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West Bengal Gk Quiz 34 (20 MCQs)

This quiz covers West Bengal's history, culture, and geography, including the Bengal Renaissance, Bengal School of painting, and significant events like the Battle of Plassey and the Bengal partition. It evaluates understanding of architectural styles, cultural heritage, and historical figures such as Rabindranath Tagore and Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

Quiz Instructions

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1. The Victoria Memorial Hall in Calcutta is the best example for ..... style.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Indo-Saracenic and Gothic style.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, UPSC, IAS

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Victoria Memorial Hall in Calcutta is a prominent example of the Indo-Saracenic and Gothic architectural styles.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume that the Victoria Memorial Hall is purely Gothic or purely Indo-Saracenic, without recognizing the blend of both styles.

Explanations: The Victoria Memorial Hall in Calcutta is a prime example of the Indo-Saracenic and Gothic architectural styles. This style combines elements of Indian and Islamic architecture with Gothic influences, resulting in a unique and ornate structure. The Indo-Saracenic style is characterized by the use of domes, arches, and intricate carvings, while the Gothic style is known for its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and elaborate tracery. The Victoria Memorial Hall showcases both these elements, making it a notable example of this architectural fusion.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Victoria Memorial Hall is a blend of Indo-Saracenic and Gothic styles.
Option B: Incorrect. The Victoria Memorial Hall is not purely Muslim style.
Option C: Incorrect. The Victoria Memorial Hall is not in the Dravidian style.
Option D: Incorrect. The Victoria Memorial Hall is not in the Vesara style.

2. Name the famous bridge

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Howrah bridge.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Howrah Bridge is a famous landmark in West Bengal, connecting Kolkata and Howrah.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the Howrah Bridge with other famous bridges in India.

Explanations: The Howrah Bridge is a well-known suspension bridge over the Hooghly River in West Bengal. It is one of the busiest bridges in the world and a significant symbol of Kolkata.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Lakshman Jhola is a small suspension bridge in Darjeeling, not a famous bridge in West Bengal.
Option B: Vivekananda Setu is a bridge over the Hooghly River, but it is not as famous as the Howrah Bridge.
Option C: Howrah Bridge is the correct answer as it is a famous bridge in West Bengal.
Option D: None of the above is incorrect because the Howrah Bridge is a famous bridge in West Bengal.

3. In which state is Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary located?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of West Bengal, India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary with other wildlife sanctuaries in neighboring states like Assam.

Explanations: Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the northern part of West Bengal, specifically in the Alipurduar district. It is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including the one-horned rhinoceros. The sanctuary is a protected area under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and is managed by the West Bengal Forest Department.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in West Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary is not located in Assam.

Mnemonic: Jaldapara, Rhinos, West Bengal

4. In which present region of India was Brahmo Samaj formed?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Brahmo Samaj was a religious and social reform movement that originated in Calcutta, which is now known as Kolkata, in the present-day state of West Bengal, India.

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

Explanations: Brahmo Samaj was founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828 in Calcutta. The movement aimed to reform Hinduism by eliminating practices such as idol worship and the caste system. Calcutta, now Kolkata, was the center of intellectual and social reform movements during the 19th century, making it the appropriate location for the formation of Brahmo Samaj.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Brahmo Samaj was formed in Calcutta, now known as Kolkata.
Option B: Incorrect. Brahmo Samaj was not formed in Delhi.
Option C: Incorrect. Brahmo Samaj was not formed in Bombay, now known as Mumbai.
Option D: Incorrect. Brahmo Samaj was not formed in Hyderabad.

5. In 1905 Viceroy ..... partitioned Bengal

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905, implemented the partition of Bengal in 1905.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Lord Curzon with other British officials who were involved in Indian administration during the colonial period.

Explanations: Lord Curzon, as the Viceroy of India, decided to partition Bengal in 1905 to improve administrative efficiency. The partition divided Bengal into two provinces: Bengal and East Bengal and Assam. This decision was highly controversial and led to widespread protests and the Swadeshi movement.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Lord Curzon was the Viceroy who partitioned Bengal in 1905.
Option B: Incorrect. Lord Ilbert was involved in the Ilbert Bill controversy but not in the partition of Bengal.
Option C: Incorrect. General Dyer is known for the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, not the partition of Bengal.
Option D: Incorrect. Allan Octavian Hume is known for founding the Indian National Congress, not for the partition of Bengal.

6. Where will you find royal bengal tiger?

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, WBCS, SSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Royal Bengal Tiger is primarily found in the Sundarbans, a vast mangrove forest that spans parts of West Bengal and Bangladesh.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume that the Royal Bengal Tiger can be found in any forested area in India, but it is specifically associated with the Sundarbans.

Explanations: The Royal Bengal Tiger is a subspecies of tiger that is native to the Indian subcontinent, particularly the Sundarbans region. The Sundarbans is a large mangrove forest that is shared between West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh. This unique habitat is the primary home of the Royal Bengal Tiger, making West Bengal the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Royal Bengal Tiger is primarily found in the Sundarbans, which is located in West Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. Uttar Pradesh does not have a significant population of Royal Bengal Tigers.
Option C: Incorrect. Bihar does not have a significant population of Royal Bengal Tigers.
Option D: Incorrect. Gujarat does not have a significant population of Royal Bengal Tigers.

Mnemonic: Sundarbans, Bengal, Tigers

7. Find the odd one out:Kolkata, Mizoram, Assam, Karnataka

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The question asks to identify the odd one out among the given options. The options are names of places in India. Kolkata is a city, while Mizoram, Assam, and Karnataka are states.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming all options are states, leading to confusion.

Explanations: Kolkata is the only city among the options, while Mizoram, Assam, and Karnataka are states. Therefore, Kolkata is the odd one out.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kolkata is a city in West Bengal, not a state.
Option B: Mizoram is a state in northeastern India.
Option C: Assam is a state in northeastern India.
Option D: Karnataka is a state in southern India.

8. Salt Lake stadium is also known as?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Yuva Bharathi Krirangan.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Salt Lake stadium, located in Kolkata, West Bengal, is also known as Yuva Bharathi Krirangan.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the name with other stadiums in West Bengal, such as Yuva Krirangan or Bengal Krirangan.

Explanations: Salt Lake stadium is a well-known multi-purpose stadium in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is officially known as Yuva Bharathi Krirangan, named after the youth organization Yuva Bharathi. This name reflects the stadium's significance in hosting various sports events and its role in promoting youth sports in the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Yuva Stadium is not the correct name for Salt Lake stadium.
Option B: Yuva Krirangan is not the correct name for Salt Lake stadium.
Option C: Bengal Krirangan is not the correct name for Salt Lake stadium.
Option D: Yuva Bharathi Krirangan is the correct name for Salt Lake stadium.

9. A teacher at the Hindu College, Calcutta in 1820s promoted radical ideas and encouraged his pupils to question all authority. Name the brain behind this Young Bengal Movement.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Henry Louis Vivian Derozio.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Henry Louis Vivian Derozio was a teacher at Hindu College, Calcutta in the 1820s who promoted radical ideas and encouraged his students to question authority. This movement is known as the Young Bengal Movement.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Derozio with other prominent figures of the Bengal Renaissance, such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy or Rabindranath Tagore, who were also influential but in different capacities.

Explanations: Henry Louis Vivian Derozio was a teacher at Hindu College, Calcutta in the 1820s. He was known for his radical ideas and encouraged his students to question all forms of authority. This approach led to the formation of the Young Bengal Movement, which was a significant part of the Bengal Renaissance.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Rabindranath Tagore was a renowned poet, philosopher, and Nobel laureate, but he was not associated with the Young Bengal Movement.
Option B: Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a prominent Indian nationalist and political leader, but he was not involved in the Young Bengal Movement.
Option C: Henry Louis Vivian Derozio was the teacher at Hindu College, Calcutta who promoted radical ideas and encouraged his students to question authority, leading to the Young Bengal Movement.
Option D: Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a key figure in the Bengal Renaissance and a social reformer, but he was not directly associated with the Young Bengal Movement.

Mnemonic: D for Derozio, D for Daring, D for Debate.

10. A terrible Famine in ..... killed ten million people in Bengal.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) 1770.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Great Bengal Famine of 1770 was a significant event in the history of West Bengal, resulting in a massive loss of life.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the year of the famine with other significant historical events in Bengal.

Explanations: The Great Bengal Famine occurred in 1770 and is one of the most devastating famines in the history of Bengal. It is estimated that around ten million people died during this famine, which was primarily caused by a combination of crop failures and British East India Company policies. The famine had a profound impact on the region and is a significant part of West Bengal's historical context.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Great Bengal Famine occurred in 1770.
Option B: Incorrect. The year 1772 is not associated with the Great Bengal Famine.

11. Oldest High court in India

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The oldest High Court in India is located in Kolkata.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the oldest High Court with other significant High Courts in India, such as those in Mumbai or Madras.

Explanations: The High Court of Calcutta, now known as the High Court of Judicature at Kolkata, was established in 1862. It is the oldest High Court in India, predating the High Courts in other major cities. This makes Kolkata the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Hyderabad is incorrect as it does not have the oldest High Court in India.
Option B: Kolkata is correct as it houses the oldest High Court in India.
Option C: Mumbai is incorrect as its High Court was established later than Kolkata's.
Option D: Madras is incorrect as its High Court was also established later than Kolkata's.

12. State close to Bangladesh

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) WB-Mizoram-Meghalaya-Tripura-Assam.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Bangladesh shares borders with several Indian states. The states listed in the correct answer are those that share a border with Bangladesh.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be including states that do not share a border with Bangladesh, such as Nagaland or Sikkim.

Explanations: West Bengal (WB), Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Assam are the Indian states that share a border with Bangladesh. These states are geographically positioned in such a way that they form the eastern and northeastern boundaries of India, which adjoin Bangladesh.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option includes Nagaland and Manipur, which do not share a border with Bangladesh.
Option B: This option includes Andhra Pradesh (AP), which does not share a border with Bangladesh.
Option C: This option includes Sikkim, which does not share a border with Bangladesh.
Option D: This option correctly lists the states that share a border with Bangladesh.

13. Which of the following is known as golden fibre?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Jute is known as the golden fibre due to its golden brown colour and its economic importance.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse jute with other natural fibres like cotton or hemp, which do not have the same golden hue or economic significance.

Explanations: Jute is called the golden fibre because of its golden brown colour and its significant role in the economy of West Bengal, where it is widely cultivated and processed. The fibre is used in various products such as ropes, sacks, and textiles, contributing to the state's economy.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Cotton is not known as the golden fibre. It is a white fibre used in clothing and textiles.
Option B: Jute is the correct answer as it is known as the golden fibre due to its golden brown colour and economic importance.
Option C: Hemp is not known as the golden fibre. It is a versatile fibre used in various products but does not have the golden hue.
Option D: Silk is not known as the golden fibre. It is a luxurious fibre used in high-end textiles but does not have the golden hue associated with jute.

Mnemonic: Golden hue, economic boon.

14. After the ..... the EEIC exercised real power in Bengal.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Battle of Plassey.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Battle of Plassey in 1757 marked a significant turning point in the history of Bengal, as it led to the British East India Company (EEIC) gaining control over the region.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the Battle of Buxar was the event that gave the EEIC real power in Bengal. However, while the Battle of Buxar in 1764 further consolidated British power, the Battle of Plassey was the initial decisive event.

Explanations: The Battle of Plassey in 1757 was a decisive victory for the British East India Company over the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah. This victory allowed the EEIC to establish its dominance in Bengal and eventually led to the company's control over the region's administration and resources. The subsequent Treaty of Allahabad in 1765 further solidified the EEIC's power in Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Battle of Buxar, while significant, was not the initial event that gave the EEIC real power in Bengal. It occurred in 1764 and further consolidated British control.
Option B: The Battle of Plassey in 1757 was the decisive event that marked the beginning of British control over Bengal.
Option C: The Battle of Panipath is unrelated to the EEIC's control over Bengal and pertains to Mughal history.
Option D: This option is incorrect as the Battle of Plassey is the correct event.

15. Name the british superior responsible for Partition of bengal

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Lord Curzon was the Viceroy of India who implemented the Partition of Bengal in 1905.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Lord Curzon with other British officials, such as General Dyer, who is known for the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.

Explanations: Lord Curzon, as the Viceroy of India, was responsible for the Partition of Bengal in 1905. This decision was aimed at dividing the province into Hindu-majority and Muslim-majority regions, which led to significant political and social unrest in the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: General Dyer was not involved in the Partition of Bengal. He is known for his role in the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in 1919.
Option B: Lord Curzon was the Viceroy of India who implemented the Partition of Bengal in 1905.

16. Millions of people died in a famine that occurred in Bengalin .....

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Bengal famine of 1943 was a significant humanitarian crisis that occurred in the Bengal region of British India, which includes present-day West Bengal and Bangladesh.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the year of the famine with other significant historical events in the region, such as the partition of India in 1947.

Explanations: The Bengal famine of 1943 was a severe food crisis that led to the deaths of millions of people. It was primarily caused by a combination of factors including crop failures, economic policies, and the disruption of food supplies due to World War II. The famine is a critical event in the history of West Bengal and is often studied in the context of the region's general knowledge.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1843 is incorrect as it does not correspond to the Bengal famine.
Option B: 1947 is incorrect as it is the year of the partition of India, not the famine.
Option C: 1943 is the correct year of the Bengal famine.
Option D: 1848 is incorrect as it does not correspond to the Bengal famine.

17. If you eat rasogullas you are in

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Rasogullas are a traditional sweet from West Bengal, particularly associated with Kolkata.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming rasogullas are popular in other parts of India without recognizing their origin in Kolkata.

Explanations: Rasogullas are a famous sweet dish that originated in Kolkata, West Bengal. They are a significant part of the local cuisine and are widely recognized as a specialty of the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kashmir is known for its own traditional sweets like kahwa and phirni, not rasogullas.
Option B: Kolkata is the correct answer as rasogullas are a traditional sweet from this region.
Option C: Gujrat is famous for sweets like jalebi and laddu, not rasogullas.
Option D: Nagpur is known for sweets like modak and shrikhand, not rasogullas.

Mnemonic: Rasogullas = R for Rasogullas, K for Kolkata

18. The Bengal School of painting was founded by

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Abanindranath Tagore.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Bengal School of painting was a significant art movement in India that emerged in the early 20th century. It was founded by Abanindranath Tagore, who was a key figure in the revival of Indian art.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse Abanindranath Tagore with his more famous nephew, Rabindranath Tagore, who was a renowned poet and writer.

Explanations: Abanindranath Tagore was a pioneering artist who sought to revive traditional Indian art forms and integrate them with modern techniques. He established the Bengal School of Art in 1905, which became a significant movement in Indian art history. The school emphasized the use of Indian themes and styles, promoting a distinct Indian identity in art.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Abanindranath Tagore founded the Bengal School of painting.
Option B: Incorrect. Rabindranath Tagore was a famous poet and writer, not the founder of the Bengal School of painting.
Option C: Incorrect. Jamini Roy was a prominent Indian painter but not the founder of the Bengal School of painting.
Option D: Incorrect. Surendra Nath Gupta was a notable artist but not the founder of the Bengal School of painting.

19. Who wrote famous story of:Homecoming, story of boy Phatik

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Rabindranath Tagore.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, WBCS, WBSC, WBSSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Rabindranath Tagore is a renowned Bengali poet, writer, and philosopher. He wrote the famous story "Homecoming" (also known as "Nastanirh" or "The Broken Nest"), which tells the story of a boy named Phatik.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Rabindranath Tagore with other notable Bengali writers or poets.

Explanations: Rabindranath Tagore is widely recognized for his contributions to Bengali literature. "Homecoming" is one of his well-known works, featuring the character Phatik. This story is a significant part of West Bengal's cultural heritage and is often studied in educational contexts.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru was a prominent political figure and the first Prime Minister of India, not a writer of this story.
Option B: Sarojini Naidu was a famous Indian independence activist and poet, but she did not write "Homecoming."
Option C: Ruskin Bond is an Indian author known for his works in English, but he did not write "Homecoming."
Option D: Rabindranath Tagore is the correct author of "Homecoming."

20. WHICH RULER ASKED THE ENGLISH EAST INDIA COMPANY TO REMOVE ALL ITS FORTIFICATIONS IN CALCUTTA

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) SIRAJ-UD-DAULAH.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Siraj-ud-Daulah was the Nawab of Bengal from 1756 to 1757. He was known for his efforts to curb the growing influence of the English East India Company in Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Siraj-ud-Daulah with other rulers of Bengal, such as Murshid Quli Khan or Shah Alam, who were also involved in conflicts with the East India Company.

Explanations: Siraj-ud-Daulah, as the Nawab of Bengal, was concerned about the increasing power and fortifications of the English East India Company in Calcutta. He demanded the removal of these fortifications to limit the Company's influence and maintain his authority over the region. This demand led to tensions that eventually resulted in the Battle of Plassey in 1757.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Shuja-ud-Din was not the ruler who asked the East India Company to remove its fortifications in Calcutta. He was a Mughal prince and not directly involved in this specific event.
Option B: Murshid Quli Khan was the Nawab of Bengal before Siraj-ud-Daulah, but he did not issue the specific demand to remove the fortifications in Calcutta.
Option C: Siraj-ud-Daulah, as the Nawab of Bengal, demanded the removal of the East India Company's fortifications in Calcutta to curb their influence and maintain his authority.
Option D: Shah Alam was the Mughal Emperor during this period but was not directly involved in the specific demand to remove the fortifications in Calcutta.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Bengal Renaissance was a significant cultural, social, and intellectual awakening in the 19th and early 20th centuries, which transformed West Bengal into a hub of modern education, science, and literature.

How did the partition of Bengal in 1905 impact the region?

The partition of Bengal by Lord Curzon in 1905 led to widespread protests and contributed to the growth of the Indian independence movement, eventually leading to the reunification of Bengal in 1911.

What is the Young Bengal Movement?

The Young Bengal Movement, led by Henry Louis Vivian Derozio, was a group of young, educated Bengalis who advocated for social reform and challenged traditional norms in the early 19th century.

What is the Sundarbans known for?

The Sundarbans is a vast mangrove forest and UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its unique ecosystem and as the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger.

What is the Indian Wildlife Protection Act and how does it relate to West Bengal?

The Indian Wildlife Protection Act is a legislation aimed at protecting wildlife and their habitats. In West Bengal, it helps in conserving areas like the Sundarbans and Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary.

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