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West Bengal Gk Quiz 8 (20 MCQs)

This set of multiple-choice questions evaluates knowledge of the Bhakti Movement, Krishna Cult, Bengal saints, British land revenue systems, and Cornwallis reforms. It also covers cultural heritage, regional cuisine, traditional sweets, current political leadership, state governance, and festival significance in West Bengal. Questions include historical events, rebellion leaders, geographical features, and industrial cities.

Quiz Instructions

Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.

1. Rosogulla is famous dish of .....

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, Indian Culture Exams, Regional Cuisine Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Rosogolla is a traditional Bengali sweet dish, famous for its soft and spongy texture.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse Rosogolla with other regional sweets, such as Gulab Jamun, which is more commonly associated with Punjab.

Explanations: Rosogolla is a traditional sweet dish that originated in Bengal. It is made from chhena (cottage cheese) and is soaked in a sugar syrup. The dish is widely recognized and celebrated in West Bengal and is an integral part of Bengali cuisine.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Punjab is known for its own traditional sweets, but Rosogolla is not one of them.
Option B: Bengal is the correct answer as Rosogolla is a traditional Bengali sweet.

2. IN 1710, A TERRIBLE FAMINE TOOK PLACE IN WHICH PLACE?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The question pertains to a significant historical event in the region of Bengal, which is now part of West Bengal and Bangladesh.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the location of the famine with other regions in India, such as Bihar, which has also experienced famines.

Explanations: In 1710, a severe famine occurred in the region of Bengal, which was then under the rule of the Mughal Empire. This famine had a devastating impact on the population and economy of the region. The correct answer is BENGAL, as the question specifically asks about the location of the famine in 1710.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Bihar did not experience a major famine in 1710.
Option B: Bengal experienced a severe famine in 1710.

3. Which saint and reformer of Bengal who popularized the Krishna Cult?

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Chaitanya, also known as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, was a prominent saint and reformer who popularized the Krishna Cult in Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Chaitanya with other saints and reformers such as Vallabhacharya, Madhava, or Nimbarka, who were also influential but in different regions or contexts.

Explanations: Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was a key figure in the Bhakti movement in Bengal. He emphasized devotion to Lord Krishna and popularized the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra. His teachings and practices significantly influenced the Krishna Cult in Bengal, making him the correct answer.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Vallabhacharya was a prominent Vaishnava saint and philosopher, but he was not primarily associated with Bengal. He founded the Pushti sect in Gujarat.
Option B: Madhava, also known as Madhvacharya, was a philosopher and the founder of the Dvaita school of Vedanta. He was not specifically associated with Bengal or the Krishna Cult.
Option C: Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was a prominent saint and reformer who popularized the Krishna Cult in Bengal. His teachings and practices significantly influenced the region.
Option D: Nimbarka was a Vaishnava philosopher and the founder of the Dvaitadvaita school of Vedanta. He was not specifically associated with Bengal or the Krishna Cult.

Mnemonic: C for Chaitanya, Cult, and Bengal.

4. Floor decoration in West Bengal is called

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal PSC, WBCS, WBSSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Alpona is a traditional floor decoration art form in West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Alpona with other art forms or cultural practices.

Explanations: Alpona is a traditional folk art form in West Bengal, primarily used for floor decoration. It is created using rice paste and is often seen during festivals and special occasions. The other options, Avial and Saathiya, are not related to floor decoration in West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Alpona is the correct term for floor decoration in West Bengal.
Option B: Avial is a mixed vegetable dish in Bengali cuisine, not a form of decoration.
Option C: Saathiya is a folk dance form from Gujarat, not related to floor decoration in West Bengal.
Option D: This option is incorrect as Alpona is the correct answer.

5. In which city can we find the Great Banyan tree which is 200-250 years old?

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Great Banyan tree is located in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is one of the widest trees in the world and is estimated to be 200-250 years old.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing a different major city in India, such as Mumbai, Delhi, or Chennai, which are not home to the Great Banyan tree.

Explanations: The Great Banyan tree is a significant landmark located in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Kolkata, West Bengal. This tree is known for its extensive canopy and is one of the widest trees in the world. It is estimated to be 200-250 years old, making it a notable historical and botanical attraction in the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mumbai is not the location of the Great Banyan tree.
Option B: Delhi is not the location of the Great Banyan tree.
Option C: Chennai is not the location of the Great Banyan tree.
Option D: Kolkata is the correct location of the Great Banyan tree.

6. Which state started "Matir smritii " plan

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The "Matir Smriti" plan is a significant initiative in West Bengal aimed at improving the quality of life in rural areas.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing this plan with similar initiatives in other states.

Explanations: West Bengal initiated the "Matir Smriti" plan to enhance rural development and improve the living conditions of its rural population. This plan focuses on various aspects such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare, making it a comprehensive rural development initiative.

Option Analysis:

Option A: MP did not initiate the "Matir Smriti" plan.
Option B: UP did not initiate the "Matir Smriti" plan.
Option C: West Bengal initiated the "Matir Smriti" plan.
Option D: Andhra Pradesh did not initiate the "Matir Smriti" plan.

7. The Eastern Coastal Plain stretches from ..... to .....

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Geography Olympiad, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Eastern Coastal Plain is a geographical feature that extends along the eastern coast of India.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to assume the Eastern Coastal Plain starts from a different state, such as Andhra Pradesh or Gujarat.

Explanations: The Eastern Coastal Plain stretches from West Bengal in the north to Kanyakumari in the south. This geographical feature includes the coastal regions of several states, including West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The correct answer is West Bengal to Kanyakumari because it accurately represents the full extent of the Eastern Coastal Plain.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Eastern Coastal Plain extends from West Bengal to Kanyakumari.
Option B: Incorrect. This option omits the northern part of the plain, which includes West Bengal.
Option C: Incorrect. This option omits the northern part of the plain, which includes West Bengal, and starts from Gujarat, which is on the western coast.
Option D: Incorrect. This option omits the northern part of the plain, which includes West Bengal, and starts from Mumbai, which is on the western coast.

Mnemonic: East Coast, Bengal to Kanyakumari

8. Who is the CM of the state West bengal?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Mamta benerji.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, State PSC, Competitive Exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Mamata Banerjee is the current Chief Minister of West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing the Chief Minister of West Bengal with the Chief Ministers of other states.

Explanations: Mamata Banerjee has been the Chief Minister of West Bengal since 2011. She leads the Trinamool Congress party in the state.

Option Analysis:

Option A: KCR is the Chief Minister of Telangana, not West Bengal.
Option B: Yediyurappa is the Chief Minister of Karnataka, not West Bengal.
Option C: Mamta Banerjee is the correct Chief Minister of West Bengal.
Option D: Kedarnath is not a current Chief Minister of any state.

9. During the British period The Grand Trunk Road connected which 2 cities

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Kolkata (West Bengal) and Peshawar (Pakistan).

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Grand Trunk Road was a major road built by the British during their colonial rule in India. It connected important cities and facilitated trade and communication.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be choosing options that include other major cities like Mumbai or Amritsar, which were not the endpoints of the Grand Trunk Road.

Explanations: The Grand Trunk Road, during the British period, connected Kolkata (West Bengal) and Peshawar (Pakistan). This road was a significant transportation route that facilitated trade, military movement, and administrative control across the region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Mumbai and Islamabad are not the endpoints of the Grand Trunk Road.
Option B: Kolkata and Karachi are not the endpoints of the Grand Trunk Road.
Option C: Kolkata and Amritsar are not the endpoints of the Grand Trunk Road.
Option D: Kolkata and Peshawar are the correct endpoints of the Grand Trunk Road.

10. ..... is known as the City of Joy.

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, is often referred to as the "City of Joy."

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Kolkata with other major cities in India that have similar nicknames.

Explanations: Kolkata is known as the "City of Joy" due to its vibrant cultural scene, rich history, and the warm hospitality of its people. This nickname reflects the city's lively atmosphere and the joy that residents and visitors experience.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Patna is the capital of Bihar and is not known as the "City of Joy."
Option B: Kolkata is the correct answer as it is known as the "City of Joy."
Option C: Aizwal is the capital of Mizoram and is not known as the "City of Joy."
Option D: This option is incorrect as Kolkata is the correct answer.

11. Sundarban in

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Geography Olympiad, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The Sundarbans is a vast mangrove forest located in the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers in the Bay of Bengal. It is primarily situated in West Bengal, India, and also extends into Bangladesh.

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

Explanations: The Sundarbans is a significant geographical feature located in West Bengal, India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its unique ecosystem and biodiversity. The other options listed (Rajasthan, Western Ghats, and Gujarat) are not correct locations for the Sundarbans.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Rajasthan is a state in northwestern India and is not the location of the Sundarbans.
Option B: The Western Ghats is a mountain range along the western coast of India and is not the location of the Sundarbans.
Option C: West Bengal is the correct location for the Sundarbans.
Option D: Gujarat is a state in western India and is not the location of the Sundarbans.

12. Which is not a Bengali sweet?

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, Indian culture exams, regional cuisine exams

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Shrikhand is a sweet dish that originates from the Indian state of Gujarat, not West Bengal. Shondesh, Mishti Doi, and other options are traditional Bengali sweets.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is assuming that all sweet dishes from India are Bengali, which is not the case.

Explanations: Shrikhand is a sweet dish made from strained yogurt, sugar, and flavored with cardamom, saffron, or other ingredients. It is a traditional Gujarati dessert and not native to West Bengal. Shondesh and Mishti Doi, on the other hand, are well-known Bengali sweets.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Shrikhand is not a Bengali sweet; it is a Gujarati sweet.
Option B: Shondesh is a traditional Bengali sweet made from fresh cheese and sugar.
Option C: Mishti Doi is a traditional Bengali sweet yogurt dessert.
Option D: This option is incorrect as Shrikhand is not a Bengali sweet.

13. Who attacked a British officer near Calcutta(now Kolkata)?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Mangal Pandey.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Mangal Pandey is known for his role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, particularly for attacking a British officer near Calcutta (now Kolkata).

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing Mangal Pandey with other leaders of the Indian Rebellion, such as Rani Laxmi Bai or Nana Sahib.

Explanations: Mangal Pandey is historically recognized for his attack on a British officer near Calcutta, which is considered one of the early acts of defiance against British rule. This event is significant in the context of West Bengal's history and the broader Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Rani Laxmi Bai was a prominent leader in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, but she was not associated with the attack near Calcutta.
Option B: Nana Sahib was another leader in the rebellion, but he was not involved in the attack near Calcutta.
Option C: Mangal Pandey is correctly identified as the individual who attacked a British officer near Calcutta.
Option D: Tantia Tope was a key figure in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, but he was not involved in the attack near Calcutta.

14. Kolkata's important Festival is/are

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

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

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Durga Puja is a significant festival celebrated in Kolkata, West Bengal.

Common Mistakes: One might mistakenly think that Diwali or Christmas is the most important festival in Kolkata.

Explanations: Durga Puja is the most important festival in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is a major cultural and religious event celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. The festival commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Diwali is an important festival but not the most significant in Kolkata.
Option B: Christmas is celebrated but not as widely or significantly as Durga Puja in Kolkata.
Option C: Durga Puja is the most important festival in Kolkata.
Option D: This option is incorrect as Durga Puja is indeed an important festival in Kolkata.

15. Name the second most widely spoken of the 22 scheduled languages of India?

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, WBCS, SSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The 22 scheduled languages of India are officially recognized by the Indian Constitution. Among these, Bengali is the second most widely spoken language.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is to confuse the ranking of the languages based on their prevalence. For example, some might incorrectly assume that Telugu or Urdu is the second most widely spoken language.

Explanations: Bengali is the second most widely spoken of the 22 scheduled languages of India. This is based on the number of speakers and the official recognition provided by the Indian Constitution. The ranking of languages is determined by the number of native speakers and the geographical spread of the language.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Telugu is the third most widely spoken scheduled language in India, not the second.
Option B: Hindi is the most widely spoken scheduled language in India, not the second.
Option C: Bengali is the second most widely spoken scheduled language in India.
Option D: Urdu is the fourth most widely spoken scheduled language in India, not the second.

16. Kolkata is the capital city of West Bengal.

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

Exam Relevance: UPSC, WBCS, SSC, Bank PO

Difficulty: Very Easy

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

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Kolkata with other major cities in India, such as Delhi or Mumbai.

Explanations: Kolkata is the capital city of West Bengal, which is a state in eastern India. This is a well-established fact in the geography and general knowledge of West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct, as Kolkata is indeed the capital city of West Bengal.
Option B: Incorrect, as the statement is true.

Mnemonic: Kolkata, Capital, West Bengal

17. Which modern service structure of French cuisine does Bengali cuisine follow?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Service a la russe style.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, Indian Cuisine Exams, Cultural Studies Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Service a la russe style is a modern service structure where each dish is served in a separate course, allowing diners to enjoy each dish individually without mixing flavors.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the different service styles, such as Service a la russe with Service a la francaise, which involves serving all dishes at once.

Explanations: Bengali cuisine follows the Service a la russe style, which is characterized by serving each dish separately. This allows for a more refined dining experience, where each course can be savored individually without the flavors blending together. This modern service structure is widely adopted in French cuisine and is also prevalent in Bengali cuisine.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Service a la croissan style is not a recognized service style in French cuisine.
Option B: Service a la russe style is the correct answer as it is the modern service structure followed in Bengali cuisine.
Option C: Service a la machalon style is not a recognized service style in French cuisine.
Option D: Service a la jean machal style is not a recognized service style in French cuisine.

18. Favourite sweets of West Bengal

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

Exam Relevance: West Bengal GK, UPSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: Sandesh is a popular sweet from West Bengal, made primarily from fresh cheese (chhena) and sugar.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Sandesh with other popular sweets from different regions, such as Pav Bhaji, which is a savory dish from Mumbai.

Explanations: Sandesh is a traditional sweet of West Bengal, known for its soft texture and sweet taste. It is made from fresh cheese (chhena) and sugar, often flavored with cardamom or saffron. This makes it a favorite among the people of West Bengal.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Pav bhaji is a popular street food from Mumbai, not a sweet from West Bengal.
Option B: Sandesh is a traditional sweet from West Bengal, made from fresh cheese and sugar.

19. This city is famous for its jute, textile, chemical and paper industries

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

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Kolkata is known for its significant industrial presence, particularly in jute, textile, chemical, and paper industries.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake could be confusing Kolkata with other industrial cities in India, such as Chennai, which has a different industrial focus.

Explanations: Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, has a long-standing reputation for its industrial base. The city is particularly famous for its jute mills, which have been a significant part of its economy. Additionally, Kolkata has a robust textile industry, chemical manufacturing, and paper production facilities. These industries have historically contributed significantly to the city's economic growth and development.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kolkata is the correct answer as it is renowned for its jute, textile, chemical, and paper industries.
Option B: Chennai, while an important industrial city, is not known for the same set of industries as Kolkata.

Mnemonic: JTPC - Jute, Textile, Paper, Chemical (Kolkata)

20. Cornwallis introduced the ..... of land revenue in Bengal and other parts of India.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) Permanent Settlement.

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Permanent Settlement was introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 in Bengal and other parts of India. It established a fixed land revenue system where zamindars were given the right to collect rent from peasants and pay a fixed amount to the British East India Company.

Common Mistakes: A common mistake is confusing the Permanent Settlement with other administrative measures introduced by the British, such as the Subsidiary Alliance or the Doctrine of Lapse.

Explanations: Lord Cornwallis introduced the Permanent Settlement in 1793, which established a fixed land revenue system in Bengal and other parts of India. Under this system, zamindars were granted the right to collect rent from peasants and pay a fixed amount to the British East India Company. This system was designed to ensure a stable and predictable revenue for the British.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Correct. The Permanent Settlement was introduced by Cornwallis in 1793.
Option B: Incorrect. The Subsidiary Alliance was introduced by Lord Wellesley, not Cornwallis.
Option C: Incorrect. The Doctrine of Lapse was introduced by Lord Dalhousie, not Cornwallis.
Option D: Incorrect. Local Self Government was not introduced by Cornwallis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in West Bengal?

The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden is a major botanical garden located in Shibpur, Howrah, and is known for its diverse collection of plants and the Great Banyan tree, one of the largest trees in the world.

How did British colonial rule impact West Bengal?

British colonial rule in West Bengal led to significant changes in the region's economy, culture, and social structure, including the establishment of Kolkata as a major urban center and the introduction of modern education systems.

What is the role of the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal's politics?

The Trinamool Congress is a major political party in West Bengal, currently led by Mamata Banerjee, who has been the Chief Minister of the state since 2011, focusing on state initiatives and rural development.

What is the significance of the Bhakti Movement in West Bengal?

The Bhakti Movement, led by figures like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, played a crucial role in shaping the religious and cultural landscape of West Bengal, promoting devotion and the Krishna Cult.

What is the importance of the Grand Trunk Road in West Bengal's history?

The Grand Trunk Road, which runs from Kolkata to Peshawar, has been a significant trade and communication route in West Bengal, connecting the region to other parts of the

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