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West Bengal Gk Quiz 18 (20 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates knowledge of West Bengal's history, culture, and geography, including the works of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and Rabindranath Tagore, the Battle of Buxar, and the significance of landmarks like the Howrah Bridge and Birla Planetarium. It tests understanding of historical events, cultural symbols, and regional geography.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. Who founded the fort William College at Calcutta

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Lord Wellesley.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Lord Wellesley founded the Fort William College at Calcutta in 1800.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Lord Wellesley with other British officials who were also involved in the administration of British India, such as Lord Cornwallis.

Explanations: Lord Wellesley, who served as the Governor-General of India from 1798 to 1805, established the Fort William College in Calcutta in 1800. The college was primarily intended to train civil servants and military officers in Indian languages and customs, which was crucial for the efficient administration of the British East India Company's territories.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Lord Cornwallis was a significant figure in British India but did not found Fort William College. He is known for the Permanent Settlement of 1793.
Option B: Lord Ellenborough was a later Governor-General of India and did not have a role in founding Fort William College.
Option C: Lord Mekale is not a known historical figure in the context of British India.
Option D: Lord Wellesley founded Fort William College in 1800.

Mnemonic: Wellesley, William, West Bengal

2. Which city was India's first capital during post indipencence

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Kolkata was the first capital of independent India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume that New Delhi was the first capital after independence.

Explanations: After India gained independence in 1947, Kolkata served as the capital of India until 1911. However, after the partition of India, it continued to be the capital of the newly formed state of West Bengal. New Delhi became the capital of India in 1911, but after independence, Kolkata was the first capital of the independent nation until the government moved to New Delhi in 1947.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Kolkata was the first capital of independent India.
Option B: Incorrect. Bengaluru was never the capital of independent India.
Option C: Incorrect. London is not a city in India and was never the capital of independent India.
Option D: Incorrect. Moscow is not a city in India and was never the capital of independent India.

3. Name the animal found in Sunder ban delta

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Royal Bengal Tiger.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Sunderban delta is known for its Royal Bengal Tiger population.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing the Asiatic Lion, which is found in the Gir Forest in Gujarat, not in the Sunderban delta.

Explanations: The Sunderban delta, located in West Bengal, is renowned for its Royal Bengal Tiger population. These tigers are uniquely adapted to the mangrove ecosystem of the delta.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Asiatic Lion is not found in the Sunderban delta. It is found in the Gir Forest in Gujarat.
Option B: The Royal Bengal Tiger is the correct answer as it is the animal most associated with the Sunderban delta.
Option C: The One-horned Rhino is not found in the Sunderban delta. It is found in the Kaziranga National Park in Assam.
Option D: Monkeys are found in various parts of India, but they are not specifically associated with the Sunderban delta.

4. Which one is not a popular snacks of Mumbai?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Rasogullas are a popular sweet from West Bengal, not a snack typically associated with Mumbai.

Common Mistakes: One might mistakenly think Rasogullas are a common Mumbai snack due to their popularity in Indian cuisine.

Explanations: Rasogullas are a traditional sweet from West Bengal, known for their soft, spongy texture and sweet syrup. They are not typically considered a snack in Mumbai, where popular street food items like Vada Pav, Sev Puri, and Pani Puri are more common.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Vada Pav is a popular Mumbai street food, consisting of a deep-fried potato dumpling sandwiched between a bread roll.
Option B: Sev Puri is a popular Mumbai snack, consisting of a small puri topped with a mixture of sev, tamarind chutney, and potato.
Option C: Rasogullas are a traditional sweet from West Bengal, not a common Mumbai snack.
Option D: Pani Puri is a popular Mumbai street food, consisting of a hollow puri filled with a mixture of flavored water, tamarind chutney, and potato.

5. Which city is famous for macher jhol

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Macher jhol is a popular fish curry dish in West Bengal, and Kolkata is renowned for its rich culinary traditions, including this dish.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that other cities in India, such as Bhubneshwar or Delhi, are equally famous for macher jhol.

Explanations: Kolkata is famous for macher jhol because it is a traditional Bengali dish that is widely enjoyed and prepared in the city. The dish is an integral part of the local cuisine and is often associated with the culinary heritage of West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Kolkata is known for its rich culinary traditions, including macher jhol.
Option B: Incorrect. Bhubneshwar is not particularly known for macher jhol.
Option C: Incorrect. Kerala is known for its own distinct cuisine, not macher jhol.
Option D: Incorrect. Delhi is known for its North Indian cuisine, not macher jhol.

6. Which of the reasons is the correct reason for the Battle of Buxar

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) There was a conflict between the east india company and the nawab of bengal.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Battle of Buxar was a significant conflict that took place in 1764 between the forces of the East India Company and the combined forces of the Nawab of Bengal, the Nawab of Awadh, and the Mughal Emperor.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the Battle of Buxar was a direct result of the Battle of Plassey, which occurred earlier in 1757. While the Battle of Plassey weakened the Nawab of Bengal, the Battle of Buxar was a separate conflict that further solidified the East India Company's control over Bengal.

Explanations: The Battle of Buxar was a direct result of the ongoing conflict between the East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah's successor, Mir Qasim. The conflict arose due to the East India Company's expansionist policies and the Nawab's attempts to assert his authority. The battle led to the East India Company's victory and further consolidation of its power in the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Battle of Plassey was a separate event that occurred in 1757 and was not the direct cause of the Battle of Buxar.
Option B: This is the correct reason as the Battle of Buxar was a direct result of the conflict between the East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal.
Option C: The Nawab of Bengal did not invade England; this option is historically inaccurate.
Option D: This option is incorrect as the correct reason is provided in Option B.

7. There was a revolt in Bengal by the sanyasis in which year?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) 1765-1773.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Sanyasi Rebellion was a series of uprisings in Bengal against the British East India Company's rule. It took place primarily between 1763 and 1780, with the most significant period being 1765-1773.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the Sanyasi Rebellion with other uprisings in Bengal, such as the Faraizi Movement or the Santhal Rebellion, which occurred in different time periods.

Explanations: The Sanyasi Rebellion was a significant event in the history of Bengal, marked by the resistance of sanyasis (ascetics) and fakirs (mendicants) against the British East India Company's oppressive policies and taxation. The rebellion began in 1763 and reached its peak between 1765 and 1773, making option C the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This period (1757-1857) is too broad and includes the entire period of British rule in Bengal, not just the Sanyasi Rebellion.
Option B: This period (1828-1835) is incorrect as it falls outside the timeframe of the Sanyasi Rebellion.
Option C: This period (1765-1773) is correct as it aligns with the peak years of the Sanyasi Rebellion.
Option D: This period (1744-1765) is incorrect as it precedes the start of the Sanyasi Rebellion.

Mnemonic: Sanyasi Struggle, 1765-1773, S-S

8. Which is the biggest planetarium in India?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Birla Planetarium, Kolkata.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, WBCS, WBPSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Birla Planetarium in Kolkata is the largest planetarium in India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the Birla Planetarium with other notable planetariums in India, such as the Nehru Planetarium in Mumbai.

Explanations: The Birla Planetarium in Kolkata is recognized as the largest planetarium in India. It was established in 1962 and is known for its impressive dome and advanced projection systems. The planetarium is a significant landmark in West Bengal and attracts a large number of visitors and astronomy enthusiasts.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Guwahati Planetarium is not the largest planetarium in India.
Option B: Nehru Planetarium in Mumbai is a well-known planetarium but is not the largest in India.
Option C: Birla Planetarium in Kolkata is the largest planetarium in India.
Option D: Priyadarshini Planetarium in Thiruvananthapuram is not the largest planetarium in India.

9. In which state you will get mangrove forest?

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal PSC, UPSC, Geography Olympiad

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: West Bengal is known for its extensive mangrove forests, particularly in the Sundarbans region.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that mangrove forests are only found in coastal areas and not recognizing the specific location of the Sundarbans in West Bengal.

Explanations: West Bengal is home to the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world. The Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its unique ecosystem and biodiversity. This makes West Bengal the correct answer for the presence of mangrove forests.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Jharkhand does not have significant mangrove forests.
Option B: West Bengal is correct due to the presence of the Sundarbans mangrove forest.
Option C: Madhya Pradesh does not have mangrove forests.
Option D: Punjab does not have mangrove forests.

Mnemonic: Sundarbans, Mangroves, West Bengal

10. Who inspired the young Bengal Movement in the 19th Century?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Henry Vivian Derozeo.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Young Bengal Movement was a group of young intellectuals in 19th century Bengal who sought to reform society and challenge traditional norms. Henry Vivian Derozio, an Anglo-Indian teacher and poet, inspired this movement.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the leaders of the Young Bengal Movement with other reformers or intellectuals of the same period.

Explanations: Henry Vivian Derozio, a teacher at the Hindu College in Calcutta, inspired the Young Bengal Movement through his teachings and writings. He encouraged his students to question traditional beliefs and to embrace modern ideas, leading to the formation of the Young Bengal group. This group was instrumental in promoting social and intellectual reforms in 19th century Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Rasik Kumar Malik was not associated with the Young Bengal Movement.
Option B: Ram Tanu Lahiri was not a prominent figure in the Young Bengal Movement.
Option C: Henry Vivian Derozio was the key figure who inspired the Young Bengal Movement.
Option D: Piery Chand Mitra was not directly associated with the Young Bengal Movement.

Mnemonic: D for Derozio, D for Drive for change.

11. ..... was the first city in India to have a Underground Railway System

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Kolkata was the first city in India to have an underground railway system.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that Mumbai, being a major metropolitan city, was the first to have an underground railway system.

Explanations: Kolkata's underground railway system, known as the Kolkata Metro, was the first in India. It began operations in 1984, making Kolkata the first city in the country to have an underground railway system.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mumbai was not the first city in India to have an underground railway system.
Option B: Kolkata was the first city in India to have an underground railway system.
Option C: Chennai did not have an underground railway system before Kolkata.
Option D: This option is incorrect as Kolkata is the correct answer.

12. Which is true about Calcutta Madrassa

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Calcutta Madrassa was established by Warren Hastings in 1781.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the year of establishment or the founder of the Calcutta Madrassa.

Explanations: Warren Hastings, the first Governor-General of British India, established the Calcutta Madrassa in 1781. This institution was set up to promote the study of Islamic theology and Arabic language. The establishment of the Calcutta Madrassa was part of Hastings' efforts to foster better relations with the Muslim community and to promote education in the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Warren Hastings established the Calcutta Madrassa.
Option B: Correct. The Calcutta Madrassa was established in 1781.
Option C: Incorrect. The Calcutta Madrassa was not established in 1800.
Option D: Correct. Only options (A) and (B) are true.

Mnemonic: Warren's Madrassa, 1781

13. The new name of Howrah Bridge is .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Rabindra Setu.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Howrah Bridge, located in West Bengal, India, was renamed to Rabindra Setu in honor of the renowned Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the name with other notable bridges in West Bengal, such as the Vidyasagar Setu.

Explanations: The Howrah Bridge was officially renamed to Rabindra Setu in 1965 to commemorate the birth centenary of Rabindranath Tagore, a significant figure in Bengali and Indian culture. This renaming reflects the cultural and historical significance of the bridge and its connection to the region's heritage.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Vidhyasagar Setu is a different bridge located in Kolkata, not the Howrah Bridge.
Option B: Rabindra Setu is the correct name for the Howrah Bridge after its renaming in 1965.

Mnemonic: Rabindra Setu, Tagore's tribute.

14. When did murshidabad became the capital of bengal

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) In 1704.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Murshidabad became the capital of Bengal in 1704 when Murshid Quli Khan, the Nawab of Bengal, shifted the capital from Dhaka to Murshidabad.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the year with other significant dates in Bengal's history, such as the establishment of the East India Company's factory in Murshidabad in 1703.

Explanations: Murshid Quli Khan, the Nawab of Bengal, shifted the capital from Dhaka to Murshidabad in 1704. This move was significant as it marked the beginning of Murshidabad's prominence as the administrative and cultural center of Bengal under the Nawabs.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect, as the capital was not shifted in 1703.
Option B: Correct, as Murshidabad became the capital in 1704.
Option C: Incorrect, as the capital was already shifted by 1709.
Option D: Incorrect, as the correct year is specified in the options.

15. Can you tell which rivers flow through West Bengal?

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: West Bengal is a state in India, and several rivers flow through it. The Hooghly River and the Teesta River are two major rivers that flow through West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be including the Krishna River, which does not flow through West Bengal.

Explanations: The Hooghly River is a distributary of the Ganges River and flows through West Bengal. The Teesta River is another significant river that flows through West Bengal. The Krishna River, however, flows through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, and does not flow through West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Hooghly River flows through West Bengal.
Option B: The Teesta River flows through West Bengal.
Option C: The Krishna River does not flow through West Bengal.
Option D: Only the Hooghly River and the Teesta River flow through West Bengal.

16. The national anthem was first written in the language?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The national anthem of India, "Jana Gana Mana," was originally written in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the national anthem was written in Hindi, as it is often sung in Hindi.

Explanations: Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned Bengali poet, wrote the national anthem "Jana Gana Mana" in Bengali. It was later translated into Hindi and other languages, but the original composition was in Bengali.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Bhojpuri is not the original language of the national anthem.
Option B: Bengali is the correct language in which the national anthem was originally written.
Option C: Sikkim's language is not the original language of the national anthem.
Option D: Hindi is not the original language of the national anthem, although it is widely known in Hindi.

17. "Vande Mataram " national song was taken from whose ..... novel Anand Math.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: "Vande Mataram" is a song that was originally a poem written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in his novel "Anand Math."

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Bankim Chandra Chatterjee with other notable Bengali authors or figures.

Explanations: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote "Vande Mataram" as a poem in his novel "Anand Math." This poem later became a significant part of the Indian independence movement and is now recognized as the national song of India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Gaganendranath Tagore is not associated with the creation of "Vande Mataram." He was a painter and writer, but not the author of the poem.
Option B: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee is the correct author of "Vande Mataram," which he wrote in his novel "Anand Math."
Option C: O Hume is not associated with the creation of "Vande Mataram." He was a British civil servant and a founder of the Indian National Congress.
Option D: Asit Kumar Halder is not associated with the creation of "Vande Mataram." He is a lesser-known figure and not the author of the poem.

18. Fort william

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Fort William is a historical fort located in West Bengal, India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Fort William with other forts in India, such as those in Rajasthan or Goa.

Explanations: Fort William is a significant historical site located in the city of Kolkata, which is the capital of West Bengal. It was built by the British East India Company in the 18th century and is a prominent landmark in the state.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Rajasthan is incorrect as Fort William is not located in Rajasthan.
Option B: West Bengal is the correct answer as Fort William is located in this state.
Option C: Goa is incorrect as Fort William is not located in Goa.
Option D: None of the above is incorrect as Fort William is indeed located in West Bengal.

19. Village headmen in Bengal were known as

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: In West Bengal, village headmen were known as Jotedars. They were influential landowners who often acted as intermediaries between the peasants and the government.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Jotedars with other terms like Ryots, Amins, or Amlahs, which have different roles in the rural administrative structure.

Explanations: Jotedars were prominent landowners who held significant power in rural Bengal. They were responsible for managing land and often acted as intermediaries between the peasants and the government. This role made them the de facto village headmen in many areas.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Jotedars were influential landowners who often acted as village headmen.
Option B: Ryots were peasant farmers who cultivated the land.
Option C: Amins were revenue collectors appointed by the government.
Option D: Amlahs were legal advisors or scribes.

Mnemonic: Jotedars: J for Justices, overseeing village affairs.

20. The head quarters of Ramakrishna mission is at

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Belur Math, Kolkata.

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

Difficulty: Easy

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

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the headquarters with other locations associated with the Ramakrishna Mission, such as Ramakrishna Math in Narendrapur or Cossipore.

Explanations: The headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission is situated at Belur Math, which is located in the Howrah district of West Bengal, near Kolkata. This location is significant as it is the main administrative center for the mission.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Belur Math is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission.
Option B: Incorrect. Ramakrishna Math in Narendrapur is not the headquarters.
Option C: Incorrect. Ramakrishna Math in Cossipore is not the headquarters.
Option D: Incorrect. Ramakrishna Math in Rajarhat is not the headquarters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Battle of Buxar in the history of Bengal?

The Battle of Buxar in 1764 marked the beginning of British East India Company's control over Bengal, leading to significant political and economic changes in the region.

What is the Sundarbans known for?

The Sundarbans is a vast mangrove forest and delta region in West Bengal, known for its unique ecosystem and as the habitat of the Royal Bengal Tiger.

What role did Henry Vivian Derozio play in West Bengal's history?

Henry Vivian Derozio was a key figure in the Young Bengal Movement, which promoted rationalism and social reform among the youth in 19th century Bengal.

What is the Birla Planetarium in Kolkata known for?

The Birla Planetarium in Kolkata is known for being one of the largest planetariums in Asia, offering educational programs and shows about astronomy and space.

What is a popular dish in Bengali cuisine?

Macher jhol, a fish curry, is a popular and traditional dish in Bengali cuisine, known for its rich flavor and use of local ingredients.

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