promote rational thinking, social reform, and national consciousness among the youth.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Bengal is a broader region and not the specific location where Derozio started the movement.
Option B: Calcutta was the specific city where Derozio initiated the young Bengali movement.
Option C: Delhi is not associated with the young Bengali movement.
Option D: Kathewad is not a relevant location for this movement.

6. The river basin which is called "Ruhr of India" is

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Damodar River basin is known as the "Ruhr of India" due to its rich mineral resources and industrial development.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Damodar River basin with other industrial regions in India.

Explanations: The Damodar River basin is called the "Ruhr of India" because it is one of the most industrially developed regions in India, similar to the Ruhr region in Germany. The basin is rich in coal, iron ore, and other minerals, which have contributed to its industrial growth.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Damodar River basin is known as the "Ruhr of India."
Option B: Incorrect. The Hooghly River is an important river in West Bengal but is not known as the "Ruhr of India."
Option C: Incorrect. Suvarna Reka is not a well-known river basin in India and is not associated with the "Ruhr of India" title.
Option D: Incorrect. The Godavari River is a major river in India but is not known as the "Ruhr of India."

7. In which of these states does CPI (M) enjoy strong support?

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, State PSC, Competitive Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The CPI (M) or Communist Party of India (Marxist) has historically enjoyed strong support in West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that CPI (M) has strong support in other states like Uttar Pradesh or Andhra Pradesh, where their influence is not as significant.

Explanations: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has a long-standing political presence and strong support base in West Bengal. This is due to the party's historical role in the state's politics, its social and economic policies, and its ability to mobilize the working class and rural populations. The CPI (M) has been in power in West Bengal for extended periods, which has further solidified its support base.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Uttar Pradesh is not known for strong CPI (M) support.
Option B: Andhra Pradesh does not have a significant CPI (M) presence.
Option C: West Bengal has a strong CPI (M) support base.
Option D: Chhattisgarh does not have a significant CPI (M) presence.

Mnemonic: CPI(M) = West Bengal = Strong Support

8. City famous for sweets

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, UPSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Kolkata is renowned for its wide variety of sweets, which are an integral part of the city's culinary heritage.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing a city known for other types of cuisine or cultural landmarks, rather than its sweets.

Explanations: Kolkata is famous for its traditional sweets such as rasgulla, sandesh, and mishti doi. These sweets are not only popular in West Bengal but are also enjoyed across India and internationally. The city's sweet shops and confectioneries are well-known for their high-quality and diverse range of sweets.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Bhubneshwar is not particularly known for sweets.
Option B: Ahmedabad is known for its savory snacks and street food, not sweets.
Option C: Pune is known for its traditional Maharashtrian cuisine, not sweets.
Option D: Kolkata is famous for its wide variety of traditional sweets.

Mnemonic: RSM: Rasgulla, Sandesh, Mishti Doi

9. When was the Famine of Bengal?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) None of These.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Famine of Bengal occurred in 1770, not in any of the years listed in the options.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the year of the Famine of Bengal with other significant historical events in the region.

Explanations: The Famine of Bengal, also known as the Bengal Famine of 1770, was a severe famine that occurred in the Bengal region of India, which includes present-day West Bengal. The famine is estimated to have killed between one-third and one-half of the population in the affected areas. The famine is attributed to a combination of factors, including crop failure, economic policies, and administrative mismanagement. The year 1770 is the widely accepted date for this event, which is not listed among the options provided.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1767 is not the correct year for the Famine of Bengal.
Option B: 1870 is not the correct year for the Famine of Bengal.
Option C: 1780 is not the correct year for the Famine of Bengal.
Option D: None of These is the correct answer as the actual year, 1770, is not listed.

10. Mangal Pandey was a sepoy at

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) 34th Bengal Native Infantry.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Mangal Pandey was a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry, a regiment of the British East India Company's army.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the regiment with other regional native infantry units, such as Marathi, Hindi, or Telugu.

Explanations: Mangal Pandey was a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry, which was a part of the British East India Company's army. This regiment was based in Barrackpore, West Bengal, and played a significant role in the events leading up to the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Pandey's actions in March 1857 are often cited as the first instance of resistance against British rule.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Mangal Pandey was a sepoy in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry.
Option B: Incorrect. There was no 34th Marathi Native Infantry.
Option C: Incorrect. There was no 34th Hindi Native Infantry.
Option D: Incorrect. There was no 34th Telugu Native Infantry.

Mnemonic: Bengal, Barrackpore, Brave

11. In which state first Postal service was introduced?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The first postal service in India was introduced in West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that the first postal service was introduced in a more prominent state like Kerala or a newer state like Chhattisgarh.

Explanations: West Bengal was the site of the first postal service in India. This service was established during the British colonial period, marking the beginning of a structured postal system in the country.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kerala was not the first state to have postal service.
Option B: West Bengal is the correct answer as it was the first state to have postal service.
Option C: Chhattisgarh was established much later and did not have the first postal service.
Option D: Odisha also did not have the first postal service.

12. Where is the oldest museum situated?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The oldest museum in India is the Indian Museum, located in Kolkata.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that the oldest museum is in Delhi, as it is the capital city.

Explanations: The Indian Museum, established in 1814, is the oldest museum in India. It is located in Kolkata, which was the capital of British India until 1911. The museum houses a vast collection of art, antiques, and archaeological findings.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Indian Museum in Kolkata is the oldest museum in India.
Option B: Incorrect. Delhi does not have the oldest museum in India.
Option C: Incorrect. Hyderabad does not have the oldest museum in India.
Option D: Incorrect. The oldest museum is indeed located in Kolkata.

Mnemonic: Indian Museum, Oldest, Kolkata

13. Aus, Aman, Boror which are the varieties of rice are grown in which state?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: West Bengal is known for its diverse varieties of rice, including Aus, Aman, and Boror.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that other states like Punjab or Haryana, which are also known for agriculture, might grow these specific varieties of rice.

Explanations: West Bengal is renowned for its rice cultivation, and the varieties Aus, Aman, and Boror are specifically associated with this state. These varieties are well-suited to the climatic and soil conditions of West Bengal, making it the primary region for their cultivation.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Punjab is known for wheat and basmati rice, not specifically for the varieties mentioned.
Option B: West Bengal is the correct answer as it is known for cultivating Aus, Aman, and Boror varieties of rice.
Option C: Haryana is primarily known for wheat cultivation, not these specific rice varieties.
Option D: Uttar Pradesh is known for a variety of crops, but not specifically for the mentioned rice varieties.

14. The eastern coastal plains begin from .....

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The eastern coastal plains of India begin from West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume that the eastern coastal plains start from other states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, or Odisha.

Explanations: The eastern coastal plains of India are a significant geographical feature that extends along the eastern coast of the country. These plains begin from the state of West Bengal and continue southwards through Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. West Bengal is the northernmost state where these plains start, making it the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Gujarat is located on the western coast of India, not the eastern coast.
Option B: West Bengal is the correct answer as the eastern coastal plains begin from this state.
Option C: Maharashtra is located on the western coast of India, not the eastern coast.
Option D: Odisha is part of the eastern coastal plains but is not the starting point; it begins from West Bengal.

15. Bengali families clean their house and decorate them with rangoli called .....

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Alpana is a traditional form of floor art in West Bengal, used during festivals and special occasions to decorate the house.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Alpana with other forms of rangoli or decorative art from different regions.

Explanations: In West Bengal, families clean their house and decorate them with rangoli called Alpana. Alpana is a traditional art form that involves creating intricate designs on the floor using rice paste, colored powders, or flowers. This practice is particularly common during festivals like Durga Puja and Lakshmi Puja.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kalpona is not the correct term for the traditional rangoli used in West Bengal.
Option B: Alpana is the correct term for the traditional rangoli used in West Bengal.

16. Year old The Great Banyan Tree near Kolkata is located in which place?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Great Banyan Tree is a famous landmark located in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Kolkata, West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing "Botanical Garden" as the answer, which is a more general term and not specific to the location.

Explanations: The Great Banyan Tree is a significant natural wonder located in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden. This garden is a renowned botanical garden in West Bengal, known for its diverse plant species and historical significance. The Great Banyan Tree is one of its most famous attractions.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden is the specific location of the Great Banyan Tree.
Option B: Incorrect. "Botanical Garden" is too general and does not specify the exact location.
Option C: Incorrect. Jawahar Park is not the location of the Great Banyan Tree.
Option D: Incorrect. There is no specific "The Great Banyan Tree garden" as the tree is located within the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden.

17. WHICH ONE OF THE FOLLWING IS AN INLAND RIVERLINE PORT?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Kolkata is an inland riverine port located on the Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganges. It is one of the major ports in India and plays a significant role in the transportation of goods within West Bengal and the surrounding regions.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse Kolkata with coastal ports like Kandla, Mumbai, and Tuticorin, which are located on the coast and not on inland rivers.

Explanations: Kolkata is an inland riverine port because it is situated on the Hooghly River, which is an inland waterway. The other options, Kandla, Mumbai, and Tuticorin, are coastal ports located on the sea coast and not on inland rivers.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kandla is a coastal port located in Gujarat, not an inland riverine port.
Option B: Kolkata is an inland riverine port located on the Hooghly River.
Option C: Mumbai is a coastal port located on the Arabian Sea, not an inland riverine port.
Option D: Tuticorin is a coastal port located in Tamil Nadu, not an inland riverine port.

Mnemonic: Riverine Kolkata, Hooghly Flow

18. 'Jangalmahal' is a three-day-long cultural festival associated with which among the following states of India?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Jangalmahal is a cultural festival celebrated in West Bengal, India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Jangalmahal with other cultural festivals from different states.

Explanations: Jangalmahal is a three-day-long cultural festival associated with West Bengal. This festival is celebrated in the Jangalmahal region of West Bengal, which is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional practices. The festival showcases the local culture, music, dance, and traditions of the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Jangalmahal is a cultural festival associated with West Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. Himachal Pradesh does not have a cultural festival called Jangalmahal.
Option C: Incorrect. Tamil Nadu does not have a cultural festival called Jangalmahal.
Option D: Incorrect. Kerala does not have a cultural festival called Jangalmahal.

19. An underground railway system of Kolkata is called as

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal PSC, WBCS, TET, Bank PO

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The underground railway system in Kolkata is known as the Metro.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing "Local Train" as the answer, as Kolkata is also known for its extensive local train network.

Explanations: The underground railway system in Kolkata is called the Metro. This is a modern, rapid transit system that operates underground and is distinct from the surface-level local train network.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The underground railway system in Kolkata is called the Metro.
Option B: Incorrect. "Local Train" refers to the surface-level railway network in Kolkata, not the underground system.
Option C: Incorrect. "Double-decker" refers to a type of bus or train design, not the name of the underground system.
Option D: Incorrect. "Bus" is a different mode of transportation and not related to the underground railway system.

20. Eden garden is located in

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal PSC, WBCS, TNPSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Eden Garden is a well-known cricket stadium located in Kolkata, West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Eden Garden with other famous cricket stadiums in India, such as the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi or the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Explanations: Eden Garden is a famous cricket stadium located in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is one of the largest cricket stadiums in India and is known for hosting numerous international matches. The stadium is an important landmark in Kolkata and is often associated with the city's rich cricketing history.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Eden Garden is not located in Delhi.
Option B: Eden Garden is not located in Mumbai.
Option C: Eden Garden is located in Kolkata.
Option D: Eden Garden is not located in Chennai.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Bengal Famine of 1770?

The Bengal Famine of 1770 was a severe famine in the Bengal region of British India, resulting in the deaths of millions of people. It is considered one of the worst famines in Indian history.

How did the Indian Rebellion of 1857 impact West Bengal?

The Indian Rebellion of 1857, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, saw significant participation from the 34th Bengal Native Infantry. The rebellion led to increased British control and reforms in the region.

What role does the Damodar River play in West Bengal's geography?

The Damodar River is a major river in West Bengal, known for its industrial significance. It flows through the industrial belt of the state, often referred to as the "Ruhr of India," due to its coal and steel industries.

What is the political landscape of West Bengal?

West Bengal has a strong political presence of the CPI (M) party, which has historically held significant political support in the state. The party has been influential in shaping the state's policies and governance.

What is the cultural significance of Durga Puja in West Bengal?

Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated in West Bengal with great enthusiasm. It is a significant cultural event that showcases the state's rich traditions and artistic heritage through elaborate pandals and rituals.

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