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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.