States PCS: West Bengal GK Questions for WBPSC Examinations
For all West Bengal Public Service Commission (WBPSC) exams including WBCS, JE, AE, and other state-level competitive examinations.
1. Which of the following rivers originates in Bhutan and flows through India and Bangladesh before merging with the Brahmaputra River?
[A] Dharla River
[B] Ganges River
[C] Dudhkumar River
[D] Teesta River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dudhkumar River]
Notes:
The Dudhkumar River, approximately 370 kilometers long, originates in Bhutan and flows through India and Bangladesh, ultimately draining into the Brahmaputra River. This river is significant as it traverses diverse ecosystems and supports local agriculture. The Dharla River, while also flowing through the region, does not originate in Bhutan. The Teesta River is another important river in the area, known for its hydropower potential.
2. Which river forms a boundary between Odisha and West Bengal?
[A] Mahanadi
[B] Rushikulya
[C] Subarnarekha
[D] Godavari
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Subarnarekha]
Notes:
Subarnarekha river forms a boundary between West Bengal and Odisha. It flows over the district of Mayurbhanj and Balasore.
3. What was the major innovation during Chalcolithic culture?
[A] Bronze
[B] Steel
[C] Copper
[D] Aluminum
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Copper]
Notes:
The first metal to be used at the end of the Neolithic period was copper which was used in addition to stone by several cultures. The cultures to use stone and copper implements were known as Chalcolithic which means stone-copper phase.
4. Who established Varman dynasty?
[A] Pushyavarman
[B] Samudravarman
[C] Kalyanavarman
[D] Mahendravarman
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Pushyavarman]
Notes:
Pushyavarman (350–374) established the Varman Dynasty, by fighting many enemies from within and without his kingdom; but his son Samudravarman (374–398), named after Samudragupta, was accepted as an overlord by many local rulers.
5. Which book was a bibliography of King Ashoka?
[A] Ashokavandana
[B] Mahavamsa
[C] Divyavandana
[D] Both (a) & (b)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Both (a) & (b)]
Notes:
Beyond the Edicts of Ashoka, biographical information about him relies on legends written centuries later, such as the 2nd-century CE Ashokavadana (“Narrative of Ashoka”, a part of the Divyavadana), and in the Sri Lankan text Mahavamsa (“Great Chronicle”).
6. What was the type of language used in Charyapada?
[A] Dusk language
[B] Dawn language
[C] Assamese language
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Dusk language ]
Notes:
The manuscript was discovered on a palm leaf in the Nepal Royal Court Library in 1907 by the Bengali linguist Haraprasad Shastri. Due to the language of these manuscripts only being partially understood, they were classified by Shastri with the name Sandhya Bhasha, meaning dusk language.
7. During which period the use of masks started?
[A] Upper Palaeolithic Age
[B] Middle Palaeolithic Age
[C] Neolithic Age
[D] None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Upper Palaeolithic Age ]
Notes:
Of prime importance and interest is the beginning of the basic techniques of drawing, modelling, sculpture, and painting, as well as the earliest manifestations of dancing, music, the use of masks, ceremonies, and the organization of society into patterns that were apparently fairly complex.
8. Who were the landlords in Rohitagiri before 10th Century?
[A] Purnachandra
[B] Suvarnachandra
[C] Trailokyachandra
[D] Both (a) & (b)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Both (a) & (b)]
Notes:
Purnachandra and Suvarnachandra, were landlords in Rohitagiri (possibly Lalmai region), as vassals of the Harikela rulers. It was Trailokyachandra (c 900-930 AD), son of Suvarnachandra, who was the first independent ruler of the dynasty.
9. Who wrote Brahmagupta?
[A] Al-Biruni
[B] Al-Mirza
[C] Al-Sadr
[D] Al-Quidi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Al-Biruni]
Notes:
Emperor Shalivahana, grandson of legendary emperor Vikramaditya defeated the Shakas in 78 CE, and the Shaka era marks the day of this conquest. This legend has been mentioned in the writings of Brahmagupta (7th century CE), Al-Biruni (973-1048 CE), and others.
10. What was Maharana Pratap’s kingdom in?
[A] Jessore
[B] Coochbehar
[C] Murshidabad
[D] Birbhum
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jessore]
Notes:
Apart from the Afghan rule, several Hindu kings also ruled the region.
Maharaja Pratap Aditya (1561-1611 CE) ruled in Jessore.
