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West Bengal Gk Quiz 19 (20 MCQs)

This quiz evaluates knowledge of West Bengal's history, culture, and geography, including the Battle of Plassey, British colonial expansion, and the Swadeshi movement. It covers historical landmarks like the Victoria Memorial and the Sunderban National Park, as well as culinary skills and traditional dishes such as Shukto. The assessment also tests understanding of Rabindranath Tagore's contributions, the establishment of educational institutions, and the impact of colonial policies on the region.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. What is the official language of West Bengal?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The official language of West Bengal is Bengali.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume that Hindi is the official language of West Bengal, as it is widely spoken in many parts of India.

Explanations: Bengali is the official language of West Bengal. It is the primary language used in government, education, and media within the state. While other languages like Hindi and English are also spoken, Bengali holds the status of the official language.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Hindi is not the official language of West Bengal.
Option B: Bengali is the official language of West Bengal.
Option C: Tamil is not the official language of West Bengal.
Option D: English is not the official language of West Bengal.

2. What is a central idea of the section titled "Moving to India"?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) When teaching at the school in Calcutta, she became concerned about the suffering and violence she saw and was inspired to help.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, History Exams, Social Studies Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The section titled "Moving to India" likely discusses the experiences of a person, possibly a nun or missionary, who moved to Calcutta and was deeply affected by the suffering and violence she witnessed. This led to her decision to help those in need.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding might be that the person was always focused on changing her name or that she was unaffected by the violence she saw.

Explanations: The correct answer is that when teaching at the school in Calcutta, she became concerned about the suffering and violence she saw and was inspired to help. This indicates that her experiences in Calcutta were transformative and motivated her to take action to alleviate the suffering she witnessed.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option is incorrect because it suggests a lifelong desire to change her name, which is not the central idea of the section.
Option B: This option correctly identifies the central idea of the section, which is her concern for the suffering and violence she witnessed and her inspiration to help.
Option C: This option is incorrect because it suggests she was not impacted by the violence, which contradicts the central idea.
Option D: This option is incorrect because it only mentions her job at the convent school and does not address her reaction to the suffering and violence.

3. Mother Teresa received her "call to serve the poor", when she was travelling from .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Calcutta to Darjeeling.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Mother Teresa received her "call to serve the poor" during a train journey from Calcutta to Darjeeling.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the locations involved in the journey, as Calcutta and Darjeeling are both significant cities in West Bengal.

Explanations: Mother Teresa experienced her "call to serve the poor" during a train journey from Calcutta to Darjeeling. This pivotal moment in her life led her to dedicate herself to serving the poor and marginalized in Calcutta and beyond.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect, as the journey was not from Calcutta to Delhi.
Option B: Incorrect, as the journey was not from Calcutta to Patna.
Option C: Incorrect, as the journey was not from Darjeeling to Calcutta.
Option D: Correct, as the journey was from Calcutta to Darjeeling.

4. Kolkata was a small trading village in .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) 1690.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, was a small trading village in the late 17th century before it was developed into a major city by the British East India Company.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the timeline of Kolkata's development with more recent historical events or to assume it was always a major city.

Explanations: Kolkata, originally a small trading village, was chosen by the British East India Company as a strategic location for trade and administration in 1690. This marked the beginning of its transformation into a major urban center. The other years mentioned (1960, 2020, and 2012) are much later and do not align with the historical timeline of Kolkata's early development.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1960 is incorrect as it is far too recent for the initial development of Kolkata as a trading village.
Option B: 1690 is the correct year when the British East India Company established a trading post in the area, marking the beginning of Kolkata's growth.
Option C: 2020 is incorrect as it is a contemporary year and does not reflect the historical context of Kolkata's early development.
Option D: 2012 is incorrect for the same reason as 2020; it is a recent year and does not align with the historical timeline of Kolkata's early development.

5. Where was the first Post Office opened in India?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Kolkata in 1727.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The first Post Office in India was established in Kolkata in 1727.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the year or the location with other significant historical events or locations in India.

Explanations: The first Post Office in India was established in Kolkata in 1727. This marks the beginning of the postal system in India, which was a significant development in communication and governance.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Asaam in 1827 is incorrect as the first Post Office was not established in Asaam, and the year is also incorrect.
Option B: Kolkata in 1727 is the correct answer as it is the location and year of the first Post Office in India.
Option C: Madras in 1928 is incorrect as the first Post Office was not established in Madras, and the year is also incorrect.
Option D: Delhi in 1230 is incorrect as the first Post Office was not established in Delhi, and the year is also incorrect.

6. WHEN THE PROVINCE OF BENGAL WAS PARTITIONED, WHICH 2 PROVINCES WERE FORMED

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: D

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The partition of Bengal in 1905 led to the formation of two provinces: East Bengal and Assam, and West Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to overlook the specific provinces formed during the partition, leading to confusion with other administrative divisions.

Explanations: The partition of Bengal in 1905 was a significant administrative change. It resulted in the creation of two new provinces: East Bengal and Assam, and West Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This partition was a response to the growing nationalist movement and aimed to divide the region for better administrative control. Therefore, the correct answer includes both (A) and (B).

Option Analysis:

Option A: East Bengal and Assam were indeed formed as a result of the partition.
Option B: West Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa were also formed as a result of the partition.
Option C: North Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa were not formed as a result of the partition.
Option D: This option correctly identifies that both (A) and (B) are correct.

Mnemonic: East-West Divide, Assam-Bihar-Orissa

7. An open air school ..... was established by Ravindranath Tagore at Calcutta.

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Rabindranath Tagore established Shantiniketan, an open air school, in West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Shantiniketan with other educational institutions in India.

Explanations: Rabindranath Tagore established Shantiniketan, which is an open air school, in West Bengal. This institution was founded with the aim of providing an unconventional and holistic education that emphasized nature and creativity.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Shantiniketan is the correct answer as it was established by Rabindranath Tagore in West Bengal.
Option B: Hindu College of Benaras is not related to Rabindranath Tagore or an open air school.
Option C: Aligarh University is not related to Rabindranath Tagore or an open air school.
Option D: Pathasalas are traditional village schools and not related to Rabindranath Tagore or an open air school.

8. The Battle of Plassey was fought between the British and the

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Battle of Plassey was a significant event in the history of West Bengal, marking the beginning of British colonial rule in India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Battle of Plassey with other battles involving the British in India, such as the Battle of Buxar.

Explanations: The Battle of Plassey was fought between the British East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj ud-Daulah, on June 23, 1757. The British, led by Robert Clive, defeated the Nawab's forces, leading to the establishment of British control over Bengal and eventually the entire subcontinent.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Nawab of Awadh was not involved in the Battle of Plassey.
Option B: The Nawab of Bengal, Siraj ud-Daulah, was the opponent of the British in the Battle of Plassey.
Option C: The Mughal Emperor was not directly involved in the Battle of Plassey.
Option D: This option is incorrect as the Nawab of Bengal was indeed involved in the battle.

9. Which dish is considered a critical measure of a Bengali cook's abilities in the kitchen?

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, Bengali Culture Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Shukto is a traditional Bengali dish that is considered a critical measure of a Bengali cook's abilities in the kitchen.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that other popular dishes like Dal-Rice or Mutton might be considered the most critical measure of a cook's skills.

Explanations: Shukto is a complex dish that requires a balance of flavors, including bitter, sweet, and sour. The ability to prepare Shukto well demonstrates a cook's skill in managing these flavors and understanding the nuances of Bengali cuisine. This makes it a critical measure of a cook's abilities in the kitchen.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Shukto is the correct answer as it is a complex dish that requires a balance of flavors and is considered a critical measure of a cook's abilities.
Option B: Dal-Rice is a staple dish but is not considered the critical measure of a cook's abilities.
Option C: Mutton is a popular dish but does not hold the same critical status as Shukto in assessing a cook's skills.
Option D: Shakhari Maach is a traditional dish but is not considered the critical measure of a cook's abilities.

10. THE SUNDERBAN NATIONAL PAK IS LOCATED AT?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) WEST BENGAL.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Sunderban National Park is a protected area located in the Sundarbans region of West Bengal, India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the location with other national parks in India, such as those in Rajasthan or Maharashtra.

Explanations: The Sunderban National Park is located in the delta region of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers in West Bengal. It is known for its mangrove forests and is home to the Bengal tiger. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an important ecological region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Sunderban National Park is located in West Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. Rajasthan does not have the Sunderban National Park.
Option C: Incorrect. Maharashtra does not have the Sunderban National Park.
Option D: Incorrect. The Sunderban National Park is located in West Bengal, so this option is not applicable.

11. Which Indian City was first Metro Train started in 1984?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The first metro train in India was started in Kolkata in 1984.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume that the first metro train in India was started in New Delhi, which is incorrect as New Delhi's metro system started much later in 2002.

Explanations: Kolkata's metro system, known as the Kolkata Metro, was the first metro system in India. It began operations in 1984, making Kolkata the first city in India to have a metro train system. This system was a significant milestone in urban transportation in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: New Delhi's metro system started in 2002, not 1984.
Option B: Bangalore does not have a metro system that started in 1984.
Option C: Chennai's metro system started much later, in 2015.
Option D: Kolkata's metro system started in 1984, making it the correct answer.

12. How many lotuses does the tricolor flag designed during the Swedeshi movement in Bengal have?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) 8.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The tricolor flag designed during the Swadeshi movement in Bengal featured a specific number of lotuses, which is a significant detail in West Bengal's history.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the number of lotuses with other symbols or details from different flags or movements.

Explanations: The tricolor flag designed during the Swadeshi movement in Bengal had 8 lotuses. This flag was a symbol of the movement and featured a specific number of lotuses to represent the unity and strength of the movement. The lotus is a significant symbol in Indian culture, often associated with purity and beauty, and its inclusion in the flag emphasized these values.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The flag had 8 lotuses.
Option B: Incorrect. The flag did not have 11 lotuses.
Option C: Incorrect. The flag did not have 10 lotuses.
Option D: Incorrect. The flag did not have 7 lotuses.

13. Which State of India was famous for Indigo cultivation?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Bengal was historically known for its significant indigo cultivation.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing Assam or Bihar, as these states also have agricultural histories, but Bengal was particularly famous for indigo.

Explanations: Bengal was a major center for indigo cultivation during the colonial period. The indigo plantations were a significant part of the region's economy and were extensively cultivated, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries. The indigo trade was a major source of revenue and played a crucial role in the economic and social history of Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Bengal was famous for indigo cultivation.
Option B: Incorrect. Assam is known for tea cultivation, not indigo.
Option C: Incorrect. Bihar has a history of agriculture but was not as famous for indigo as Bengal.
Option D: Incorrect. Odisha is known for other agricultural products but not for indigo cultivation.

14. Sir William Jones set up the .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Asiatic Society of Bengal.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Sir William Jones was a British philologist and a key figure in the study of Indian languages and culture. He established the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784, which played a significant role in the study of Asian languages, history, and culture.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Sir William Jones with other historical figures who were involved in the establishment of educational institutions in India, such as Sayajirao Gaekwad or Sir Syed Ahmed Khan.

Explanations: Sir William Jones founded the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784. This society was instrumental in promoting the study of Asian languages, literature, and culture. It was a significant institution in the field of Oriental studies and played a crucial role in the development of Indology.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Sir William Jones established the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784.
Option B: Incorrect. The Benaras Sanskrit College was established much later, in 1791, by Raja Chandra Shekhar Singh.
Option C: Incorrect. Sayajirao University was established in 1916 in Baroda (now Vadodara), not by Sir William Jones.
Option D: Incorrect. The Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College was founded by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in 1875, not by Sir William Jones.

15. Which is the only state in India which has a Tram Transport?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: West Bengal is the only state in India that currently operates a tram transport system.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that other states like Odisha or Rajasthan might also have tram systems.

Explanations: West Bengal is the only state in India that has a functioning tram transport system. Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, has a well-known tram network that has been operational since 1902. This makes West Bengal unique in the context of tram transport in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. West Bengal is the only state with a tram transport system.
Option B: Incorrect. Odisha does not have a tram transport system.
Option C: Incorrect. Rajasthan does not have a tram transport system.
Option D: Incorrect. Bihar does not have a tram transport system.

Mnemonic: Kolkata Trams, Unique Transport

16. Which state falls under the lower ganga plain?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The lower Ganga plain is a geographical region in India that includes parts of West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. However, the question specifically asks which state falls under the lower Ganga plain, and the claimed correct answer is West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing Bihar or Uttar Pradesh, as these states also fall within the lower Ganga plain. However, the question asks for a single state, and West Bengal is the correct answer according to the provided information.

Explanations: West Bengal is part of the lower Ganga plain, which is a significant geographical region in India. The lower Ganga plain is characterized by its fertile alluvial soil and is an important agricultural region. While other states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh also fall within this region, the question specifically asks for a single state, and West Bengal is the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Bihar is part of the lower Ganga plain but is not the correct answer as per the question's context.
Option B: Uttar Pradesh is part of the lower Ganga plain but is not the correct answer as per the question's context.
Option C: Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are both part of the lower Ganga plain, but the question asks for a single state.
Option D: West Bengal is the correct answer as it falls under the lower Ganga plain.

17. Fort William and Victoria memorial are the tourist attractions of .....

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Fort William and Victoria Memorial are significant historical and tourist attractions located in West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing these landmarks with those found in other states, such as Uttar Pradesh or Assam.

Explanations: Fort William is a historical fort located in Kolkata, West Bengal, and is a major tourist attraction. The Victoria Memorial, also located in Kolkata, is a large marble building dedicated to Queen Victoria and is another significant tourist site in West Bengal. These landmarks are well-known and are associated with the state's rich history and cultural heritage.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Bihar does not have Fort William or Victoria Memorial.
Option B: Uttar Pradesh does not have Fort William or Victoria Memorial.
Option C: West Bengal is the correct answer as both Fort William and Victoria Memorial are located in this state.
Option D: Assam does not have Fort William or Victoria Memorial.

18. IN BENGAL THE HEADQUARTERS OF EAST INDIA COMPANY WERE LOCATED AT .....

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The headquarters of the East India Company in Bengal were located at Fort William.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse Fort William with other historical landmarks in Kolkata, such as the Writer's Building or Victoria Memorial.

Explanations: Fort William was the primary administrative center for the East India Company in Bengal. It served as the headquarters for the company's operations in the region, making it a crucial location for governance and administration. The other options, such as the Writer's Building and Victoria Memorial, are significant landmarks in Kolkata but were not the headquarters of the East India Company.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Writer's Building is a significant administrative building in Kolkata but was not the headquarters of the East India Company.
Option B: The Victoria Memorial is a historical monument in Kolkata but was not the headquarters of the East India Company.
Option C: Fort St. George is located in Chennai and was the headquarters of the East India Company in Madras, not in Bengal.
Option D: Fort William was the headquarters of the East India Company in Bengal.

19. What is the name of the system which gave the rights to the British to collect revenue in Bengal?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Dual government.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Dual Government system was established in Bengal in 1765, giving the British East India Company the right to collect revenue in the region.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Dual Government with other British policies like the Subsidiary Alliance or the Doctrine of Lapse, which were implemented later and had different purposes.

Explanations: The Dual Government system was established after the Battle of Buxar in 1764. Under this system, the British East India Company was granted the Diwani rights, which allowed them to collect revenue in Bengal, while the Mughal Emperor continued to hold nominal sovereignty. This arrangement gave the Company significant control over the region's finances and laid the foundation for its expansion in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Dual Government system gave the British East India Company the right to collect revenue in Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. The Subsidiary Alliance was a later policy used to control Indian states by maintaining British troops within their territories.
Option C: Incorrect. The Doctrine of Lapse was a policy used to annex princely states without a male heir, not related to revenue collection.
Option D: Incorrect. The correct answer is explicitly provided in the options.

20. This is the 500 year old great banyan tree in India's biggest botanical garden. Name the state where it is.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Kolkata.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, located in Kolkata, is home to the 500-year-old Great Banyan Tree, which is one of the largest trees in the world by area.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the location of the Great Banyan Tree with other botanical gardens in India, such as Lalbagh Botanical Gardens in Bangalore or Lloyd's Botanical Garden in Darjeeling.

Explanations: The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, also known as the Indian Botanic Garden, is located in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is renowned for housing the Great Banyan Tree, which is over 500 years old and is the largest tree in the world by area. This tree is a significant landmark and a major attraction within the garden.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Lalbagh Botanical Gardens is located in Bangalore, not Kolkata, and does not house the Great Banyan Tree.
Option B: The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Kolkata is the correct location of the Great Banyan Tree.
Option C: Lloyd's Botanical Garden is located in Darjeeling, not Kolkata, and does not house the Great Banyan Tree.
Option D: The Agri Horticulture Society of India in Alipore, Kolkata, is not the location of the Great Banyan Tree.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official language of West Bengal?

The official language of West Bengal is Bengali.

What significant event marked the beginning of British influence in West Bengal?

The Battle of Plassey in 1757 marked the beginning of British influence in West Bengal.

What is the Sunderban National Park known for?

The Sunderban National Park is known for its mangrove forests and is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Who is Rabindranath Tagore and what is his connection to West Bengal?

Rabindranath Tagore was a renowned poet, philosopher, and Nobel laureate who founded the Shantiniketan open air school in West Bengal.

What is a notable dish in Bengali cuisine?

Shukto is a notable dish in Bengali cuisine, known for its unique blend of sweet and bitter flavors.

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