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West Bengal Gk Quiz 21 (20 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates knowledge of West Bengal's history, from ancient texts and religious language to modern developments. It covers historical events such as the Bengal partition, economic downturns like the Bengal Famine, and cultural practices including Deepavali rituals. The questions also assess understanding of geographical features, including the Sundarbans and the Ganges River, and the impact of colonial policies and social reforms.

Quiz Instructions

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1. The Ganges River begins in the Himalaya and flows through the Ganges Plain to the

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) The Bay of Bengal.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Ganges River originates in the Himalayas and flows through the Ganges Plain before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the Ganges River's mouth with other bodies of water, such as the Indian Ocean or the Arabian Sea.

Explanations: The Ganges River begins in the Himalayas and flows through the Ganges Plain, which is a vast alluvial plain in northern India and Bangladesh. The river eventually empties into the Bay of Bengal, which is an extension of the northeastern Indian Ocean. This geographical fact is crucial for understanding the hydrology and geography of the region, particularly for those studying West Bengal and its surrounding areas.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Indian Ocean is incorrect because the Ganges River does not directly flow into the Indian Ocean.
Option B: The Arabian Sea is incorrect because the Ganges River does not flow into the Arabian Sea.
Option C: The Bay of Bengal is the correct answer as the Ganges River empties into the Bay of Bengal.
Option D: The Red Sea is incorrect because the Ganges River does not flow into the Red Sea.

Mnemonic: Ganges to Bengal, not to the Red or Arabian.

2. In 1770 a terrible famine killed ten million people in

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, UPSC, IAS

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The 1770 famine, also known as the Bengal Famine, was a significant event in the history of Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the famine with other historical events or to misattribute it to different regions.

Explanations: The Bengal Famine of 1770 was a severe famine that occurred in the Bengal region of India, which is now part of West Bengal and Bangladesh. It is estimated that ten million people died during this famine, making it one of the deadliest famines in history. The famine was exacerbated by a combination of natural factors, such as crop failure due to drought, and human factors, such as the policies of the British East India Company.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mysore was not affected by the 1770 famine.
Option B: Hyderabad was not affected by the 1770 famine.
Option C: Bengal was the region most severely affected by the 1770 famine.
Option D: Bihar was not the primary region affected by the 1770 famine.

Mnemonic: Bengal's Famine, 1770, Ten Million Gone

3. DOLANBANERJEE BELONGS TO THE STATE .....

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal PSC, WBCS, WBSSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Dolan Banerjee is a well-known figure associated with West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Dolan Banerjee with other cultural figures from neighboring states.

Explanations: Dolan Banerjee is a prominent figure in West Bengal, known for his contributions to the cultural and artistic landscape of the state. Therefore, the correct answer is West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Assam is not the correct state for Dolan Banerjee.
Option B: Jharkhand is not the correct state for Dolan Banerjee.
Option C: West Bengal is the correct state for Dolan Banerjee.
Option D: Haryana is not the correct state for Dolan Banerjee.

4. Which of the following is not the effects of the poor economy in Bengal.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Artisanal production was increasing.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The poor economy in Bengal had several negative effects, including the desertion of villages by artisans, peasants unable to pay dues, and a collapse in agricultural production. However, artisanal production increasing is not a typical effect of a poor economy.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake might be to assume that artisanal production would increase as a coping mechanism, but historically, artisanal production typically declines during economic downturns.

Explanations: During a poor economy, artisans often face reduced demand for their goods, leading to decreased production. Additionally, peasants struggle to pay their dues, and agricultural production declines due to lack of resources and investment. Therefore, artisanal production increasing is not a typical effect of a poor economy.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Desertion of villages by artisans is a common effect of a poor economy as artisans may leave in search of better opportunities.
Option B: Peasants unable to pay dues is a direct consequence of economic hardship, as they struggle to meet financial obligations.
Option C: Artisanal production increasing is not a typical effect of a poor economy, as demand and resources for artisanal production usually decline.
Option D: Agricultural production collapsing is a common effect of a poor economy, as peasants lack resources and investment to maintain production levels.

5. Name the pilgrimage centre of the temple village around which the scroll painters and potters began developing a new style of art in Bengal?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Kalighat is a famous pilgrimage center in West Bengal, known for its temple dedicated to the goddess Kali. The temple village around Kalighat became a significant center for the development of a new style of art known as Kalighat painting.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Kalighat with other pilgrimage centers in West Bengal, such as Dakshineshwar or Tarakeshwar, which are also significant but not associated with the development of Kalighat painting.

Explanations: Kalighat is the correct answer because the temple village around Kalighat became a hub for scroll painters and potters who developed a new style of art known as Kalighat painting. This style emerged in the 19th century and is characterized by its bold lines, vibrant colors, and themes often depicting religious and social scenes.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kripamayee is not a well-known pilgrimage center associated with the development of Kalighat painting.
Option B: Kalighat is the correct answer as it is the pilgrimage center where the new style of art developed.
Option C: Dakshineshwar is a significant pilgrimage center but is not associated with the development of Kalighat painting.
Option D: Tarakeshwar is another important pilgrimage center but is not linked to the development of Kalighat painting.

Mnemonic: Kali, Bold Lines, Vibrant Colors

6. The authority to tax Bengal given to East India Company by the Mughal Emperor was called:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Diwani Rights.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Diwani Rights refer to the authority granted by the Mughal Emperor to the East India Company to collect revenue in Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that Diwani Rights only pertained to land ownership, but they actually referred to the right to collect revenue.

Explanations: The Mughal Emperor granted the East India Company the Diwani Rights, which allowed the Company to collect revenue in Bengal. This was a significant transfer of power and marked the beginning of the Company's administrative control over the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Diwani Rights refer to the authority to collect revenue in Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. Civil Rights are unrelated to the revenue collection authority.
Option C: Incorrect. Land Rights refer to ownership of land, not the authority to collect revenue.
Option D: Incorrect. Social Rights are unrelated to the revenue collection authority.

7. Local boards of rbi are situated in Mumbai, ....., ....., New delhi and is appointed by goi for a tenure of ..... years with a maximum of ..... members.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Chennai, Calcutta, 4, 5.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, RBI Assistant, Bank PO

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has local boards in various cities to represent regional interests. These boards are appointed by the Government of India (GoI) and have specific terms and member limits.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the cities where the local boards are situated or the tenure and member limits.

Explanations: The local boards of the RBI are situated in Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta, and New Delhi. They are appointed by the Government of India for a tenure of 4 years, with a maximum of 5 members. This ensures regional representation and governance within the RBI structure.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect because the cities are not Chennai and Bangalore, and the tenure and member limits are incorrect.
Option B: Correct as it accurately lists the cities and the tenure and member limits.
Option C: Incorrect because the cities are not Calcutta and Bangalore, and the tenure and member limits are incorrect.
Option D: Incorrect because the cities are not Bangalore and Chennai, and the tenure and member limits are incorrect.

Mnemonic: RBI Local Boards: C45 (Chennai, Calcutta, 4 years, 5 members)

8. Name the residence meant for the white rulers of Calcutta.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Fort St. William.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Fort St. William was a significant military and administrative fortification in Calcutta (now Kolkata), serving as the residence for the white rulers of the city during the British colonial era.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Fort St. William with Fort St. George, which is located in Chennai (Madras) and was also an important British fort.

Explanations: Fort St. William was the primary residence and administrative center for the British rulers in Calcutta. It was strategically important and served as a symbol of British power in the region. Fort St. George, on the other hand, was located in Chennai and was not the residence for the white rulers of Calcutta.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Fort St. George is located in Chennai, not Calcutta.
Option B: Fort St. William was the residence for the white rulers of Calcutta.
Option C: Both is incorrect as only Fort St. William was the residence for the white rulers of Calcutta.
Option D: None is incorrect as Fort St. William was indeed the residence for the white rulers of Calcutta.

9. The animals found in Mangrove Forests in India..

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Gangetic Dolphin, Bengal Tiger, Saltwater Crocodile etc.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Mangrove forests in West Bengal, India, are home to a diverse range of animals, including the Gangetic Dolphin, Bengal Tiger, and Saltwater Crocodile.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume that all animals found in mangrove forests are unique to the region, when in fact, some species like the Bengal Tiger and Saltwater Crocodile are also found in other habitats.

Explanations: Mangrove forests in West Bengal, such as the Sundarbans, are known for their unique ecosystem that supports a variety of wildlife. The Gangetic Dolphin, Bengal Tiger, and Saltwater Crocodile are all found in these mangrove forests. The Sundarbans, a part of the larger mangrove ecosystem, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its rich biodiversity.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Llamas and Bison are not native to India, and Mugger Crocodiles, while found in India, are not typically associated with mangrove forests in West Bengal.
Option B: Foxes and Red Tailed Deer are not typically found in mangrove forests in West Bengal.
Option C: Gangetic Dolphin, Bengal Tiger, and Saltwater Crocodile are all known to inhabit the mangrove forests of West Bengal, particularly the Sundarbans.
Option D: This option is incorrect as the correct animals are listed in Option C.

10. The second session of the Indian National Congress was held in ..... in 1886.

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The second session of the Indian National Congress was held in Calcutta in 1886.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the location with other major cities where the Indian National Congress sessions were held, such as Bombay.

Explanations: The second session of the Indian National Congress was indeed held in Calcutta in 1886. This is a well-documented historical fact within the context of West Bengal's history and the Indian National Congress.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The second session of the Indian National Congress was held in Calcutta in 1886.
Option B: Incorrect. The second session was not held in Bombay.

11. Who is Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu is the birth name of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, a renowned Catholic nun and missionary.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu with other saints named Teresa, such as St. Teresa of Avila or St. Therese of Lisieux.

Explanations: Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu was born in Skopje, North Macedonia, and later became known as Mother Teresa after dedicating her life to serving the poor in Calcutta, India. She was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2016.

Option Analysis:

Option A: St. Therese of Lesieux is a different saint, known for her "Little Way" of spiritual life.
Option B: Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu is the birth name of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
Option C: St. Teresa of Avila is a Spanish mystic and reformer, not to be confused with Mother Teresa.
Option D: St. Terese of India is not a recognized saint; the correct name is St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

12. What type of oil is traditionally used in oil lamps lit during Deepavali?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Mustard Oil.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: In West Bengal, mustard oil is traditionally used in oil lamps lit during Deepavali.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that other oils like vegetable or corn oil are traditionally used in West Bengal.

Explanations: Mustard oil is traditionally used in oil lamps during Deepavali in West Bengal due to its cultural significance and availability. It is believed to have a purifying effect and is a common ingredient in the region's cuisine and rituals.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Olive oil is not traditionally used in West Bengal for oil lamps during Deepavali.
Option B: Vegetable oil is not traditionally used in West Bengal for oil lamps during Deepavali.
Option C: Corn oil is not traditionally used in West Bengal for oil lamps during Deepavali.
Option D: Mustard oil is traditionally used in West Bengal for oil lamps during Deepavali.

13. Which of the following is the language of 13th century Brihaddharma Purana of Bengal?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Brihaddharma Purana is an ancient text from Bengal that dates back to the 13th century. It is written in Sanskrit, which was the primary language for religious and scholarly works during that period.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the Brihaddharma Purana might be written in a more modern language like Hindi or Urdu, which were not prevalent in the 13th century.

Explanations: The Brihaddharma Purana, being a religious and scholarly text from the 13th century, was composed in Sanskrit. Sanskrit was the dominant language for such works during that era, reflecting its importance in religious and cultural contexts.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Persian was not the primary language for religious texts in Bengal during the 13th century.
Option B: Hindi did not exist as a distinct language in the 13th century; it developed later.
Option C: Urdu also developed much later and was not a language used in the 13th century.
Option D: Sanskrit was the language of choice for religious and scholarly works in the 13th century.

14. Who established Brahms Samaj

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Raja Ram Mohan Rai.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, UPSC, IAS

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Raja Ram Mohan Roy established Brahmo Samaj, a significant reform movement in West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Raja Ram Mohan Roy with other reformers like Swami Dayanand Saraswati or Govind Ranade.

Explanations: Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a prominent social reformer, established Brahmo Samaj in 1828. The movement aimed to reform Hinduism by eliminating superstitions and promoting monotheism. Brahmo Samaj played a crucial role in the social and religious reforms of West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Swami Dayanand Saraswati is known for founding the Arya Samaj, not Brahmo Samaj.
Option B: Raja Ram Mohan Roy is correctly identified as the founder of Brahmo Samaj.
Option C: Govind Ranade was a social reformer and economist, but not the founder of Brahmo Samaj.
Option D: Jyoti Ghosh is not associated with the founding of Brahmo Samaj.

15. Who earned the post of principal in the Sanskrit college of Calcutta .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was a renowned Bengali polymath who made significant contributions to the fields of education, literature, and social reform in West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar with other notable figures from the same period, such as Swami Vivekananda or Syed Ahmad Khan, who were also influential in their respective fields.

Explanations: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar earned the post of principal in the Sanskrit College of Calcutta due to his extensive knowledge of Sanskrit and his contributions to education. He was a prominent figure in the Bengali Renaissance and played a crucial role in modernizing the education system in West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Swami Vivekananda was a key figure in the Indian independence movement and a proponent of Vedanta philosophy, but he did not hold the position of principal in the Sanskrit College of Calcutta.
Option B: Abdul Latif was a notable Bengali Muslim scholar and educationist, but he did not hold the position of principal in the Sanskrit College of Calcutta.
Option C: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was appointed as the principal of the Sanskrit College of Calcutta due to his profound knowledge and contributions to education.
Option D: Syed Ahmad Khan was a prominent Muslim reformer and founder of the Aligarh Muslim University, but he did not hold the position of principal in the Sanskrit College of Calcutta.

16. The date to partition Bengal was set for .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) 16 Oct 1905.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The partition of Bengal was a significant event in the history of West Bengal and India. It was initiated by the British colonial government to divide the province of Bengal into two parts: East Bengal and West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the date of the partition with other significant dates in the history of Bengal, such as the dates of other political events or the dates of subsequent reunifications.

Explanations: The partition of Bengal was officially announced on 19 July 1905, but the date set for the actual partition was 16 October 1905. This date is significant as it marks the formal division of Bengal into two separate administrative units.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 19 Oct 1950 is incorrect as it is not the date of the partition of Bengal.
Option B: 16 Oct 1950 is incorrect as it is not the date of the partition of Bengal.
Option C: 16 Oct 1905 is the correct date set for the partition of Bengal.
Option D: 19 Oct 1905 is incorrect as it is not the date set for the partition of Bengal.

17. Tram, Rickshaws are the main transport system in

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Trams and rickshaws are traditional modes of transport in Kolkata.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that trams and rickshaws are the main transport system in other major Indian cities like Mumbai.

Explanations: Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, has a rich history of using trams and rickshaws as primary modes of public transport. Trams have been a part of Kolkata's transport system since the late 19th century, and rickshaws, both cycle and motorized, are widely used for short-distance travel. These modes of transport are deeply ingrained in the city's culture and infrastructure.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mumbai does not primarily rely on trams and rickshaws for its transport system. Mumbai's main transport systems include buses, trains, and taxis.
Option B: Kolkata is known for its trams and rickshaws, which are significant parts of the city's transport infrastructure.

Mnemonic: Trams and Rickshaws, Kolkata's Charm

18. Which of the following is NOT located in South of India

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Sunderban is located in West Bengal, not in South India. Periyar and Bandipur are located in South India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the geographical locations of these places.

Explanations: Sunderban is a vast mangrove forest located in the delta region of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers in West Bengal, India. It is not located in South India. Periyar and Bandipur are located in South India, specifically in the states of Kerala and Karnataka, respectively.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Sunderban is located in West Bengal, not in South India.
Option B: Periyar is located in South India, specifically in Kerala.
Option C: Bandipur is located in South India, specifically in Karnataka.
Option D: Both Periyar and Bandipur are located in South India, so this option is incorrect.

19. Who founded the Institute of Nuclear Physics in Kolkata?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Institute of Nuclear Physics in Kolkata was founded by P.C. Mahalanobis.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the founder with other notable scientists from West Bengal, such as Meghnad Saha or Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar.

Explanations: P.C. Mahalanobis, a renowned Indian statistician and physicist, founded the Institute of Nuclear Physics in Kolkata. This institute is a significant research institution in the field of nuclear physics and was established under his leadership.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar was a notable Indian scientist and the founder of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), but not the Institute of Nuclear Physics in Kolkata.
Option B: Varghese Kurian is known for his contributions to the Indian dairy industry and the establishment of the Amul brand, not for founding the Institute of Nuclear Physics.
Option C: P.C. Mahalanobis is the correct answer as he founded the Institute of Nuclear Physics in Kolkata.
Option D: Meghnad Saha was a prominent Indian astrophysicist and physicist, but he did not found the Institute of Nuclear Physics in Kolkata.

20. Consider the following Statements: The Company forced the peasants in Bengal to grow cash crops Robert Clive was appointed Governor of Bengal in 1764. Most people in Kolkata speak Bangla Which of the following statement(s) is/are true?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Only 1, 2, 3.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of historical events and current demographics in West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be misunderstanding the historical context or demographic data.

Explanations: Statement 1 is true as the British East India Company did force peasants in Bengal to grow cash crops like indigo and opium. Statement 2 is true as Robert Clive was appointed Governor of Bengal in 1764. Statement 3 is true as Bangla is the predominant language spoken in Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect because it excludes statement 3.
Option B: Incorrect because it excludes statement 2.
Option C: Correct as all three statements are true.
Option D: Incorrect because it excludes statement 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Bengal Famine of 1770?

The Bengal Famine of 1770 was a severe famine in the Bengal region of India, which led to a significant loss of life and economic downturn. It is often attributed to the policies of the British East India Company.

How did the Diwani Rights impact the Bengal economy?

The Diwani Rights, granted by the Mughal Emperor to the British East India Company in 1765, allowed the Company to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, significantly altering the economic landscape and leading to increased British control over the region.

What role does the Sundarbans play in West Bengal's geography?

The Sundarbans, a vast mangrove forest, is a crucial part of West Bengal's geography, serving as a natural barrier against cyclones and providing habitat for diverse wildlife, including the Bengal tiger.

How does Kalighat painting reflect West Bengal's art and culture?

Kalighat painting is a traditional art form from West Bengal that emerged in the 19th century, depicting religious and social themes. It reflects the region's cultural heritage and artistic traditions.

What is the importance of Calcutta (Kolkata) in the British colonial era?

Calcutta, now known as Kolkata, served as the capital of British India until 1911 and was a significant administrative and economic center during the British colonial era, housing

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