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West Bengal Gk Quiz 13 (20 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates knowledge of British colonial administration, civil service training, historical institutions, and economic exploitation in Bengal. It covers landmarks such as Eden Gardens, Victoria Memorial, and Indian Botanical Garden, along with key historical figures like Arjan Singh, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, and Swami Vivekananda. The questions also assess understanding of West Bengal's geography, including the Sunderban delta and the Kolkata metro, and economic indicators like per capita income and jute processing.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. Who was Siraj-Ud-Daulah?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) A Nawab of Bengal.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Siraj-Ud-Daulah was the last independent Nawab of Bengal, ruling from 1756 to 1757. He is best known for his conflict with the British East India Company, which culminated in the Battle of Plassey.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse Siraj-Ud-Daulah with other historical figures or to misinterpret his role as a military leader rather than a political ruler.

Explanations: Siraj-Ud-Daulah was the Nawab of Bengal, a position that combined political and military authority. He was not merely a soldier or an army commander, but the ruler of the Bengal region. His role as a Nawab is significant in the context of West Bengal's history, particularly in the events leading to British colonial rule.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Siraj-Ud-Daulah was not primarily known as a soldier, although he did lead military forces.
Option B: Siraj-Ud-Daulah was the Nawab of Bengal, making this the correct answer.
Option C: While he did command armies, his primary role was as a political ruler, not just an army commander.
Option D: Siraj-Ud-Daulah was not a Governor General; this title was used by British officials later in the colonial period.

Mnemonic: Nawab, Not Soldier, Not Governor

2. Drinkwater Bethune set up a girls college in

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Drinkwater Bethune established a girls college in Calcutta, which is now known as Bethune College.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the location with other cities where educational institutions were established during the same period.

Explanations: Drinkwater Bethune, a social reformer, established the Bethune School for Girls in 1849 in Calcutta, which later became Bethune College. This was a significant step in promoting women's education in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mumbai is incorrect as Bethune did not establish a girls college there.
Option B: Calcutta is the correct location where Bethune established the girls college.
Option C: Madras is incorrect as Bethune did not establish a girls college there.
Option D: Delhi is incorrect as Bethune did not establish a girls college there.

Mnemonic: Bethune, Calcutta, Girls College

3. The tradition Bengali instrument of taking the husk off the rice.

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, Bengali Culture Exams, State Level Competitive Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Dhenki is a traditional Bengali instrument used for removing the husk from rice.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Dhenki with other traditional Bengali instruments or tools.

Explanations: Dhenki is a traditional Bengali instrument specifically designed for dehusking rice. It consists of a wooden pestle and mortar, where the pestle is operated by a foot pedal, allowing the user to remove the husk from the rice grains efficiently.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Dhenki is the correct answer as it is the traditional Bengali instrument used for dehusking rice.
Option B: Hamam is not related to rice dehusking; it is a Turkish word for a bath or bathroom.
Option C: Dista is not a known traditional Bengali instrument for dehusking rice.
Option D: Belun is not a known traditional Bengali instrument for dehusking rice.

Mnemonic: Dhenki - Dehusk, D for Dhenki.

4. The slogan raised by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Vande Matharam.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee is known for his contribution to Bengali literature and his patriotic works. "Vande Mataram" is a famous patriotic song that he wrote, which became a significant symbol of the Indian independence movement.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing "Vande Mataram" with other patriotic slogans or songs from the same period.

Explanations: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote "Vande Mataram" in his novel "Anandamath." This song became a rallying cry for the Indian independence movement and is still considered a significant patriotic symbol in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. "Vande Mataram" is the slogan raised by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
Option B: Incorrect. "Jai Hind" is a patriotic slogan popularized by Subhas Chandra Bose.
Option C: Incorrect. "Inquilab Zindabad" is a slogan associated with the Indian independence movement, but it was not raised by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.
Option D: Incorrect. "Give me blood, I will give you freedom" is a famous quote by Subhash Chandra Bose, not Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.

5. What is a fiber used to make string, rope, and cloth called? It is the major cash crop of Bangladesh.

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, Competitive Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Jute is a fiber used to make string, rope, and cloth. It is the major cash crop of Bangladesh.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing jute with other fibers like cotton or silk, which are not the major cash crop of Bangladesh.

Explanations: Jute is a natural fiber that is widely used for making various products such as string, rope, and cloth. It is known for its strength and durability. Bangladesh is the world's largest producer of jute, making it the major cash crop of the country.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Jute is the correct answer as it is the major cash crop of Bangladesh and is used to make string, rope, and cloth.
Option B: Kashmir is a region known for its wool and silk, not jute.
Option C: Yarn is a product made from fibers like jute, but it is not a crop.
Option D: Velveto is not a recognized term in the context of fibers or crops.

6. Who introduced the Permanent settlement of Bengal?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Lord Cornwallis.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Permanent Settlement of Bengal was introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Lord Cornwallis with other British officials who were involved in the governance of Bengal during the same period.

Explanations: Lord Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement in 1793, which fixed the land revenue to be paid by zamindars in perpetuity. This system was designed to ensure a stable revenue collection for the British East India Company.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Lord Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement in 1793.
Option B: Incorrect. Lord William is not associated with the Permanent Settlement.
Option C: Incorrect. Lord Louise is not a historical figure associated with the Permanent Settlement.
Option D: Incorrect. The correct answer is Lord Cornwallis.

7. What do Bengal people speak?

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal PSC, WBCS, WBSSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The primary language spoken by the people of West Bengal is Bengali.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding might be assuming that other languages like Hindi or English are the primary language spoken in West Bengal.

Explanations: Bengali is the official language of West Bengal and is spoken by the majority of the population. It is a rich and vibrant language with a long literary tradition.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Bengali is the primary language spoken in West Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. "Mixo" is not a recognized language in West Bengal.

8. Which of the following social reformers are from Bengal?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda are both from Bengal, while Dadabhai Naoroji is from Gujarat.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that all social reformers are from Bengal, which is not the case.

Explanations: Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was born in Kamarpukur, a village in West Bengal, and Swami Vivekananda was born in Kolkata, also in West Bengal. Dadabhai Naoroji, on the other hand, was born in Bombay (now Mumbai), which is in the state of Gujarat. Therefore, only Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda are from Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Ramakrishna Paramahamsa is from Bengal.
Option B: Swami Vivekananda is from Bengal.
Option C: Dadabhai Naoroji is not from Bengal.
Option D: Only (A) & (B) are correct.

9. A large marble building in Kolkata dedicated to Queen Victoria.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Victoria Memorial.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Victoria Memorial is a large marble building in Kolkata dedicated to Queen Victoria.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the Victoria Memorial with other historical buildings in Kolkata.

Explanations: The Victoria Memorial is a well-known landmark in Kolkata, built in memory of Queen Victoria. It is a large, white marble building that serves as a museum and a symbol of the city's colonial past. The building is dedicated to Queen Victoria and is a significant tourist attraction.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Victoria Building is not a recognized name for any significant structure in Kolkata dedicated to Queen Victoria.
Option B: The Victoria Memorial is the correct name for the large marble building in Kolkata dedicated to Queen Victoria.

10. India, s first underwater metro to be opened by march 2022 in which city

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal PSC, UPSC, SSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: India's first underwater metro is planned to be opened in Kolkata by March 2022.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Kolkata with other major cities in India that have metro systems, such as Mumbai or Delhi.

Explanations: Kolkata is set to become the first city in India to have an underwater metro line. This project is part of the larger metro network expansion in Kolkata and is expected to enhance connectivity and reduce travel time for commuters.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Kolkata is the city where India's first underwater metro is planned to be opened by March 2022.
Option B: Incorrect. Mumbai does not have an underwater metro line planned for March 2022.
Option C: Incorrect. Gandhinagar does not have an underwater metro line planned for March 2022.
Option D: Incorrect. Vishakapatnam does not have an underwater metro line planned for March 2022.

11. The state that had parts of Sunderban delta lying in it

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Sunderban delta is a vast area that spans across parts of West Bengal and Bangladesh. In India, it is primarily located in the state of West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that the Sunderban delta is entirely within Bangladesh, ignoring its presence in West Bengal.

Explanations: The Sunderban delta is a significant geographical feature that extends into both West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh. The delta is primarily known for its mangrove forests and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. In India, the delta is located in the southern part of West Bengal, making West Bengal the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. West Bengal has parts of the Sunderban delta within its territory.
Option B: Incorrect. Bihar does not have any part of the Sunderban delta.
Option C: Incorrect. Orissa (now Odisha) does not have any part of the Sunderban delta.
Option D: Incorrect. Since West Bengal has parts of the Sunderban delta, this option is not correct.

12. Kolkata is the center of India's ..... processing industry.

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Kolkata, located in West Bengal, is known as the center of India's jute processing industry.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse Kolkata with other industries, such as silk or cotton, which are not as prominent in the region.

Explanations: Kolkata is the center of India's jute processing industry due to its strategic location near the Ganges delta, where jute grows abundantly. The city has a long history of jute manufacturing, with numerous jute mills and related infrastructure. This makes jute processing a significant economic activity in the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Silk is not the primary industry associated with Kolkata.
Option B: Jute is the correct answer as Kolkata is known for its jute processing industry.
Option C: Cotton is not the primary industry associated with Kolkata.
Option D: This option is incorrect as jute is the correct answer.

Mnemonic: Jute in Jute City: Kolkata

13. Drain of Wealth was associated with which province?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Drain of Wealth theory refers to the economic exploitation of India by the British colonial administration, particularly focusing on the province of Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the Drain of Wealth affected all provinces equally, but Bengal was particularly impacted due to its economic significance and the policies implemented there.

Explanations: Bengal was the primary focus of the Drain of Wealth due to its economic importance and the policies implemented by the British. The province was a major source of revenue and raw materials for the British, and the economic policies led to significant wealth being transferred from Bengal to Britain. This resulted in economic stagnation and poverty in Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Awadh was not the primary focus of the Drain of Wealth, although it was affected by British policies.
Option B: Carnatic was not the primary focus of the Drain of Wealth, although it was affected by British policies.
Option C: Bengal was the primary focus of the Drain of Wealth due to its economic significance and the policies implemented there.
Option D: Marwad was not the primary focus of the Drain of Wealth, although it was affected by British policies.

Mnemonic: Bengal's Wealth Drain

14. What was West Bengal's per capita income.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) 67,300.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Per capita income is the average income earned per person in a given region. It is calculated by dividing the total income of the region by its population.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse per capita income with total income or GDP, which can lead to incorrect answers.

Explanations: West Bengal's per capita income is given as 67,300. This figure represents the average income earned per person in the state. The other options provided are close but incorrect.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 67,000 is incorrect as it is lower than the correct figure.
Option B: 67,300 is the correct figure for West Bengal's per capita income.
Option C: 67,700 is incorrect as it is higher than the correct figure.
Option D: 67,200 is incorrect as it is lower than the correct figure.

15. The Battle of ..... was important as it secured the position of British in Bengal

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

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. This battle marked the beginning of British rule in Bengal and laid the foundation for the British Empire in India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Battle of Plassey with other significant battles like the Battle of Buxar, which also played a crucial role in British expansion in India.

Explanations: The Battle of Plassey was significant because it secured the British position in Bengal. The victory allowed the British East India Company to establish control over the region, which was rich in resources and strategically important. This control paved the way for further expansion and consolidation of British power in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Battle of Buxar was fought in 1764 and was significant in establishing British control over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, but it was not the initial battle that secured British position in Bengal.
Option B: The Battle of Plassey was fought in 1757 and was crucial in securing the British position in Bengal, marking the beginning of British rule in the region.
Option C: The Battle of Kannauj is not directly related to the British securing their position in Bengal.
Option D: The Battle of Carnatic was fought in the Carnatic region of South India and is not directly related to securing the British position in Bengal.

16. The Indian Botanical Garden is located at .....

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Indian Botanical Garden is a well-known landmark in West Bengal, India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing Delhi or Lucknow, as these are major cities in India but not the location of the Indian Botanical Garden.

Explanations: The Indian Botanical Garden, also known as the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, is located in Shibpur, Howrah, which is in the vicinity of Kolkata, West Bengal. It is one of the oldest and most famous botanical gardens in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Delhi is incorrect as the Indian Botanical Garden is not located there.
Option B: Allahabad is incorrect as the Indian Botanical Garden is not located there.
Option C: Kolkata is the correct location of the Indian Botanical Garden.
Option D: Lucknow is incorrect as the Indian Botanical Garden is not located there.

17. What helped West Bengal in reducing poverty?

Correct Answer: D) Land reform measures.

18. Arjan Singh passed away following cardiac arrest in New Delhi. Panagarh Airbase in ..... state has been named after him.

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Arjan Singh, a prominent figure in the Indian Air Force, has had an airbase named after him in West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the location of the airbase with other states where Arjan Singh might have had significant contributions.

Explanations: Arjan Singh, a distinguished Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force, passed away due to cardiac arrest in New Delhi. In his honor, the Panagarh Airbase in West Bengal has been named after him. This recognition underscores his significant contributions to the Indian Air Force and his legacy.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Uttar Pradesh is incorrect as the airbase named after Arjan Singh is not located in this state.
Option B: Madhya Pradesh is incorrect as the airbase named after Arjan Singh is not located in this state.
Option C: Himachal Pradesh is incorrect as the airbase named after Arjan Singh is not located in this state.
Option D: West Bengal is the correct state where the Panagarh Airbase, named after Arjan Singh, is located.

19. In ..... lord Cornwallis opened Fort William College in\ Calcutta for benefit of people aspiring to join civil services.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) 1800.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Lord Cornwallis established Fort William College in Calcutta in 1800 to train civil servants in Indian languages and customs.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the year with other significant dates in the history of British India, such as the establishment of the East India Company or other colonial institutions.

Explanations: Lord Cornwallis, the Governor-General of India, founded Fort William College in 1800. The college was established to train civil servants in Indian languages and customs, which was crucial for effective administration of the British territories in India. This initiative was part of the broader efforts to improve the quality of British administration in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Lord Cornwallis opened Fort William College in 1800.
Option B: Incorrect. The year 1700 is not associated with the establishment of Fort William College.

20. Eden Gardens is famous ..... in Kolkata.

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, UPSC, TNPSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Eden Gardens is a famous cricket stadium located in Kolkata, West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing "Garden" as the answer, as the name "Eden Gardens" might suggest a garden.

Explanations: Eden Gardens is renowned for being one of the oldest and most iconic cricket stadiums in India. It is primarily known for hosting international cricket matches and is not primarily a garden or museum. The stadium's historical significance and its role in cricket make it a well-known landmark in Kolkata.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Eden Gardens is not a beach.
Option B: Despite the name, Eden Gardens is not primarily a garden.
Option C: Eden Gardens is not a museum.
Option D: Eden Gardens is a famous cricket stadium.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary language spoken in West Bengal?

The primary language spoken in West Bengal is Bengali.

What significant historical event took place in West Bengal that marked the beginning of British rule in India?

The Battle of Plassey, fought in 1757, marked the beginning of British rule in India, with the Nawab of Bengal losing to the British East India Company.

What is the significance of the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata?

The Victoria Memorial is a major tourist attraction and a symbol of Kolkata's colonial past, commemorating Queen Victoria's reign.

Who was Drinkwater Bethune and what is his contribution to education in West Bengal?

Drinkwater Bethune was a British civil servant who founded the first modern school for girls in India, which later became Bethune College.

What is the role of jute fiber in the economy of West Bengal?

Jute fiber is a significant cash crop in West Bengal, contributing to the state's economy through its cultivation and export.

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