🏠 Homepage 📘 Download PDF Books 📕 Premium PDF Books

West Bengal Gk Quiz 17 (20 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates knowledge of West Bengal's historical events, cultural heritage, and geographical features. It covers topics such as the Battle of Plassey, Bengal's socio-religious reforms, and the region's staple foods and traditional dances. The questions assess understanding of key figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Raja Ram Mohan Roy, as well as important landmarks like the Howrah Bridge and Eden Gardens.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. The nick name of Kolkata .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) City of Joy.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, is popularly known as the "City of Joy."

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Kolkata with other cities that have similar nicknames.

Explanations: Kolkata is widely recognized as the "City of Joy" due to its vibrant culture, rich history, and the warm hospitality of its people. This nickname reflects the city's lively atmosphere and the joy that residents and visitors experience.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Kolkata is known as the "City of Joy."
Option B: Incorrect. "City of Crown" is not a recognized nickname for Kolkata.
Option C: Incorrect. "City of Sad" is not a recognized nickname for Kolkata.
Option D: Incorrect. The correct nickname is provided in Option A.

Mnemonic: Joyful Kolkata, City of Joy

2. Aloo Pitika is eaten with rice and dal.

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, Bengali culture exams, Regional GK exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Aloo Pitika is a popular Bengali dish made from mashed potatoes. It is commonly eaten with rice and dal, which are staple foods in West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding might be that Aloo Pitika is only eaten as a standalone dish or with other accompaniments, but it is traditionally served with rice and dal.

Explanations: Aloo Pitika is a traditional Bengali dish that is often served with rice and dal. This combination is a staple in West Bengal cuisine, making the statement true.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct, as Aloo Pitika is traditionally eaten with rice and dal.
Option B: Incorrect, as the statement is true.
Option C: Incorrect, as not all options can be true.
Option D: Incorrect, as the statement is true.

3. When is the Birthday of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) August 26, 1910.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, UPSC, PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, also known as Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, was born on August 26, 1910.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the date with other significant dates in her life, such as her death or the date of her canonization.

Explanations: St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta was born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, North Macedonia. This date is well-documented and widely recognized in historical records and biographies.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. August 26, 1910, is the correct date of birth for St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
Option B: Incorrect. August 27, 1910, is not the correct date of birth.
Option C: Incorrect. August 28, 1910, is not the correct date of birth.
Option D: Incorrect. August 29, 1910, is not the correct date of birth.

4. Siraj objected when The English East India Company started fortifying their settlements in Calcutta

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Siraj ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, objected to the fortification of Calcutta by the English East India Company in 1756, leading to the Battle of Plassey in 1757.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the year of the Battle of Plassey (1757) with the year Siraj objected to the fortifications.

Explanations: Siraj ud-Daulah objected to the fortification of Calcutta by the English East India Company in 1756. This fortification was seen as a threat to his authority and sovereignty. The Nawab's objection led to the capture of Calcutta by the Nawab's forces in June 1756, which eventually culminated in the Battle of Plassey in 1757.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Siraj ud-Daulah objected to the fortification of Calcutta in 1756.
Option B: Incorrect. The Battle of Plassey occurred in 1757, but the objection to fortification was in 1756.
Option C: Incorrect. The year 1758 is not relevant to the initial objection to fortification.
Option D: Incorrect. The correct year is 1756, not any other year.

5. In which year, Raja Ram Mohan Roy established the "Atmiya Sabha" a precursor (predecessor) in the socio-religious reforms in Bengal?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) 1815.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a prominent social reformer, established the "Atmiya Sabha" in 1815. This organization was a precursor to the Brahmo Samaj and aimed at promoting social and religious reforms in Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the year 1815 with other significant years in Raja Ram Mohan Roy's life, such as the establishment of the Brahmo Samaj in 1828.

Explanations: Raja Ram Mohan Roy established the "Atmiya Sabha" in 1815 to promote social and religious reforms in Bengal. This organization was a precursor to the Brahmo Samaj, which he founded later in 1828. The "Atmiya Sabha" played a crucial role in initiating socio-religious reforms in Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1812 is incorrect as it predates the establishment of the "Atmiya Sabha."
Option B: 1815 is the correct year when Raja Ram Mohan Roy established the "Atmiya Sabha."
Option C: 1823 is incorrect as it is after the establishment of the "Atmiya Sabha."
Option D: 1826 is incorrect as it is also after the establishment of the "Atmiya Sabha."

6. Who was Mir Qasim?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Mir Qasim was a prominent figure in the history of Bengal during the 18th century. He served as the Nawab of Bengal from 1760 to 1763.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Mir Qasim with other historical figures from the same period, such as Mir Jafar or Siraj ud-Daulah.

Explanations: Mir Qasim was appointed as the Nawab of Bengal by the Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II. He attempted to assert his independence from the British East India Company, which led to conflicts and ultimately his downfall. His tenure as Nawab is significant in the context of the early British colonial expansion in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Mir Qasim was indeed the Nawab of Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. Mir Qasim was not a minister but the Nawab of Bengal.
Option C: Incorrect. Mir Qasim was not a Mansabdar of Banglore; he was the Nawab of Bengal.
Option D: Incorrect. Mir Qasim was not the Governor of Kerala; he was the Nawab of Bengal.

7. Headquarters of Indian Patent Office is located at?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Indian Patent Office is a significant governmental body responsible for the administration of patents in India. Its headquarters is located in Kolkata, West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that the headquarters is located in a major metropolitan city like Mumbai or Delhi, which are more commonly associated with central government offices.

Explanations: The Indian Patent Office's headquarters is located in Kolkata, West Bengal. This is a key piece of information for those familiar with the administrative structure of government bodies in West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Chennai is not the location of the Indian Patent Office headquarters.
Option B: Mumbai is not the location of the Indian Patent Office headquarters.
Option C: Kolkata is the correct location of the Indian Patent Office headquarters.
Option D: Hyderabad is not the location of the Indian Patent Office headquarters.

8. Who was Haji Shariatullah?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Haji Shariatullah was a prominent religious leader and Islamic religious from Bengal.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Haji Shariatullah was a significant religious leader in Bengal during the 19th century. He was known for his efforts to reform Islamic practices and promote a purer form of Islam.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Haji Shariatullah with other religious leaders from different regions or religions.

Explanations: Haji Shariatullah was a prominent religious leader and Islamic reformer from Bengal. He played a crucial role in the Faraizi movement, which aimed to purify Islamic practices and promote a more orthodox form of Islam. His influence was significant in the region, making him a notable figure in the religious and social history of Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Haji Shariatullah was indeed a prominent religious leader and Islamic reformer from Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. Haji Shariatullah was not a Hindu religious leader; he was an Islamic reformer.
Option C: Incorrect. Haji Shariatullah was from Bengal, not Punjab.
Option D: Incorrect. Since options B and C are incorrect, option D cannot be correct.

9. Chhau is the folk dance of which state?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Chhau is a traditional folk dance form that originated in the eastern part of India, particularly in the state of West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Chhau with other folk dances from different states, such as Kathakali from Kerala or Bhangra from Punjab.

Explanations: Chhau is a traditional folk dance form that is predominantly associated with the eastern states of India, especially West Bengal. It is characterized by its vibrant costumes, elaborate masks, and energetic movements. The dance form is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of West Bengal and is often performed during festivals and other cultural events.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Chhau is a folk dance of West Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. Chhau is not primarily associated with Madhya Pradesh.
Option C: Incorrect. Chhau is not primarily associated with Karnataka.
Option D: Incorrect. Chhau is not primarily associated with Haryana.

10. ..... is the known sweet dish of Kolkata.

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, UPSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Rasgulla is a well-known sweet dish that originated in Bengal, particularly in Kolkata. It is a popular dessert made from chhena (cottage cheese) and semolina, soaked in sugar syrup.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing Khubani ka meetha, which is a popular sweet dish from Rajasthan, not Kolkata.

Explanations: Rasgulla is a traditional Bengali sweet that is widely recognized and enjoyed in Kolkata. It is made from a mixture of chhena and semolina, which is then boiled in sugar syrup. This sweet dish is deeply rooted in the culinary culture of West Bengal and is a significant part of Kolkata's food heritage.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Khubani ka meetha is a sweet dish from Rajasthan, not Kolkata.
Option B: Rasgulla is a well-known sweet dish of Kolkata.
Option C: Dhokla is a savory dish from Gujarat, not a sweet dish from Kolkata.
Option D: This option is incorrect as Rasgulla is the correct answer.

Mnemonic: Rasgulla, Bengal's pride, sweet delight.

11. Which one of the following is an inland riverine port? [Delhi 2012]

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, WBCS, SSC, Bank PO

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: An inland riverine port is a port located on a river, away from the coast. Kolkata is an inland riverine port situated on the Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganges.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse Kolkata with a coastal port, as it is a major port city. However, it is specifically an inland riverine port due to its location on the Hooghly River.

Explanations: Kolkata is an inland riverine port because it is located on the Hooghly River, which is a distributary of the Ganges. This riverine location makes it distinct from coastal ports like Kandla, Mumbai, and Tuticorin, which are situated on the coast.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kandla is a coastal port located on the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat.
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.
Option D: Tuticorin is a coastal port located on the Gulf of Mannar in Tamil Nadu.

Mnemonic: Riverine Kolkata, Hooghly Flow

12. Shanti Niketan founded by .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Rabindranath Tagore.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Shanti Niketan, also known as Visva-Bharati University, was founded by Rabindranath Tagore.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Rabindranath Tagore with other notable figures from West Bengal, such as Vivekanand or Ramakrishna Paramhansa.

Explanations: Rabindranath Tagore founded Shanti Niketan in 1901 as an experimental school. It later evolved into Visva-Bharati University, which is a significant institution in West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Rabindranath Tagore founded Shanti Niketan.
Option B: Incorrect. Vivekanand was a prominent Hindu monk and a key figure in the Indian independence movement, but he did not found Shanti Niketan.
Option C: Incorrect. Ramakrishna Paramhansa was a famous mystic and guru, but he did not found Shanti Niketan.
Option D: Incorrect. The correct answer is provided in Option A.

13. Governor of West Bengal

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Dr. C.V Ananda Bose.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Dr. C.V Ananda Bose served as the Governor of West Bengal at a specific point in time. This question tests knowledge of West Bengal's political history and the individuals who have held the position of Governor.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the names of different political figures or governors from other states.

Explanations: Dr. C.V Ananda Bose was indeed the Governor of West Bengal. This fact is part of the general knowledge about the political history of West Bengal. The other options listed are not correct in the context of the Governor of West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Sudhendu Bose is not the correct answer as he has not served as the Governor of West Bengal.
Option B: Dr. C.V Ananda Bose is the correct answer as he served as the Governor of West Bengal.
Option C: Vishwanath Nath is not the correct answer as he has not served as the Governor of West Bengal.
Option D: Sukhendu Nanda is not the correct answer as he has not served as the Governor of West Bengal.

14. At which place was Abul Kalam Azad tried and arrested by the British Government for sedition in December 1921?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Abul Kalam Azad was a prominent Indian nationalist and a senior leader of the Indian National Congress. He was tried and arrested by the British Government for sedition in December 1921.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the location with other cities where Azad was active, such as Delhi or Bombay.

Explanations: Abul Kalam Azad was arrested in Calcutta in December 1921 for his involvement in the Non-Cooperation Movement and his speeches against British rule. This event is significant in the history of West Bengal and India's struggle for independence.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Bombay was not the location where Azad was arrested for sedition in December 1921.
Option B: Pune was not the location where Azad was arrested for sedition in December 1921.
Option C: Calcutta was the location where Azad was arrested for sedition in December 1921.
Option D: Delhi was not the location where Azad was arrested for sedition in December 1921.

15. Where was India's first Day-Night Test organised

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: India's first Day-Night Test was organized in Kolkata.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the location with other major cricketing cities in India, such as Mumbai or Chennai.

Explanations: India's first Day-Night Test match was held in Kolkata at the Eden Gardens stadium. This event marked a significant milestone in Indian cricket, as it introduced the concept of playing Test cricket under lights, extending the game into the evening.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Kolkata hosted India's first Day-Night Test match.
Option B: Incorrect. Mumbai did not host India's first Day-Night Test match.
Option C: Incorrect. Chennai did not host India's first Day-Night Test match.
Option D: Incorrect. Delhi did not host India's first Day-Night Test match.

16. Ganga river falls in Bay of Bengal after forming the SUNDARBAN delta which is a home to .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Mangroove trees.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal PSC, UPSC, Geography Olympiad

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Sundarbans delta, formed by the Ganga river, is known for its unique mangrove forests.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the vegetation type in the Sundarbans with other types of forests or ecosystems.

Explanations: The Sundarbans delta is a vast mangrove forest that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Mangroves are specially adapted trees that thrive in the intertidal zones of tropical and subtropical regions. They are well-suited to the saline water and muddy substrate of the delta, making them the dominant vegetation type in the Sundarbans.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Mangrove trees are the primary vegetation in the Sundarbans delta.
Option B: Incorrect. Deciduous forests are not the primary vegetation type in the Sundarbans delta.
Option C: Incorrect. Tundra vegetation is not found in the Sundarbans delta, as it is a tropical region.
Option D: Incorrect. While the Ganga river does support freshwater dolphins, they are not the primary inhabitants of the Sundarbans delta.

Mnemonic: Mangroove trees: Muddy, salty, and thriving.

17. Who was West Bengal's chief minister in 1980?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Jyoti Basu.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Jyoti Basu served as the Chief Minister of West Bengal from 1977 to 2000, making him the longest-serving Chief Minister in the history of India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the timeline of different Chief Ministers of West Bengal, as there have been several changes in leadership over the years.

Explanations: Jyoti Basu became the Chief Minister of West Bengal in 1977 and continued in the role until 2000. Therefore, in 1980, he was indeed the Chief Minister of West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Siddharth Shankar Ray was the Chief Minister of West Bengal from 1972 to 1977, so he was not the Chief Minister in 1980.
Option B: Asoke Sen was the Chief Minister of West Bengal from 1967 to 1969 and again from 1970 to 1972, so he was not the Chief Minister in 1980.
Option C: Jyoti Basu was the Chief Minister of West Bengal from 1977 to 2000, making him the correct answer for 1980.
Option D: Ajoy Bose was never the Chief Minister of West Bengal.

18. In which Indian state is the Howrah bridge built?

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, WBCS, SSC, Competitive Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Howrah Bridge is a famous landmark located in West Bengal, India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the location of the Howrah Bridge with other major bridges in India, such as the Bandra-Worli Sea Link in Mumbai or the Vembanad Bridge in Kerala.

Explanations: The Howrah Bridge is a suspension bridge located over the Hooghly River, connecting the city of Howrah to Kolkata in the state of West Bengal. It is one of the most iconic structures in the region and a significant part of West Bengal's geography and history.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Punjab is incorrect as the Howrah Bridge is not located in Punjab.
Option B: West Bengal is the correct answer as the Howrah Bridge is located in this state.
Option C: Kerala is incorrect as the Howrah Bridge is not located in Kerala.
Option D: Karnataka is incorrect as the Howrah Bridge is not located in Karnataka.

19. In which college Swami Vivekananda first studied?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Presidency college, Calcutta.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Swami Vivekananda, a prominent Indian philosopher and spiritual leader, began his formal education at Presidency College, Calcutta.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the college with other institutions in Calcutta, such as Scottish Church College or Bethune College.

Explanations: Swami Vivekananda initially enrolled at Presidency College, Calcutta, which was one of the premier educational institutions in the city during his time. This college was known for its rigorous academic standards and played a significant role in shaping his early education.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Scottish Church College, Calcutta is incorrect as it was not the first college where Swami Vivekananda studied.
Option B: Presidency college, Calcutta is the correct answer as it was the first college where Swami Vivekananda pursued his formal education.
Option C: Bethune college, Calcutta is incorrect as it was not the first college where Swami Vivekananda studied.
Option D: University of Calcutta is incorrect as it is a broader institution and not the specific college where Swami Vivekananda first studied.

20. First Indian bank was

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, UPSC, Bank PO, Competitive Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Bank of Bengal was the first bank established in India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the Bank of Bengal with the State Bank of India (SBI), which is often mistakenly thought to be the first bank in India.

Explanations: The Bank of Bengal was established in 1806 in Calcutta (now Kolkata), making it the first bank in India. It was one of the three presidency banks, along with the Bank of Bombay and the Bank of Madras, which were established to manage the financial affairs of the British East India Company. The Bank of Bengal later became a part of the Imperial Bank of India and eventually merged into the State Bank of India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: SBI was not the first bank in India; it was formed much later in 1955.
Option B: Bank of India was established in 1906, making it much later than the Bank of Bengal.
Option C: Bank of Bengal was established in 1806, making it the first bank in India.
Option D: ICICI was established in 1955, long after the Bank of Bengal.

Mnemonic: B of B, 1806, First Bank

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Battle of Plassey in West Bengal's history?

The Battle of Plassey, fought in 1757, marked the beginning of British colonial rule in Bengal and laid the foundation for British control over much of India.

Who was Raja Ram Mohan Roy and what were his contributions?

Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a key figure in the Bengal Renaissance and is known for his socio-religious reforms, including the founding of the Brahmo Samaj and efforts to abolish sati.

What is the traditional Indian dance form associated with West Bengal?

Chhau dance is a traditional Indian dance form from West Bengal, characterized by its use of masks and elaborate costumes, often performed during festivals.

What is a staple food in Bengali cuisine?

Aloo Pitika, a mashed potato dish, is a staple food in Bengali cuisine, often served with rice or as a side dish.

What is the significance of Kolkata in the context of Indian sweets?

Kolkata is renowned for its sweets, particularly the rasgulla, a spongy ball of chhena (cottage cheese) soaked in syrup, which is a popular dessert in Bengali cuisine.

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