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West Bengal Gk Quiz 16 (20 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates understanding of the Bengal School of Art, Indian art revival, and cultural movements during the Indian Renaissance. It covers key figures like Abanindranath Tagore, historical contexts, and the impact of British colonial policies on Indian art and culture. The questions also assess knowledge of Bengal's historical and geographical landmarks, including Fort William and Eden Gardens, and the political and economic factors that shaped the region.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. When did the mughal emperor make the company diwan of bengal

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) 12th aug 1765.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II granted the East India Company the right to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, making the company the diwan of Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the date with other significant dates in the history of the East India Company's rule in Bengal.

Explanations: The Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, in 1765, granted the East India Company the right to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This was formalized on August 12, 1765, through the Treaty of Allahabad. This event marked the beginning of the East India Company's direct control over the region, making it the diwan of Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The date August 12, 1765, is the correct date when the Mughal Emperor granted the East India Company the right to collect revenue in Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. December 12, 1765, is not the correct date for this event.
Option C: Incorrect. December 15, 1765, is not the correct date for this event.
Option D: Incorrect. January 18, 1776, is not the correct date for this event.

2. Which of the following is known as City of Palaces?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Kolkata is known as the City of Palaces due to the numerous historical and architectural landmarks within the city.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse Kolkata with other cities known for their palaces, such as Jaipur.

Explanations: Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is renowned for its rich history and architectural heritage. The city is home to several palaces and grand buildings, such as the Belvedere Estate, the Marble Palace, and the Metiabruz Palace, which have earned it the nickname "City of Palaces."

Option Analysis:

Option A: Jaipur is known as the Pink City, not the City of Palaces.
Option B: Kolkata is correctly known as the City of Palaces due to its numerous historical palaces and grand buildings.
Option C: New Delhi is the capital of India but is not known as the City of Palaces.
Option D: Bangalore is known for its IT industry and is not referred to as the City of Palaces.

3. Chief Minister Of Bengal

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Mamata Banerjee.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, WBCS, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Mamata Banerjee is the current Chief Minister of West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the role with other political figures in West Bengal.

Explanations: Mamata Banerjee has been serving as the Chief Minister of West Bengal since 2011. She is a prominent political figure in the state and leads the Trinamool Congress party.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mamata Banerjee is the correct answer as she is the current Chief Minister of West Bengal.
Option B: Mukul Roy is not the Chief Minister of West Bengal.
Option C: Mayawati is not the Chief Minister of West Bengal; she is a political leader from Uttar Pradesh.
Option D: Suvendu Adhikari is not the Chief Minister of West Bengal; he is a political leader and has held other positions in the state government.

4. Largest producer of rice in India

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: West Bengal is the largest producer of rice in India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse West Bengal with other major rice-producing states like Punjab or Uttar Pradesh.

Explanations: West Bengal is known for its fertile soil and favorable climatic conditions, which make it ideal for rice cultivation. The state has a long history of rice farming and has consistently produced the highest amount of rice among all Indian states.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. West Bengal is the largest producer of rice in India.
Option B: Incorrect. Punjab is a major producer of wheat, not rice.
Option C: Incorrect. Uttar Pradesh is a significant producer of wheat and rice, but not the largest.
Option D: Incorrect. Odisha (Orrissa) is a producer of rice, but not the largest.

Mnemonic: Rice in Bengal, fertile land.

5. ..... were very angry with British on the partition of Bengal.

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The partition of Bengal in 1905 by the British was a significant event in Indian history. It led to widespread protests and anger among the Hindu population, who saw it as a divide-and-rule strategy to weaken their political and social influence.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the partition of Bengal was welcomed by all communities, which is incorrect. The Hindus were particularly opposed to the partition.

Explanations: The partition of Bengal in 1905 was a political move by the British to divide the province into two parts: Bengal and East Bengal and Assam. This was seen as a strategy to weaken the growing nationalist movement, particularly among the Hindu population. The Hindus were very angry with the British because they believed the partition was an attempt to divide the Hindu majority and weaken their political influence. This led to widespread protests and the Swadeshi movement, which aimed to boycott British goods and promote Indian self-reliance.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Muslims were not the primary group opposing the partition. In fact, some Muslim leaders supported the partition as a way to create a Muslim-majority province.
Option B: Afghanis were not involved in the partition of Bengal, as it was an internal Indian issue.
Option C: Hindus were very angry with the British on the partition of Bengal, as it was seen as a divide-and-rule strategy to weaken their political influence.
Option D: This option is incorrect as the Hindus were indeed very angry with the British over the partition of Bengal.

6. Which school of Painting was known as Indian Renaissance?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Bengal School of Art is known for its role in the Indian Renaissance, which was a period of cultural and artistic revival in India.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the Mughal School of Art was the primary movement during the Indian Renaissance, but it was actually the Bengal School of Art that played a significant role.

Explanations: The Bengal School of Art emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was a pivotal movement in the Indian Renaissance. It sought to revive and promote Indian art and culture, blending traditional Indian styles with modern techniques. This school was instrumental in shaping a distinct Indian identity in the visual arts during a period of colonial influence.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Bengal School of Art is known for its role in the Indian Renaissance.
Option B: Incorrect. The Deccan School of Art is not associated with the Indian Renaissance.
Option C: Incorrect. The Pahari School of Art is known for its miniature paintings and is not associated with the Indian Renaissance.
Option D: Incorrect. The Mughal School of Art is known for its distinct style under the Mughal Empire and is not associated with the Indian Renaissance.

Mnemonic: Bengal Renaissance, Art Revival

7. The assembly of this state passed a Bill to give land rights to enclave dwellers recently?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: West Bengal has recently passed a Bill to give land rights to enclave dwellers.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the legislative actions of different states.

Explanations: West Bengal's legislative assembly passed a Bill to provide land rights to residents living in enclaves. This action is specific to West Bengal and addresses the unique situation of enclave dwellers within the state.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Odisha did not pass such a Bill.
Option B: West Bengal passed the Bill to give land rights to enclave dwellers.
Option C: Andhra Pradesh did not pass such a Bill.
Option D: Madhya Pradesh did not pass such a Bill.

8. The British empire had a major trading post in India at

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, UPSC, IAS

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Calcutta, now known as Kolkata, was a major trading post and administrative center for the British Empire in India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse Calcutta with other British trading posts in Asia, such as Macao or Singapore.

Explanations: Calcutta was a significant trading post for the British Empire due to its strategic location on the Hooghly River, which facilitated trade with other parts of India and the world. The British East India Company established a trading post in Calcutta in the early 17th century, and it grew to become a major center for the British administration and commerce in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Goa was a Portuguese colony and not a major British trading post.
Option B: Macao was a Portuguese trading post in China and not a British trading post in India.
Option C: Calcutta was a major British trading post and administrative center in India.
Option D: Singapore was a British trading post but located in Southeast Asia, not India.

9. Jones set up the the Asiatic Society of Bengal, and Started a journal called-

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Asiatick researches.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: William Jones, a British philologist and jurist, established the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784. He also started a journal called "Asiatick Researches" to publish scholarly articles on Asian languages, history, and culture.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the spelling of the journal's name, as it is often misspelled as "Asiatic Researches" or "Asiatic discoveries."

Explanations: William Jones founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal and initiated the journal "Asiatick Researches." The correct spelling of the journal's name is crucial, as it reflects the historical context and the specific contributions of Jones to the study of Asian cultures.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect, as the correct spelling is "Asiatick Researches," not "Asiatic discoveries."
Option B: Incorrect, as the correct spelling is "Asiatick Researches," not "Asiatic researches."
Option C: Incorrect, as the correct spelling is "Asiatick Researches," not "Asiatiick Discoveries."
Option D: Correct, as the journal's name is "Asiatick Researches."

10. Which fort was established by the British for its trade settlement in Calcutta?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Fort William.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Fort William was established by the British East India Company in Calcutta (now Kolkata) to protect their trade settlement.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Fort William with Fort St. George, which was established in Chennai (Madras) by the British.

Explanations: The British East India Company established Fort William in Calcutta to safeguard their trade interests and to provide a secure base for their operations. This fort played a significant role in the British colonial history of West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Fort William was indeed established by the British for their trade settlement in Calcutta.
Option B: Fort St. George was established in Chennai, not Calcutta.

11. Salt Lake is an .....

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, WBCS, West Bengal GK Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Salt Lake is a well-known stadium in West Bengal, India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Salt Lake with other landmarks or institutions in West Bengal.

Explanations: Salt Lake is a stadium located in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is one of the largest stadiums in India and is primarily used for football matches. The stadium is a significant landmark in the region and is often associated with sports events.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Salt Lake is not a folk theatre.
Option B: Salt Lake is not a rock-cut temple.
Option C: Salt Lake is not an educational institution.
Option D: Salt Lake is a stadium.

12. Who was the governor general during the introduction of Permanent Settlement?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Charles Cornwallis.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Permanent Settlement was introduced in 1793 during the tenure of Charles Cornwallis as the Governor-General of India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Charles Cornwallis with other British officials who were active in India during the same period, such as Warren Hastings.

Explanations: Charles Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement in 1793, which was a significant land revenue system in British India. This system fixed the land revenue to be paid by zamindars, who were landlords, and made them the owners of the land. This policy had long-lasting effects on the agrarian economy of Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Lord Dalhousie was Governor-General from 1848 to 1856 and is known for the Doctrine of Lapse, not the Permanent Settlement.
Option B: Warren Hastings was the first Governor-General of India from 1773 to 1785, but he did not introduce the Permanent Settlement.
Option C: Charles Cornwallis was Governor-General from 1786 to 1793 and introduced the Permanent Settlement in 1793.
Option D: Lord Ripon was Governor-General from 1880 to 1884 and is known for his liberal policies, not the Permanent Settlement.

Mnemonic: Cornwallis, Corn, and Crops: Remember Cornwallis for the Permanent Settlement related to land and crops.

13. Which is the largest stadium of West Bengal?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Eden Gardens.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Eden Gardens is the largest stadium in West Bengal and is primarily used for cricket matches.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, as it is also a well-known stadium in West Bengal, but it is not the largest.

Explanations: Eden Gardens is the largest stadium in West Bengal, known for its capacity and historical significance in cricket. It has a seating capacity of over 66,349, making it one of the largest cricket stadiums in the world. The other options are not located in West Bengal or are smaller in capacity.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is located in Hyderabad, not in West Bengal.
Option B: Wankhede Stadium is located in Mumbai, not in West Bengal.
Option C: Motera Stadium is located in Ahmedabad, not in West Bengal.
Option D: Eden Gardens is the largest stadium in West Bengal and is located in Kolkata.

14. WHICH BATTLE IS MARKED AS THE TURNING POINT OF INDIAN HISTORY? WHY?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) THE BATTLE OF PLASSEY, GAVE DIWANI RIGHTS TO COLLECT TAXES FROM BENGAL, BIHAR AND ORISSA.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Battle of Plassey is considered a turning point in Indian history because it marked the beginning of British control over a significant part of India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the Battle of Plassey with other battles such as the Carnatic Wars or Anglo-Maratha Wars, which were also significant but did not have the same impact on British control over India.

Explanations: The Battle of Plassey, fought in 1757, was a decisive victory for the British East India Company over the Nawab of Bengal and his French allies. This victory led to the British gaining control over the region and eventually the Diwani rights, which allowed them to collect taxes from Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This marked the beginning of British economic and political dominance in India, making it a pivotal event in Indian history.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Carnatic Wars weakened the French influence but did not mark the turning point in Indian history as significantly as the Battle of Plassey.
Option B: The Anglo-Maratha Wars were significant but occurred later and did not mark the initial turning point of British control over India.
Option C: The Seven Years' War in Europe weakened the French but did not directly impact the turning point in Indian history.
Option D: The Battle of Plassey marked the beginning of British control over Bengal and the subsequent Diwani rights, making it a turning point in Indian history.

15. Who was the pioneer of the Bengal School of Art?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Abanindranath Tagore.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Abanindranath Tagore is recognized as the pioneer of the Bengal School of Art, which emerged in the early 20th century and sought to revive traditional Indian art forms.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Abanindranath Tagore with other artists from the Bengal School, such as Nandlal Bose or Jamini Roy, who were also significant but not the pioneers.

Explanations: Abanindranath Tagore is credited with founding the Bengal School of Art. He was a key figure in the revival of Indian art, emphasizing traditional Indian styles and techniques. His work and teachings inspired a generation of artists to explore and reinterpret Indian artistic traditions.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Nandlal Bose was a prominent artist associated with the Bengal School but was not its pioneer.
Option B: Sanyal is not a well-known figure in the Bengal School of Art.
Option C: Jamini Roy was a significant artist in the Bengal School but was not its pioneer.
Option D: Abanindranath Tagore is the correct answer as he is recognized as the pioneer of the Bengal School of Art.

16. What was the excuse used by Lord Curzon to divide Bengal?2. What was the actual reason?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, used administrative convenience as the official excuse to divide Bengal in 1905. However, the actual reason was to curtail the influence of the Bengalis and to split them up.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to believe that the division was solely for administrative convenience without recognizing the underlying political motives.

Explanations: Lord Curzon officially cited administrative convenience as the reason for dividing Bengal. However, the true motive was to weaken the Bengali nationalist movement by splitting the region into two parts, thereby reducing the political influence of the Bengalis. This dual reason makes option D the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Administrative Convenience was the official excuse given by Lord Curzon.
Option B: Curtailing the influence of the Bengalis and splitting them up was the actual reason behind the division.
Option C: Creating more racist restrictions was not the primary reason for the division of Bengal.
Option D: Only (A) & (B) correctly identifies both the official excuse and the actual reason for the division.

17. Strong Rulers of the Bengal

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) All above.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question asks about strong rulers of Bengal. Each of the mentioned rulers played a significant role in the history of Bengal during the Mughal and early British colonial periods.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be to overlook the contributions of each ruler individually, leading to the incorrect selection of only one or two options.

Explanations: Murshid Quli Khan was the first Nawab of Bengal and established a strong administrative system. Alivardi Khan was known for his military prowess and effective governance. Sirajuddaulah, though short-lived in his rule, was a significant figure in the lead-up to the Battle of Plassey. All three were influential and strong rulers of Bengal, making the correct answer "All above."

Option Analysis:

Option A: Murshid Quli Khan was a strong ruler who established a robust administrative system in Bengal.
Option B: Alivardi Khan was known for his military strength and effective governance, making him a strong ruler.
Option C: Sirajuddaulah, despite his short rule, was a significant figure and a strong ruler in the context of Bengal's history.
Option D: This option correctly identifies all the above rulers as strong rulers of Bengal.

18. What climate-related issue caused political tensions between India and Bangladesh?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Water rights on the Ganges River.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Water rights on the Ganges River have been a significant source of political tension between India and Bangladesh.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the issue is related to methods of water treatment or financing of specific dams, rather than the broader issue of water rights.

Explanations: The Ganges River is a vital water resource for both India and Bangladesh. The issue of water rights has been a contentious topic due to the Farakka Barrage, which India built to divert water from the Ganges. This has led to disputes over water sharing and access, causing political tensions between the two countries.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Methods of water treatment along the Ganges River are not the primary source of political tension between India and Bangladesh.
Option B: The division of international aid for flood relief is not the main issue causing political tensions.
Option C: Water rights on the Ganges River have been a significant source of political tension between India and Bangladesh due to the Farakka Barrage and water sharing issues.
Option D: Financing of the Farakka Dam is not the primary issue causing political tensions; rather, it is the water rights and sharing that are contentious.

Mnemonic: Ganges Water Rights, Farakka Tensions

19. Darjeeling famous for tea, orange and cinchona, fine hill station is for tourists also, situated in which state?

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, State PSC, Geography Olympiad

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Darjeeling is a well-known hill station in India, famous for its tea, oranges, and cinchona. It is located in the state of West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Darjeeling with other hill stations in different states, such as those in Uttarakhand or Maharashtra.

Explanations: Darjeeling is a renowned hill station located in the state of West Bengal. It is famous for its tea plantations, orange orchards, and cinchona trees. The region attracts numerous tourists due to its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. Therefore, the correct answer is West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Darjeeling is located in West Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. Darjeeling is not located in Maharashtra.
Option C: Incorrect. Darjeeling is not located in Uttarakhand.
Option D: Incorrect. Darjeeling is not located in Delhi.

20. The narrow corridor of land connecting the seven sister states of the North East with the rest of India, popularly known as the "Chicken's Neck", is situated in which Indian state?

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, Geography Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The "Chicken's Neck" is a narrow strip of land that connects the seven sister states of Northeast India to the rest of the country. This corridor is crucial for the connectivity and transportation of the region.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume that the "Chicken's Neck" is located in Assam, as Assam is a prominent state in the Northeast region.

Explanations: The "Chicken's Neck" is situated in the Indian state of West Bengal. This narrow corridor is a strategic geographical feature that ensures the connectivity of the seven sister states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura) with the rest of India. The corridor is crucial for transportation and communication between these states and the rest of the country.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Assam is not the correct answer as the "Chicken's Neck" is not located in Assam.
Option B: Sikkim is not the correct answer as the "Chicken's Neck" is not located in Sikkim.
Option C: West Bengal is the correct answer as the "Chicken's Neck" is located in West Bengal.
Option D: Bihar is not the correct answer as the "Chicken's Neck" is not located in Bihar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Asiatic Society of Bengal in West Bengal's history?

The Asiatic Society of Bengal, founded by William Jones in 1784, played a crucial role in the study of Indian culture, history, and languages, contributing to the Indian Renaissance and the Bengal School of Art.

How did the British East India Company influence the development of Kolkata?

The British East India Company established Kolkata as a trading post and later developed it into a major urban center, leading to its nickname "City of Palaces" due to the numerous colonial-era buildings and landmarks.

What was the impact of the Partition of Bengal on the region?

The Partition of Bengal in 1905, initiated by the British Empire, aimed to divide the region for administrative convenience but led to widespread Hindu opposition and contributed to the rise of nationalist movements.

Who is the current Chief Minister of West Bengal?

The current Chief Minister of West Bengal is Mamata Banerjee, who has been in office since 2011 and is known for her role in West Bengal politics and legislation.

What is the importance of rice production in West Bengal?

Rice production is a significant agricultural activity in West Bengal, contributing substantially to the state's economy and providing a major source of livelihood for many farmers.

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