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West Bengal Gk Quiz 24 (20 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates knowledge of West Bengal's historical events, cultural heritage, and geographical features. It covers topics such as the Bhakti movement, colonial administration, Bengal reunification, and regional crafts like Jamdani weaving. The questions assess understanding of key historical figures, educational initiatives, and social reforms, as well as geographical landmarks and wildlife conservation efforts.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. The new technique introduced in Bengal Art

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) The blend of tempera and wash from Japan.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The blend of tempera and wash from Japan was a significant innovation in Bengal Art, reflecting the region's openness to new artistic techniques and influences.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the blend of tempera and wash with other painting techniques like fresco or acrylic painting, which are not specific to Bengal Art.

Explanations: The blend of tempera and wash from Japan introduced a new style in Bengal Art, combining the use of tempera (a medium using egg yolk as a binder) with the wash technique (a watercolor technique). This blend allowed for a unique and vibrant style that was distinct from traditional techniques. The influence of Japanese art on Bengal Art reflects the cross-cultural exchange that occurred during the period, enriching the artistic landscape of Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Fresco is a painting technique where pigments are applied on wet plaster, which is not specific to Bengal Art.
Option B: Acrylic painting is a modern technique that uses synthetic pigments and is not traditionally associated with Bengal Art.
Option C: The blend of tempera and wash from Japan is the correct answer as it represents a significant innovation in Bengal Art.
Option D: Tempera alone, without the wash technique, does not capture the full innovation introduced in Bengal Art.

2. After crossing the Bay of Bengal from the east, Zheng He's expeditions stopped at the mouth of which body of water?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Ganges River.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Zheng He's expeditions during the Ming Dynasty stopped at various locations along the Bay of Bengal, including the mouth of the Ganges River.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the Indus River with the Ganges River, as both are significant rivers in the region.

Explanations: Zheng He's expeditions, which were a series of maritime voyages during the early 15th century, included stops at various locations in the Indian Ocean. One of these stops was at the mouth of the Ganges River, which flows into the Bay of Bengal. The Ganges River is a significant geographical feature in West Bengal, making it a notable stopping point for Zheng He's fleet.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Indus River is located in Pakistan and does not flow into the Bay of Bengal.
Option B: The Ganges River flows into the Bay of Bengal and is a significant geographical feature in West Bengal.
Option C: The Yangzi River is located in China and does not flow into the Bay of Bengal.
Option D: The Yellow River is also located in China and does not flow into the Bay of Bengal.

Mnemonic: Ganges Gateway: Gateway to the Bay of Bengal.

3. Where is Rabindranath Tagore's house

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Rabindranath Tagore's house, known as Jorasanko Thakur Bari, is located in Kolkata, West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that Tagore's house is located in another major city like Mumbai or Delhi.

Explanations: Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned Bengali polymath, was born and spent a significant part of his life in Kolkata. His ancestral home, Jorasanko Thakur Bari, is a significant landmark in the city and is now a museum dedicated to his life and works. This makes Kolkata the correct location for his house.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mumbai is incorrect as it is not the location of Rabindranath Tagore's house.
Option B: Telangana is incorrect as it is not the location of Rabindranath Tagore's house.
Option C: Kolkata is the correct location of Rabindranath Tagore's house.
Option D: Delhi is incorrect as it is not the location of Rabindranath Tagore's house.

Mnemonic: Jorasanko, Kolkata, Tagore

4. ..... is the official animal symbol of West Bengal.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Fishing cat.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal PSC, WBCS, UPSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The fishing cat is the official animal symbol of West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume that the elephant, which is a prominent animal in West Bengal, is the official animal symbol.

Explanations: The fishing cat is the official animal symbol of West Bengal due to its unique habitat and significance in the state's ecosystem. The fishing cat is a wild cat species found in the wetlands and mangroves of West Bengal, making it a fitting symbol for the state.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The elephant is not the official animal symbol of West Bengal.
Option B: The fishing cat is the official animal symbol of West Bengal.
Option C: The camel is not native to West Bengal and is not the official animal symbol.
Option D: This option is incorrect as the fishing cat is the official animal symbol.

5. The dual system of governance means .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Nawab administer Bengal and British collect revenue.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The dual system of governance in Bengal refers to the arrangement where the Nawab was responsible for the administration of the region, while the British East India Company was responsible for collecting revenue.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the British had full control over both the administration and revenue collection, which is not accurate under the dual system.

Explanations: Under the dual system of governance, the Nawab was the nominal ruler and was responsible for the day-to-day administration of Bengal. The British East India Company, on the other hand, was granted the right to collect revenue from the region. This arrangement allowed the Nawab to maintain a semblance of power while the British gained significant economic control through revenue collection.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option is incorrect because it suggests that both the Nawab and the British were jointly administering Bengal, which is not the case under the dual system.
Option B: This option correctly describes the dual system where the Nawab administers Bengal and the British collect revenue.
Option C: This option is incorrect because it reverses the roles of the Nawab and the British, which does not align with the historical arrangement.
Option D: This option is incorrect because one of the other options (B) accurately describes the dual system.

Mnemonic: Nawab Admin, British Collect

6. In which year Bengal was reunited?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) 1911.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Bengal was reunited in 1911 under the British colonial administration.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the year with other significant events in Bengal's history, such as the partition of Bengal in 1905.

Explanations: In 1911, the British government decided to reunite Bengal, which had been partitioned in 1905. This decision was made in response to widespread protests and the Swadeshi movement that opposed the partition. The reunification of Bengal was a significant event in the region's history and marked a shift in the British colonial policy.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1915 is incorrect as it does not correspond to the year Bengal was reunited.
Option B: 1911 is the correct year when Bengal was reunited.
Option C: 1913 is incorrect as it does not correspond to the year Bengal was reunited.
Option D: 1914 is incorrect as it does not correspond to the year Bengal was reunited.

7. The population density of West Bengal

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) 1030.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal PSC, UPSC, SSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Population density is the number of people per unit area, typically measured in people per square kilometer.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing population density with total population or area.

Explanations: The population density of West Bengal is 1030 people per square kilometer. This figure is derived from the latest census data and reflects the number of people living in each square kilometer of the state.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1102 is incorrect as it is higher than the actual population density.
Option B: 1030 is the correct population density of West Bengal.
Option C: 859 is incorrect as it is lower than the actual population density.
Option D: 828 is incorrect as it is lower than the actual population density.

8. Which of the following type of weaving was famous at Dacca?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Jamdani is a type of hand-woven fabric that originated in Dacca, which is now part of Bangladesh. It is known for its intricate designs and fine quality.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Jamdani with other types of weaving, such as Saliya or Kalamkari, which are not specifically associated with Dacca.

Explanations: Jamdani weaving is famous for its intricate and delicate designs, often featuring floral patterns and geometric motifs. This type of weaving is particularly renowned for its high quality and craftsmanship, making it a significant part of the cultural heritage of Dacca.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Saliya is not a type of weaving associated with Dacca.
Option B: Kalamkari is a type of hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile, primarily from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, not Dacca.
Option C: Jamdani is the correct answer as it is a type of weaving famous for its intricate designs and is associated with Dacca.
Option D: All of the above is incorrect because Saliya and Kalamkari are not specifically associated with Dacca.

9. No other city in India is so ..... ' as Kolkata

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The sentence structure requires the use of the comparative form of the adjective to indicate that no other city in India is as big as Kolkata.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake would be to use "bigger" instead of "big," which would incorrectly imply a comparison between two cities rather than stating that Kolkata is as big as any other city in India.

Explanations: The sentence "No other city in India is so big as Kolkata" uses the comparative form "so big" to indicate that Kolkata is as big as any other city in India. The comparative form "bigger" would be incorrect in this context because it would imply a direct comparison between two cities, which is not the intended meaning.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Bigger" is incorrect because it implies a direct comparison between two cities, which is not the intended meaning.
Option B: "Big" is correct because it is used in the comparative form "so big" to indicate that Kolkata is as big as any other city in India.
Option C: "Biggest" is incorrect because it would imply that Kolkata is the largest city in India, which is not the intended meaning.
Option D: "None of the above" is incorrect because "Big" is the correct choice.

10. Which mountain range is found in the northern part of West Bengal?

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC, Competitive Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Himalayas are a major mountain range located in the northern part of West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the Himalayas with other mountain ranges like the Andes, Rockies, or Alps, which are not located in West Bengal.

Explanations: The Himalayas are the northernmost mountain range in India and extend into West Bengal. They form a natural boundary between India and the Tibetan Plateau. The other mountain ranges listed (Andes, Rockies, and Alps) are located in different continents and are not found in West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Himalayas are the mountain range found in the northern part of West Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. The Andes are located in South America.
Option C: Incorrect. The Rockies are located in North America.
Option D: Incorrect. The Alps are located in Europe.

11. Where does Babar Ali run classes for poor children?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Babar Ali runs classes for poor children in the backyard of his house in Murshidabad, West Bengal.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Babar Ali is known for his efforts in providing education to underprivileged children in Murshidabad, West Bengal. He conducts these classes in the backyard of his house.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the location with other places in West Bengal, such as Murzidabad or Muzafarbad, which are not correct.

Explanations: Babar Ali runs classes for poor children in the backyard of his house in Murshidabad, West Bengal. This is a well-known initiative in the region, aimed at providing education to underprivileged children. The correct spelling of the location is Murshidabad, which is a district in West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect because the correct spelling is Murshidabad, not Murzidabad.
Option B: Incorrect because the correct spelling is Murshidabad, not Muzafarbad.
Option C: Correct because Babar Ali runs classes for poor children in the backyard of his house in Murshidabad, West Bengal.
Option D: Incorrect because the correct location is Murshidabad, not Ourangabad.

12. Who was the Governor General Of Bengal when Permanent settlement was Introduced?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Lord Cornwallis.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Permanent Settlement was introduced in 1793 by Lord Cornwallis, who was the Governor General of Bengal at that time. This act established a system of land revenue collection in the Bengal Presidency.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Lord Cornwallis with other British officials who were involved in the governance of Bengal during the colonial period, such as Lord Dalhousie or Lord Ripon.

Explanations: Lord Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement in 1793 when he was the Governor General of Bengal. This act was a significant economic reform that fixed the land revenue to be paid by zamindars, who were the landholders, in perpetuity. This system aimed to stabilize revenue collection and encourage investment in land.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Lord Dalhousie was not the Governor General of Bengal when the Permanent Settlement was introduced. He was Governor General of India from 1848 to 1856.
Option B: Lord Cornwallis was the Governor General of Bengal when the Permanent Settlement was introduced in 1793.
Option C: Lord Ripon was Governor General of India from 1880 to 1884 and did not introduce the Permanent Settlement.
Option D: This option is incorrect as Lord Cornwallis was indeed the Governor General of Bengal when the Permanent Settlement was introduced.

Mnemonic: Cornwallis, 1793, Permanent Settlement

13. Meaning restless in Bengali it is non stop long distance train

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, Indian Railways, Competitive Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Duronto trains are non-stop long-distance trains in India, which means they do not stop at intermediate stations between their origin and destination.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Duronto trains with other express trains that do stop at intermediate stations.

Explanations: Duronto trains are designed to be non-stop, making them the most suitable option for a train that is restless and does not stop between its origin and destination. This aligns with the meaning of "restless" in Bengali, which implies continuous movement without stopping.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Duronto trains are non-stop long-distance trains, fitting the description of being restless and non-stop.
Option B: Vivek Express is a long-distance train but it does stop at intermediate stations, making it not entirely non-stop.
Option C: Jamalpur Express is not a recognized train name in the Indian railway system.
Option D: None of the above is incorrect as Duronto fits the description.

14. In ..... land reform measures have helped to control poverty.

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: West Bengal has implemented land reform measures that have helped control poverty.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that land reform measures are uniformly effective across all states in India.

Explanations: West Bengal has implemented several land reform measures, such as the redistribution of land to landless farmers and the implementation of tenancy laws. These measures have helped to reduce poverty by providing land ownership and security to marginalized communities, thereby improving their economic conditions.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. West Bengal has implemented land reform measures that have helped control poverty.
Option B: Incorrect. While Kerala has made significant strides in social development, its land reform measures have not been as comprehensive as those in West Bengal.
Option C: Incorrect. Karnataka has not implemented land reform measures as extensively as West Bengal.
Option D: Incorrect. Andhra Pradesh has also implemented land reforms, but they have not been as effective in controlling poverty as those in West Bengal.

15. Study of which of the following was NOT the purpose of setting up Madrasa in Calcutta in 1781?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Madrasa established in Calcutta in 1781 was primarily aimed at teaching Arabic, Persian, and Islamic laws. Sanskrit was not a part of the curriculum.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the Madrasa in Calcutta included all major languages of the region, including Sanskrit. However, the curriculum was specifically focused on Arabic, Persian, and Islamic laws.

Explanations: The Madrasa in Calcutta was established to promote the study of Arabic, Persian, and Islamic laws. These subjects were crucial for the administration and legal system under British rule. Sanskrit, being a classical language of India, was not included in the curriculum of this particular Madrasa.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Arabic was one of the main subjects taught in the Madrasa.
Option B: Sanskrit was not included in the curriculum of the Madrasa established in 1781.
Option C: Persian was one of the main subjects taught in the Madrasa.
Option D: Islamic laws were one of the main subjects taught in the Madrasa.

16. Tomatoes, cucumber and ..... grow well on floating garden.

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Floating gardens, also known as "bheris" in West Bengal, are a traditional agricultural practice used to grow crops in flooded areas. These gardens are particularly effective for growing crops that do not require deep soil and can thrive in waterlogged conditions.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume that any vegetable can grow well on a floating garden. However, the floating garden's structure and waterlogged conditions are more suitable for certain crops.

Explanations: Tomatoes, cucumbers, and melons are known to grow well on floating gardens because they do not require deep soil and can tolerate waterlogged conditions. Melons, in particular, are a good choice as they can be grown on trellises above the water, which is a common practice in floating gardens.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Carrots require deep soil to grow properly, which is not suitable for floating gardens.
Option B: Melons can be grown on trellises above the water, making them suitable for floating gardens.

17. Which city is known as City of Black Diamond in India?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Asansol is known as the "City of Black Diamond" due to its historical association with coal mining.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Asansol with other industrial cities in West Bengal or India.

Explanations: Asansol is known as the "City of Black Diamond" because of its significant coal mining industry. The term "Black Diamond" refers to coal, which has been a major economic driver for the city.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Ahmadabad, Gujarat is not known as the "City of Black Diamond."
Option B: Asansol, West Bengal is correctly known as the "City of Black Diamond."
Option C: Bengaluru, Karnataka is not known as the "City of Black Diamond."
Option D: None of the above is incorrect as Asansol is the correct answer.

18. BUXA ..... RESERVE IS IN WEST BENGAL.

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Buxa Tiger Reserve is a protected area in West Bengal, India, known for its tiger population.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Buxa with other reserves in West Bengal that protect different species, such as elephants or rhinos.

Explanations: Buxa Tiger Reserve is specifically designated for the conservation of tigers. It is located in the northern part of West Bengal and is part of the larger Buxa Wildlife Sanctuary. The reserve is known for its significant tiger population and efforts to protect this endangered species.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Buxa Tiger Reserve is not primarily known for lions, which are not native to this region.
Option B: While rhinos are found in some parts of West Bengal, Buxa Tiger Reserve is not specifically known for rhinos.
Option C: Buxa Tiger Reserve is specifically designated for the conservation of tigers.
Option D: Elephants are found in some parts of West Bengal, but Buxa Tiger Reserve is not primarily known for elephants.

19. In ..... bengal, ..... 's matua sect worked for chandala cultivators

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Eastern haridas thakur.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Haridas Thakur was a prominent figure in the Vaishnavite movement in eastern Bengal. He worked extensively with the Chandala cultivators, a lower caste group, to improve their social and economic conditions.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Haridas Thakur with Jyotirao Phule, who worked in a different region and with a different community.

Explanations: Haridas Thakur was active in eastern Bengal and worked closely with the Chandala cultivators to uplift their social status and provide them with better opportunities. This aligns with the context of the question, which specifies the region and the community involved.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Haridas Thakur worked in eastern Bengal with the Chandala cultivators.
Option B: Incorrect. Haridas Thakur worked in eastern, not northern, Bengal.
Option C: Incorrect. Jyotirao Phule worked in Maharashtra, not Bengal.
Option D: Incorrect. Jyotirao Phule worked in Maharashtra, not Bengal.

20. Chaitanya mahaprabhu popularized Krishna-bhakti in

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was a prominent figure in the Bhakti movement and is known for popularizing Krishna-bhakti in Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's influence was widespread across all of India, rather than specifically in Bengal.

Explanations: Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, born in Nabadwip, Bengal, was a key figure in the Bhakti movement. He significantly contributed to the spread and popularization of Krishna-bhakti in Bengal. His teachings and practices had a profound impact on the region, making Bengal a center for Krishna-bhakti.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Karnataka is incorrect as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's influence was not primarily in Karnataka.
Option B: Delhi is incorrect as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's influence was not primarily in Delhi.
Option C: Andhra Pradesh is incorrect as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's influence was not primarily in Andhra Pradesh.
Option D: Bengal is correct as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was born in Nabadwip, Bengal, and his teachings significantly influenced the region.

Mnemonic: Nabadwip, Bengal, Bhakti

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Ganges River for West Bengal?

The Ganges River is a major waterway and a sacred river for West Bengal, playing a crucial role in the state's agriculture, economy, and religious practices.

How does the Dual system of governance impact West Bengal's history?

The Dual system of governance, established during British colonial rule, divided administrative powers between British officials and local Nawabs, influencing West Bengal's political and social structures.

What role does Rabindranath Tagore play in West Bengal's cultural heritage?

Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned poet and Nobel laureate, is a significant figure in West Bengal's cultural heritage, known for his contributions to literature, music, and art.

How does the Swadeshi movement relate to West Bengal's history?

The Swadeshi movement, which emerged in the early 20th century, was a significant anti-colonial movement in West Bengal, promoting self-reliance and indigenous industries against British economic policies.

What is the official animal of West Bengal and why was it chosen?

The fishing cat is the official animal of West Bengal, chosen for its unique habitat in the state's wetlands and its role in maintaining ecological balance.

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