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West Bengal Gk Quiz 38 (20 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates knowledge of West Bengal's historical events, cultural heritage, and economic sectors. It covers topics such as the Bengal Sultanate, British colonialism, Bengal peasant uprisings, and the significance of Bengal in the Indian independence movement. The questions also assess understanding of cultural elements like RabindraSangeet, Bengali journalism, and traditional Bengali desserts.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. Who betrayed Sirajuddaulah?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Mir Jafar.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Mir Jafar betrayed Sirajuddaulah during the Battle of Plassey in 1757, which was a significant event in the history of West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Mir Jafar with other contemporaneous figures such as Shah Alam II or Mir Qasim, who were also involved in the political landscape of the time.

Explanations: Mir Jafar betrayed Sirajuddaulah by siding with the British East India Company during the Battle of Plassey. This betrayal was a crucial factor in the British victory and marked the beginning of British rule in Bengal. Mir Jafar's actions led to the downfall of Sirajuddaulah and the subsequent installation of Mir Jafar as the Nawab of Bengal under British influence.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Shah Alam II was the Mughal Emperor and not directly involved in the betrayal of Sirajuddaulah.
Option B: Mir Jafar betrayed Sirajuddaulah by siding with the British during the Battle of Plassey.
Option C: Alivardi Khan was the grandfather of Sirajuddaulah and died before the Battle of Plassey.
Option D: Mir Qasim was a later Nawab of Bengal and not involved in the betrayal of Sirajuddaulah.

2. Who is the all-time leading goalscorer for the Indian National team?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Sunil Chhetri.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, Indian GK, Sports GK

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Sunil Chhetri is the all-time leading goalscorer for the Indian National team.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Sunil Chhetri with other notable Indian footballers like Bhaichung Bhutia or IM Vijayan, who are also well-known but not the top goalscorer.

Explanations: Sunil Chhetri has scored the most goals for the Indian National team, making him the all-time leading goalscorer. This fact is widely recognized in Indian football history.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Bhaichung Bhutia is a notable Indian footballer but not the all-time leading goalscorer.
Option B: IM Vijayan is another well-known Indian footballer but not the top goalscorer.
Option C: Renedy Singh is a former Indian footballer but not the all-time leading goalscorer.
Option D: Sunil Chhetri is the correct answer as he is the all-time leading goalscorer for the Indian National team.

3. Hindus proclaim the partition of Bengal on 16 Oct, 1905

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) A day of mourning.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The partition of Bengal in 1905 was a significant event in Indian history, particularly for West Bengal. It was seen as a political move by the British to divide and rule, leading to widespread protests and a sense of loss among the Bengali people.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the partition was welcomed by all sections of society, which is incorrect. The partition was largely opposed and mourned by the Bengali community.

Explanations: The partition of Bengal on October 16, 1905, was a deeply divisive event that led to widespread protests and a sense of loss among the Bengali people. It was seen as an attempt by the British to weaken the Bengali nationalist movement by dividing the region. Therefore, it is commemorated as a day of mourning.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The partition of Bengal was a day of mourning for the Bengali people.
Option B: Incorrect. The partition was not a day of judgement but a political event.
Option C: Incorrect. Diwali is a Hindu festival and not related to the partition of Bengal.
Option D: Incorrect. The correct answer is provided in the options.

4. Who was the the pioneer of Sambad Kaumudi, a Bengali publication?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a pioneer in the field of journalism in Bengal and is known for founding the Sambad Kaumudi, a significant Bengali publication.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Raja Ram Mohan Roy with other notable figures in Bengali journalism, such as Surendranath Banerji or Subhash Chandra Bose.

Explanations: Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a prominent social reformer and intellectual in 19th century Bengal. He played a crucial role in the development of Bengali journalism by founding Sambad Kaumudi in 1821. This publication was instrumental in spreading awareness and promoting social reforms. His contributions to journalism and social reform make him the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Raja Ram Mohan Roy is the correct answer as he was the founder of Sambad Kaumudi.
Option B: Harivallabh Chatopadhyay was not associated with the founding of Sambad Kaumudi.
Option C: Surendranath Banerji was a prominent journalist and political leader but not the founder of Sambad Kaumudi.
Option D: Subhash Chandra Bose was a significant political leader but not involved in the founding of Sambad Kaumudi.

Mnemonic: Raja Ram, Sambad Kaumudi, Pioneer

5. The British conquest of Bengal began with the Battle of

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The British conquest of Bengal began with the Battle of Plassey in 1757.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Battle of Plassey with other battles such as the Battle of Buxar, which occurred later.

Explanations: The Battle of Plassey, fought on June 23, 1757, was a decisive victory for the British East India Company over the Nawab of Bengal and his French allies. This battle marked the beginning of British rule in Bengal and laid the foundation for the eventual British control over much of India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Battle of Plassey was the starting point of the British conquest of Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. The Battle of Buxar, fought in 1764, was significant but came after the Battle of Plassey.
Option C: Incorrect. The Battle of Panipat was fought between Indian rulers and did not involve the British conquest of Bengal.
Option D: Incorrect. This option is not applicable as the Battle of Plassey is the correct answer.

6. In which year and month did the Bengal people refuse the growth of Indigo

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) March, 1859.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The refusal of the growth of indigo by the Bengal people is a significant event in the history of West Bengal. This event is associated with the Indigo Revolt, also known as the Nil Bidroho, which was a major uprising against the indigo planters in the 19th century.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the date with other significant events in the history of West Bengal or mistaking the year and month.

Explanations: The Indigo Revolt, or Nil Bidroho, was a significant peasant uprising against the indigo planters in Bengal. The revolt began in March 1859 when the peasants of Nadia district refused to grow indigo, leading to widespread protests and resistance against the oppressive practices of the indigo planters. This event marked a turning point in the struggle against colonial exploitation and is an important part of West Bengal's history.

Option Analysis:

Option A: December, 1981 - This date is incorrect as it is much later than the actual event.
Option B: March, 1859 - This is the correct date when the Bengal people refused to grow indigo.
Option C: January, 1862 - This date is incorrect and does not correspond to the Indigo Revolt.
Option D: May, 1890 - This date is incorrect and does not correspond to the Indigo Revolt.

7. Name some sweets that are famous in kolkata

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, is renowned for its traditional sweets, which are an integral part of the local culture and cuisine.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be overlooking the fact that all the listed sweets are indeed famous in Kolkata.

Explanations: Sandesh, Rasogollas, and Mishti Doi are all well-known sweets that originate from Kolkata and are widely popular throughout West Bengal. Sandesh is a sweet made from chhena (cottage cheese) and sugar, Rasogollas are soft, spongy balls of chhena soaked in sugar syrup, and Mishti Doi is a sweet yogurt made with milk and sugar. All these sweets are celebrated for their unique taste and cultural significance in Kolkata.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Sandesh is a famous sweet in Kolkata.
Option B: Rasogollas are a famous sweet in Kolkata.
Option C: Mishti Doi is a famous sweet in Kolkata.
Option D: All the listed sweets are famous in Kolkata.

8. Adina Masjid in Pandua and the Dakhil Darwaza in Gaur were built by-

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) The rulers of Bengal.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Adina Masjid and Dakhil Darwaza are significant historical structures located in West Bengal, India. They were built during the Sultanate period in Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the rulers of Bengal with other regional rulers, such as the Sayyid rulers or the rulers of Malwa.

Explanations: Adina Masjid in Pandua and Dakhil Darwaza in Gaur were constructed during the reign of Sultan Sikandar Shah of the Ilyas Shahi dynasty, who ruled Bengal in the 15th century. These structures are important landmarks in the history of Bengal and reflect the architectural style and cultural influence of the Bengal Sultanate.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The rulers of Malwa did not have jurisdiction over Bengal, so they did not build these structures.
Option B: The Sayyid rulers were based in Delhi and did not have control over Bengal, thus they did not build these structures.
Option C: The rulers of Bengal, specifically the Ilyas Shahi dynasty, built these structures.
Option D: The slave rulers, such as those of the Delhi Sultanate, did not have control over Bengal during the period these structures were built.

9. When did Robert Clive become the nawab of Bengal

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) 1764.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Robert Clive became the effective ruler of Bengal after the Battle of Buxar in 1764, which led to the British East India Company gaining control over the region.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the dates of various battles and treaties related to British control in Bengal, such as the Battle of Plassey in 1757.

Explanations: The Battle of Buxar in 1764 was a significant event that resulted in the British East India Company gaining control over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This victory allowed Clive to establish the Company's authority and effectively become the ruler of Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Battle of Buxar in 1764 led to Clive's control over Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. The Battle of Plassey in 1757 was a significant victory but did not result in Clive becoming the nawab of Bengal.
Option C: Incorrect. 1771 is not associated with Clive's control over Bengal.
Option D: Incorrect. 1782 is not related to Clive's control over Bengal.

10. Which one of the following is ranked as the second-most widely spoken language in India?

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal PSC, UPSC, SSC, Competitive Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Bengali is the second-most widely spoken language in India, after Hindi.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the ranking of languages based on their prevalence in different states rather than the entire country.

Explanations: Bengali is the second-most widely spoken language in India, with a significant number of speakers primarily in the state of West Bengal and other parts of the country. This ranking is based on the total number of speakers across India, not just within West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Hindi is the most widely spoken language in India, not the second.
Option B: Bengali is the second-most widely spoken language in India.
Option C: Telugu is the third-most widely spoken language in India.
Option D: Marathi is the fourth-most widely spoken language in India.

11. It connects the twin cities Howrah and Kolkata

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Howrah Bridge.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Howrah Bridge connects the twin cities of Howrah and Kolkata.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the Howrah Bridge with other famous bridges like the London Bridge or the Vidyasagar Setu.

Explanations: The Howrah Bridge is a famous landmark and a significant transportation link between the cities of Howrah and Kolkata. It is a suspension bridge over the Hooghly River and is one of the busiest bridges in the world.

Option Analysis:

Option A: London Bridge is located in London, England, and does not connect Howrah and Kolkata.
Option B: Howrah Bridge is the correct answer as it connects the twin cities of Howrah and Kolkata.
Option C: Kolkata Bridge is not a specific bridge name and does not refer to the bridge connecting Howrah and Kolkata.
Option D: Vidyasagar Setu is another bridge in Kolkata, but it does not connect Howrah and Kolkata.

12. Where did "battle of plassey" take place

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, West Bengal PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Battle of Plassey was a significant historical event that took place in Bengal, which is now part of West Bengal in India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the location of the Battle of Plassey with other regions in India, such as Punjab, Hyderabad, or Bombay.

Explanations: The Battle of Plassey was fought on June 23, 1757, near the town of Plassey in the Bengal region. This battle marked a turning point in the history of British colonialism in India, as it led to the establishment of British rule in Bengal and eventually the entire subcontinent.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Punjab is incorrect as the Battle of Plassey did not take place there.
Option B: Hyderabad is incorrect as the Battle of Plassey did not take place there.
Option C: Bombay is incorrect as the Battle of Plassey did not take place there.
Option D: Bengal is correct as the Battle of Plassey took place in this region.

13. WHAT WAS THE SWADESHI MOVEMENT

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) PROTEST AGAINST PARTITION OF BENGAL.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Swadeshi Movement was a significant part of the Indian independence movement, specifically in response to the partition of Bengal by the British government.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the Swadeshi Movement was a protest against all British policies, rather than specifically against the partition of Bengal.

Explanations: The Swadeshi Movement was a protest against the partition of Bengal, which was announced by the British government in 1905. The partition was seen as a divide-and-rule strategy to weaken the nationalist movement in Bengal. The movement encouraged the use of Indian goods and boycotted British products, aiming to promote self-reliance and economic independence.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Swadeshi Movement was not a protest against America.
Option B: The Swadeshi Movement was not a protest against Muslims.
Option C: The Swadeshi Movement was a protest against the partition of Bengal.
Option D: The correct answer is not "None of the above."

14. Head quarters of South Eastern Railway

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, West Bengal PSC, Railway Recruitment Board

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The headquarters of South Eastern Railway is located in Kolkata.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the headquarters with other railway zones or cities in India.

Explanations: South Eastern Railway is one of the sixteen zones of the Indian Railways. Its headquarters is located in Kolkata, which is the capital city of West Bengal. This information is a part of general knowledge about the railway zones in India, particularly relevant to West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Bubaneshwar is incorrect as it is not the headquarters of South Eastern Railway.
Option B: Kolkata is the correct answer as it is the headquarters of South Eastern Railway.
Option C: Visakhapatnam is incorrect as it is not the headquarters of South Eastern Railway.
Option D: Chennai is incorrect as it is not the headquarters of South Eastern Railway.

15. Which Team has only two IPL trophies and never win trophies after 2014?

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, IPL trivia, Sports knowledge tests

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Kolkata Knight Riders have won two IPL trophies in 2012 and 2014 and have not won any trophies since then.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the trophy history of Kolkata Knight Riders with other teams that have also won multiple trophies but have different recent performance records.

Explanations: Kolkata Knight Riders have won two IPL trophies, specifically in 2012 and 2014. Since then, they have not won any more trophies. This makes them the only team among the options that fits the criteria of having only two IPL trophies and not winning any after 2014.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Chennai Super Kings have won more than two IPL trophies and have won a trophy after 2014.
Option B: Sunrisers Hyderabad have won one IPL trophy in 2016, which is after 2014.
Option C: Kolkata Knight Riders have won two IPL trophies in 2012 and 2014 and have not won any trophies since then.
Option D: Rajasthan Royals have won one IPL trophy in 2008 and have not won any trophies since then, but they do not meet the criteria of having exactly two trophies.

16. The genre of music called RabindraSangeet has it roots in which Indian state?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: RabindraSangeet, also known as Tagore Songs, is a genre of music that originated in Bengal. It was created by the renowned Bengali polymath Rabindranath Tagore, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing RabindraSangeet with other regional music genres from different Indian states.

Explanations: RabindraSangeet is rooted in Bengal because it was composed by Rabindranath Tagore, who was born and lived in Bengal. The music reflects the cultural and linguistic heritage of Bengal, making it a significant part of Bengali culture and identity.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Manipur is not the origin of RabindraSangeet.
Option B: Odisha is not the origin of RabindraSangeet.
Option C: Bengal is the correct origin of RabindraSangeet.
Option D: This option is incorrect as Bengal is the correct answer.

17. Which of the following is a major economic sector in West Bengal?

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal PSC, UPSC, State-level competitive exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Agriculture is a major economic sector in West Bengal, contributing significantly to the state's economy.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to overlook the significant role of agriculture in West Bengal's economy and instead focus on more modern sectors like tourism or information technology.

Explanations: Agriculture is a major economic sector in West Bengal due to the state's fertile soil and favorable climatic conditions. The sector provides employment to a large portion of the population and contributes significantly to the state's GDP. Crops such as rice, jute, tea, and various fruits and vegetables are major agricultural products.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Agriculture is a major economic sector in West Bengal.
Option B: Tourism is an important sector but not as significant as agriculture.
Option C: Mining is not a major economic sector in West Bengal.
Option D: Information Technology is growing but not as significant as agriculture.

18. Raman was appointed Deputy Accountant General in 1907, at .....

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Raman was appointed Deputy Accountant General in 1907, and the location of this appointment is a key piece of information in West Bengal's history.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the location with other major cities in India, such as Madras or Trichy, which were also significant administrative centers during that period.

Explanations: Raman was appointed Deputy Accountant General in 1907 in Calcutta, which was a major administrative and financial hub during the British colonial period. This appointment is significant in the context of West Bengal's history and administrative development.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Madras was not the location of Raman's appointment as Deputy Accountant General in 1907.
Option B: Bengaluru was not the location of Raman's appointment as Deputy Accountant General in 1907.
Option C: Calcutta was the location of Raman's appointment as Deputy Accountant General in 1907.
Option D: Trichy was not the location of Raman's appointment as Deputy Accountant General in 1907.

19. The first Non-European to win Nobel Prize in Literature.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: C

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Rabindranath Tagore was the first Non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse Rabindranath Tagore with other Indian authors who are also well-known, such as Ruskin Bond or Chetan Bhagat.

Explanations: Rabindranath Tagore won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, making him the first Non-European to receive this honor. His contributions to literature, particularly his poetry and prose, were recognized for their deep philosophical and cultural significance.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Ruskin Bond is an Indian author known for his short stories and novels, but he has not won the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Option B: Chetan Bhagat is a contemporary Indian author known for his novels, but he has not won the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Option C: Rabindranath Tagore won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, making him the first Non-European to receive this honor.
Option D: Narayan, likely referring to R.K. Narayan, is a renowned Indian author, but he has not won the Nobel Prize in Literature.

20. In which city of east India Trams are still in use

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal PSC, UPSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Trams are still operational in Kolkata, which is a city in eastern India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that trams are no longer in use in any major Indian city.

Explanations: Kolkata, located in the eastern part of India, is known for its heritage trams. These trams are a significant part of the city's public transportation system and are still in use today. The other cities listed do not have operational trams.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Ranchi does not have operational trams.
Option B: Patna does not have operational trams.
Option C: Kolkata has operational trams.
Option D: Gangtok does not have operational trams.

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 significant political and economic changes in the region.

How did the Bengal Sultanate contribute to the architectural heritage of West Bengal?

The Bengal Sultanate left a rich architectural legacy, including the Adina Masjid and Dakhil Darwaza, which are significant examples of Islamic architecture in the region.

What role did Raja Ram Mohan Roy play in the development of Bengali journalism?

Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded Sambad Kaumudi, one of the first Bengali newspapers, which played a crucial role in promoting literacy and social reform in the 19th century.

How did the Indigo Revolt impact the socio-economic conditions of Bengal?

The Indigo Revolt, also known as the Nil Bidroho, in the 1850s led to a significant peasant uprising against the exploitative practices of British indigo planters, improving the conditions of rural Bengal.

What is the importance of Kolkata sweets in West Bengal's culinary tradition?

Kolkata sweets, such as rasgulla and sandesh, are iconic traditional Bengali desserts that are widely popular and an integral part of the region's culinary heritage.

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