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West Bengal Gk Quiz 22 (20 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates knowledge of West Bengal's historical events, cultural practices, and geographical landmarks. It covers topics such as the Battle of Plassey, Bengali wedding rituals, the Indigo Commission, and landmarks like the Victoria Memorial and Sundarbans. The questions assess understanding of colonial trade, regional finance, and the cultural significance of Bengal.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. Which of the following university is first estabished by the British

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The University of Calcutta was the first university established by the British in India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the order of establishment of the universities, as Bombay and Madras universities were also established in the 19th century.

Explanations: The University of Calcutta was established in 1857, making it the first university to be established by the British in India. This university played a significant role in the spread of Western education in India and was a key institution in the development of modern Bengali culture and intellectual life.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The University of Bombay was established in 1857, the same year as the University of Calcutta, but it was not the first.
Option B: The University of Madras was established in 1857, the same year as the University of Calcutta, but it was not the first.
Option C: The University of Delhi was established much later, in 1922, and thus was not the first.
Option D: The University of Calcutta was established in 1857, making it the first university established by the British in India.

2. Which part of India produced excellent quality of indigo?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Bengal was historically known for producing high-quality indigo, which was a significant export during the colonial period.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing Himachal Pradesh or Haryana, as these regions are not typically associated with indigo production.

Explanations: Bengal was renowned for its indigo production due to the favorable climatic conditions and fertile soil. The region's indigo was of excellent quality and was highly sought after in the international market. This made Bengal a significant center for indigo cultivation and trade.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Himachal Pradesh is not known for indigo production.
Option B: Haryana is not known for indigo production.
Option C: Bengal was historically known for producing high-quality indigo.
Option D: This option is incorrect as Bengal is the correct answer.

3. When Alivardi Khan died in 1756, Siraj ud-Daulah became the Nawab of Bengal. He marched with 30, 000 soldiers to the English factory at Kasim Bazar, captured Company officials, locked the warehouse, disarmed all Englishmen, and blockaded English ships. Then he marched to Calcutta to establish control over the Company's fort there. When did Robert Clive lead the Company's army against Siraj ud-Daulah at Plassey?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) 1757.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Robert Clive led the Company's army against Siraj ud-Daulah at the Battle of Plassey in 1757. This battle marked a significant turning point in the history of British colonial rule in India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the dates of significant events in the history of British colonial rule in Bengal. The Battle of Plassey is a crucial event, and its date is often misremembered.

Explanations: Siraj ud-Daulah became the Nawab of Bengal in 1756 and clashed with the British East India Company. In 1757, Robert Clive led the Company's army against Siraj ud-Daulah at the Battle of Plassey. The victory at Plassey allowed the British to establish their dominance over Bengal and marked the beginning of British colonial rule in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1759 is incorrect as the Battle of Plassey took place in 1757.
Option B: 1757 is the correct year when Robert Clive led the Company's army against Siraj ud-Daulah at Plassey.
Option C: 1756 is incorrect as this is the year Siraj ud-Daulah became the Nawab of Bengal, not the year of the Battle of Plassey.
Option D: 1758 is incorrect as the Battle of Plassey took place in 1757.

4. The Calcutta High Court is the oldest high court in the country, established on 2 July .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) 1862.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Calcutta High Court is the oldest high court in India, established on 2 July 1862.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the year of establishment with other significant dates in the history of the Calcutta High Court.

Explanations: The Calcutta High Court was established on 2 July 1862, making it the oldest high court in India. This date is significant in the legal history of West Bengal and India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1861 is incorrect as the court was established in 1862.
Option B: 1862 is the correct year of establishment.
Option C: 1863 is incorrect as the court was established in 1862.
Option D: 1864 is incorrect as the court was established in 1862.

5. B. R. Ambedkar was elected to the Constituent Assembly from:

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: B. R. Ambedkar was elected to the Constituent Assembly from West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that B. R. Ambedkar was elected from his home state of Maharashtra or another state where he was influential.

Explanations: B. R. Ambedkar was elected to the Constituent Assembly from West Bengal. This fact is significant in the context of West Bengal's role in the formation of the Indian Constitution. Ambedkar's election from West Bengal highlights the state's importance in the constitutional process and the diverse representation in the Constituent Assembly.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. B. R. Ambedkar was elected to the Constituent Assembly from West Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. "Bombay President" is not a valid option for the election of a member to the Constituent Assembly.
Option C: Incorrect. Madya Pradesh (now Madhya Pradesh) is not the correct state from which B. R. Ambedkar was elected.
Option D: Incorrect. Panjab (now Punjab) is not the correct state from which B. R. Ambedkar was elected.

6. The company built a port city called Kolkat (Calcutta) on the Bay of .....

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The port city of Calcutta (now known as Kolkata) was established by the British East India Company on the banks of the Hooghly River, which is a distributary of the Ganges River in the region of Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing Mumbai or Chennai, as these are also major port cities in India, but they are not located in Bengal.

Explanations: Calcutta (Kolkata) was founded by the British East India Company in the region of Bengal, which is why the correct answer is Bengal. The city was strategically built on the Bay of Bengal to facilitate trade and commerce.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mumbai is a major port city in India, but it is located in the state of Maharashtra, not Bengal.
Option B: Chennai is a major port city in India, but it is located in the state of Tamil Nadu, not Bengal.
Option C: Bengal is the correct answer as Calcutta (Kolkata) was established in this region.
Option D: This option is incorrect as the correct answer is indeed Bengal.

7. ..... was the successor of Bengal after Alivardi Khan

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Sirajuddaulah succeeded Alivardi Khan as the Nawab of Bengal in 1756.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the order of succession among the Nawabs of Bengal.

Explanations: Alivardi Khan was the Nawab of Bengal from 1740 to 1756. Upon his death, Sirajuddaulah, his grandson, succeeded him as the Nawab of Bengal. This succession is a key historical fact in the history of West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mir Qasim was a later Nawab of Bengal, succeeding Sirajuddaulah.
Option B: Sirajuddaulah was the immediate successor to Alivardi Khan.
Option C: Mir Jafar succeeded Sirajuddaulah, not Alivardi Khan.
Option D: Murshid Quli Khan was the first Nawab of Bengal, preceding Alivardi Khan.

8. Where did the British establish their first factory in Bengal?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The British East India Company established its first factory in Bengal at Hugli (also known as Hooghly) in 1651.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the locations where the British established their early trading posts in Bengal. Sutanati, Kasimbazar, and Burdwan were also important locations, but Hugli was the site of the first factory.

Explanations: The British East India Company established its first factory in Bengal at Hugli in 1651. This location was chosen due to its strategic position on the Hooghly River, which facilitated trade and commerce. The factory served as a base for the company's operations and marked the beginning of British influence in the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Hugli is the correct answer as it was the site of the first British factory in Bengal.
Option B: Kasimbazar was an important trading center but not the site of the first factory.
Option C: Sutanati, which later became part of Calcutta, was not the site of the first factory.
Option D: Burdwan was significant for its silk trade but not the site of the first factory.

Mnemonic: Hugli: Home of the First British Factory

9. Which city is known as Queen of Hills?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Darjeeling is known as the "Queen of Hills" due to its scenic beauty and location in the Himalayan foothills.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Darjeeling with other hill stations like Udaipur, which is known as the "City of Lakes."

Explanations: Darjeeling is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, tea gardens, and cool climate, earning it the title "Queen of Hills." This nickname reflects its status as a popular hill station in West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kolkata is the capital city of West Bengal but is not known as the "Queen of Hills."
Option B: Udaipur is located in Rajasthan and is known as the "City of Lakes," not the "Queen of Hills."
Option C: Darjeeling is correctly identified as the "Queen of Hills" due to its scenic beauty and location in the Himalayan foothills.
Option D: This option is incorrect as it combines two unrelated terms, "West Bengal" and "Kolkata," and does not refer to Darjeeling.

10. The new name of Vangadesham?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The term "Vangadesham" refers to an ancient name for the region that is now known as Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Vangadesham with other historical names of regions in India, such as Bihar or Banaras.

Explanations: Vangadesham was an ancient name for the region that is now known as Bengal. This term is often used in historical and geographical contexts to refer to the area that includes present-day West Bengal and parts of Bangladesh. The name "Vanga" is derived from the ancient Indian language and is associated with the region's historical and cultural significance.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Vangadesham is an ancient name for Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. Bihar is not historically referred to as Vangadesham.
Option C: Incorrect. Delhi is not historically referred to as Vangadesham.
Option D: Incorrect. Banaras is not historically referred to as Vangadesham.

11. Who was JAGAT SETH?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) The richest banker of Bengal.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Jagat Seth was a prominent figure in the economic history of Bengal during the 18th century. He was known for his wealth and influence as a banker.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Jagat Seth with other notable figures from Bengal's history, such as military leaders or political rulers.

Explanations: Jagat Seth was a renowned banker and financier who played a significant role in the economic landscape of Bengal during the 18th century. His wealth and influence were unparalleled, making him the richest banker of Bengal. This position allowed him to have a substantial impact on the financial dealings of the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option is incorrect as Jagat Seth was not known as one of the famous Bengal in a general sense, but specifically for his role as a banker.
Option B: This option is correct as Jagat Seth was indeed the richest banker of Bengal, known for his extensive wealth and influence in the region.
Option C: This option is incorrect as Jagat Seth was not a military leader or commander-in-chief.
Option D: This option is incorrect as Jagat Seth was not a Nawab of Awadh, but a banker from Bengal.

12. It belongs to west bengal but what is the name of the forests?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Tidal Forests.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, WBCS, Geography Olympiad

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Tidal forests, also known as mangrove forests, are found in the coastal areas of West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse tidal forests with other types of forests, such as the Nilgiri forests or Gir forests, which are located in different regions of India.

Explanations: Tidal forests, or mangrove forests, are unique ecosystems found in the coastal areas of West Bengal, particularly in the Sundarbans region. These forests are adapted to survive in the intertidal zone, where they are regularly inundated by saltwater. The Sundarbans, a part of the tidal forests, is the largest mangrove forest in the world and is a significant natural resource of West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Tidal Forests are correct as they are found in West Bengal, particularly in the Sundarbans region.
Option B: Gir Forests are located in Gujarat, not West Bengal.
Option C: Nilgiri Forests are located in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, not West Bengal.
Option D: Vandalur is a suburb of Chennai and not a type of forest.

Mnemonic: Sundarbans, Saltwater, Survival

13. Name the commission set up after indigo rebellions in Bengal?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Indigo commission.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Indigo commission was established to investigate the indigo rebellions in Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Indigo commission with other commissions like the Hunter Commission, which was set up for a different purpose.

Explanations: The Indigo commission was set up to investigate the grievances of the peasants against the indigo planters in Bengal. This commission was established in response to the indigo rebellions that occurred in the 1850s and 1860s. The commission's findings led to the eventual decline of the indigo industry in Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Nij commission is not a recognized commission related to the indigo rebellions.
Option B: The Hunter Commission was set up to investigate the causes of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, not the indigo rebellions.
Option C: The Indigo commission was established to investigate the indigo rebellions in Bengal.
Option D: The Cripp's commission was related to the discussions on Indian independence and not the indigo rebellions.

14. Name the famous traditional ritual in a Bengali Marriage .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Suboh Drishti.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, Bengali culture exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Suboh Drishti is a traditional ritual in Bengali weddings where the bride and groom see each other for the first time after the wedding ceremony.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that Kanyadaan is the only significant ritual in a Bengali wedding, but Suboh Drishti is also a notable and traditional practice.

Explanations: Suboh Drishti is a significant ritual in Bengali weddings where the bride and groom see each other for the first time after the wedding ceremony. This ritual is performed early in the morning, hence the name "Suboh Drishti," which means "morning sight" in Bengali.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Suboh Drishti is the correct answer as it is a traditional ritual in Bengali weddings.
Option B: Kanyadaan is an important ritual in Hindu weddings but is not specific to Bengali weddings.
Option C: Lagan refers to the wedding ceremony itself and is not a specific ritual within the wedding.
Option D: This option is incorrect as Suboh Drishti is a recognized ritual in Bengali weddings.

15. Many of the modest brick and terracotta temples in Bengal were built with the support of several low social groups such as ..... and .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Kolu, Kansari.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The construction of many modest brick and terracotta temples in Bengal was supported by various low social groups, including the Kolu and Kansari communities.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that the support came from higher social groups or from a single community.

Explanations: The Kolu and Kansari communities were involved in the construction of many modest brick and terracotta temples in Bengal. These communities were part of the lower social strata and contributed significantly to the architectural and cultural heritage of the region. The involvement of these groups highlights the communal effort and social dynamics in temple construction during that period.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Kolu and Kansari communities were involved in the construction of many modest brick and terracotta temples in Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. While carpenters and oil pressers may have been involved in some aspects of construction, they are not specifically noted as the primary groups supporting temple construction in this context.
Option C: Incorrect. Karmakaras and Brahmanas are not the primary groups mentioned in the context of supporting temple construction in Bengal.
Option D: Incorrect. The correct answer is provided in the options.

Mnemonic: Kolu Kansari, Temple Builders

16. WHICH BRIDGE CONNECTS HAORA AND KOLKATA?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) VIDYASAGAR SETU.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Vidyasagar Setu is a bridge that connects Haora and Kolkata across the Hooghly River.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the Vidyasagar Setu with the Rabindra Setu (Howrah Bridge), which is another famous bridge in the area.

Explanations: The Vidyasagar Setu, also known as the Second Hooghly Bridge, is a cable-stayed bridge that connects Haora and Kolkata. It was named after the renowned Bengali polymath Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. The bridge is a significant transportation link between the two cities.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Hugli is the name of the river, not a bridge.
Option B: Rabindranath Setu is another name for the Howrah Bridge, which is a different bridge.
Option C: Vidyasagar Setu is the correct bridge that connects Haora and Kolkata.
Option D: This option is incorrect as the Vidyasagar Setu is the correct answer.

17. Birla planetarium located on .....

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Birla Planetarium is a well-known landmark located in Kolkata, West Bengal.

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

Explanations: The Birla Planetarium is located in Kolkata, which is the capital city of West Bengal. It is a significant cultural and educational institution in the state, making it a notable landmark within the context of West Bengal's geography and culture.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mumbai is incorrect as the Birla Planetarium is not located there.
Option B: Kolkata is the correct location of the Birla Planetarium.
Option C: Chennai is incorrect as the Birla Planetarium is not located there.
Option D: Delhi is incorrect as the Birla Planetarium is not located there.

18. The first textile mill in the country was established at ..... near Kolkata in 1818.

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The first textile mill in the country was established at Fort Gloster near Kolkata in 1818.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the name of the location with other textile mills or industrial sites in West Bengal.

Explanations: The first textile mill in India was established at Fort Gloster, which is located near Kolkata. This mill marked the beginning of the industrial revolution in the textile industry in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Fort Gloster is the location where the first textile mill was established in 1818.
Option B: Incorrect. Ambika silk mills is not the first textile mill in the country.
Option C: Incorrect. Akai impex is not related to the first textile mill in India.
Option D: Incorrect. Alok industries is not the first textile mill in the country.

19. Which team won most ISL titles till session 2019-2020

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, Competitive Exams, State GK

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Atletico de Kolkata has won the most ISL titles till the session 2019-2020.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the number of titles won by different teams or misremembering the team names.

Explanations: Atletico de Kolkata has won the Indian Super League (ISL) title multiple times, making it the most successful team in the league until the 2019-2020 season.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Chennaiyin FC has not won as many titles as Atletico de Kolkata.
Option B: Atletico de Kolkata has won the most ISL titles till the 2019-2020 season.
Option C: FC Goa has not won as many titles as Atletico de Kolkata.
Option D: Bengaluru FC has not won as many titles as Atletico de Kolkata.

20. Where is Victoria Memorial

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

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: The Victoria Memorial is a significant historical monument located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

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

Explanations: The Victoria Memorial is a large marble building dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria. It is located in the heart of Kolkata, which was formerly known as Calcutta, the capital of British India. The memorial is a prominent landmark and a major tourist attraction in West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Victoria Memorial is located in Kolkata.
Option B: Incorrect. The Victoria Memorial is not located in Mumbai.
Option C: Incorrect. The Victoria Memorial is not located in Delhi.
Option D: Incorrect. The Victoria Memorial is not located in Gwalior.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical significance of the Battle of Plassey in West Bengal?

The Battle of Plassey in 1757 marked the beginning of British colonial rule in Bengal, leading to significant political and economic changes in the region.

How did the British East India Company establish its first factory in Bengal?

The British East India Company established its first factory in Bengal at Hugli in 1651, which served as a base for colonial trade and expansion.

What role did indigo play in the economy of Bengal during British colonial rule?

Bengal was known for producing high-quality indigo, which was a major export crop during British colonial rule, contributing significantly to the region's economy.

What is the significance of the University of Calcutta in the educational history of West Bengal?

The University of Calcutta, established in 1857, was one of the first modern universities in India and played a crucial role in the development of higher education in the region.

How did the Calcutta High Court contribute to the legal history of West Bengal?

The Calcutta High Court, founded in 1862, is the oldest high court in India and has been instrumental in shaping the legal system and jurisprudence of West Bengal.

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