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West Bengal Gk Quiz 45 (20 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates knowledge of West Bengal's art revival, British colonial expansion, historical landmarks, and geographical features. It covers the Bengal School of Art, the Battle of Plassey, the Sundarbans, and the Tropic of Cancer. The questions assess understanding of key historical events, cultural landmarks, and geographical knowledge relevant to West Bengal.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. Where did 'Tebhega' movement occur in 1946?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The 'Tebhega' movement was a significant peasant movement that occurred in Bengal in 1946.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the 'Tebhega' movement with other peasant movements that occurred in different regions of India.

Explanations: The 'Tebhega' movement was a peasant uprising that took place in Bengal in 1946. It was a response to the oppressive land tenure system and the exploitation of sharecroppers by landlords. The movement aimed to secure better terms for sharecroppers and to gain control over the land they cultivated. This movement is an important part of West Bengal's history and is often studied in the context of the region's social and political movements.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Maharashtra did not experience the 'Tebhega' movement.
Option B: Kolkata, while part of Bengal, is a city and not the region where the 'Tebhega' movement occurred.
Option C: Bengal is the correct region where the 'Tebhega' movement took place.
Option D: Tamil Nadu did not experience the 'Tebhega' movement.

2. The ruler of Bengal in 1757 was .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Siraj ud daulah.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Siraj ud daulah was the Nawab of Bengal in 1757.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Siraj ud daulah with Mir Qasim, who was a later ruler of Bengal.

Explanations: Siraj ud daulah was the Nawab of Bengal in 1757. He was overthrown by the British East India Company in the Battle of Plassey in the same year. Mir Qasim and Tipu Sultan were rulers in different periods and regions.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Siraj ud daulah was the Nawab of Bengal in 1757.
Option B: Incorrect. Mir Qasim was a later ruler of Bengal, succeeding Siraj ud daulah.
Option C: Incorrect. Tipu Sultan was the ruler of Mysore, not Bengal.
Option D: Incorrect. Siraj ud daulah was indeed the ruler of Bengal in 1757.

3. From June to September how much rain falls on average in Kolkata?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) 50 inches.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Kolkata experiences a tropical wet and dry climate with a distinct monsoon season. The monsoon season typically lasts from June to September, during which the city receives a significant amount of rainfall.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to underestimate the amount of rainfall during the monsoon season in Kolkata. The monsoon season is known for heavy rainfall, and the average rainfall is much higher than the other options provided.

Explanations: Kolkata, located in West Bengal, experiences a tropical wet and dry climate. The monsoon season, which occurs from June to September, is characterized by heavy rainfall. On average, Kolkata receives approximately 50 inches of rain during this period. This amount is significantly higher than the other options provided, making 50 inches the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 10 inches is too low for the monsoon season in Kolkata.
Option B: 25 inches is also too low for the monsoon season in Kolkata.
Option C: 50 inches is the correct average rainfall for the monsoon season in Kolkata.
Option D: 80 inches is too high for the monsoon season in Kolkata.

4. After winning the battle of Buxar, of which region Company became the real master?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Battle of Buxar was a significant military conflict that took place in 1764 between the British East India Company and the combined forces of the Mughal Emperor, the Nawab of Awadh, and the Nawab of Bengal. The British victory in this battle marked the beginning of their dominance in the region.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the Battle of Buxar led to the British control over the entire Indian subcontinent. However, the immediate impact was the control over Bengal.

Explanations: The Battle of Buxar was fought in the region of Bengal, and the British victory resulted in the Company gaining control over the entire Bengal region. The Treaty of Allahabad, signed after the battle, formalized the Company's control over Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa. This marked the beginning of the British East India Company's rule in Bengal, making it the real master of the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The British East India Company became the real master of Bengal after the Battle of Buxar.
Option B: Incorrect. The battle did not immediately give the Company control over the entire Indian subcontinent.
Option C: Incorrect. While Bihar was affected by the battle, the primary region under the Company's control was Bengal.
Option D: Incorrect. Kerala was not directly impacted by the Battle of Buxar.

5. Where is the headquarters of Tea Board of India located?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The headquarters of the Tea Board of India is located in Kolkata, West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that the headquarters is located in a major tea-producing state like Assam, leading to the incorrect choice of Shillong or Dispur.

Explanations: The Tea Board of India, which is responsible for the development and promotion of the tea industry in India, has its headquarters in Kolkata, West Bengal. This is a well-established fact in West Bengal General Knowledge.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Shillong, Meghalaya is incorrect as it is not the location of the Tea Board of India's headquarters.
Option B: Dispur, Assam is incorrect as it is not the location of the Tea Board of India's headquarters.
Option C: Kolkata, West Bengal is the correct location of the Tea Board of India's headquarters.
Option D: Kochi, Kerala is incorrect as it is not the location of the Tea Board of India's headquarters.

6. Consider the following Statements: Rickshaws are often paid to take children to and from school. Eden garden is one of the largest garden of Kolkata Kolkata is also known as the city of joy. Which of the following statement(s) is/are true?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Only 1, 2, 3.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The question tests knowledge of common practices and landmarks in Kolkata, West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that Eden Garden is a garden in the traditional sense, rather than a cricket stadium.

Explanations: 1. Rickshaws are indeed often used to transport children to and from school in Kolkata. 2. Eden Garden, while known as a cricket stadium, is also one of the largest gardens in Kolkata. 3. Kolkata is widely known as the "City of Joy."

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect because it excludes statement 3.
Option B: Incorrect because it excludes statement 1.
Option C: Correct as all three statements are true.
Option D: Incorrect because it excludes statement 2.

7. When akbar conquered bengal

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) 1586.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Akbar's conquest of Bengal is a significant event in the history of West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the dates of Akbar's conquests with other historical events.

Explanations: Akbar conquered Bengal in 1586. This event marked the expansion of the Mughal Empire into the eastern territories, which included present-day West Bengal. The conquest was part of Akbar's broader strategy to consolidate his rule over the Indian subcontinent.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1590 is incorrect as it is after the actual conquest date.
Option B: 1586 is the correct year when Akbar conquered Bengal.
Option C: 1560 is incorrect as it is before Akbar's conquest of Bengal.
Option D: 1536 is incorrect as it is before Akbar's conquest of Bengal.

8. After the partition of Bengal Hindus held a huge rally in .....?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The partition of Bengal in 1905 led to widespread protests and rallies among the Hindu population. Calcutta, being the capital of Bengal at that time, was a significant center for these protests.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing another major city like Bombay or Madras, which were not the primary centers of protest for the partition of Bengal.

Explanations: The partition of Bengal in 1905 was a significant event in Indian history, leading to widespread protests and rallies. Calcutta, as the capital of Bengal, was the epicenter of these protests. The city hosted numerous rallies and demonstrations by the Hindu population against the partition, making it the correct choice.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Calcutta was the correct choice as it was the capital of Bengal and the primary location for protests against the partition.
Option B: Assam was not the primary location for protests against the partition of Bengal.
Option C: Bombay was not the primary location for protests against the partition of Bengal.
Option D: Madras was not the primary location for protests against the partition of Bengal.

9. Name the first woman to write an autobiography in Bengali.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Rassundari Dasi.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Rassundari Dasi is recognized as the first woman to write an autobiography in Bengali.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Rassundari Dasi with other notable women from West Bengal, such as Sarojini Naidu, who was a prominent poet and political activist.

Explanations: Rassundari Dasi wrote her autobiography titled "Moorkher Jeeboncharita" (The Life of a Slave) in the 19th century. This work is significant as it provides a unique perspective on the life of a woman from a lower social class in Bengal during that time. The autobiography is a valuable historical document that sheds light on the social conditions and personal experiences of women in rural Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Lakshmibai is a historical figure known for her role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, but she is not associated with writing an autobiography in Bengali.
Option B: Sarojini Naidu was a prominent Indian independence activist and poet, but she is not known for writing the first autobiography in Bengali.
Option C: Rassundari Dasi is the correct answer as she wrote the first autobiography in Bengali.
Option D: This option is incorrect as Rassundari Dasi is the correct answer.

10. Name the professor whose cooperated with Bengal artist and replaced painting of Ajanta, Ellora instead of European Painting?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) E B Havell.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: E B Havell was a significant figure in the Bengal School of Art, which emphasized traditional Indian art forms over European styles. He worked closely with Bengal artists and promoted the study of Indian art, particularly the paintings of Ajanta and Ellora.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing E B Havell with other influential figures in Indian art, such as Abanindranath Tagore, who was also a key figure in the Bengal School of Art.

Explanations: E B Havell was the principal of the Government School of Art in Calcutta (now Kolkata) and played a crucial role in the revival of Indian art traditions. He encouraged the study of Indian art forms, such as the murals of Ajanta and Ellora, instead of European painting techniques. This focus on Indian art forms was a significant departure from the prevailing European influence in art education at the time.

Option Analysis:

Option A: E B Havell was the principal of the Government School of Art in Calcutta and promoted Indian art traditions.
Option B: Rabindranath Tagore was a renowned poet and writer, not directly involved in the revival of Indian art traditions in the context of art education.
Option C: Lord Mountbatten was the last Viceroy of India and not associated with art education or the Bengal School of Art.
Option D: Abanindranath Tagore was a prominent artist of the Bengal School of Art but was not the principal who replaced European painting with Indian art forms in the curriculum.

Mnemonic: Havell, Ajanta, Ellora

11. The ..... National Park is a national park, tiger reserve, and biosphere reserve in West Bengal, India.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (Choice D) Sundarbans.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, WBCS, Geography Olympiad

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Sundarbans is a national park, tiger reserve, and biosphere reserve located in West Bengal, India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the Sundarbans with other national parks in India, such as Kaziranga or Gir.

Explanations: The Sundarbans is a unique ecosystem and is the largest mangrove forest in the world. It is known for its diverse wildlife, including the Bengal tiger, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Sundarbans is located in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers and spans across India and Bangladesh.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kaziranga is a national park in Assam, India, known for its one-horned rhinoceroses.
Option B: Gir is a national park in Gujarat, India, known for its Asiatic lions.
Option C: Eravikulam is a national park in Kerala, India, known for its Nilgiri tahr.
Option D: Sundarbans is a national park, tiger reserve, and biosphere reserve in West Bengal, India.

Mnemonic: Sundarbans: "Sun-dar-bans" - Sun, Dar (tiger), Bons (forest) - Sun, Tiger, Forest.

12. Sundarbans or the Mangrove Forests are found in

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Geography Olympiad, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Sundarbans, a vast mangrove forest, is located in the deltaic region of West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the location of the Sundarbans with other coastal regions in India.

Explanations: The Sundarbans is a unique ecosystem and the largest mangrove forest in the world, primarily located in the deltaic region of West Bengal. This area is formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. The mangrove forests are adapted to the tidal conditions and saline water, making them distinct from other forest types found in different regions of India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Kutch Peninsula is located in Gujarat and is not known for mangrove forests.
Option B: The Western Ghats are a mountain range in western India and are not associated with mangrove forests.
Option C: The Konkan Coast is a coastal region in western India and does not have significant mangrove forests.
Option D: Deltaic West Bengal is the correct location for the Sundarbans, which is a vast mangrove forest.

Mnemonic: Sundarbans, Delta, Bengal

13. Durgapur is famous for .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Steel industry.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Durgapur is well-known for its steel industry.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Durgapur with other industrial cities in West Bengal, such as Asansol, which is also known for its steel industry.

Explanations: Durgapur is a major industrial city in West Bengal, India, and is particularly famous for its steel industry. The Durgapur Steel Plant, established in 1959, is one of the key industrial establishments in the region, contributing significantly to the economy and industrial development of West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Durgapur is renowned for its steel industry.
Option B: Incorrect. While Durgapur does have some iron industry, it is not as prominent as the steel industry.
Option C: Incorrect. Durgapur is not known for its rubber industry.
Option D: Incorrect. Durgapur is not known for its paper industry.

14. Which of the following cities lies to the south of the Tropic of Cancer?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Kolkata, West Bengal.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, WBCS, Geography Olympiad

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Tropic of Cancer is a significant latitude line that runs at approximately 23.5 degrees north of the equator. Any city located south of this line is considered to be south of the Tropic of Cancer.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume that all cities in India are north of the Tropic of Cancer, but this is not true. Kolkata, being in West Bengal, is indeed south of the Tropic of Cancer.

Explanations: Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, is located at approximately 22.57 degrees north latitude, which is south of the Tropic of Cancer (23.5 degrees north). Therefore, Kolkata lies to the south of the Tropic of Cancer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Guna, Madhya Pradesh is located north of the Tropic of Cancer.
Option B: Delhi is located north of the Tropic of Cancer.
Option C: Jaipur, Rajasthan is located north of the Tropic of Cancer.
Option D: Kolkata, West Bengal is located south of the Tropic of Cancer.

15. Palas Dynasty ruled over

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Palas Dynasty was a significant ruling dynasty in ancient India, primarily known for their rule over Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Palas Dynasty with other dynasties that ruled different regions, such as the Cholas or the Pandyas.

Explanations: The Palas Dynasty ruled over Bengal from the 8th to the 12th century. They were known for their patronage of Buddhism and their contributions to art, architecture, and learning. The dynasty's influence extended beyond Bengal, but their primary domain was in the region of Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Orissa was not the primary region ruled by the Palas Dynasty.
Option B: Sikkim was not ruled by the Palas Dynasty.
Option C: Assam was not the primary region ruled by the Palas Dynasty.
Option D: Bengal was the primary region ruled by the Palas Dynasty.

16. When is the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) located?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) is a public university located in Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the location of ISI with other major cities in India where other prestigious institutions are located.

Explanations: The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) is a renowned institution primarily located in Kolkata, West Bengal. This is a well-known fact in West Bengal General Knowledge (GK). The ISI has its main campus in Kolkata, making it a significant landmark in the state.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The ISI is located in Kolkata.
Option B: Incorrect. Hyderabad is not the location of the ISI.
Option C: Incorrect. Jaipur is not the location of the ISI.
Option D: Incorrect. Raipur is not the location of the ISI.

17. In ..... Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal for administrative convenience

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, partitioned Bengal in 1905 for administrative convenience.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the year with other significant events in Indian history.

Explanations: Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, implemented the partition of Bengal in 1905. The partition was intended to improve administrative efficiency by dividing the large and populous province into two parts: Bengal and East Bengal and Assam. This decision was met with significant opposition and led to widespread protests and the Swadeshi movement.

Option Analysis:

Option A: 1900 is incorrect as the partition did not occur in this year.
Option B: 1805 is incorrect as the partition did not occur in this year.
Option C: 1906 is incorrect as the partition did not occur in this year.
Option D: 1905 is the correct year when Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal.

18. Swami Vivekananda was born in

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Swami Vivekananda, a prominent Indian spiritual leader and philosopher, was born in Calcutta, which is now known as Kolkata.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the birthplace of Swami Vivekananda with other major Indian cities.

Explanations: Swami Vivekananda was born on January 12, 1863, in Calcutta, which is now known as Kolkata, in the state of West Bengal. This is a well-documented fact in West Bengal's general knowledge.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Swami Vivekananda was born in Calcutta.
Option B: Incorrect. Mumbai is not the birthplace of Swami Vivekananda.
Option C: Incorrect. Lucknow is not the birthplace of Swami Vivekananda.
Option D: Incorrect. Delhi is not the birthplace of Swami Vivekananda.

19. Victoria memorial is the tourist attractions of .....

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Victoria Memorial is a significant tourist attraction located in Kolkata, which is the capital city of West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the location of the Victoria Memorial with other historical sites in India, such as those in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, or Assam.

Explanations: The Victoria Memorial is a prominent landmark and tourist attraction in Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal. It was built in memory of Queen Victoria and is a major historical and cultural site in the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Bihar is incorrect as the Victoria Memorial is not located in Bihar.
Option B: Uttar Pradesh is incorrect as the Victoria Memorial is not located in Uttar Pradesh.
Option C: West Bengal is correct as the Victoria Memorial is located in Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal.
Option D: Assam is incorrect as the Victoria Memorial is not located in Assam.

20. The first news paper published in India in 1780 was

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) The Bengal Gazette or Calcutta General Adviser.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Bengal Gazette or Calcutta General Adviser was the first newspaper published in India in 1780.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the names of early newspapers in India, as several were published around the same time.

Explanations: The Bengal Gazette or Calcutta General Adviser was founded by James Augustus Hicky in 1780. It was the first newspaper published in India and marked the beginning of the press in the country. This newspaper was significant in the history of journalism in India.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Bombardier Herald is not the first newspaper published in India.
Option B: The Madras Courier was not the first newspaper published in India.
Option C: The Calcutta Chronicle was not the first newspaper published in India.
Option D: The Bengal Gazette or Calcutta General Adviser was the first newspaper published in India in 1780.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Battle of Plassey in 1757 marked the beginning of British colonial rule in Bengal, leading to significant political and economic changes in the region.

How does the climate of West Bengal affect its agriculture?

West Bengal's climate, characterized by a monsoon season, supports diverse agricultural activities, particularly rice cultivation, which thrives in the region's fertile soil and abundant rainfall.

What role did Kolkata play during the Indian independence movement?

Kolkata served as a major center for political rallies and protests, including the Calcutta rallies, which were crucial in mobilizing public support for the Indian independence movement.

What is the Bengal School of Art known for?

The Bengal School of Art, influenced by E B Havell, is known for its revival of traditional Indian art forms and its emphasis on indigenous themes and techniques.

How did the Partition of Bengal impact the region?

The Partition of Bengal in 1947 led to significant demographic and cultural changes, dividing the region and causing widespread displacement and social unrest.

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