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West Bengal Gk Quiz 43 (20 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates knowledge of West Bengal's history, culture, and geography, including British expansion, Nawabs of Bengal, historical battles, cultural renaissance, and infrastructure development. It covers topics such as the Battle of Buxar, Bengal textiles, Bengali Renaissance, and the Sunderbans. The questions assess understanding of historical events, cultural landmarks, and regional geography.

Quiz Instructions

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1. The oldest Hockey tournament in India Beighton Cup is played in which city?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Beighton Cup is the oldest hockey tournament in India and is held in Kolkata.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the location of the Beighton Cup with other major sports events in India.

Explanations: The Beighton Cup is a significant event in the history of Indian hockey, and it has been traditionally held in Kolkata. This makes Kolkata the correct answer as it is the city where the tournament takes place.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Jalandhar is not the location of the Beighton Cup.
Option B: Kolkata is the correct location for the Beighton Cup.
Option C: Mumbai is not the location of the Beighton Cup.
Option D: Delhi is not the location of the Beighton Cup.

2. Mir Qasim was expelled from Bengal after the Battle of

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Buxar, 1764.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Mir Qasim was expelled from Bengal after the Battle of Buxar in 1764. This battle was a significant event in the history of Bengal, marking the decline of the Nawabs of Bengal and the rise of British power in the region.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Battle of Buxar with the Battle of Plassey, which occurred in 1757 and was a different event that led to the British gaining control over Bengal.

Explanations: Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal, was expelled after the Battle of Buxar in 1764. This battle was fought between the combined forces of Mir Qasim, Shuja-ud-Daula (Nawab of Awadh), and the Mughal emperor Shah Alam II, against the British East India Company. The British victory at Buxar led to the expulsion of Mir Qasim and the establishment of British control over Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Battle of Panipat in 1526 was fought between Babur and Ibrahim Lodi and is not related to Mir Qasim's expulsion from Bengal.
Option B: The Battle of Plassey in 1757 was a significant event but did not directly lead to Mir Qasim's expulsion. It was the Battle of Buxar in 1764 that resulted in his expulsion.
Option C: The Battle of Buxar in 1764 led to the expulsion of Mir Qasim from Bengal.
Option D: This option is incorrect as the Battle of Buxar is the correct event that led to Mir Qasim's expulsion.

Mnemonic: Buxar, 1764, Expulsion

3. National Library, the largest library in India is in which state?

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, State PSC, Competitive Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The National Library of India is located in Kolkata, which is the capital city of West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that the National Library is located in a more prominent state like Delhi or Tamil Nadu.

Explanations: The National Library of India is situated in Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal. This makes West Bengal the correct answer as it is the state where the National Library is located.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Rajasthan is incorrect as the National Library is not located in Rajasthan.
Option B: Bihar is incorrect as the National Library is not located in Bihar.
Option C: West Bengal is correct as the National Library is located in Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal.
Option D: Tamil Nadu is incorrect as the National Library is not located in Tamil Nadu.

4. I am the capital of the state which has the world famous Sunderbans Delta.

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, State PSC, Geography Olympiad

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, which is home to the world-famous Sunderbans Delta.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing Bhubhaneshwar, which is the capital of Odisha, not West Bengal.

Explanations: Kolkata is the capital city of West Bengal, a state in India. The Sunderbans Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located in the southern part of West Bengal. Therefore, Kolkata is the correct answer as it is the capital of the state that contains the Sunderbans Delta.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Dispur is the capital of Assam, not West Bengal.
Option B: Bhubhaneshwar is the capital of Odisha, not West Bengal.
Option C: Kolkata is the capital of West Bengal, which contains the Sunderbans Delta.
Option D: Raipur is the capital of Chhattisgarh, not West Bengal.

5. Which of the reforms movement was founded by H.L.V. Derozio?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: H.L.V. Derozio was a key figure in the Young Bengal movement, which was a group of young Bengali students who sought to reform society through education and the spread of Western ideas.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Young Bengal movement with other reform movements such as the Brahmo Samaj or the Temple Entry Movement, which were founded by different individuals and had different focuses.

Explanations: H.L.V. Derozio founded the Young Bengal movement, which aimed to challenge traditional social norms and promote Western education and ideas. This movement was distinct from other reform movements like the Brahmo Samaj, which was founded by Raja Rammohan Roy, and the Temple Entry Movement, which focused on allowing lower-caste individuals access to temples.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Brahmo Samaj was founded by Raja Rammohan Roy, not H.L.V. Derozio.
Option B: Temple Entry Movement was not founded by H.L.V. Derozio; it was a later movement focused on social reform.
Option C: Young Bengal was indeed founded by H.L.V. Derozio, making this the correct answer.
Option D: All of these is incorrect because only Young Bengal was founded by H.L.V. Derozio.

Mnemonic: D for Derozio, Y for Young Bengal.

6. Name the forests in West Bengal that are the house to the Royal Bengal Tiger?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Sunderbans is a vast mangrove forest located in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers in the Bay of Bengal. It is known for its diverse wildlife, including the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing Gir, which is also known for the Royal Bengal Tiger, but it is located in Gujarat, not West Bengal.

Explanations: The Sunderbans is a significant forest in West Bengal and is renowned for being the natural habitat of the Royal Bengal Tiger. The other options are incorrect because Gir is located in Gujarat, Periyar is in Kerala, and there are indeed forests in West Bengal that house the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Gir is located in Gujarat, not West Bengal.
Option B: Sunderbans is the correct answer as it is located in West Bengal and is known for the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Option C: Periyar is located in Kerala, not West Bengal.
Option D: This option is incorrect as the Sunderbans in West Bengal is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.

7. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee unveiled the official emblem of the state government, which was recently approved by the centre. The logo highlights the Ashoka emblem on the top with the theme of "Biswa Bangla" at the centre. What does Biswa Bangla mean?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Bengal meets the World.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal PSC, UPSC, State Government Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The term "Biswa Bangla" is a slogan used in West Bengal, which translates to "Bengal meets the World."

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding might be interpreting "Biswa Bangla" as a phrase that emphasizes local pride or aspirations, rather than its global outreach.

Explanations: The term "Biswa Bangla" is a slogan that emphasizes the global outreach and international connections of West Bengal. It reflects the state's ambition to be a significant player on the world stage, symbolizing the idea of Bengal engaging with the world.

Option Analysis:

Option A: "Long Live Bengal" does not capture the international aspect of the slogan.
Option B: "Bengal meets the World" accurately reflects the global outreach and international connections emphasized by the slogan.
Option C: "Hopes of Bengal" focuses more on aspirations rather than global engagement.
Option D: "Bengal at the Helm" suggests leadership but does not convey the international aspect.

Mnemonic: Biswa = Bengal, World = Global

8. ..... is a fine Muslin cloth that British traded in Bengal.

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Jamdani is a fine Muslin cloth that was traded extensively by the British in Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Jamdani with other types of Muslin or textiles.

Explanations: Jamdani is a fine Muslin cloth known for its intricate designs and lightweight texture. It was a significant export from Bengal during the British colonial period. The British East India Company traded Jamdani extensively, making it a valuable commodity in the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Jamdani is the correct answer as it is a fine Muslin cloth traded by the British in Bengal.
Option B: Sabya is not a type of Muslin cloth and is not relevant to the British trade in Bengal.
Option C: Cotton is a general term for a type of fabric and does not specifically refer to the fine Muslin cloth traded by the British.
Option D: Synthetic cloth is not relevant to the historical context of British trade in Bengal, which primarily involved natural fabrics.

9. In which year was the first metro in Kolkata started?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) 1984.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Kolkata Metro, also known as the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Limited (KMRL), is the rapid transit system serving the city of Kolkata, West Bengal, India. It is one of the oldest metro systems in India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the year with the establishment of other metro systems in India or with the year of significant expansions or developments in the Kolkata Metro.

Explanations: The first metro in Kolkata was started in 1984. This is a significant historical fact in the context of West Bengal's infrastructure development. The metro system has since expanded to serve various parts of the city, but the initial operation began in 1984.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1994 is incorrect as the metro was already operational by this time.
Option B: 1984 is the correct year when the first metro in Kolkata was started.
Option C: 1976 is incorrect as the metro system was not operational until 1984.
Option D: 2000 is incorrect as the metro system had been operational for several years by this time.

10. Which is the only city in India where trams were still in use?

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, Indian Geography, Indian Culture

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Kolkata is the only city in India where trams are still in operation.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that other cities in India also have operational trams.

Explanations: Kolkata is known for its unique and historic tram system, which is the only one still in operation in India. The trams in Kolkata are a significant part of the city's public transportation system and are a symbol of its rich history and culture.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Kolkata is the only city in India where trams are still in use.
Option B: Incorrect. Kohima does not have a tram system.

11. What was the Bengali Renaissance?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Thriving of Literature, Philosophy, Science, and Art during 19th century in Bengal.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Bengali Renaissance refers to a period of significant cultural, intellectual, and artistic development in Bengal during the 19th century.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the Bengali Renaissance was primarily a religious or Islamic movement, which is incorrect.

Explanations: The Bengali Renaissance was a period marked by a flourishing of literature, philosophy, science, and art in Bengal during the 19th century. This cultural renaissance was influenced by the spread of Western education and ideas, leading to significant advancements in various fields. It was a time of intellectual awakening and modernization, with notable figures like Rabindranath Tagore contributing to its growth.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option incorrectly associates the Bengali Renaissance with Islamic literature and theology, which is not accurate.
Option B: This option correctly identifies the Bengali Renaissance as a period of significant cultural and intellectual growth in Bengal during the 19th century.
Option C: This option incorrectly associates the Bengali Renaissance with the growth of Buddhism in ancient Bengal, which is not relevant to the 19th century.
Option D: This option is incorrect as the correct answer is provided in Option B.

12. Which is the Staple food of Bengalis

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Fish and Rice.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, UPSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Fish and rice are the staple foods of Bengalis.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the staple foods of different regions.

Explanations: Fish and rice are the primary staple foods in the Bengali diet. Rice is a significant part of every meal, and fish is a crucial source of protein. This combination is deeply ingrained in the culinary culture of West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Sambhar and Rice is a staple in South Indian cuisine, not Bengali cuisine.
Option B: Rasgulla is a popular sweet, but it is not a staple food. Rice is a staple, but not in combination with Rasgulla.
Option C: Poriyal is a dish from South Indian cuisine, not Bengali cuisine.
Option D: Fish and Rice is the correct staple food of Bengalis.

13. Which of the following pairs is false?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Andhra Pradesh-Burnpur.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of industrial cities and their respective states in India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming Burnpur is in Andhra Pradesh, when it is actually located in West Bengal.

Explanations: Burnpur is a city in West Bengal, not Andhra Pradesh. The other pairs are correct: Kulti is in West Bengal, Jamshedpur is in Jharkhand, and Bhadravati is in Karnataka. Therefore, the false pair is Andhra Pradesh-Burnpur.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kulti is a city in West Bengal, so this pair is true.
Option B: Jamshedpur is a city in Jharkhand, so this pair is true.
Option C: Bhadravati is a city in Karnataka, so this pair is true.
Option D: Burnpur is a city in West Bengal, not Andhra Pradesh, so this pair is false.

14. Which Institute will start 'Vastu Shastra' classes for architecture students since the faculty members feel that the students should also be conversant with ancient Indian architectural traditions?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) IIT Kharagpur.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, UPSC, IIT JEE

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: IIT Kharagpur has initiated 'Vastu Shastra' classes for architecture students to ensure they are familiar with ancient Indian architectural traditions.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that other prestigious institutions like IIT Madras or BITS Pilani might have started similar classes.

Explanations: IIT Kharagpur has recognized the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern architectural education. By introducing 'Vastu Shastra' classes, the institute aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of both ancient and contemporary architectural practices. This initiative reflects the institute's commitment to preserving and promoting traditional Indian architectural wisdom.

Option Analysis:

Option A: BITS Pilani has not been mentioned as starting 'Vastu Shastra' classes for architecture students.
Option B: IIT Madras has not been mentioned as starting 'Vastu Shastra' classes for architecture students.
Option C: IIT Kharagpur has initiated 'Vastu Shastra' classes for architecture students to ensure they are familiar with ancient Indian architectural traditions.
Option D: Banaras Hindu University has not been mentioned as starting 'Vastu Shastra' classes for architecture students.

15. What is one thing Kolkata doing to ease flooding?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) All of the above.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Kolkata, a city in West Bengal, is implementing multiple strategies to mitigate flooding, including rebuilding old canals, repairing sewer lines, and keeping the river clear of debris.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that only one of the measures is being taken, rather than recognizing that all three are part of the city's comprehensive flood mitigation strategy.

Explanations: Kolkata is undertaking a multi-faceted approach to address flooding issues. Rebuilding old canals helps in improving water drainage. Repairing sewer lines ensures that the drainage system is functional and can handle excess water. Keeping the river clear of debris prevents blockages that could exacerbate flooding. Therefore, all the mentioned measures are being implemented, making "All of the above" the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Rebuilding city's old canals is one of the measures being taken.
Option B: Sewer lines are being repaired as part of the flood mitigation efforts.
Option C: Keeping the river clear of debris is another measure being implemented.
Option D: All of the above correctly identifies that all the mentioned measures are being taken.

Mnemonic: Canal, Sewer, River, All (CSR-A)

16. State and city where Eden Garden Cricket Ground is located.

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Eden Garden Cricket Ground is located in Kolkata, which is the capital city of West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be selecting only one of the options (A) or (B) instead of recognizing that both are correct.

Explanations: Eden Garden Cricket Ground is a well-known cricket stadium located in Kolkata, which is the capital city of the state of West Bengal. Therefore, both the city (Kolkata) and the state (West Bengal) are correct.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kolkata is correct as it is the city where Eden Garden Cricket Ground is located.
Option B: West Bengal is correct as it is the state where Kolkata is located.
Option C: Keraka is incorrect as it is not related to the location of Eden Garden Cricket Ground.
Option D: Only (A) & (B) is the correct choice as both Kolkata and West Bengal are correct.

17. Conventional rain in West Bengal is known as.

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: In West Bengal, the conventional rain that occurs during the month of April and early May is known as Kalabaisakhis.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that "Mango Showers" refers to the conventional rain in West Bengal, but it actually refers to the pre-monsoon showers that occur in late April and early May.

Explanations: Kalabaisakhis are the conventional rains that occur in West Bengal during the month of April and early May. This period is known for its unpredictable and often heavy rainfall, which is crucial for the agricultural activities in the region. The term "Kalabaisakhis" specifically refers to these rains, making it the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mango Showers refer to the pre-monsoon showers that occur in late April and early May, but they are not the conventional rains of West Bengal.
Option B: Kalabaisakhis are the conventional rains that occur in West Bengal during April and early May.
Option C: Andhis are sudden, violent storms that occur in West Bengal, but they are not the conventional rains.
Option D: Coffee blossom is not related to the conventional rains in West Bengal.

18. The city of murshidabad(near river bhagirathi) became the capital of bengal in

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) 1704.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Murshidabad became the capital of Bengal in 1704 under the rule of Nawab Murshid Quli Khan.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the year with other significant dates in the history of Bengal.

Explanations: Murshid Quli Khan, the Nawab of Bengal, shifted the capital from Dhaka to Murshidabad in 1704. This move was significant as it marked the beginning of a new era in the political and administrative history of Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1702 is incorrect as the capital was not shifted in this year.
Option B: 1703 is incorrect as the capital was not shifted in this year.
Option C: 1704 is the correct year when Murshid Quli Khan shifted the capital to Murshidabad.
Option D: 1705 is incorrect as the capital was already shifted by this time.

19. Which Bridge In kolkata Is Built on river Hugli?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question asks about bridges in Kolkata that are built on the river Hooghly. The Howrah Bridge and Vidyasagar Setu are both located on the Hooghly River in Kolkata.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be selecting only one of the bridges or including Mahatma Gandhi Setu, which is not located on the Hooghly River.

Explanations: The Howrah Bridge and Vidyasagar Setu are both significant bridges in Kolkata that span the Hooghly River. The Howrah Bridge, also known as Rabindra Setu, is a famous suspension bridge connecting Kolkata and Howrah. Vidyasagar Setu, also known as the Second Hooghly Bridge, is a cable-stayed bridge that also spans the Hooghly River. Mahatma Gandhi Setu, on the other hand, is located in Patna, Bihar, and is not related to Kolkata or the Hooghly River.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Howrah Bridge is correct as it is built on the Hooghly River.
Option B: Vidyasagar Setu is correct as it is also built on the Hooghly River.
Option C: Mahatma Gandhi Setu is incorrect as it is not located on the Hooghly River.
Option D: Only (A) & (B) is the correct choice as both Howrah Bridge and Vidyasagar Setu are built on the Hooghly River.

20. Calcutta University opened its door to women for the first time in the year:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) 1878.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Calcutta University, now known as the University of Calcutta, was the first institution in India to admit women to its degree courses.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the year with other significant dates in the history of women's education in India.

Explanations: Calcutta University opened its doors to women for the first time in 1878, marking a significant milestone in the history of women's education in India. This decision was a pioneering step that paved the way for women's higher education in the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1868 is incorrect as it predates the actual year when women were admitted to Calcutta University.
Option B: 1888 is incorrect as it is later than the actual year when women were admitted to Calcutta University.
Option C: 1878 is the correct year when Calcutta University first admitted women to its degree courses.
Option D: None of the above is incorrect as 1878 is the correct year.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Battle of Buxar in 1764 marked a significant victory for the British East India Company, leading to their control over Bengal and setting the stage for British rule in India.

What is the Beighton Cup, and how is it related to West Bengal?

The Beighton Cup is an annual hockey tournament held in Kolkata, named after the British sports administrator Charles Beighton, and it is a significant event in the Indian hockey calendar.

How does the Jamdani textile contribute to West Bengal's cultural heritage?

Jamdani is a hand-woven textile that has been produced in West Bengal for centuries, known for its intricate designs and fine craftsmanship, making it an important part of the region's cultural identity.

What role does the Kolkata Metro play in the city's infrastructure?

The Kolkata Metro is a rapid transit system that serves as a crucial mode of public transportation, helping to alleviate traffic congestion and providing efficient travel options for residents and visitors.

What is the significance of the Sunderbans in West Bengal?

The Sunderbans is a vast mangrove forest and delta region in West Bengal, known for its unique biodiversity, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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