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West Bengal Gk Quiz 42 (20 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates knowledge of West Bengal's agricultural production, crop cultivation, geographical advantages, British colonial expansion, Diwani rights, Treaty of Allahabad, cultural events, literary celebrations, Bengali cinema, and historical geography. It tests understanding of key historical figures, nationalist movements, political history, urban development, and regional weather phenomena.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. ..... was the governor of Bengal under the Mughals.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Murshid Quli Khan.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Murshid Quli Khan was a prominent Mughal administrator who served as the governor of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. He was instrumental in the early development of Murshidabad as the capital of Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Murshid Quli Khan with other historical figures from the Mughal era, such as Muhammad Bin Tughluq, who was a Mughal emperor but not a governor of Bengal.

Explanations: Murshid Quli Khan was appointed as the governor of Bengal by Emperor Farrukhsiyar in 1717. He was a key figure in the administration of the Mughal Empire and played a significant role in the political and economic development of Bengal. His tenure as governor marked a crucial period in the history of Bengal under Mughal rule.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Murshid Ali Khan is not a historical figure associated with the Mughal administration of Bengal.
Option B: Muhammad Bin Tughluq was a Mughal emperor, not a governor of Bengal.
Option C: Murshid Quli Khan was indeed the governor of Bengal under the Mughals.
Option D: Murshidabad is a city in West Bengal, not a person who served as a governor.

Mnemonic: M for Murshid Quli Khan, M for Mughal governor.

2. Pre-mansoon showers are kalled kalbaisakhi in

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Kalbaisakhi refers to pre-monsoon showers that occur in West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing kalbaisakhi with other weather phenomena or associating it with different regions.

Explanations: Kalbaisakhi is a term specific to West Bengal, referring to the pre-monsoon showers that occur in the region. These showers are known for their sudden and heavy nature, often causing discomfort and health issues. The term is deeply rooted in the local culture and weather patterns of West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Kalbaisakhi is a term used in West Bengal for pre-monsoon showers.
Option B: Incorrect. Tamil Nadu does not use the term kalbaisakhi for pre-monsoon showers.
Option C: Incorrect. Madhya Pradesh does not use the term kalbaisakhi for pre-monsoon showers.
Option D: Incorrect. Karnataka does not use the term kalbaisakhi for pre-monsoon showers.

3. Which place was the main center of Nationalism at that time?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Bengal was a significant center of Nationalism during the Indian independence movement.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that other regions like Delhi or Kerela were the main centers of Nationalism.

Explanations: Bengal was a major center of Nationalism due to its intellectual and cultural contributions to the Indian independence movement. The region was home to prominent leaders and thinkers who played a crucial role in shaping the nationalist movement. The Bengal Renaissance and the Swadeshi Movement further solidified Bengal's position as a hub of nationalist activities.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Bengal was a significant center of Nationalism during the Indian independence movement.
Option B: Incorrect. Delhi, while important politically, was not the main center of Nationalism during this period.
Option C: Incorrect. Kerela, although it had its own nationalist movements, was not the main center of Nationalism.
Option D: Incorrect. Goa, while it had its own struggles, was not a major center of Nationalism during the Indian independence movement.

4. What was the Capital of India during the British Rule

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Calcutta served as the capital of British India from 1773 to 1911.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume that Delhi was the capital throughout the British rule, as it is the current capital of India.

Explanations: Calcutta was chosen as the capital of British India in 1773, and it remained the capital until 1911 when the British moved the capital to Delhi. This change was made to shift the focus from the eastern part of the country to a more central location.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Delhi was not the capital during the British rule until 1911.
Option B: Bombay was never the capital of British India.
Option C: Madras was never the capital of British India.
Option D: Calcutta was the capital of British India from 1773 to 1911.

Mnemonic: C for Capital, C for Calcutta

5. WHICH TEAM IS KNOWN AS THE DANGEROUS TEAM OF IPL

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) KOLKATA KNIGHT RAIDERS.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The nickname "Dangerous Team" is associated with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the nickname with other teams that have strong reputations in the IPL.

Explanations: The Kolkata Knight Riders are known for their aggressive and unpredictable playing style, which has earned them the nickname "Dangerous Team." This nickname reflects their ability to turn the game around quickly and their strong performance in high-pressure situations.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Chennai Super Kings is not known as the "Dangerous Team."
Option B: Kolkata Knight Riders is known as the "Dangerous Team."
Option C: Mumbai Indians is not known as the "Dangerous Team."
Option D: Sunrisers Hyderabad is not known as the "Dangerous Team."

Mnemonic: Kolkata Knight Riders, Dangerous, Daring

6. After winning the Battle of Buxar which right was secured by the English East India company?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Diwani right in Bengal.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Battle of Buxar, fought in 1764, was a significant event in the history of British colonial rule in India. The victory of the British East India Company in this battle led to the acquisition of the Diwani rights in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the Battle of Plassey, fought in 1757, secured the Diwani rights. However, the Battle of Plassey led to the establishment of British control over Bengal, while the Battle of Buxar secured the Diwani rights.

Explanations: The Battle of Buxar was fought between the forces of the British East India Company and the combined forces of the Nawab of Bengal, the Nawab of Awadh, and the Mughal Emperor. The British victory in this battle led to the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765, which granted the British East India Company the Diwani rights, or the right to collect revenue, in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This right was crucial as it allowed the Company to control the economic resources of these regions, thereby consolidating their power.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The establishment of factories in Bengal was not a direct outcome of the Battle of Buxar. Factories were already established by the East India Company before this battle.
Option B: Duty-free trade in Bengal was not a direct result of the Battle of Buxar. While the British East India Company had some trade privileges, the Diwani rights were more significant in terms of economic control.
Option C: The Diwani right in Bengal was secured as a result of the Treaty of Allahabad, which followed the British victory in the Battle of Buxar. This right allowed the Company to collect revenue, which was a significant economic and administrative power.
Option D: This option is incorrect as the Diwani right in Bengal was indeed secured by the British East India Company after the Battle of Buxar.

7. The Battle of Plassey was fought because the Nawab of Bengal ..... had ordered the removal of the British army from Calcutta.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Siraj-ud-Daulah.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Battle of Plassey was a significant event in the history of West Bengal, marking the beginning of British colonial rule in India. It was fought in 1757 between the British East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the names of the Nawabs involved in the conflict, such as Siraj-ud-Daulah and Mir Jafar, who later betrayed Siraj-ud-Daulah.

Explanations: Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, ordered the removal of the British army from Calcutta due to their increasing influence and interference in local affairs. This led to the Battle of Plassey, where the British, with the help of Mir Jafar, defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah. The battle resulted in the British gaining control over Bengal and marked the beginning of their dominance in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Siraj-ud-Daulah was the Nawab of Bengal who ordered the British to leave Calcutta, leading to the Battle of Plassey.
Option B: Incorrect. Mir Jafar was not the Nawab who ordered the British to leave Calcutta; he later betrayed Siraj-ud-Daulah and became the Nawab with British support.
Option C: Incorrect. Mir Qasim was not involved in the immediate events leading to the Battle of Plassey; he became the Nawab of Bengal after Siraj-ud-Daulah.
Option D: Incorrect. The correct answer is Siraj-ud-Daulah, so this option is not applicable.

8. The Nawab of Bengal after Alivardi Khan was?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Siraj Ud daulah.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Siraj Ud daulah succeeded Alivardi Khan as the Nawab of Bengal in 1756.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the sequence of Nawabs or mistaking other historical figures for the Nawab of Bengal.

Explanations: Alivardi Khan was the Nawab of Bengal from 1740 to 1756. Upon his death, Siraj Ud daulah, his grandson, succeeded him as the Nawab of Bengal. This transition is a significant historical event in the history of West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Murshid Quli Khan was the first Nawab of Bengal, not the successor to Alivardi Khan.
Option B: Tipu Sultan was the ruler of Mysore, not Bengal.
Option C: Siraj Ud daulah succeeded Alivardi Khan as the Nawab of Bengal.
Option D: Mir Qasim was a later Nawab of Bengal, succeeding Siraj Ud daulah.

9. Which is known as " Bengal sorrow's"?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Damodar river.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Damodar river is known as "Bengal's sorrow" due to its frequent flooding and the resultant devastation in the region.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the term "Bengal's sorrow" refers to any river in West Bengal, but it specifically refers to the Damodar river.

Explanations: The Damodar river is known as "Bengal's sorrow" because it frequently causes devastating floods in the region, leading to significant loss of life and property. The river's unpredictable nature and the resulting floods have historically caused immense hardship for the local population, earning it this somber nickname.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Damodar river is known as "Bengal's sorrow" due to its frequent flooding.
Option B: Incorrect. The Satluj river is not known as "Bengal's sorrow."
Option C: Incorrect. The Bokaro river is not known as "Bengal's sorrow."
Option D: Incorrect. The Barakar river is not known as "Bengal's sorrow."

10. List the states in the Eastern Zone of India.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Eastern Zone of India includes states that are geographically located in the eastern part of the country. These states share cultural, linguistic, and historical ties.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the states in the Eastern Zone with states from other regions or with states from other countries.

Explanations: The Eastern Zone of India comprises the states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. These states are part of the eastern region of India and share common geographical, cultural, and historical characteristics.

Option Analysis:

Option A: These are states in the United States, not in India.
Option B: These are also states in the United States, not in India.
Option C: This option correctly lists the states in the Eastern Zone of India.
Option D: These are states in the United States, not in India.

Mnemonic: EAST: Eastern Area States Together

11. In India, West Bengalis the largest producer of

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: West Bengal is known for its fertile soil and abundant water resources, which are ideal for rice cultivation.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume that West Bengal is the largest producer of wheat, which is not accurate.

Explanations: West Bengal is a major rice-producing state in India due to its favorable climatic conditions and agricultural practices. The state's geography, with its extensive river systems and fertile alluvial soil, supports the cultivation of rice. This makes rice the primary crop and the largest agricultural product of West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Wheat is not the primary crop in West Bengal.
Option B: Rice is the correct answer as it is the largest agricultural product in West Bengal.
Option C: Barley is not a major crop in West Bengal.
Option D: Mango is a fruit and not a major agricultural product in terms of production volume.

12. Besides flooding what happens to the old canals in Kolkata when it rains too much?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Garbage clogs them.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: In Kolkata, the old canals are prone to clogging due to the accumulation of garbage during heavy rainfall.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the canals are used for recreational activities like swimming or jet skiing, which is not the case.

Explanations: During heavy rainfall, the old canals in Kolkata often become clogged with garbage. This is because the increased water flow can carry large amounts of waste and debris into the canals, leading to blockages. This clogging can exacerbate flooding issues and hinder the proper drainage of water.

Option Analysis:

Option A: People do not swim in the canals due to the presence of pollutants and debris.
Option B: Garbage clogs the canals, which is a common issue during heavy rainfall.
Option C: Jet skiing is not a feasible activity in the canals due to their narrow and polluted nature.
Option D: Planting rice in the canals is not a practical or common practice.

Mnemonic: G-CAN: Garbage Clogs the Canals

13. Where is headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission situated?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Only (A) & (B).

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission is located in India, specifically in West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be selecting only one of the options (A) or (B) without recognizing that both are correct.

Explanations: The Ramakrishna Mission was founded in India and its headquarters is located in Belur Math, which is in West Bengal. Therefore, both options (A) and (B) are correct.

Option Analysis:

Option A: India is correct as the headquarters is located in India.
Option B: West Bengal is correct as the headquarters is located in West Bengal.
Option C: Jharkhand is incorrect as the headquarters is not located in Jharkhand.
Option D: Only (A) & (B) is the correct choice as it includes both correct options.

14. The main language spoken in Kolkata is:

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, primarily uses Bengali as its main language.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that other languages like Tamil or Urdu are the main language spoken in Kolkata.

Explanations: Bengali is the official language of West Bengal and is widely spoken in Kolkata. It is the primary language used in daily communication, education, and administration in the city.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Tamil is not the main language spoken in Kolkata. It is primarily spoken in Tamil Nadu.
Option B: Bengali is the correct answer as it is the main language spoken in Kolkata.
Option C: Urdu is not the main language spoken in Kolkata. It is more commonly spoken in other parts of India.
Option D: This option is incorrect as Bengali is indeed the main language spoken in Kolkata.

15. Who among the following was known as Bengal's Greata Garbo?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Suchitra Sen.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, Indian Film History, Cultural Studies

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Suchitra Sen was a renowned Indian film actress, known for her work in Bengali cinema. She was often referred to as Bengal's "Greta Garbo" due to her striking resemblance to the famous Swedish actress and her captivating screen presence.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Suchitra Sen with other prominent Bengali actresses of her time, such as Kanan Devi or Bharathi Shirodkar.

Explanations: Suchitra Sen was widely recognized for her beauty and acting prowess, earning her the nickname "Bengal's Greta Garbo." This nickname highlights her significant influence and the admiration she garnered in the Bengali film industry.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Suchitra Sen was known as Bengal's "Greta Garbo" due to her striking resemblance and screen presence.
Option B: Amaravati was a famous Bengali actress but was not known by the nickname "Greta Garbo."
Option C: Kanan Devi was a prominent actress in Bengali cinema but was not referred to as "Greta Garbo."
Option D: Bharathi Shirodkar was a well-known actress but did not earn the nickname "Greta Garbo."

16. When is Poetry Day?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) 21st March.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Poetry Day in West Bengal is celebrated on 21st March.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Poetry Day with other literary or cultural events in West Bengal.

Explanations: Poetry Day in West Bengal is celebrated on 21st March to commemorate the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned poet and Nobel laureate. This day is significant in the cultural calendar of West Bengal and is marked by various literary events and poetry recitations.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 22nd May is not the correct date for Poetry Day in West Bengal.
Option B: 21st March is the correct date for Poetry Day in West Bengal.
Option C: 7th April is not the correct date for Poetry Day in West Bengal.
Option D: 9th August is not the correct date for Poetry Day in West Bengal.

17. Which political party was in power in West Bengal without a break for last 30 years?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) CPI-M.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, State PSC, Competitive exams on Indian politics

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI-M, has been in continuous power in West Bengal since 1977.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the CPI-M with other political parties, such as the Indian National Congress (INC) or the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which have not held power in West Bengal for such an extended period.

Explanations: The CPI-M has maintained a strong political presence in West Bengal through various electoral victories and coalition formations. This uninterrupted rule is a significant aspect of West Bengal's political history and is often highlighted in discussions about the state's governance and political landscape.

Option Analysis:

Option A: INC has not been in continuous power in West Bengal for the last 30 years.
Option B: BJP has not been in continuous power in West Bengal for the last 30 years.
Option C: CPI has not been in continuous power in West Bengal for the last 30 years.
Option D: CPI-M has been in continuous power in West Bengal for the last 30 years.

Mnemonic: CPI-M: "Communist Power in Bengal, Marxist"

18. In which city was the first metro train launched?

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal PSC, UPSC, State PSCs

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The first metro train in India was launched in Kolkata.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Kolkata with other major cities like Delhi or Mumbai, which also have metro systems.

Explanations: Kolkata was the first city in India to launch a metro train system. The Kolkata Metro, also known as the Calcutta Metro, began operations in 1984, making it the first metro system in the country.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Chennai did not have the first metro train in India.
Option B: Kolkata is the correct answer as it was the first city to launch a metro train system in India.
Option C: Delhi's metro system was launched later than Kolkata's.
Option D: Mumbai's metro system was also launched after Kolkata's.

19. Recall the capital of West Bengal from memory.

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

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

Difficulty: Very Easy

Concept notes: Kolkata is the capital city of West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the capital of West Bengal with other major cities in India, such as Chennai, Mumbai, or Delhi.

Explanations: Kolkata is the capital city of the Indian state of West Bengal. It is a major metropolitan city and serves as the administrative, economic, and cultural center of the state.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu, not West Bengal.
Option B: Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra, not West Bengal.
Option C: Kolkata is the correct capital of West Bengal.
Option D: Delhi is the capital of India, not West Bengal.

Mnemonic: Kolkata, Capital of Bengal.

20. WHICH TEAM WON THE FINAL MATCH OF ISL IN 2014?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) ATLETICO DE KOLKATA.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, WBCS, SSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Indian Super League (ISL) is a professional football league in India. The final match of the ISL in 2014 was a significant event in West Bengal's sports history.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the winning team with other teams that participated in the ISL.

Explanations: In the 2014 Indian Super League final, Atletico de Kolkata emerged victorious. This information is crucial for those familiar with West Bengal's sports history and the ISL.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kerala Blasters FC did not win the final match of the ISL in 2014.
Option B: Odisha FC did not participate in the 2014 ISL final.
Option C: Bengaluru FC did not win the final match of the ISL in 2014.
Option D: Atletico de Kolkata won the final match of the ISL in 2014.

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 changes in the region's administration and economy.

How did the Bengal Renaissance contribute to the cultural development of West Bengal?

The Bengal Renaissance, a period of social reform and cultural revival in the 19th and early 20th centuries, fostered advancements in literature, art, and education, shaping modern Bengali identity.

What are the main geographical features of West Bengal?

West Bengal is characterized by the Ganges delta, the Himalayan foothills, and the Damodar river, which contribute to its diverse landscapes and frequent flooding.

What role did the Swadeshi Movement play in West Bengal's nationalist history?

The Swadeshi Movement, initiated in 1905, was a significant phase of Indian nationalism, promoting self-reliance and opposing British economic policies, particularly in Bengal.

How does the pre-monsoon season affect West Bengal?

The pre-monsoon season, known as kalbaisakhi, brings heavy showers and can cause severe flooding, impacting agriculture and daily life in West Bengal.

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