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West Bengal Gk Quiz 31 (20 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates knowledge of British colonial history, the East India Company's administration in Bengal, and related historical events. It covers topics such as the Battle of Plassey, the Treaty of Alinagar, the Diwani rights, and the decline of the Mughal Empire. The questions also assess understanding of key figures like Robert Clive, Sirajuddaulah, and the impact of colonial expansion on Bengal's wealth and governance.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. Which city is served by Diamond Harbour?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Diamond Harbour is a port city located in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, India. It is primarily known for its strategic location and serves the city of Kolkata.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Diamond Harbour with other port cities in India, such as Visakhapatnam or Mumbai, which are located in different states.

Explanations: Diamond Harbour is a significant port city in West Bengal and serves the city of Kolkata. It is strategically located on the Hugli River, which connects it to the Bay of Bengal, making it an important gateway for trade and transportation for Kolkata.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mumbai is a major port city in Maharashtra, not in West Bengal.
Option B: Visakhapatnam is a port city in Andhra Pradesh, not in West Bengal.
Option C: Kolkata is the correct answer as Diamond Harbour serves this city.
Option D: Rangoon (now known as Yangon) is the capital city of Myanmar, not in India.

2. At age of ..... Rashsundari devi wrote her autobiography in ..... language

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) 60, bangla.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Rashsundari Devi wrote her autobiography titled "Amar Jiban" (My Life) in the Bangla language.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the age at which she wrote her autobiography or the language in which it was written.

Explanations: Rashsundari Devi wrote her autobiography "Amar Jiban" at the age of 60 in the Bangla language. This is a significant piece of West Bengal's literary history, as it is one of the earliest known autobiographies written by a woman in Bangla.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect because the age is wrong and the language is not Bangla.
Option B: Incorrect because the age is wrong, even though the language is correct.
Option C: Correct because the age and language are both accurate.
Option D: Incorrect because the age is wrong and the language is not Bangla.

3. The battlefield of Plassey is situated in which state.

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Battle of Plassey was a significant historical event that took place in 1757 in the Indian subcontinent. It was fought between the British East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the location of the Battle of Plassey with other historical battles or events that occurred in different regions of India.

Explanations: The Battle of Plassey took place in the state of West Bengal, India. This battle marked the beginning of British colonial rule in India and had significant implications for the region's history and development. The battlefield is located near the city of Murshidabad in West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Punjab is not the correct location for the Battle of Plassey.
Option B: Haryana is not the correct location for the Battle of Plassey.
Option C: West Bengal is the correct location for the Battle of Plassey.
Option D: Bihar is not the correct location for the Battle of Plassey.

4. The Governor General who accepted the Diwani of BENGAL in 1765

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Robert Clive.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Robert Clive, also known as Clive of India, was a British military and political leader who played a significant role in establishing British rule in India. He accepted the Diwani of Bengal in 1765, which gave the British East India Company the right to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Robert Clive with other British officials who were active in India during the same period, such as Lord Dalhousie or Lord Cornwallis.

Explanations: Robert Clive accepted the Diwani of Bengal in 1765, which was a significant event in the history of British rule in India. This event marked the beginning of the East India Company's direct control over the revenue collection in Bengal, which was a crucial step in consolidating British power in the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Robert Clive accepted the Diwani of Bengal in 1765, making this the correct answer.
Option B: Lord Dalhousie was a later Governor-General and is known for the Doctrine of Lapse, not for accepting the Diwani of Bengal.
Option C: Thomas Munro was a British administrator known for his reforms in Madras, not for accepting the Diwani of Bengal.
Option D: Lord Cornwallis was a Governor-General who implemented the Permanent Settlement in 1793, not for accepting the Diwani of Bengal.

5. Sirajuddaulah's grandfather was:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Alivardi Khan.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Sirajuddaulah was the Nawab of Bengal from 1756 to 1757. His grandfather was Alivardi Khan, who was also the Nawab of Bengal before him.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Sirajuddaulah's grandfather with other contemporaneous figures like Chanda Sahib or Muhammad Ali, who were also involved in the political landscape of the time.

Explanations: Alivardi Khan was the grandfather of Sirajuddaulah. Alivardi Khan ruled Bengal from 1740 to 1756 and was succeeded by his grandson, Sirajuddaulah. This familial relationship is a key historical fact in the context of West Bengal's history.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Chanda Sahib was a Nawab of Arcot, not related to Sirajuddaulah's lineage.
Option B: Muhammad Ali was a Nawab of Arcot and not related to Sirajuddaulah's family.
Option C: Alivardi Khan was the grandfather of Sirajuddaulah and ruled Bengal before him.
Option D: Muzaffar Jung was a Nawab of the Carnatic and not related to Sirajuddaulah's family.

6. Which one of the following is a subsidiary port of kolkata?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Haldia is a subsidiary port of Kolkata, located in West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Haldia with other ports that are not subsidiary to Kolkata.

Explanations: Haldia is a subsidiary port of Kolkata, situated on the Haldi River, a tributary of the Hooghly River. It serves as an important port for the region, handling cargo and facilitating trade. The other options listed are not subsidiary ports of Kolkata.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Tuticorin is a major port in Tamil Nadu, not a subsidiary port of Kolkata.
Option B: Jawaharlal Nehru Port is located in Maharashtra, not a subsidiary port of Kolkata.
Option C: Haldia is a subsidiary port of Kolkata, located in West Bengal.
Option D: Visakhapatnam is a major port in Andhra Pradesh, not a subsidiary port of Kolkata.

7. The Capital city of British East India compony

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Calcutta was the capital city of British East India Company.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the capital city with other major cities like Madras or Bombay, which were also important but not the capital.

Explanations: Calcutta was chosen as the capital of the British East India Company in 1772. It served as the capital until 1911 when the capital was shifted to Delhi. The city played a significant role in the British colonial administration and was a major center for trade and commerce.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Madras was an important city but not the capital of the British East India Company.
Option B: Bombay was another significant city but not the capital.
Option C: Calcutta was the capital city of the British East India Company.
Option D: Ahmadabad was not the capital city of the British East India Company.

8. When did Clive became governor of Bengal?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) 1765.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Clive became the Governor of Bengal in 1765 after the British East India Company gained control over the region following the Battle of Buxar in 1764.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the year with other significant dates in British colonial history, such as the Battle of Plassey in 1757 or the establishment of the British East India Company's rule in Bengal.

Explanations: In 1765, Robert Clive was appointed as the Governor of Bengal after the British East India Company secured the Diwani rights, which allowed them to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This appointment marked a significant shift in the British presence in India, transitioning from a trading company to a governing entity.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1784 is incorrect as it is after Clive's tenure as Governor of Bengal.
Option B: 1764 is incorrect as it is the year of the Battle of Buxar, not Clive's appointment as Governor.
Option C: 1767 is incorrect as it is after Clive's appointment as Governor.
Option D: 1765 is correct as it is the year Clive became the Governor of Bengal.

9. River Damodar is called 'Sorrow of Bengal' beacause it

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Gets flooded often causing havoc.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Damodar River is known as the 'Sorrow of Bengal' due to its frequent flooding, which causes significant damage to the region.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the river is called the 'Sorrow of Bengal' due to soil erosion or other factors, rather than its flooding.

Explanations: The Damodar River is prone to flooding due to its topography and the monsoon rains. These floods often cause extensive damage to agriculture, infrastructure, and human settlements in the region, leading to the river being referred to as the 'Sorrow of Bengal.'

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Damodar River is known for its frequent flooding, which causes significant damage to the region.
Option B: Incorrect. While soil erosion can be a problem, it is not the primary reason for the river being called the 'Sorrow of Bengal.'
Option C: Incorrect. The Damodar River does not form dangerous waterfalls that contribute to its reputation.
Option D: Incorrect. The Damodar River is a perennial river, meaning it flows throughout the year.

10. All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health is situated at .....

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health is a well-known institution in West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing it with other institutions in different cities.

Explanations: The All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health is located in Kolkata, West Bengal. This institution is a premier public health institution in India and is known for its contributions to public health education and research.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health is located in Kolkata.
Option B: Incorrect. Jaipur is not the location of the All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health.
Option C: Incorrect. New Delhi is not the location of the All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health.
Option D: Incorrect. Guwahati is not the location of the All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health.

11. The Victoria Memorial Hall is located in which Indian city?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

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

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the location with other historical landmarks in different cities.

Explanations: The Victoria Memorial Hall is a prominent historical and cultural landmark located in Kolkata, West Bengal. It was built to commemorate Queen Victoria and is a major tourist attraction in the city. The other options listed are incorrect as they do not house the Victoria Memorial Hall.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Jaipur is incorrect as it does not have the Victoria Memorial Hall.
Option B: Kolkata is the correct location of the Victoria Memorial Hall.
Option C: Lucknow is incorrect as it does not have the Victoria Memorial Hall.
Option D: Pune is incorrect as it does not have the Victoria Memorial Hall.

12. Consider the following Statements: Rickshaws are a traditional form of transportation of Kolkata. The Sun Temple is in Kolkata The company established in Fort Gloaster near Kolkata was a failure. Which of the following statement(s) is/are true?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Rickshaws are indeed a traditional form of transportation in Kolkata. The Sun Temple, however, is located in Konark, Odisha, not in Kolkata. The company established in Fort Gloster near Kolkata was a failure, which is historically accurate.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake would be to assume that the Sun Temple is located in Kolkata, which is incorrect.

Explanations: Rickshaws are a well-known traditional mode of transportation in Kolkata, making the first statement true. The Sun Temple is located in Konark, Odisha, not in Kolkata, making the second statement false. The company established in Fort Gloster near Kolkata was indeed a failure, making the third statement true. Therefore, the correct answer is that only statements 1 and 3 are true.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect because the second statement is false.
Option B: Incorrect because the first statement is true and the second statement is false.
Option C: Incorrect because the second statement is false.
Option D: Correct because only the first and third statements are true.

13. The soldier who attacked a British officer near Calcutta

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Mangal Pandey.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Mangal Pandey is a significant figure in the history of the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He is known for his attack on a British officer near Calcutta, which is considered one of the early acts of defiance against British rule.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Mangal Pandey with other notable figures from the Indian independence movement, such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Bipin Chandra Pal, or Motilal Nehru.

Explanations: Mangal Pandey is recognized for his attack on a British officer near Calcutta, which marked an early act of rebellion against British colonial rule. This event is often seen as a precursor to the larger Indian Rebellion of 1857. The other individuals listed (Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Bipin Chandra Pal, and Motilal Nehru) were prominent figures in the Indian independence movement but are not associated with this specific act of defiance.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mangal Pandey is the correct answer as he is known for his attack on a British officer near Calcutta.
Option B: Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a social reformer and is not associated with the attack on a British officer.
Option C: Bipin Chandra Pal was a freedom fighter and journalist, not known for the attack on a British officer.
Option D: Motilal Nehru was a prominent lawyer and politician, not associated with the attack on a British officer.

14. The Treaty of Alinagar was signed in .....

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Treaty of Alinagar was a significant agreement in the history of West Bengal, marking a crucial point in the interactions between the British East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Treaty of Alinagar with other treaties or events from the same period, such as the Battle of Plassey in 1757.

Explanations: The Treaty of Alinagar was signed in 1757 between the British East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah. This treaty was signed after the Battle of Plassey, which took place in the same year. The treaty granted the British significant trading rights and privileges in Bengal, marking the beginning of British dominance in the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1754 is incorrect as the Treaty of Alinagar was signed after the Battle of Plassey in 1757.
Option B: 1757 is the correct year as the Treaty of Alinagar was signed after the Battle of Plassey in the same year.
Option C: 1760 is incorrect as the Treaty of Alinagar was signed in 1757, not three years later.
Option D: 1749 is incorrect as the Treaty of Alinagar was signed in 1757, not eight years earlier.

15. Kantha belongs to .....

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Kantha is a traditional embroidery technique that originated in West Bengal, India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Kantha with other embroidery styles from neighboring regions or countries.

Explanations: Kantha is a traditional embroidery technique that is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of West Bengal. It involves stitching layers of cloth together with simple running stitches, often creating intricate designs and patterns. This technique is widely practiced and celebrated in West Bengal, making it a significant part of the region's cultural identity.

Option Analysis:

Option A: North east. - Kantha is not traditionally associated with the North East region of India.
Option B: Bangladesh. - While Kantha is also practiced in Bangladesh, it originated in West Bengal.
Option C: West Bengal. - Kantha is a traditional embroidery technique that originated in West Bengal.
Option D: Rajasthan. - Kantha is not traditionally associated with Rajasthan.

16. In the 7th century ....., a Chinese traveller observed that languages related to Sanskrit were in use all over Bengal.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Xuan zang.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Xuan zang, a Chinese Buddhist monk and traveler, visited India in the 7th century and documented his observations about the languages and cultures he encountered.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Xuan zang with other historical figures or travelers from the same period.

Explanations: Xuan zang, also known as Hsuan-tsang, was a Chinese Buddhist monk who traveled to India in the 7th century to study Buddhism. During his travels, he observed and documented the languages and cultures of the regions he visited, including Bengal. He noted that languages related to Sanskrit were widely used in Bengal, which aligns with the historical context of the region's linguistic and cultural influences.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Xuan zang is the correct answer as he was the Chinese traveler who documented his observations about languages related to Sanskrit in use in Bengal during the 7th century.
Option B: Yang zee is not a historical figure associated with the 7th century travels to India.
Option C: Tsang sue is not a historical figure associated with the 7th century travels to India.
Option D: None of the above is incorrect because Xuan zang is the correct answer.

17. WHO WON THE FINAL MATCH OF 2014 IPL?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of the 2014 Indian Premier League (IPL) final match winner.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the winner with other teams that participated in the IPL 2014, such as Chennai Super Kings, Kings XI Punjab, or Mumbai Indians.

Explanations: Kolkata Knight Riders won the final match of the 2014 Indian Premier League (IPL). The final was played between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Kolkata Knight Riders emerged victorious.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Chennai Super Kings did not win the 2014 IPL final.
Option B: Kings XI Punjab did not win the 2014 IPL final.
Option C: Mumbai Indians did not win the 2014 IPL final.
Option D: Kolkata Knight Riders won the 2014 IPL final.

18. Taking the advantage of weak later Mughals, the English began to increase their power in ....., the richest of the Indian provinces.

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The English East India Company took advantage of the weakening Mughal Empire to expand their control over Bengal, which was one of the wealthiest and most prosperous provinces in India at the time.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to overlook the historical context of Bengal's economic significance and the strategic importance it held for the British East India Company.

Explanations: Bengal was the richest of the Indian provinces due to its fertile land, thriving textile industry, and strategic location. The English East India Company capitalized on the weakened Mughal rule to gradually increase their control over Bengal, eventually leading to the establishment of British colonial rule in the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Orissa was not the richest province and did not attract the same level of British interest as Bengal.
Option B: Bengal was the richest province and a key target for the British East India Company.
Option C: Bihar, while significant, was not as economically powerful as Bengal.
Option D: Delhi was the capital of the Mughal Empire but not the richest province.

Mnemonic: Bengal's wealth: "Bountiful Bengal, British Bounty"

19. Bosch sets up its first sales office in the year 1922 in which place of India

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Bosch, a renowned German engineering and technology company, established its first sales office in India in 1922. The location chosen for this office was Calcutta, which is now known as Kolkata.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing Delhi or Adugodi, Bengaluru, as these are other significant cities in India, but they were not the location where Bosch first set up its sales office.

Explanations: Bosch, a leading engineering and technology company, chose Calcutta (now Kolkata) as the location for its first sales office in India in 1922. This decision was likely influenced by Calcutta's status as a major commercial and industrial hub at the time.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Delhi was not the location where Bosch first established its sales office in India.
Option B: Adugodi, Bengaluru, was not the location where Bosch first established its sales office in India.
Option C: Calcutta (now Kolkata) was the location where Bosch first established its sales office in India in 1922.
Option D: Naganathapura was not the location where Bosch first established its sales office in India.

20. Monsoon months of Kolkata are

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) June, July, August, September.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The monsoon season in Kolkata typically spans from June to September, bringing significant rainfall to the region.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to include October in the monsoon months, as the transition from monsoon to post-monsoon can be gradual.

Explanations: Kolkata experiences the monsoon season primarily from June to September. During these months, the city receives the majority of its annual rainfall due to the southwest monsoon. The monsoon typically starts in early June and continues through September, with a peak in July and August. By October, the monsoon begins to withdraw, and the weather transitions to the post-monsoon season.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. June, July, August, September are the monsoon months for Kolkata.
Option B: Incorrect. October is not typically considered a monsoon month in Kolkata.
Option C: Incorrect. October, November, and December are post-monsoon months, not monsoon months.
Option D: Incorrect. May is the pre-monsoon month, not a monsoon month.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Battle of Plassey in West Bengal's history?

The Battle of Plassey in 1757 marked the beginning of British colonial rule in Bengal, leading to the establishment of Calcutta as a colonial capital and the eventual control of the region by the British East India Company.

How does the Damodar River impact West Bengal?

The Damodar River is a significant waterway in West Bengal, often causing flooding in the region but also providing essential irrigation and water resources for agriculture.

What role did Sirajuddaulah play in the history of Bengal?

Sirajuddaulah was the last independent Nawab of Bengal before the British East India Company's takeover. He was defeated by Robert Clive at the Battle of Plassey, leading to the end of his rule.

What is the importance of the All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health in Kolkata?

The All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health in Kolkata is a leading institution for public health education and research, contributing significantly to the field of hygiene and public health in India.

How did the Diwani rights affect the governance of Bengal?

The Diwani rights, granted by the Mughal emperor to the British East India Company in 1765, allowed the Company to collect revenue in Bengal, effectively transferring administrative and financial control from the Nawabs to the British.

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