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West Bengal Gk Quiz 44 (20 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates knowledge of West Bengal's constitutional provisions, historical events, and cultural significance. Topics include the Bengal famine, colonial impact, Bengali cuisine, traditional attire, and regional festivals. Questions cover key historical figures, geographical disputes, and economic geography, providing a comprehensive assessment of West Bengal's rich heritage and contemporary issues.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. Which Indian State is currently under Legislative Assembly Polls starting from 27.3.2021 till 29.4.2021?

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, State PSC, Competitive exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: West Bengal Legislative Assembly polls are a significant political event in the state.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the dates or the state with other ongoing political events in India.

Explanations: West Bengal is currently undergoing Legislative Assembly polls starting from 27 March 2021 till 29 April 2021. This is a crucial period for the state's political landscape, involving the election of members to the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Orissa is not the correct state for the Legislative Assembly polls mentioned in the question.
Option B: Haridwar is a city in Uttarakhand and not a state, hence incorrect.
Option C: West Bengal is the correct state undergoing Legislative Assembly polls as per the given dates.
Option D: Assam is not the correct state for the Legislative Assembly polls mentioned in the question.

2. Who is known as the father of Kolkata

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Job Charnok.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Job Charnok is known as the father of Kolkata because he is credited with founding the city in 1690.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Job Charnok with other historical figures such as Christopher Columbus or Thomas Alva Edison, who are not associated with the founding of Kolkata.

Explanations: Job Charnok is recognized as the founder of Kolkata, which was initially established as a trading post by the British East India Company. He is credited with laying the foundation of the city in 1690, making him the father of Kolkata.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Charles Babbage is known for his work on early mechanical computers and is not associated with the founding of Kolkata.
Option B: Christopher Columbus is known for his voyages to the Americas and is not associated with the founding of Kolkata.
Option C: Thomas Alva Edison is known for his inventions, including the practical incandescent light bulb, and is not associated with the founding of Kolkata.
Option D: Job Charnok is the correct answer as he is credited with founding the city of Kolkata.

3. Traditional dress of Kolkata

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Dhoti-Kurta and Sari-blouse.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The traditional dress of Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, includes the Dhoti-Kurta for men and the Sari-blouse for women.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing traditional attire with other regional or modern clothing styles.

Explanations: Dhoti-Kurta and Sari-blouse are the traditional attire for men and women, respectively, in Kolkata. The Dhoti is a long piece of cloth wrapped around the waist and legs, while the Kurta is a loose-fitting shirt. The Sari is a long piece of cloth draped around the body, typically worn with a blouse.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option correctly identifies the traditional dress of Kolkata as Dhoti-Kurta for men and Sari-blouse for women.
Option B: This option incorrectly identifies Lungi-Shirt and Mundu-blouse, which are not the traditional attire of Kolkata.

Mnemonic: D-K, S-B: Dhoti-Kurta, Sari-blouse

4. Raja Ram Mohan Roy started a Newspaper in ..... called Samvada Koumudi.

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Raja Ram Mohan Roy was a prominent social reformer and a key figure in the Bengal Renaissance. He started the newspaper "Samvada Koumudi" in Bengali to spread awareness and promote social reforms.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that the newspaper was in English, given the influence of English during that period.

Explanations: Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a significant figure in the Bengal Renaissance, started the newspaper "Samvada Koumudi" in Bengali. This was done to reach a wider audience in Bengal and to promote social reforms through the local language.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Maratha is incorrect as the newspaper was not in Maratha.
Option B: English is incorrect as the newspaper was not in English.
Option C: Hindi is incorrect as the newspaper was not in Hindi.
Option D: Bengali is correct as the newspaper was in Bengali.

5. ..... is the most important festival of Kolkata.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Durga Puja.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Durga Puja is the most important festival in Kolkata, celebrated with great enthusiasm and cultural significance.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Durga Puja with other major festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi or Onam, which are significant in other regions but not as prominent in Kolkata.

Explanations: Durga Puja is the most important festival in Kolkata due to its deep cultural and religious significance. It is celebrated with elaborate pandals, rituals, and community gatherings, making it a defining event for the city.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Durga Puja is the correct answer as it is the most important festival in Kolkata.
Option B: Ganesh Chaturthi is an important festival but is more prominent in Maharashtra.
Option C: Onam is a major festival in Kerala, not Kolkata.
Option D: This option is incorrect as Durga Puja is indeed the most important festival in Kolkata.

6. The Mughal empires were allowed to continue trading in Bengal through agreements with the British until the .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) 1680's.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Mughal Empire's trading rights in Bengal were gradually eroded by the British East India Company. The Mughal emperors allowed the British to continue trading in Bengal through various agreements until the 1680s.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the timeline of the British East India Company's activities in Bengal with other significant historical events of the 17th century.

Explanations: The Mughal emperors allowed the British East India Company to continue trading in Bengal through various agreements until the 1680s. This period marked the gradual erosion of Mughal control over Bengal's trade, leading to increased British influence in the region. The 1680s is the correct period as it aligns with the historical timeline of the British East India Company's growing presence and influence in Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The 1660s is incorrect as the Mughal emperors allowed the British to continue trading in Bengal beyond this period.
Option B: The 1600s is too broad and does not specify the correct decade when the Mughal emperors allowed the British to continue trading in Bengal.
Option C: The 1680s is the correct period when the Mughal emperors allowed the British to continue trading in Bengal through various agreements.
Option D: The 1670s is incorrect as the Mughal emperors allowed the British to continue trading in Bengal beyond this period.

7. Recently, The Central government has notified the appointment of Justice Rajesh Bindal as the acting Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court. The appointment was made by President Ram Nath Kovind in exercise of the powers conferred by ..... of the Constitution.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) ARTICLE 223.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, State PSC, Judicial Services Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Article 223 of the Constitution of India deals with the appointment of acting Chief Justices of High Courts. It empowers the President to appoint an acting Chief Justice when the office of the Chief Justice of a High Court is vacant or the incumbent is unable to perform his duties.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Article 223 with other articles related to judicial appointments, such as Article 217 (removal of High Court judges) or Article 224 (appointment of additional and acting judges).

Explanations: Article 223 of the Constitution of India specifically addresses the appointment of an acting Chief Justice of a High Court. This article grants the President the power to appoint an acting Chief Justice when the office is vacant or the incumbent is unable to perform their duties. Therefore, the appointment of Justice Rajesh Bindal as the acting Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court was made under the authority of Article 223.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Article 213 deals with the power of the Governor to make laws in certain circumstances and is not related to judicial appointments.
Option B: Article 233 deals with the appointment of district judges and is not related to the appointment of acting Chief Justices of High Courts.
Option C: Article 223 is the correct article that deals with the appointment of acting Chief Justices of High Courts.
Option D: Article 243 deals with the powers, authority, and responsibilities of Panchayats and is not related to judicial appointments.

8. What city sits at the mouth of the Ganges?

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, WBCS, Geography Olympiad

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The city of Kolkata is located at the mouth of the Hooghly River, which is a distributary of the Ganges River.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the location of Kolkata with other major Indian cities like Chennai, New Delhi, or Agra, which are not located at the mouth of the Ganges.

Explanations: Kolkata is situated at the mouth of the Hooghly River, which is a distributary of the Ganges. The Hooghly River flows into the Bay of Bengal, making Kolkata a significant port city. The other options listed are not located at the mouth of the Ganges.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Chennai is located on the southeastern coast of India and is not at the mouth of the Ganges.
Option B: Kolkata is located at the mouth of the Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganges.
Option C: New Delhi is the capital of India and is not located at the mouth of the Ganges.
Option D: Agra is located in Uttar Pradesh and is not at the mouth of the Ganges.

Mnemonic: Hooghly meets Kolkata, Ganges' distributary.

9. THIS PAINTING IS MADE BY ZAINUL ABEDIN, RECORDING WHICH EVENT.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: B

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, UPSC, IAS

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Zainul Abedin is a renowned Bangladeshi artist known for his paintings that depict the Bengal famine of 1943.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the painting with other events such as poverty or the Partition, which are also significant in the region's history.

Explanations: Zainul Abedin's paintings are particularly noted for their portrayal of the Bengal famine of 1943, which caused widespread suffering and death. His works capture the stark reality and human suffering during this period, making the Bengal famine the correct event recorded in his paintings.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Poverty is a broad theme and not specific to the Bengal famine.
Option B: Correct, as Zainul Abedin's paintings are well-known for depicting the Bengal famine.
Option C: The Bengal famine predates the COVID-19 pandemic by many decades.
Option D: The Partition of India is a significant event but not the specific event depicted in Zainul Abedin's paintings.

Mnemonic: Famine, Famine, Famine

10. The staple food of West Bengal.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Fish and rice.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The staple food of West Bengal is fish and rice.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the staple food of West Bengal with other regional cuisines, such as dosa and idli from South India or dal and roti from North India.

Explanations: West Bengal's cuisine is heavily influenced by its geography and climate, which are conducive to rice cultivation and abundant in freshwater and marine fish. Fish and rice form the core of the Bengali diet, providing essential nutrients and forming the basis of many traditional dishes.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Dosa and idli are staple foods in South Indian cuisine, not in West Bengal.
Option B: Fish and rice are the staple foods of West Bengal.
Option C: Dal and roti are staple foods in North Indian cuisine, not in West Bengal.
Option D: Pulses are a part of the diet but not the primary staple food in West Bengal.

11. What is the swampy area in SW Bangladesh and the NE coast of India, and has the world's largest protected mangrove forest?

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, WBCS, Geography Olympiad

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Sundarbans is a vast mangrove forest located in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers on the Bay of Bengal. It is the world's largest protected mangrove forest and is shared between India and Bangladesh.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Sundarbans with other swampy areas or deserts in the region, such as the Thar Desert or the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

Explanations: The Sundarbans is a unique ecosystem that spans the border between India and Bangladesh. It is known for its mangrove forests, which are adapted to the tidal conditions of the region. The Sundarbans is a protected area and is recognized for its biodiversity, including the Bengal tiger. The other options do not fit the description of a swampy area with the world's largest protected mangrove forest.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Sundarbans is the correct answer as it is the largest protected mangrove forest in the world, located in the delta region of SW Bangladesh and NE India.
Option B: "SwampySwampLands" is not a recognized geographical term or location.
Option C: The Thar Desert is located in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent and is not a swampy area or a mangrove forest.
Option D: The Indo-Gangetic Plain is a large alluvial plain in South Asia and does not specifically refer to a swampy area or mangrove forest.

Mnemonic: Sundarbans: "Sun-dar-bans" - Sun, Dar (dark), Bans (forest) - a dark forest by the sun.

12. Teen Bigha Corridor " is a dispute between .....?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) India & Bangladesh.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Teen Bigha Corridor is a narrow strip of land that connects the Indian state of West Bengal to the Bangladesh enclave of Dahagram-Angarpota.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the Teen Bigha Corridor with other border disputes involving India, such as those with Pakistan or Nepal.

Explanations: The Teen Bigha Corridor is a specific dispute between India and Bangladesh. It involves a small strip of land that is crucial for the connectivity of the Dahagram-Angarpota enclave, which is part of Bangladesh but surrounded by India. The corridor is named "Teen Bigha" because it is approximately three bighas (a unit of land measurement) in size. This dispute is significant in the context of West Bengal's geography and international relations.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option is incorrect because the Teen Bigha Corridor is not related to the India-Pakistan border dispute.
Option B: This option is incorrect because the Teen Bigha Corridor is not related to the India-Nepal border dispute.
Option C: This option is correct because the Teen Bigha Corridor is a specific dispute between India and Bangladesh.
Option D: This option is incorrect because the Teen Bigha Corridor is not related to the India-Myanmar border dispute.

13. India is the largest producer of raw jute andjute goods and stands at second place as anexporter after .....

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: India is the largest producer of raw jute and jute goods, but Bangladesh is the second-largest exporter of jute products.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the largest producer with the largest exporter.

Explanations: India is the largest producer of raw jute and jute goods, but when it comes to exports, Bangladesh ranks second. This is due to Bangladesh's significant jute industry and its focus on exporting jute products.

Option Analysis:

Option A: China is not the second-largest exporter of jute goods.
Option B: Bangladesh is the second-largest exporter of jute goods after India.
Option C: Myanmar is not a major exporter of jute goods.
Option D: Bhutan is not a major exporter of jute goods.

Mnemonic: Jute Export: India-Bangladesh

14. The 106th Indian Science Congress(ISC) was held on 3rd january at Lovely professional university Jalandhar and inaugurated by Pm and science minister Dr.Harshvardhan with the theme 'India-Science and Technology' Where was the first ISC held?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Asiatic Society, calcutta.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The first Indian Science Congress was held in 1914 at the Asiatic Society in Calcutta, which is now known as Kolkata in West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the location with other historical institutions in India.

Explanations: The first Indian Science Congress was held in 1914 at the Asiatic Society in Calcutta, which is now known as Kolkata in West Bengal. This event marked the beginning of a significant scientific forum in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The first ISC was held at the Asiatic Society in Calcutta.
Option B: Incorrect. Gokuldas Tejpal College in Mumbai is not associated with the first ISC.
Option C: Incorrect. Takshila University in Patna is not related to the first ISC.
Option D: Incorrect. Osmania University in Hyderabad is not the location of the first ISC.

15. A terrible famine had stuck Bengal in

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, UPSC, IAS

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Great Bengal Famine of 1770 was a significant event in the history of West Bengal.

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

Explanations: The Great Bengal Famine of 1770 was a severe famine that occurred in the Bengal region of India, which includes present-day West Bengal. It is estimated to have caused the deaths of one-third of the population in the affected areas. The famine was primarily caused by a combination of crop failures and the policies of the British East India Company, which led to a severe shortage of food. This event is a crucial part of West Bengal's history and is often studied in the context of colonial rule and its impact on the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Great Bengal Famine occurred in 1770.
Option B: Incorrect. 1778 is not the year of the Great Bengal Famine.
Option C: Incorrect. 1896 is not the year of the Great Bengal Famine.
Option D: Incorrect. 1765 is not the year of the Great Bengal Famine.

16. Pungent mustard paste from Bengal.

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, Bengali culture exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Kasundi is a traditional Bengali mustard paste known for its pungent flavor.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Kasundi with other mustard pastes or condiments that are not specific to Bengal.

Explanations: Kasundi is a traditional Bengali condiment made from mustard seeds, salt, and fenugreek seeds. It is known for its strong, pungent flavor and is commonly used in Bengali cuisine. Rai paste, Panch foran, and other options are not specific to Bengal or do not match the description of a pungent mustard paste.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kasundi is the correct answer as it is a traditional Bengali mustard paste known for its pungent flavor.
Option B: Rai paste is not a specific term for a Bengali condiment and does not match the description of a pungent mustard paste.
Option C: Panch foran is a Bengali spice blend, not a mustard paste.
Option D: This option is incorrect as Kasundi is the correct answer.

17. Mahalwari settlement was introduced in ..... presidency

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Mahalwari settlement was a system of land revenue collection introduced in the Bengal Presidency during the British colonial period.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Mahalwari settlement with other revenue systems like the Ryotwari or Zamindari systems, which were implemented in different regions.

Explanations: The Mahalwari settlement was introduced in the Bengal Presidency. This system was a compromise between the Zamindari and Ryotwari systems, where the revenue was collected from a group of villages or a mahal. It was primarily implemented in the North-Western Provinces and parts of Punjab, but it was also introduced in the Bengal Presidency.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Mahalwari settlement was introduced in the Bengal Presidency.
Option B: Incorrect. The Madras Presidency did not implement the Mahalwari settlement.
Option C: Incorrect. The Bombay Presidency did not implement the Mahalwari settlement.
Option D: Incorrect. The Delhi region did not implement the Mahalwari settlement.

18. Kal Baisakhi is associated with:(a) Punjab(b) Odisha(c) Karnataka(d) West Bengal

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Kal Baisakhi is a traditional festival celebrated in West Bengal, particularly in the coastal regions.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Kal Baisakhi with other regional festivals, such as Baisakhi in Punjab.

Explanations: Kal Baisakhi is a significant festival in West Bengal, marking the beginning of the Bengali New Year. It is celebrated with traditional rituals and cultural activities, primarily in the coastal areas of the state. This festival is unique to West Bengal and is not associated with other states like Punjab, Odisha, or Karnataka.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Punjab is incorrect as Baisakhi is celebrated there, not Kal Baisakhi.
Option B: Odisha is incorrect as it does not celebrate Kal Baisakhi.
Option C: Karnataka is incorrect as it does not celebrate Kal Baisakhi.
Option D: West Bengal is correct as Kal Baisakhi is celebrated in this state.

19. Siraj ud-Daulah was the Nawab of

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Siraj ud-Daulah was the Nawab of Bengal during the mid-18th century.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Nawabs of different regions, such as Bengal, Gujarat, or Tamil Nadu.

Explanations: Siraj ud-Daulah ruled Bengal from 1756 to 1757. He is known for his conflict with the British East India Company, which culminated in the Battle of Plassey in 1757. This battle marked the beginning of British colonial rule in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Tamil Nadu was not ruled by Siraj ud-Daulah.
Option B: Gujarat was not ruled by Siraj ud-Daulah.
Option C: Bengal was the region Siraj ud-Daulah ruled as Nawab.
Option D: Rajasthan was not ruled by Siraj ud-Daulah.

20. THE FAMOUS FESTIVAL OF WEST BENGAL IS .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) DURGA PUJA.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Durga Puja is the most significant and widely celebrated festival in West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse Durga Puja with other major festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi or Shivaji Jayanti, which are celebrated in other regions.

Explanations: Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated in West Bengal with great enthusiasm and fervor. It is a ten-day festival that commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The festival is marked by elaborate pandals, cultural programs, and community feasts, making it a significant cultural and religious event in the state.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Shivaji Jayanti is a festival celebrated in Maharashtra, not West Bengal.
Option B: Durga Puja is the most famous and widely celebrated festival in West Bengal.
Option C: Ganesh Chaturthi is a major festival in Maharashtra and some other parts of India, but not the most famous in West Bengal.
Option D: Gangaur is a festival celebrated in Rajasthan and some parts of Gujarat, not in West Bengal.

Mnemonic: Durga Puja: "D" for "Delightful" in Bengal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Bengal Renaissance was a period of social reform and cultural revival in the 19th and early 20th centuries, marked by significant contributions in literature, art, and social reform, led by figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

How does the geography of West Bengal influence its cuisine?

West Bengal's geography, with its fertile plains and proximity to the Ganges, influences its cuisine, which is rich in fish and rice, staple foods that are abundant in the region.

What role does Durga Puja play in West Bengal's cultural life?

Durga Puja is a major cultural festival in West Bengal, celebrated with elaborate rituals and festivities, reflecting the region's deep-rooted cultural and religious traditions.

How does the Calcutta High Court contribute to the legal system in West Bengal?

The Calcutta High Court, established in 1862, is a significant judicial institution in West Bengal, providing legal oversight and interpreting laws for the state.

What impact did the 1943 famine have on West Bengal?

The 1943 famine, also known as the Bengal famine, had a devastating impact on West Bengal, leading to widespread starvation and death, and is considered one of the worst famines in Indian history.

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