🏠 Homepage 📘 Download PDF Books 📕 Premium PDF Books

West Bengal Gk Quiz 33 (20 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates knowledge of West Bengal's historical events, cultural traditions, and geographical features. It covers topics such as the Bengal Nawabs, the Bengal Renaissance, Durga Puja, the Sundarbans, and the Bengal region's role in the Indian independence movement. The questions assess understanding of key figures, regional autonomy, and the significance of various landmarks and festivals.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. Where was the Fort william college set up and in which year

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Calcutta, 1801.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Fort William College was established in Calcutta in 1801 by Lord Wellesley to train civil servants in Indian languages and culture.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the year or location with other historical institutions or events.

Explanations: Fort William College was established in Calcutta in 1801 by Lord Wellesley. The college aimed to train civil servants in Indian languages and culture, which was crucial for the British administration in India. This institution played a significant role in the development of Indian languages and literature.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect, as Fort William College was not established in Madras in 1701.
Option B: Incorrect, as Fort William College was not established in Surat in 1948.
Option C: Correct, as Fort William College was established in Calcutta in 1801.
Option D: Incorrect, as Fort William College was not established in Kota in 1853.

2. The National Song of India, "Vande Mataram" , was written by .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: "Vande Mataram" is the national song of India and was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse "Vande Mataram" with "Jana Gana Mana," which is the national anthem of India and was written by Rabindranath Tagore.

Explanations: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote "Vande Mataram" as a poem in his novel "Anandamath" in 1882. It later became a significant symbol of the Indian independence movement and was officially adopted as the national song of India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Bankim Chandra Chatterjee wrote "Vande Mataram."
Option B: Incorrect. Rabindranath Tagore wrote "Jana Gana Mana," the national anthem of India.
Option C: Incorrect. Both authors did not write "Vande Mataram."
Option D: Incorrect. The correct author is Bankim Chandra Chatterjee.

3. Which two cities do the bridges, Rabindra Setu and Vidyasagar Setu connect?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Rabindra Setu and Vidyasagar Setu are two major bridges in West Bengal that connect Howrah and Kolkata.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the cities connected by these bridges with other cities in West Bengal.

Explanations: Rabindra Setu, formerly known as Howrah Bridge, and Vidyasagar Setu are both significant bridges that connect the cities of Howrah and Kolkata. These bridges are crucial for transportation and are landmarks in West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect because Calicut is not connected by these bridges. Calicut is a city in Kerala, not West Bengal.
Option B: Correct because Rabindra Setu and Vidyasagar Setu connect Howrah and Kolkata.

4. Which port is renamed as Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Kolkata Port, also known as the Haldia Port, was renamed as the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port in honor of the Indian politician and freedom fighter.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the renaming with other ports in India, such as the Chennai Port or Visakhapatnam Port.

Explanations: The Kolkata Port was renamed to Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port in 2015 to honor Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, a prominent Indian politician and freedom fighter. This renaming is a significant part of West Bengal's history and geography.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Kolkata Port was renamed as Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port.
Option B: Incorrect. The Chennai Port was not renamed as Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port.
Option C: Incorrect. The Paradip Port was not renamed as Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port.
Option D: Incorrect. The Visakhapatnam Port was not renamed as Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port.

5. Through the early eighteenth century the conflict between the Company and the Nawabs of Bengal intensified. Murshid Quli Khan was followed by Alivardi Khan and then Siraj ud-Daulah as the Nawab of Bengal. After the death of which famous Mughal emperor did the Bengal Nawabs begin asserting their power and autonomy, as other regional powers were doing at that time?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The decline of the Mughal Empire after Aurangzeb's death allowed regional powers like the Nawabs of Bengal to assert their autonomy.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the timeline of Mughal emperors and their impact on regional autonomy.

Explanations: Aurangzeb's death in 1707 marked the beginning of the decline of the Mughal Empire. After his death, the central authority weakened, leading to the rise of regional powers such as the Nawabs of Bengal. This period saw the Nawabs asserting their power and autonomy, as they were no longer under the strong central control of the Mughal emperor.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Aurangzeb's death in 1707 led to the weakening of the Mughal Empire, allowing regional powers like the Nawabs of Bengal to assert their autonomy.
Option B: Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal emperor, ruling much later in the 19th century, and his reign did not mark the beginning of regional autonomy.
Option C: Shah Jahan ruled before Aurangzeb and his death did not lead to the weakening of the Mughal Empire.
Option D: Akbar was a strong Mughal emperor who centralized power, and his death did not lead to regional autonomy.

Mnemonic: Aurangzeb's end, autonomy begins.

6. In which state is belur math, the headquarters of ramakrishna Mission, situated?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Belur Math is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, a prominent religious and philanthropic organization.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Belur Math with other religious sites or headquarters located in different states.

Explanations: Belur Math is located in the Hooghly district of West Bengal. It serves as the international headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission and is a significant spiritual and cultural center.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Odisha is incorrect as Belur Math is not located in Odisha.
Option B: Jharkhand is incorrect as Belur Math is not located in Jharkhand.
Option C: West Bengal is correct as Belur Math is located in the Hooghly district of West Bengal.
Option D: None of the above is incorrect as West Bengal is the correct state.

7. Jaldapara National Park is in

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Jaldapara National Park is located in the state of West Bengal, India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Jaldapara National Park with other national parks located in different states.

Explanations: Jaldapara National Park is situated in the northern part of West Bengal, specifically in the Alipurduar district. It is known for its diverse wildlife, including the one-horned rhinoceros, and is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Uttarakhand is incorrect as Jaldapara National Park is not located in this state.
Option B: West Bengal is the correct location of Jaldapara National Park.
Option C: Kerala is incorrect as Jaldapara National Park is not located in this state.
Option D: None of the above is incorrect as West Bengal is the correct answer.

8. Trams are popular means of transportation in .....

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal PSC, WBCS, UPSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Trams are a traditional and popular means of transportation in Kolkata, West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing a city like Mumbai or Delhi, which are known for other forms of public transportation but not trams.

Explanations: Kolkata has a long history of tramway transportation, dating back to the early 20th century. Trams are still a significant part of the city's public transportation system, making them a popular means of travel for residents and tourists alike.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Vizag does not have a tram system.
Option B: Mumbai primarily uses buses, trains, and the metro system, not trams.
Option C: Delhi's public transportation includes buses, the metro, and suburban trains, but not trams.
Option D: Kolkata has a well-established tram system that is still in use today.

9. Dayabhaga system prevail only in

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Dayabhaga system is a school of Hindu law that governs inheritance and property rights. It is prevalent only in West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the Dayabhaga system is prevalent in other states with significant Hindu populations, such as Andhra Pradesh or Rajasthan.

Explanations: The Dayabhaga system is specific to West Bengal and is not found in other states. It is a distinct legal tradition that governs inheritance and property rights within the state.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Nagaland does not follow the Dayabhaga system.
Option B: Andhra Pradesh does not follow the Dayabhaga system.
Option C: Rajasthan does not follow the Dayabhaga system.
Option D: West Bengal is the only state where the Dayabhaga system is prevalent.

10. Durga pooja is the most important festival in

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Durga Puja is the most significant festival in West Bengal, celebrated with great enthusiasm and cultural importance.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume that Durga Puja is equally important in other states without recognizing its unique cultural significance in West Bengal.

Explanations: Durga Puja is a major cultural and religious festival in West Bengal, celebrated with elaborate pandals, rituals, and community gatherings. It holds a special place in the hearts of Bengalis and is a defining feature of the state's cultural identity.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Delhi does not have the same cultural significance for Durga Puja as West Bengal.
Option B: Assam celebrates Durga Puja, but it is not the most important festival in the state.
Option C: Tripura also celebrates Durga Puja, but it is not the most significant festival in the state.
Option D: West Bengal is the correct answer as Durga Puja is the most important festival in the state.

11. When was a supreme court established for the first time at Calcutta?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) 1773.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The establishment of the Supreme Court in Calcutta is a significant event in the history of West Bengal and the broader Indian legal system.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the year with other significant dates in the history of the British East India Company or the establishment of other administrative bodies in India.

Explanations: The Supreme Court was established in Calcutta in 1773 under the Regulating Act of 1773. This act was passed by the British Parliament to establish a more formal system of governance in India, and it included the creation of the Supreme Court to oversee legal matters in the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1771 is incorrect as the Supreme Court was not established in this year.
Option B: 1773 is the correct year as the Supreme Court was established under the Regulating Act of 1773.
Option C: 1775 is incorrect as the Supreme Court was already established by this time.
Option D: 1778 is incorrect as the Supreme Court was established earlier in 1773.

Mnemonic: Regulating Act, 1773, Supreme Court

12. After the first British factory was set up in 1651 on the banks of the river ..... East Indiacompany started allowing more of its merchants and traders to visit and settle down at the city ofBengal.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Hooghly,

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganges, played a significant role in the early British colonial activities in Bengal. The first British factory was established on its banks in 1651, marking the beginning of British commercial and administrative presence in the region.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing the Ganga (Ganges) River, as it is a major river in the region and often associated with Bengal. However, the specific location of the first British factory was on the Hooghly River.

Explanations: The Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganges, was chosen for the establishment of the first British factory due to its strategic location and navigational advantages. This river provided easy access to the Bay of Bengal, facilitating trade and commerce. The East India Company recognized the potential of the Hooghly River for establishing a foothold in Bengal, leading to the subsequent expansion of British influence in the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Ganga (Ganges) River is a major river in India but not the specific river where the first British factory was established.
Option B: The Hooghly River is the correct answer as it was the site of the first British factory in 1651.
Option C: The Narmada River is located in central India and is not associated with the early British presence in Bengal.
Option D: The Godavari River is located in southern India and is not related to the British factory in Bengal.

Mnemonic: Hooghly - Home of the First Factory

13. In which century did bengal come under Muslim rule?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) 13th century.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Bengal came under Muslim rule during the 13th century, primarily due to the conquests of the Delhi Sultanate.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the timeline of Muslim rule in Bengal with earlier invasions or conquests in other parts of India.

Explanations: Bengal came under Muslim rule in the 13th century when the Delhi Sultanate, under the leadership of Sultan Bakhtiyar Khalji, conquered the region. This conquest marked the beginning of Muslim rule in Bengal, which lasted for several centuries. The earlier centuries (5th, 7th, and 8th) did not see significant Muslim influence in Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The 5th century is incorrect as it predates the establishment of significant Muslim influence in Bengal.
Option B: The 7th century is incorrect as it also predates the Muslim conquest of Bengal.
Option C: The 13th century is correct as it marks the beginning of Muslim rule in Bengal.
Option D: The 8th century is incorrect as it predates the Muslim conquest of Bengal.

14. Who was the creator of Eden Garden

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Babu Ramchandra Das.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Eden Garden, also known as Eden Gardens, is a cricket ground located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It is one of the most famous cricket grounds in the country.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the creator with other prominent figures from West Bengal, such as Dr. Rajendra Prasad or Jawaharlal Nehru.

Explanations: Babu Ramchandra Das was the founder of Eden Garden. He was a prominent figure in the early 20th century and played a significant role in the development of the cricket ground. The ground was initially established as a park and later transformed into a cricket venue.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Babu Ramchandra Das was the creator of Eden Garden.
Option B: Incorrect. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India, not associated with the creation of Eden Garden.
Option C: Incorrect. Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of India, not associated with the creation of Eden Garden.
Option D: Incorrect. The correct answer is provided in Option A.

15. Who was the leader of The Bengali resistance movement?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Sheik Mujibur.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Sheik Mujibur Rahman was a key figure in the Bengali nationalist movement and the leader of the Awami League, which played a significant role in the struggle for the independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Sheik Mujibur with other political figures of the time, such as Yahya Khan, who was the President of Pakistan during the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Explanations: Sheik Mujibur Rahman was the leader of the Bengali resistance movement against Pakistani rule. He was a prominent political leader and the founder of the Awami League, which advocated for the rights of Bengalis and eventually led to the creation of Bangladesh. His leadership was crucial in the movement for independence.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Sheik Mujibur was the correct leader of the Bengali resistance movement.
Option B: Yahya Khan was the President of Pakistan and not a leader of the Bengali resistance.
Option C: Muhammed Jinnah was the founder of Pakistan and not involved in the Bengali resistance movement.
Option D: This option is incorrect as Sheik Mujibur was indeed the leader of the Bengali resistance movement.

16. Which Indian state has the largest area of mangrove forests?

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, State PSC, Geography Olympiad

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: West Bengal has the largest area of mangrove forests in India, primarily due to the Sundarbans, which is the largest mangrove forest in the world.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the mangrove areas of different coastal states, as several states in India have significant mangrove coverage.

Explanations: West Bengal is home to the Sundarbans, which is the largest mangrove forest in the world. The Sundarbans spans across parts of West Bengal and Bangladesh, with a significant portion lying within Indian territory. This extensive mangrove area makes West Bengal the state with the largest mangrove forest coverage in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. West Bengal has the largest area of mangrove forests in India, primarily due to the Sundarbans.
Option B: Incorrect. Odisha has mangrove forests, but not as extensive as those in West Bengal.
Option C: Incorrect. Andhra Pradesh has mangrove forests, but they are not as extensive as those in West Bengal.
Option D: Incorrect. Tamil Nadu has mangrove forests, but they are not as extensive as those in West Bengal.

Mnemonic: Sundarbans, West Bengal, Mangroves

17. Who was first known independent king of Bengal?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Shashank is considered the first known independent king of Bengal, ruling during the 7th century CE.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the timeline of rulers and their independence, leading to incorrect identification of the first independent king.

Explanations: Shashank, also known as Shashanka, was the founder of the Gauda kingdom in Bengal. He is recognized as the first independent king of Bengal, ruling from around 600 to 625 CE. His reign marked the beginning of an independent political entity in the region, making him a significant figure in the early history of Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Siraj-Ud-Daulah was the last independent Nawab of Bengal, not the first independent king.
Option B: Shashank is the correct answer as he was the first known independent king of Bengal.
Option C: Alivardi Khan was a Nawab of Bengal during the 18th century, not an independent king.
Option D: Murshid Quli Khan was the Nawab of Bengal in the early 18th century, not the first independent king.

18. Victoria Memorial Hall is situated in?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Victoria Memorial Hall is a significant historical and cultural landmark located in Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal.

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 Hall is a prominent landmark situated in Kolkata, which is the capital city of West Bengal. It was built to commemorate Queen Victoria and is a major tourist attraction and a symbol of the city's colonial history.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kerala is not the correct location for the Victoria Memorial Hall.
Option B: Gujarat is not the correct location for the Victoria Memorial Hall.
Option C: Jammu and Kashmir is not the correct location for the Victoria Memorial Hall.
Option D: West Bengal is the correct location for the Victoria Memorial Hall.

19. If the shopkeeper is in Kolkata and the customer is in Kolkata, the GST paid by customer paid is in the form of

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) CGST and SGST.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: In West Bengal, when both the shopkeeper and the customer are located within the state, the GST paid by the customer is divided into two components: CGST (Central Goods and Services Tax) and SGST (State Goods and Services Tax).

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that IGST (Integrated Goods and Services Tax) is applicable in all cases, but IGST is specifically used for inter-state transactions.

Explanations: When both the shopkeeper and the customer are in the same state (Kolkata in this case), the GST is split into two parts: CGST and SGST. CGST is the portion of the tax that goes to the central government, while SGST is the portion that goes to the state government. This split ensures that both the central and state governments receive their respective shares of the tax collected.

Option Analysis:

Option A: IGST is applicable for inter-state transactions, not intra-state transactions.
Option B: CGST alone is not sufficient; SGST is also required for intra-state transactions.
Option C: CGST and SGST are the correct components of GST for intra-state transactions.
Option D: SGST alone is not sufficient; CGST is also required for intra-state transactions.

20. The starting point of the Bengali era is estimated to be in in the Gregorian calendar.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) 594.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Bengali era, also known as the Bangla Samvat, is a calendar system used in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in West Bengal. It is based on the solar year and is used for official and cultural purposes.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the starting point of the Bengali era with other similar calendar systems or historical events.

Explanations: The Bengali era is believed to have started in 594 CE according to the Gregorian calendar. This date is significant as it marks the beginning of the Bengali calendar, which is widely used in West Bengal and other parts of the Indian subcontinent. The starting point of the Bengali era is estimated to be the year 594 CE, making option D the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 564 is incorrect as it does not align with the established historical records for the Bengali era.
Option B: 574 is incorrect as it does not align with the established historical records for the Bengali era.
Option C: 584 is incorrect as it does not align with the established historical records for the Bengali era.
Option D: 594 is the correct year as it aligns with the established historical records for the Bengali era.

Mnemonic: Bengali Era, 594, Start

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dayabhaga system?

The Dayabhaga system is a school of Hindu law that governs inheritance and property rights, primarily followed in West Bengal.

What is the significance of Belur Math in West Bengal?

Belur Math is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda, and is a significant spiritual and cultural center in West Bengal.

How does the geography of West Bengal influence its transportation?

West Bengal's geography, with its rivers and coastal areas, influences its transportation by making waterways and ports, like the Kolkata Port, important for trade and movement.

What role did the Bengal Nawabs play in West Bengal's history?

The Bengal Nawabs were rulers during the Mughal decline and played a significant role in the region's political and economic development before British colonial rule.

What is the importance of Durga Puja in West Bengal?

Durga Puja is the most significant festival in West Bengal, celebrating the victory of the goddess Durga over evil, and is a major cultural and religious event.

🏠 Back to Homepage 📘 Download PDF Books 📕 Premium PDF Books