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West Bengal Gk Quiz 39 (20 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates knowledge of West Bengal's history, culture, and economy, including colonial administration, economic progress, and geographical features. It covers topics such as the Bengal Famine, Bengal partition, Rabindranath Tagore, and the West Bengal jute industry. The questions assess understanding of historical events, cultural practices, and economic developments.

Quiz Instructions

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1. What causes rainfall in West Bengal during the hot weather season?(a) Kal Baishakhi(b) Southwest monsoon(c) Retreating Monsoon(d) None of these

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Kal Baishakhi

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Service, West Bengal PSC, Regional GK Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Kal Baishakhi refers to the pre-monsoon showers that occur in the month of May in West Bengal. These showers are a significant weather phenomenon during the hot weather season.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the Southwest monsoon or the retreating monsoon causes rainfall during the hot weather season. However, these monsoons occur later in the year.

Explanations: Kal Baishakhi is the correct answer because it specifically refers to the pre-monsoon showers that occur in May, which is part of the hot weather season in West Bengal. These showers are a characteristic feature of the weather during this period and help to alleviate the intense heat.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kal Baishakhi is the correct answer as it refers to the pre-monsoon showers in May.
Option B: Southwest monsoon typically starts in June and is not associated with the hot weather season in May.
Option C: Retreating monsoon occurs in September-October and is not related to the hot weather season.
Option D: None of these is incorrect as Kal Baishakhi is the correct answer.

2. The ..... Museum at Kolkata was founded by the Asiatic Society in 1814 CE.

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Indian Museum in Kolkata was established by the Asiatic Society in 1814 CE. It is one of the oldest and largest museums in India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the Indian Museum with other museums in Kolkata, such as the Victoria Memorial or the Salar Jung Museum, which is located in Hyderabad.

Explanations: The Indian Museum was founded by the Asiatic Society in 1814 CE. This makes it one of the oldest museums in Asia. The museum houses a vast collection of art, antiques, and archaeological findings, making it a significant cultural institution in West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Raja Shivaji Museum is not related to the founding by the Asiatic Society in 1814 CE.
Option B: National Museum is located in New Delhi, not Kolkata.
Option C: Salarjang Museum is located in Hyderabad, not Kolkata.
Option D: Indian Museum is the correct answer as it was founded by the Asiatic Society in 1814 CE.

3. Rahul is from West Bengal. The place where Rahul lives has high temperature (20 degree to 30 degree C), high humidity and rainfall. The type of soil found in that area is alluvial clayey soil, which can retain water. Can you help Rahul identify the type of crop that can be grown with the above conditions?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Rice is a crop that thrives in areas with high temperature, high humidity, and high rainfall. The alluvial clayey soil found in West Bengal is particularly suitable for rice cultivation as it can retain water, which is essential for rice growth.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that wheat or maize, which are typically grown in different climatic conditions, would be suitable for the given conditions.

Explanations: Rice cultivation requires a warm and humid climate with a high amount of rainfall. The temperature range of 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, high humidity, and high rainfall are ideal for rice growth. Additionally, the alluvial clayey soil found in West Bengal is rich in nutrients and can retain water, making it highly suitable for rice cultivation.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Wheat is typically grown in temperate climates with moderate rainfall and cooler temperatures, making it unsuitable for the given conditions.
Option B: Rice is the correct choice as it thrives in the warm, humid, and rainy conditions described, and the alluvial clayey soil is ideal for its growth.
Option C: Maize is generally grown in areas with moderate rainfall and warmer temperatures, but not as high as those required for rice. The soil conditions are also not as critical for maize as they are for rice.
Option D: This option is incorrect as rice is a suitable crop for the given conditions.

Mnemonic: Rice: Rain, Rich, Retain

4. River TEESTA is popular for

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) White water rafting.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, UPSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Teesta River is known for its white water rafting opportunities.

Common Mistakes: One might mistakenly think the river is known for its clean water or glaciers, but these are not the primary attractions.

Explanations: The Teesta River, originating in the Himalayas, is renowned for its white water rafting. The river's rapids and challenging course make it a popular destination for adventure sports enthusiasts.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Teesta River is not primarily known for its clean water.
Option B: While the river originates from glaciers, it is not primarily known for them.
Option C: The Teesta River is famous for white water rafting.
Option D: There is no scientific evidence that the river's water has the ability to cure cancer.

5. Which city, was the capital of India before 1911 when the British Raj changed it

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Kolkata was the capital of India before 1911 when the British Raj shifted the capital to Delhi.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume that Delhi was always the capital of India, as it is currently.

Explanations: Kolkata served as the capital of British India from 1773 to 1911. In 1911, the British Raj decided to shift the capital to Delhi to symbolize the British Empire's power and to move the administrative center closer to the center of the country. This decision was made during the Delhi Durbar of 1911, where King George V announced the change.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Delhi was not the capital before 1911; it became the capital after the British Raj shifted the capital from Kolkata.
Option B: Varanasi was never the capital of India during the British Raj.
Option C: Kolkata was the capital of India from 1773 to 1911.
Option D: Mumbai was never the capital of India during the British Raj.

Mnemonic: Kolkata, Capital, 1911

6. ..... was the first state in India where East India Company had managed to get power.

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The East India Company first gained significant power in Bengal, which was crucial for their expansion in India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the sequence of events or the regions where the East India Company first established its power.

Explanations: The East India Company first established a trading post in Bengal in the early 17th century. Over time, through various treaties and military engagements, the Company gained control over the region. The Battle of Plassey in 1757 marked a significant turning point, as it led to the Company's control over the Nawab of Bengal's territories. This foothold in Bengal was pivotal for the Company's subsequent expansion across India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Bengal was the first state where the East India Company gained significant power.
Option B: Incorrect. The Central Province was not the first region where the East India Company established its power.
Option C: Incorrect. Malabar was not the first region where the East India Company gained significant control.
Option D: Incorrect. Mysore was not the first region where the East India Company established its power.

Mnemonic: Bengal - Base of British

7. Bengal was divided into two parts in .....?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) 1905.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Bengal was divided into two parts in 1905 by the British colonial government.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the year with other significant events in Indian history, such as the partition of Bengal in 1947.

Explanations: In 1905, the British colonial government under Lord Curzon divided Bengal into two provinces: Eastern Bengal and Assam, and West Bengal. This division was primarily aimed at weakening the nationalist movement in Bengal. The decision led to widespread protests and was eventually annulled in 1911.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1901 is incorrect as it does not correspond to the year Bengal was divided.
Option B: 1905 is the correct year when Bengal was divided into two parts.
Option C: 1906 is incorrect as it does not correspond to the year Bengal was divided.
Option D: 1885 is incorrect as it does not correspond to the year Bengal was divided.

8. Largest herbarium in India is at ..... [ Orissa 2009]

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Indian Botanical Garden, Sibpur.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Indian Botanical Garden in Sibpur, West Bengal, houses the largest herbarium in India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Indian Botanical Garden with other botanical gardens in India, such as the National Botanical Garden in Lucknow or the Lloyd Botanical Garden in Darjeeling.

Explanations: The Indian Botanical Garden in Sibpur, West Bengal, is renowned for its extensive collection of plant specimens and is recognized as the largest herbarium in India. This herbarium is a significant resource for botanical research and education.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The National Botanical Garden in Lucknow is not the largest herbarium in India.
Option B: The Lloyd Botanical Garden in Darjeeling is not the largest herbarium in India.
Option C: The Forest Research Institute in Dehradun is not the largest herbarium in India.
Option D: The Indian Botanical Garden in Sibpur is the largest herbarium in India.

Mnemonic: Sibpur, Sibpur, Sibpur, largest herbarium, remember well.

9. In 1770 famine in Bengal, about ..... was wiped out.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) One-third of the population.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The 1770 famine in Bengal, also known as the Bengal Famine of 1770, was a significant event in the history of West Bengal. It resulted in a massive loss of life due to starvation and disease.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is the exact proportion of the population affected. Some may confuse the figures or underestimate the severity of the famine.

Explanations: The Bengal Famine of 1770 was one of the worst famines in history, and it is estimated that about one-third of the population in the affected areas perished. This figure is based on historical records and demographic studies that have been conducted to understand the impact of the famine.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. One-third of the population is the widely accepted estimate of the loss of life during the famine.
Option B: Incorrect. Half of the population is an overestimation of the loss of life during the famine.
Option C: Incorrect. The whole of the population is an extreme overestimation and not supported by historical evidence.
Option D: Incorrect. One-fourth of the population is an underestimation of the loss of life during the famine.

10. Which movie was based on Bengal Famine of 1943-44?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Ashani Sanket.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Ashani Sanket is a film that directly addresses the Bengal Famine of 1943-44, a significant historical event in West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Ashani Sanket with other Satyajit Ray films, such as Seemabaddha or Jana Aranya, which do not focus on the Bengal Famine.

Explanations: Ashani Sanket, directed by Satyajit Ray, is a film that portrays the Bengal Famine of 1943-44. The film captures the socio-economic conditions and the human suffering during this period, making it a significant work in the context of West Bengal's history and culture.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Ashani Sanket is the correct answer as it is the film that directly addresses the Bengal Famine of 1943-44.
Option B: Mahanagar is a film by Satyajit Ray but it does not focus on the Bengal Famine.
Option C: Seemabaddha is another film by Satyajit Ray but it deals with different themes and does not address the Bengal Famine.
Option D: Jana Aranya is also a film by Satyajit Ray but it focuses on other socio-economic issues and not the Bengal Famine.

11. When was the first jute mill set up near Kolkata at Dishes?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) 1855.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The first jute mill was established near Kolkata at Rishra in 1855. This marked the beginning of the jute industry in West Bengal, which later became a significant economic activity in the region.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the year with other significant dates in the history of the jute industry, such as the establishment of other mills or important events in the industry's development.

Explanations: The first jute mill was set up in Rishra, near Kolkata, in 1855. This was a pivotal moment in the industrial history of West Bengal, as it initiated the growth of the jute industry, which became a major economic driver in the region. The establishment of this mill laid the foundation for the subsequent development of the jute industry in West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The first jute mill was established in 1855.
Option B: Incorrect. 1899 is not the correct year for the establishment of the first jute mill.
Option C: Incorrect. 1870 is not the correct year for the establishment of the first jute mill.
Option D: Incorrect. 1856 is not the correct year for the establishment of the first jute mill.

Mnemonic: Jute Mill 1855, Rishra's Start

12. Bengal Iron Company Works set up its Iron and steel plant at .....

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Bengal Iron Company Works established its iron and steel plant in Kulti, West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the location with other industrial sites in India, such as Jamshedpur or Rourkela.

Explanations: The Bengal Iron Company Works set up its iron and steel plant in Kulti, which is located in West Bengal. This is a well-documented historical fact in the context of West Bengal's industrial history.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Kulti in West Bengal is the correct location where the Bengal Iron Company Works established its iron and steel plant.
Option B: Incorrect. Jamshedpur in Jharkhand is not the location where the Bengal Iron Company Works established its plant.
Option C: Incorrect. Rourkela in Odisha is not the location where the Bengal Iron Company Works established its plant.
Option D: Incorrect. Raniganj in West Bengal is not the location where the Bengal Iron Company Works established its plant.

13. Which metro rail network has set up India's deepest underground ventilation shaft?

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal PSC, WBCS, WBSSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Kolkata Metro has set up India's deepest underground ventilation shaft, which is a significant engineering achievement.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that Delhi Metro, being the largest metro network in India, would have the deepest ventilation shaft.

Explanations: Kolkata Metro has achieved a significant milestone by setting up India's deepest underground ventilation shaft. This engineering feat is crucial for maintaining air quality and ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers in the underground sections of the metro network.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Delhi Metro is the largest metro network in India but does not have the deepest underground ventilation shaft.
Option B: Kochi Metro is a relatively new metro network and does not have the deepest underground ventilation shaft.
Option C: Kolkata Metro has set up India's deepest underground ventilation shaft, making it the correct answer.
Option D: Chennai Metro does not have the deepest underground ventilation shaft.

Mnemonic: Kolkata's Ventilation Shaft: KVS

14. WHY WERE THE MUSLIMS BENEFITED WHEN THE PROVINCE OF BENGAL WAS PARTITIONED

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) THEY WERE IN MAJORITY IN EASTERN BENGAL AND COULD PROSPER AND PROGRESS WITHOUT COMPETITION.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The partition of Bengal in 1905 was a significant event in the history of the region. The partition aimed to separate the predominantly Muslim eastern part from the predominantly Hindu western part, leading to the creation of Eastern Bengal and Assam.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the partition was solely for administrative convenience, but it was also a strategic move to address the demographic and political dynamics of the region.

Explanations: The partition of Bengal in 1905 was designed to create a separate province where Muslims were in the majority. This allowed the Muslim population to have greater political representation and control over their own affairs, leading to better opportunities for economic and social progress. The partition aimed to reduce competition from the Hindu majority in the western part of Bengal, thereby enabling the Muslim population in the eastern part to prosper and progress.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The partition of Bengal in 1905 created a province where Muslims were in the majority, allowing them to prosper and progress without competition from the Hindu majority in the western part.
Option B: Incorrect. The partition was not intended to benefit a minority group but rather to create a majority Muslim province.
Option C: Incorrect. The partition was designed to enable the Muslim majority in the eastern part to prosper and progress, not to hinder their progress.
Option D: Incorrect. The correct answer is provided in Option A.

15. Name the festival related to Goddess Durga

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Navaratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Navaratri with other festivals like Onam, Holi, or Christmas, which are not related to Goddess Durga.

Explanations: Navaratri is a significant festival in West Bengal, celebrated over nine nights and ten days. It is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, who is revered as the symbol of power and protection. The festival involves elaborate rituals, prayers, and cultural events, making it a prominent celebration in the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Navaratri is the correct answer as it is the festival dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Option B: Onam is a harvest festival celebrated in Kerala and is not related to Goddess Durga.
Option C: Holi is a festival of colors celebrated across India but is not associated with Goddess Durga.
Option D: Christmas is a Christian festival and is not related to Hindu deities like Goddess Durga.

16. What is the population of Kolkata city?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) More than 14 million.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The population of Kolkata city is a significant piece of information in West Bengal General Knowledge (GK). As of recent estimates, the population of Kolkata exceeds 14 million, making it one of the most populous cities in India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be underestimating the population of Kolkata, as it is a large metropolitan area with a high density of people.

Explanations: Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, has a population that exceeds 14 million. This figure is based on recent census data and reflects the city's significant urbanization and population growth over the years.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The population of Kolkata is more than 14 million.
Option B: Incorrect. The population of Kolkata is not less than 14 million.
Option C: Incorrect. The population of Kolkata is not more than 16 million.
Option D: Incorrect. The population of Kolkata is not over 18 million.

17. Who wrote the famous poem 'Gitanjali'

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Rabindranath Tagore is a renowned Bengali poet, philosopher, and Nobel laureate. He wrote 'Gitanjali', a collection of poems that earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Rabindranath Tagore with other notable Bengali writers such as Bankim Chandra Chatterjee or Subramania Bharati.

Explanations: Rabindranath Tagore is widely recognized for his literary contributions, including 'Gitanjali'. This collection of poems is one of his most famous works and is known for its profound spiritual and philosophical themes.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee is a famous Bengali writer known for 'Anandamath', but not for 'Gitanjali'.
Option B: Rabindranath Tagore is the correct author of 'Gitanjali'.
Option C: Mohammed Iqbal is a prominent Urdu poet and philosopher, but not the author of 'Gitanjali'.
Option D: Subramania Bharati is a renowned Tamil poet, but not the author of 'Gitanjali'.

18. Yellow taxi is famous in

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Yellow taxis are a well-known feature of Kolkata's transportation system.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Kolkata with other major Indian cities that also have distinctive taxi services.

Explanations: Kolkata is famous for its yellow taxis, which are a significant part of the city's public transportation system. These taxis are easily recognizable and are an iconic symbol of the city.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Yellow taxis are a well-known feature of Kolkata.
Option B: Incorrect. Mumbai does not have yellow taxis as a distinctive feature.
Option C: Incorrect. Delhi does not have yellow taxis as a distinctive feature.
Option D: Incorrect. The correct answer is Kolkata.

Mnemonic: Yellow Cabs, Kolkata's Pride

19. He proposed the Partition of Bengal in 1905.

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 from 1899 to 1905 and proposed the Partition of Bengal in 1905.

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

Explanations: Lord Curzon, as the Viceroy of India, proposed the Partition of Bengal in 1905 to divide the province into two parts: Eastern Bengal and Assam, and Western Bengal. This decision was aimed at improving administrative efficiency and addressing the growing influence of Bengali nationalism. The partition was a significant event in the history of Bengal and led to widespread protests and the Swadeshi movement.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Lord Dalhousie was a previous Viceroy of India, but he did not propose the Partition of Bengal. He is known for the Doctrine of Lapse and other administrative reforms during his tenure.
Option B: Lord Curzon, as the Viceroy of India from 1899 to 1905, proposed the Partition of Bengal in 1905. This decision was a significant event in the history of Bengal and led to widespread protests and the Swadeshi movement.

Mnemonic: Curzon, C for Cut Bengal

20. The revenue collected in Bengal could finance the purchase of goods for export, did this lead to the Bengal economy facing a deep crisis

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The revenue collected in Bengal was used to finance the purchase of goods for export, which led to a deep economic crisis in Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the export of goods would have a positive impact on the local economy, but in this case, the extraction of revenue for export purposes led to a crisis.

Explanations: The British East India Company used the revenue collected in Bengal to finance the purchase of goods for export, which led to a significant drain of resources from the region. This drain of resources, coupled with other factors such as heavy taxation and mismanagement, contributed to a severe economic crisis in Bengal. The crisis was marked by widespread famine, economic decline, and social unrest.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option correctly identifies that the revenue collection for export purposes led to a deep economic crisis in Bengal.
Option B: This option incorrectly suggests that the revenue collection did not lead to an economic crisis, which is not supported by historical evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Bengal Famine of 1770?

The Bengal Famine of 1770 was a severe famine in the Bengal region of India, which led to the death of millions of people. It is considered one of the worst famines in Indian history.

What role did the East India Company play in the partition of Bengal in 1905?

The East India Company, under British colonial rule, partitioned Bengal in 1905 to divide and rule the region more effectively. This decision was highly controversial and led to widespread protests.

What is the Indian Botanical Garden known for?

The Indian Botanical Garden, located in Kolkata, is known for its extensive collection of plants and is home to the largest herbarium in India. It is a significant center for botanical research and education.

How did Lord Curzon's decision to partition Bengal in 1905 impact the region?

Lord Curzon's decision to partition Bengal in 1905 aimed to separate Hindu and Muslim populations, leading to significant political and social unrest. The partition was eventually reversed in 1911 due to widespread protests.

What is the climate like in West Bengal?

West Bengal experiences a subtropical climate with high humidity and pre-monsoon showers. The weather is characterized by hot summers and mild winters, with occasional Kal Baishakhi storms in the pre-monsoon season.

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