West Bengal GK in English. Boost your general knowledge for government exams with this quiz on West Bengal’s state symbols, key figures, and cultural facts. Essential for UPSC, SSC, and state exams.
1. When was the state of West Bengal established? A) 1950 B) 1947 C) 1956 D) 1948
Answer: B)1947
Explanation: The state of West Bengal was established on August 15, 1947, following the partition of India, which led to the creation of the state of West Bengal in India and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
2. Who founded the Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan? A) Mahatma Gandhi B) Subhas Chandra Bose C) Rabindranath Tagore D) Swami Vivekananda
Answer: C) Rabindranath Tagore
Explanation: Rabindranath Tagore founded Visva-Bharati University in 1921 at Santiniketan. It was envisioned as a center for cultural exchange and learning that transcended geographic boundaries.
3. When and in which state was Rabindranath Tagore born? A) 1861, West Bengal B) 1871, Bihar C) 1857, Maharashtra D) 1865, Gujarat
Answer: A) 1861, West Bengal
Explanation: Rabindranath Tagore was born on May 7, 1861, in the city of Calcutta (now Kolkata), which is in the state of West Bengal.
4. For which famous work was Rabindranath Tagore awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature? A) Gitanjali B) Ghare-Baire C) Chokher Bali D) Shesher Kobita
Answer: A) Gitanjali
Explanation: Rabindranath Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his work “Gitanjali,” a collection of poems that was highly praised for its spiritual and lyrical quality.
5. Who founded the Ramakrishna Mission on May 1, 1897? A) Swami Vivekananda B) Swami Ramakrishnananda C) Swami Sivananda D) Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
Answer: A) Swami Vivekananda
Explanation: Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission on May 1, 1897, to propagate the teachings of his guru, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, and to engage in social service.
6. Where was Swami Vivekananda born in Kolkata? A) Burrabazar B) Shyambazar C) Belur D) 3 Gourmohan Mukherjee Street
Answer: D) 3 Gourmohan Mukherjee Street
Explanation: Swami Vivekananda was born at 3 Gourmohan Mukherjee Street in Kolkata. This is where his ancestral home was located. The house is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.
7. Where was Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay born? A) Naihati, West Bengal B) Kolkata, West Bengal C) Kharagpur, West Bengal D) Howrah, West Bengal
Answer: A) Naihati, West Bengal
Explanation: Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was born on June 27, 1838, in Naihati, which is located in the state of West Bengal.
8. From where is the national song “Vande Mataram” taken? A) Gitanjali B) Anandamath C) Meghnad Badh Kavya D) Durgeshnandini
Answer: B) Anandamath
Explanation: The national song “Vande Mataram” is taken from the novel “Anandamath,” written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. It played a significant role in the Indian independence movement.
9. Who sang the song “Vande Mataram” in the novel “Anandamath”? A) Jivanand B) Mahendra C) Bhavananda D) Kalyani
Answer: C) Bhavananda
Explanation: In the novel “Anandamath,” the character Bhavananda sings the song “Vande Mataram” to inspire others to fight for the freedom of their motherland.
10. Who is referred to as the “Herald of the Indian Renaissance” and the “Father of Modern India”? A) Raja Ram Mohan Roy B) Rabindranath Tagore C) Swami Vivekananda D) Mahatma Gandhi
Answer: A) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Explanation: Raja Ram Mohan Roy is referred to as the “Herald of the Indian Renaissance” and the “Father of Modern India” for his efforts in social and educational reform in India.
West Bengal General Knowledge
11. Where was Raja Ram Mohan Roy born? A) Radhanagar, West Bengal B) Kolkata, West Bengal C) Mumbai, Maharashtra D) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Answer: A) Radhanagar, West Bengal
Explanation: Raja Ram Mohan Roy was born on May 22, 1772, in the village of Radhanagar in West Bengal.
12. Who founded the Brahmo Samaj? A) Keshab Chandra Sen B) Raja Ram Mohan Roy C) Debendranath Tagore D) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
Answer: B) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Explanation: Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj in 1828 to reform and modernize Hinduism by opposing idolatry and promoting monotheism.
13. In which language did Raja Ram Mohan Roy publish “Mirat-ul-Akbar”? A) Bengali B) Hindi C) Persian D) Urdu
Answer: C) Persian
Explanation: “Mirat-ul-Akbar” was a Persian language newspaper published by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1822, advocating social reforms and modernization.
14. Who was the leader of the Young Bengal Movement? A) Henry Louis Vivian Derozio B) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar C) Raja Ram Mohan Roy D) Swami Vivekananda
Answer: A) Henry Louis Vivian Derozio
Explanation: Henry Louis Vivian Derozio was the leader of the Young Bengal Movement, a group of radical Bengali intellectuals who promoted free thinking and social reform in the early 19th century.
15. Who was the editor of the “Samvad Kaumudi” newspaper? A) Raja Ram Mohan Roy B) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar C) Keshab Chandra Sen D) Rabindranath Tagore
Answer: A) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Explanation: Raja Ram Mohan Roy was the editor of the “Samvad Kaumudi,” a weekly newspaper published in Bengali that focused on social reforms and criticism of orthodox Hindu practices.
16. The Tattvabodhini Sabha, Tattvabodhini Patrika, and Tattva Ranjani Sabha are associated with whom? A) Swami Vivekananda B) Debendranath Tagore C) Rabindranath Tagore D) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Answer: B) Debendranath Tagore
Explanation: Debendranath Tagore, the father of Rabindranath Tagore, was associated with these organizations, which played a crucial role in the promotion of religious and social reforms in Bengal.
17. What was the original name of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa? A) Gadadhar Chattopadhyay B) Narendranath Datta C) Vishwanath Datta D) Mohan Chattopadhyay
Answer: A) Gadadhar Chattopadhyay
Explanation: The original name of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was Gadadhar Chattopadhyay. He was a revered Indian mystic and saint who was the guru of Swami Vivekananda.
18. Where is the Victoria Memorial Hall located? A) New Delhi B) Kolkata C) Mumbai D) Chennai
Answer: B) Kolkata
Explanation: The Victoria Memorial Hall is located in Kolkata, West Bengal. It was built between 1906 and 1921 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s reign in India.
19. When did the Government of India issue a postage stamp in memory of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar? A) 1952 B) 1969 C) 1970 D) 1977
Answer: C) 1970
Explanation: The Government of India issued a postage stamp in memory of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar on September 26, 1970.
20. When and where was the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport established? A) 1962, Delhi B) 1924, Kolkata C) 1955, Mumbai D) 1980, Chennai
Answer: B) 1924, Kolkata
Explanation: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport was established in 1924 in Kolkata. It was initially known as Dum Dum Airport and was later renamed in honor of the Indian freedom fighter, Subhas Chandra Bose.
West Bengal GK in English
21. When was the Kolkata High Court established? A) 1862 B) 1858 C) 1875 D) 1892
Answer: A) 1862
Explanation: The Kolkata High Court was established on July 1, 1862. It is the oldest High Court in India and was established under the Indian High Courts Act 1861.
22. Who was the first Chief Justice of the Kolkata High Court? A) Sir Elijah Impey B) Sir Barnes Peacock C) Sir John Peter Grant D) Sir Richard Couch
Answer: B) Sir Barnes Peacock
Explanation: Sir Barnes Peacock was the first Chief Justice of the Kolkata High Court, serving from 1862 to 1870. He played a significant role in the early years of the Indian judicial system.
23. Who is the first female Chief Justice of the Kolkata High Court? A) Leila Seth B) Manjula Chellur C) Gyan Sudha Misra D) Indira Banerjee
Answer: B) Manjula Chellur
Explanation: Justice Manjula Chellur was the first woman Chief Justice of the Kolkata High Court. She assumed office on August 5, 2014.
24. When was the All India Trinamool Congress formed? A) 1995 B) 1998 C) 2000 D) 2001
Answer: B) 1998
Explanation: The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) was formed by Mamata Banerjee on January 1, 1998 after breaking away from the Indian National Congress. It has since become a major political party in West Bengal.
25. Who was the first female Governor of West Bengal? A) Sarojini Naidu B) Padmaja Naidu C) Jyotsna Suri D) Sharda Mukherjee
Answer: B) Padmaja Naidu
Explanation: Padmaja Naidu was the first female Governor of West Bengal, serving from 1956 to 1967. She was also the daughter of Sarojini Naidu, a prominent freedom fighter.
26. Who was the first Governor of the state of West Bengal? A) Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari B) John Arthur Herbert C) Harendra Coomar Mookerjee D) Kailash Nath Katju
Answer: A) Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari
Explanation: C. Rajagopalachari was the first Governor of West Bengal. He held this position from August 15, 1947, to June 21, 1948.
27. Who was the first British Governor-General of Bengal? A) Robert Clive B) Warren Hastings C) Lord Wellesley D) Lord Cornwallis
Answer: B) Warren Hastings
Explanation: Warren Hastings was the first British Governor-General of Bengal, serving from 1773 to 1785. He played a crucial role in establishing British rule in India.
28. Who is the composer of India’s national anthem “Jana Gana Mana”? A) Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay B) Rabindranath Tagore C) Subhas Chandra Bose D) Mahatma Gandhi
Answer: B) Rabindranath Tagore
Explanation: Rabindranath Tagore composed India’s national anthem “Jana Gana Mana.” It was first sung at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress on December 27, 1911.
29. In which year was Rabindranath Tagore awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his famous collection “Gitanjali”? A) 1913 B) 1915 C) 1920 D) 1925
Answer: A) 1913
Explanation: Rabindranath Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his collection of poems “Gitanjali.” He was the first non-European to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.
30. The decision to partition Bengal was announced on July 19, 1905, by which then Viceroy of India? A) Lord Curzon B) Lord Hardinge C) Lord Ripon D) Lord Minto
Answer: A) Lord Curzon
Explanation: The partition of Bengal was announced by Lord Curzon on July 19, 1905, as part of a plan to divide the province into East Bengal and West Bengal. The decision sparked widespread protests and was later revoked in 1911.
West Bengal GK Questions
31. When did the Komagata Maru incident occur at the port of Kolkata? A) 1914 B) 1920 C) 1918 D) 1925
Answer: A) 1914
Explanation: The Komagata Maru incident occurred in 1914 when a ship carrying Indian passengers was denied entry into Canada and subsequently returned to Kolkata. The passengers faced harsh treatment upon arrival, leading to a tragic confrontation.
32. Which is the longest river in West Bengal? A) Hooghly River B) Ganga River C) Damodar River D) Teesta River
Answer: C) Damodar River
Explanation: The Damodar River is indeed the longest river entirely within the state of West Bengal. It is often referred to as the “Sorrow of Bengal” due to the devastating floods it caused in the past.
33. Which is the highest mountain peak in West Bengal? A) Phalut B) Sandakphu C) Tiger Hill D) Singalila Peak
Answer: B) Sandakphu
Explanation: Sandakphu, located in the Singalila Ridge of the Darjeeling district, is the highest peak in West Bengal, standing at an altitude of 3,636 meters (11,929 feet).
34. Where is the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission located? A) Varanasi B) Chennai C) Belur Math D) Puri
Answer: C) Belur Math
Explanation: The headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission is located at Belur Math, in Howrah, West Bengal. It was established by Swami Vivekananda.
35. Where is the Victoria Memorial Hall located? A) New Delhi B) Kolkata C) Mumbai D) Chennai
Answer: B) Kolkata
Explanation: The Victoria Memorial Hall is located in Kolkata, West Bengal. It was built in memory of Queen Victoria and is one of the most prominent landmarks of the city.
36. Where is the Sundarbans National Park located? A) North Bengal B) South Bengal C) East Bengal D) West Bengal
Answer: B) South Bengal
Explanation: The Sundarbans National Park is located in the southern part of West Bengal, in the Sundarbans delta region. It is known for its mangrove forests and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
37. Which are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in West Bengal? A) Sundarbans and Victoria Memorial B) Sundarbans and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway C) Darjeeling Tea Gardens and Howrah Bridge D) Sundarbans and Hazarduari Palace
Answer: B) Sundarbans and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
Explanation: The Sundarbans and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway are the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in West Bengal. The Sundarbans is famous for its mangroves, and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a historic narrow-gauge railway.
38. In which part of India is the state of West Bengal located? A) North B) South C) East D) West
Answer: C) East
Explanation: West Bengal is located in the eastern part of India, bordered by Bangladesh to the east, and the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Sikkim, and Assam.
39. The Hooghly River is a tributary of which river? A) Brahmaputra River B) Yamuna River C) Ganga River D) Teesta River
Answer: C) Ganga River
Explanation: The Hooghly River is a distributary of the Ganga River. It branches off from the Ganga River and flows through Kolkata before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
40. Besides West Bengal, in which other state does the Damodar River flow? A) Bihar B) Jharkhand C) Odisha D) Chhattisgarh
Answer: B) Jharkhand
Explanation: The Damodar River flows through the states of Jharkhand and West Bengal. It is often referred to as the “Sorrow of Bengal” due to its frequent flooding.
West Bengal GK Questions
41. Which is the largest bay in India? A) Gulf of Mannar B) Bay of Bengal C) Arabian Sea D) Gulf of Kutch
Answer: B) Bay of Bengal
Explanation: The Bay of Bengal is the largest bay in India and the world. It lies to the east of India and is bordered by India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.
42. Over which river is the Vidyasagar Setu located in West Bengal? A) Ganga River B) Hooghly River C) Damodar River D) Teesta River
Answer: B) Hooghly River
Explanation: The Vidyasagar Setu, also known as the Second Hooghly Bridge, is located over the Hooghly River in Kolkata. It is one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in India.
43. Where was Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, one of the pillars of Bengal Renaissance, born? A) Kolkata B) Konnagar C) Birsingha D) Chinsurah
Answer: C) Birsingha
Explanation: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was born in the village of Birsingha, in the Midnapore district of West Bengal. He was a key figure in the Bengal Renaissance and a prominent social reformer.
44. Which is the largest district in the state of West Bengal? A) Kolkata B) North 24 Parganas C) South 24 Parganas D) Murshidabad
Answer: C) South 24 Parganas
Explanation: South 24 Parganas is the largest district in West Bengal in terms of area. It is known for the Sundarbans mangrove forests.
45. What is the length of the Hooghly River? A) 200 km B) 260 km C) 315 km D) 150 km
Answer: B) 260 km
Explanation: The Hooghly River is approximately 260 kilometers long, and it is one of the major rivers in West Bengal, flowing through Kolkata and Howrah.
46. When did the Damodar Valley Corporation come into existence? A) 1947 B) 1950 C) 1948 D) 1952
Answer: C) 1948
Explanation: The Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) was established on July 7, 1948 as a multipurpose river valley project, with the aim of controlling floods, providing irrigation, and generating hydroelectric power.
47. When was the Gorumara National Park in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, declared? A) 1992 B) 1980 C) 1994 D) 2000
Answer: C) 1994
Explanation: Gorumara National Park, located in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, was declared a national park in 1994. It is known for its population of Indian rhinoceroses.
48. How many national parks are there in West Bengal? A) 5 B) 6 C) 7 D) 8
Answer: B) 6
Explanation: West Bengal has six national parks, including Sundarbans National Park, Gorumara National Park, Neora Valley National Park, Singalila National Park, Jaldapara National Park, and Buxa National Park.
49. In which year was the Durgapur Steel Plant established? A) 1955 B) 1960 C) 1965 D) 1970
Answer: A) 1955
Explanation: The Durgapur Steel Plant was established in 1955 as part of India’s second Five-Year Plan. It was set up with the assistance of the United Kingdom.
50. Where is the world’s largest delta located? A) Amazon Delta B) Mekong Delta C) Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta D) Mississippi Delta
Answer: C) Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta
Explanation: The Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta, also known as the Sundarbans Delta, is the world’s largest delta. It is located in the region where the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers meet before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
West Bengal GK Questions
51. What is the state flower of West Bengal? A) Night-flowering jasmine B) Lotus C) Rose D) Sunflower
Answer: A) Night-flowering jasmine
Explanation: The state flower of West Bengal is the Night-flowering jasmine, commonly known as Shiuli or Shephali. It’s known for its delicate fragrance and is often associated with the autumn season and Durga Puja celebrations.
52. What is the state bird of West Bengal? A) Peacock B) White-throated Kingfisher C) House Sparrow D) Indian Roller
Answer: B) White-throated Kingfisher
Explanation: The White-throated Kingfisher is the state bird of West Bengal, known for its bright blue wings and white throat.
53. What is the state animal of West Bengal? A) Fishing Cat B) Bengal Tiger C) Indian Elephant D) Indian Leopard
Answer: A) Fishing Cat
Explanation: The Fishing Cat is the state animal of West Bengal. This wild cat species is found in the wetlands of the state.
54. What is the state tree of West Bengal? A) Banyan Tree B) Chatim Tree C) Mango Tree D) Neem Tree
Answer: B) Chatim Tree
Explanation: The Chatim Tree is the state tree of West Bengal. It is often found in educational institutions and is considered sacred.
55. What is the state sport of West Bengal? A) Cricket B) Hockey C) Kabaddi D) Football
Answer: D) Football
Explanation: Football is the state sport of West Bengal. The state has a rich history and culture surrounding the sport, with Kolkata being a major hub for football in India.
56. Who was the first Chief Minister of West Bengal? A) Prafulla Chandra Ghosh B) Bidhan Chandra Roy C) Jyoti Basu D) Siddhartha Shankar Ray
Answer: A) Prafulla Chandra Ghosh
Explanation: Prafulla Chandra Ghosh was the first Chief Minister of West Bengal, serving from 1947 to 1948.
57. What is the official language of West Bengal? A) Bengali B) Hindi C) English D) Urdu
Answer: A) Bengali
Explanation: Bengali is the official language of West Bengal, spoken by the majority of the population.
58. What is the staple food of West Bengal? A) Rice and Fish B) Roti and Vegetables C) Dal and Rice D) Bread and Eggs
Answer: A) Rice and Fish
Explanation: Rice and Fish are the staple foods of West Bengal, with fish being a central part of the Bengali diet.
59. What is the most popular festival in West Bengal? A) Diwali B) Durga Puja C) Holi D) Makar Sankranti
Answer: B) Durga Puja
Explanation: Durga Puja is the most popular and widely celebrated festival in West Bengal, dedicated to the goddess Durga.
60. Which is the most famous fair held in West Bengal? A) Kolkata Book Fair B) Poush Mela C) Ganga Sagar Mela D) Rath Yatra
Answer: C) Ganga Sagar Mela
Explanation: Ganga Sagar Mela is the most famous fair held in West Bengal, where pilgrims gather at the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal.
West Bengal GK Questions in English
61. When was the famous Bengali novelist Bankim Chandra Chatterjee born? A) 1828 B) 1838 C) 1848 D) 1858
Answer: B) 1838
Explanation: Bankim Chandra Chatterjee was born on June 27, 1838. He is one of the most celebrated novelists in Bengali literature.
62. What was the first published work of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee? A) Rajmohan’s Wife B) Durgeshnandini C) Anandamath D) Kapalkundala
Answer: A) Rajmohan’s Wife
Explanation: Rajmohan’s Wife was the first published work of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. It was written in English before he turned to writing in Bengali.
63. In which novel of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee is the Sannyasi Rebellion of 1773 in North Bengal described? A) Kapalkundala B) Devi Chaudhurani C) Durgeshnandini D) Anandamath
Answer: D) Anandamath
Explanation: Anandamath is the novel by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee that describes the Sannyasi Rebellion of 1773. It is also the book where the song “Vande Mataram” first appeared.
