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West Bengal Gk Quiz 7 (20 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates knowledge of West Bengal's colonial history, including the British East India Company's control, the Bengal Nawabs, and the Indian independence movement. It also covers cultural aspects such as the Bengali language, regional cuisine, and significant historical figures like Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. The questions assess understanding of administrative efficiency, historical events, and regional geography.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. East India Company got Diwani of Bengal in

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) 1765.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The East India Company obtained the Diwani of Bengal in 1765, which gave them the right to collect revenue in the Bengal region.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the year with other significant dates in the history of the East India Company, such as the Regulating Act of 1784 or the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Explanations: The East India Company received the Diwani of Bengal in 1765 through the Treaty of Allahabad, signed after the Battle of Buxar. This treaty granted the Company the right to collect revenue in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, marking a significant shift in their control over the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The East India Company obtained the Diwani of Bengal in 1765.
Option B: Incorrect. 1784 is the year of the Regulating Act, which aimed to regulate the Company's affairs in India.
Option C: Incorrect. 1876 is not a significant year in the context of the East India Company's acquisition of the Diwani of Bengal.
Option D: Incorrect. 2021 is a recent year and not relevant to the historical context of the East India Company's acquisition of the Diwani of Bengal.

2. Which among the following was the most revolutionary secret organization of Bengal?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Anushilan Samiti.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Anushilan Samiti was a revolutionary secret organization that played a significant role in the Indian independence movement, particularly in Bengal. It was known for its militant approach and its efforts to organize and train revolutionaries.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the Anushilan Samiti with other revolutionary organizations like the Mitra Mela or Abhinava Bharat, which were also active in Bengal but did not have the same level of revolutionary impact.

Explanations: The Anushilan Samiti was the most revolutionary secret organization of Bengal due to its militant approach and its significant role in organizing and training revolutionaries. It was founded in 1902 and had a widespread network across Bengal, focusing on physical training, education, and revolutionary activities. This made it stand out among other organizations in terms of its revolutionary impact.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mitra Mela was a revolutionary organization but was not as widespread or militant as the Anushilan Samiti.
Option B: Ghadar Party was active in the United States and Canada, not primarily in Bengal.
Option C: Abhinava Bharat was another revolutionary organization but did not have the same level of impact as the Anushilan Samiti in Bengal.
Option D: Anushilan Samiti was the most revolutionary secret organization of Bengal due to its widespread network and militant approach.

3. THE BRITISH FIRST ESTABLISHED THEIR CONTROL OVER

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The British first established their control over Bengal, which laid the foundation for their expansion into other parts of India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume that the British first established control over other regions like Uttar Pradesh or Gujarat, but historically, Bengal was the first major region they controlled.

Explanations: The British East India Company first established a trading post in Bengal in the early 17th century. Over time, they gained control over the region through various treaties and military victories, notably the Battle of Plassey in 1757. This control over Bengal provided the British with a strong economic and strategic base, which they used to expand their influence across the Indian subcontinent.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Uttar Pradesh was not the first region where the British established control.
Option B: Gujarat was not the first region where the British established control.
Option C: Bengal was the first major region where the British established control.
Option D: Jhansi was not the first region where the British established control.

Mnemonic: Bengal Base, British Begin

4. ..... Became the official Language of Bengal under the Mughals

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: A

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Persian became the official language of Bengal under the Mughal Empire.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume that Bengali was the official language during the Mughal period.

Explanations: During the Mughal rule, Persian was the language of administration, literature, and culture. It was used for official documents, court proceedings, and communication between the rulers and the local officials. This was part of the broader cultural and administrative influence of Persian in the Mughal Empire.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Persian was the official language under the Mughals.
Option B: Incorrect. Bengali was not the official language during the Mughal period.
Option C: Incorrect. Urdu was not the official language during the Mughal period in Bengal.
Option D: Incorrect. Sanskrit was not the official language during the Mughal period in Bengal.

5. Which Mughal noble controlled the state of Bengal?

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 noble who controlled the state of Bengal during the early 18th century.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Murshid Quli Khan with other Mughal nobles who were active during the same period.

Explanations: Murshid Quli Khan was appointed as the Nawab of Bengal in 1717 by the Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar. He was a key figure in the administration of Bengal and played a significant role in the region's political and economic development. His control over Bengal marked a significant period in the history of West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Shaukat Ali Khan was not a known Mughal noble who controlled Bengal.
Option B: Irfan Khan is not a historical figure associated with the control of Bengal during the Mughal period.
Option C: Murshid Quli Khan was the Nawab of Bengal and controlled the state during the early 18th century.
Option D: Muhammad Khan is not a known Mughal noble associated with the control of Bengal.

Mnemonic: Mnemonic: "Murshid Quli Khan, Master of Bengal's Land."

6. Where were the sons of Tipu Sultan sent after the Vellore Revolt?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Vellore Revolt of 1806 was a significant uprising against British rule in India. After the revolt, the sons of Tipu Sultan, who were involved in the rebellion, were sent to Calcutta for safety and to prevent further uprisings.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the destination with other major cities like Mumbai or Delhi, which were also important British administrative centers at the time.

Explanations: The sons of Tipu Sultan were sent to Calcutta after the Vellore Revolt to ensure their safety and to prevent them from inciting further rebellion. Calcutta, being a major administrative center under British control, provided a secure location to house them.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The sons of Tipu Sultan were sent to Calcutta.
Option B: Incorrect. Mumbai was not the destination for the sons of Tipu Sultan.
Option C: Incorrect. Delhi was not the destination for the sons of Tipu Sultan.
Option D: Incorrect. Mysore was not the destination for the sons of Tipu Sultan.

7. Who started the Bharata Matha Society, a secret society in 1904?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Neelkantha Brahmachari.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Bharata Matha Society was a secret society founded in 1904. It played a significant role in the Indian nationalist movement.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the founder with other prominent figures of the Indian nationalist movement, such as Aurobindo Ghosh.

Explanations: Neelkantha Brahmachari was the founder of the Bharata Matha Society in 1904. This society was established to promote nationalist sentiments and was active during the early 20th century in the Indian independence movement.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Subramanianar was not the founder of the Bharata Matha Society.
Option B: Aurobindo Ghosh was a prominent figure in the Indian nationalist movement but not the founder of the Bharata Matha Society.
Option C: Neelkantha Brahmachari was the founder of the Bharata Matha Society in 1904.
Option D: Vanchinatham of Senkottai was not the founder of the Bharata Matha Society.

8. The reason for Partition of Bengal given by Viceroy Curzon was

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Administrative convenience.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Partition of Bengal was officially justified by Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, on the grounds of administrative convenience.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that the Partition was primarily motivated by political or social reasons, rather than administrative ones.

Explanations: Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, claimed that the Partition of Bengal was necessary to improve administrative efficiency. The region of Bengal was vast and difficult to govern effectively, and Curzon argued that dividing it would make administration more manageable. This was the official reason given to justify the Partition.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Administrative convenience was the official reason given by Lord Curzon for the Partition of Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. Dominion status was not related to the Partition of Bengal.
Option C: Incorrect. Ensuring peace in Bengal was not the stated reason for the Partition.
Option D: Incorrect. The correct reason is provided in Option A.

9. Where are jute textile mills mainly located?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Jute textile mills are primarily located in West Bengal due to the region's historical significance in jute cultivation and processing.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is assuming that jute mills are evenly distributed across India, but the concentration is highest in West Bengal.

Explanations: West Bengal is the primary location for jute textile mills because of its historical and geographical advantages. The region has a long-standing tradition of jute cultivation and processing, making it the natural hub for jute industries. The availability of raw materials, skilled labor, and established infrastructure further supports the concentration of jute mills in this area.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. West Bengal is the main location for jute textile mills due to its historical and geographical advantages.
Option B: Incorrect. Srinagar is not known for jute textile mills.
Option C: Incorrect. Jharkhand is not a primary location for jute textile mills.
Option D: Incorrect. Uttar Pradesh is not a primary location for jute textile mills.

Mnemonic: Jute Mills in Bengal, JMB

10. During the 18th century 3 states were established.Name them:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Bengal, Hyderabad, Awadh.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: During the 18th century, three significant states were established in India: Bengal, Hyderabad, and Awadh. These states were important political entities during the period of the Mughal decline and the rise of regional powers.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the names of the states with other regions or states that were not established during the 18th century.

Explanations: Bengal, Hyderabad, and Awadh were established as significant states during the 18th century. Bengal was a powerful state under the Nawabs, Hyderabad was ruled by the Nizams, and Awadh was governed by the Nawabs of Awadh. These states played crucial roles in the political landscape of India during this period.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh were not established as states during the 18th century.
Option B: Karnataka and Kerala were not established as states during the 18th century, and Shivaji refers to a historical figure, not a state.
Option C: Bengal, Hyderabad, and Awadh were established as significant states during the 18th century.
Option D: This option is incorrect as the correct answer is provided in Option C.

Mnemonic: BHA: Bengal, Hyderabad, Awadh

11. Bengal Nawabs refused to grant the Company concessions, demanded large tributes for the Company's right to trade, denied it any right to mint coins, and stopped it from extending its fortifications. These conflicts of interests led to confrontations. Which famous battle did this finally culminate in?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Battle of Plassey.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Battle of Plassey was a significant conflict between the British East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, in 1757. This battle marked the beginning of British colonial rule in India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Battle of Plassey with other significant battles of the era, such as the Battle of Panipet or the Battle of Bauxar.

Explanations: The conflicts between the British East India Company and the Nawabs of Bengal over trade concessions, tributes, and fortifications culminated in the Battle of Plassey. The British, under Robert Clive, defeated the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj-ud-Daulah, leading to the establishment of British control over Bengal and eventually the entire subcontinent.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Battle of Plassey was the final confrontation between the British East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect. The Battle of Panipet was fought between the Marathas and the Afghans, not involving the British East India Company.
Option C: Incorrect. The Battle of Mysore was fought between the British and Tipu Sultan of Mysore, not involving the Nawabs of Bengal.
Option D: Incorrect. The Battle of Bauxar was fought between the British East India Company and the Nawab of Bengal, but it occurred after the Battle of Plassey.

Mnemonic: P for Plassey, P for Power.

12. The people of Bengal enjoy eating

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal PSC, WBCS, UPSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The cuisine of West Bengal is known for its rich variety of fish and rice dishes.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that chapati or vegetable rice are the primary staples of the Bengali diet.

Explanations: Fish and rice are staple foods in West Bengal. Rice is a primary component of most meals, and fish is a significant source of protein in the diet. The combination of fish and rice is deeply ingrained in the culinary culture of West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Chapati is more commonly associated with North Indian cuisine rather than Bengali cuisine.
Option B: Fish and rice are the staple foods of West Bengal, making this the correct answer.
Option C: Vegetable rice, while popular, is not as central to the Bengali diet as fish and rice.
Option D: This option is incorrect as fish and rice are indeed a significant part of the Bengali diet.

13. Kolkata Gate is fondly known as

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Narkel Bagan.

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Kolkata Gate is a significant landmark in West Bengal, known by its local name Narkel Bagan.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Kolkata Gate with other landmarks or gates in the region.

Explanations: Kolkata Gate is fondly known as Narkel Bagan, which is a local name that reflects its significance and cultural importance in the area.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Narkel Bagan is the local name for Kolkata Gate.
Option B: Incorrect. Biswa Bangla Hanging gate is not related to Kolkata Gate.
Option C: Incorrect. Howrah Bridge Gate is a different landmark.
Option D: Incorrect. Netaji Subhash Chandra gate is another distinct landmark.

14. When and in which session did Dadabhai Naoroji called for Swaraj or Self government

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) The Calcutta session of 1906.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Dadabhai Naoroji, a prominent Indian nationalist and one of the early leaders of the Indian National Congress, called for Swaraj or self-government during the Calcutta session of 1906.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the year or the location of the session where Dadabhai Naoroji made this call.

Explanations: Dadabhai Naoroji, known as the "Grand Old Man of India," was a key figure in the Indian independence movement. He called for Swaraj or self-government during the Indian National Congress session held in Calcutta in 1906. This session was significant as it marked a shift towards more radical demands for Indian self-rule.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Calcutta session of 1906 is when Dadabhai Naoroji called for Swaraj.
Option B: Incorrect. The UTS session of 1915 is not the correct session where Dadabhai Naoroji called for Swaraj.
Option C: Incorrect. The High court session of 1928 is not the correct session where Dadabhai Naoroji called for Swaraj.
Option D: Incorrect. The Bombay session of 1923 is not the correct session where Dadabhai Naoroji called for Swaraj.

15. The seven sister states are connected to the rest of India via narrow strip in West Bengal called

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, Geography Olympiad

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The seven sister states of India, which include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura, are connected to the rest of India through a narrow strip of land in West Bengal known as the Siliguri Corridor.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Siliguri Corridor with other geographical features such as the Khyber Pass, which is located in Pakistan and Afghanistan, or the Palk Strait, which separates India and Sri Lanka.

Explanations: The Siliguri Corridor, also known as the Chicken's Neck, is a narrow strip of land that connects the seven sister states to the rest of India. This corridor is strategically important as it is the only land route connecting the northeastern states to the rest of the country. The other options listed are not relevant to this geographical connection.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Khyber Pass is a mountain pass located in the northwest of Pakistan and is not related to the connectivity of the seven sister states.
Option B: Siliguri is the correct answer as it is the narrow strip of land that connects the seven sister states to the rest of India.
Option C: Palk Strait is a strait between India and Sri Lanka and is not related to the connectivity of the seven sister states.
Option D: Tsangpo Pass is not a known geographical feature connecting the seven sister states to the rest of India.

16. Under the system of Dual Government in Bengal the nawab had powers of .....

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Military and Criminal jurisdiction.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Under the system of Dual Government in Bengal, the British East India Company and the Nawab shared power. The Nawab retained certain powers while the Company had others.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the powers of the Nawab with those of the British East India Company. The Nawab had specific powers that were distinct from the Company's.

Explanations: The Dual Government system in Bengal was established in 1765 after the Battle of Buxar. Under this system, the Nawab retained the powers of military and criminal jurisdiction. The British East India Company, on the other hand, took control of the revenue collection and administration. Therefore, the Nawab's powers were limited to military and criminal matters.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Revenue and administration were under the control of the British East India Company, not the Nawab.
Option B: The Nawab had powers over military and criminal jurisdiction, which is the correct answer.
Option C: While the Nawab had military powers, law and order was not exclusively under his control; it was shared with the British East India Company.
Option D: This option is incorrect as the Nawab did have specific powers.

17. WHAT IS WEST BENGAL POPULATION RANK IN INDIA?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) 4th.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: West Bengal's population rank in India is the 4th highest.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing West Bengal's population rank with other states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, or Maharashtra.

Explanations: West Bengal is the fourth most populous state in India. The population of West Bengal is significant, but it ranks below states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar. Therefore, the correct rank for West Bengal's population is 4th.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect, as West Bengal is not the 3rd most populous state in India.
Option B: Correct, as West Bengal is the 4th most populous state in India.
Option C: Incorrect, as West Bengal is not the 2nd most populous state in India.
Option D: Incorrect, as the correct rank is provided in the options.

18. Bengali language is spoken in Bengal. From which language Bengali language is derived from?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Bengali is a language that belongs to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family. It is derived from Sanskrit, which is an ancient language that has significantly influenced many modern Indian languages.

Common Mistakes: A common misunderstanding is that Bengali is derived from Hindi, which is also an Indo-Aryan language. However, while both languages share a common ancestor, Bengali has a more direct lineage from Sanskrit.

Explanations: Bengali language is derived from Sanskrit because Sanskrit is the ancient language that has influenced the development of many modern Indian languages, including Bengali. The linguistic evolution from Sanskrit to Bengali is well-documented in historical and linguistic studies.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Hindi is also an Indo-Aryan language, but it is not the direct ancestor of Bengali.
Option B: Sanskrit is the correct answer as it is the ancient language that has directly influenced the development of Bengali.
Option C: Tamil is a Dravidian language and not related to the Indo-Aryan family, which includes Bengali.
Option D: Kannada is a Dravidian language and not related to the Indo-Aryan family, which includes Bengali.

Mnemonic: Sanskrit, Source, Sanskriti

19. How did Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's knowledge of Sanskrit help him in the future

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, WBCS, WBSSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's knowledge of Sanskrit played a significant role in his career and recognition. His expertise in Sanskrit helped him secure the post of principal at the Sanskrit College of Calcutta and earned him the title 'Vidyasagar'.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be assuming that his knowledge of Sanskrit only helped him earn the title 'Vidyasagar' and not the principal position.

Explanations: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar's deep knowledge of Sanskrit was instrumental in his career. His expertise in the language helped him secure the prestigious position of principal at the Sanskrit College of Calcutta. Additionally, his profound understanding and contributions to Sanskrit literature and education earned him the title 'Vidyasagar', which means 'Ocean of Knowledge'. Therefore, both (A) and (B) are correct.

Option Analysis:

Option A: His knowledge of Sanskrit helped him secure the post of principal at the Sanskrit College of Calcutta.
Option B: His knowledge of Sanskrit earned him the title 'Vidyasagar'.
Option C: This option correctly combines both (A) and (B).

Mnemonic: Sanskrit Savant, Scholar, Sage

20. This city is situated along the banks of river Hugli.

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Kolkata is a major city in West Bengal, India, and is situated along the banks of the Hooghly River, which is a distributary of the Ganges.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the river with the Ganges itself, as the Hooghly is a distributary of the Ganges.

Explanations: Kolkata is located along the banks of the Hooghly River, which is a significant waterway in West Bengal. The Hooghly River is a distributary of the Ganges, and it plays a crucial role in the city's history, economy, and culture. Kohima, on the other hand, is a city in Nagaland and is not situated along the Hooghly River.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. Kolkata is indeed situated along the banks of the Hooghly River.
Option B: Incorrect. Kohima is not situated along the Hooghly River.

Mnemonic: Hooghly for Kolkata, not Kohima.

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 East India Company's control over Bengal, leading to significant political and economic changes in the region.

How did the British East India Company gain control over the Diwani of Bengal?

The British East India Company obtained the Diwani of Bengal through the Treaty of Allahabad in 1765, which allowed them to collect revenue and administer the region.

What role did the Anushilan Samiti play in the Indian nationalist movement?

The Anushilan Samiti was a revolutionary organization that played a significant role in the Indian nationalist movement by advocating for independence through armed struggle.

How did jute cultivation and textile mills impact West Bengal's economy?

Jute cultivation and the establishment of jute textile mills in West Bengal significantly boosted the region's economy, making it a major industrial center in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

What was the primary reason for Lord Curzon's decision to partition Bengal?

Lord Curzon partitioned Bengal in 1905 primarily for administrative convenience, but the move was also aimed at dividing the region's nationalist movement.

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