Answer: (C) Krishnanagar

Explanation

The Tropic of Cancer (23°30′ N latitude) passes through the Nadia district of West Bengal. Krishnanagar, the district headquarters of Nadia, is the city located closest to the Tropic of Cancer among the given options.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Krishnanagar
• Tropic of Cancer: 23°30′ North Latitude (23½° N)
• States through which the Tropic of Cancer passes in India (West to East):
  • Gujarat
  • Rajasthan
  • Madhya Pradesh
  • Chhattisgarh
  • Jharkhand
  • West Bengal
  • Tripura
  • Mizoram
• Districts of West Bengal through which the Tropic of Cancer passes:
  • Purulia
  • Bankura
  • Purba Bardhaman
  • Paschim Bardhaman
  • Nadia
• Krishnanagar is the headquarters of Nadia district, making it the closest city to the Tropic of Cancer among the options.

Answer: (A) Alipurduar district

Explanation

The Toto are one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of India. They are found almost exclusively in Totopara village of Alipurduar district in West Bengal, near the India–Bhutan border. They are one of the smallest and most isolated tribal communities in the country.

Exam Facts

• Correct Location: Totopara, Alipurduar district, West Bengal.
• Category: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) (formerly called Primitive Tribal Group (PTG)).
• Border: Totopara is located near the India–Bhutan border.
• Language: Toto, belonging to the Tibeto-Burman language family.
• PVTGs in West Bengal: Toto, Lodha (Lodha-Shabar), and Birhor.
• Lodha (Lodha-Shabar): Mainly found in Jhargram and Paschim Medinipur.
• Largest tribal community in West Bengal: Santhal.
• Tribal population in West Bengal (Census 2011): Approximately 5.8% of the state’s total population.

Answer: (A) Murshidabad

Explanation

Murshidabad is the leading centre of the silk industry in West Bengal and is renowned for the production of Mulberry Silk. The district has a long tradition of sericulture and silk weaving, making it one of India’s important silk-producing regions.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Murshidabad
• Famous for: Mulberry silk and sericulture.
• Major silk-producing districts of West Bengal: Murshidabad, Malda, Birbhum, Bankura, and Purulia.
• West Bengal is one of the leading silk-producing states in India.
• Types of silk produced in India: Mulberry, Tasar (Tussar), Eri, and Muga.
• Muga Silk: Produced mainly in Assam; it is exclusive to India.
• Tasar Silk: Mainly produced in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal.
• Central Silk Board (CSB): Established in 1948 under the Ministry of Textiles; Headquarters – Bengaluru.

Answer: (B) Frezerganj

Explanation

The first wind energy project in West Bengal was established at Frezerganj in the South 24 Parganas district. Located on the Bay of Bengal coast, the area has favourable wind conditions suitable for wind power generation.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Frezerganj
• Location: South 24 Parganas, West Bengal.
• Nearest tourist destination: Bakkhali.
• Type of renewable energy: Wind Energy.
• The project was developed by: West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency (WBREDA).
• Largest wind power-producing state in India: Tamil Nadu (traditionally; Gujarat and Karnataka are also major producers).
• Largest wind farm in India: Muppandal Wind Farm, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu.
• Major renewable energy sources in India: Solar, Wind, Hydropower, Biomass, and Small Hydro.

Answer: (B) Jalpaiguri

Explanation

Jalpaiguri town is situated on the banks of the Karala (Karola) River, a tributary of the Teesta River. The river flows through the heart of Jalpaiguri town and is an important geographical feature of the district.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Jalpaiguri
• River: Karala (Karola) River
• Karala River: A tributary of the Teesta River.
• District: Jalpaiguri, West Bengal.
• Teesta River Origin: Tso Lhamo (Chho Lhamo) Lake, North Sikkim.
• Teesta River flows through: Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh.
• Jalpaiguri is known as the “Gateway to the Dooars”.
• Dooars Region: Famous for tea gardens, forests, and wildlife sanctuaries such as Gorumara and Jaldapara National Parks.

Important West Bengal cities and rivers:

• Jalpaiguri → Karala River
• Kolkata → Hooghly River
• Berhampore (Baharampur) → Bhagirathi River
• Malda → Mahananda & Kalindi Rivers

Answer: (B) Only two

Explanation

Among the given pairs, Bankura – Sal and South 24 Parganas – Sundari are correctly matched. Pine trees occur naturally in the Darjeeling Himalayas, not in Cooch Behar, while Baobab is not a natural tree of Purba Medinipur.

Exam Facts

• Correctly matched pairs: Bankura – Sal and South 24 Parganas – Sundari.
• Sal (Shorea robusta): Dominant tree of the tropical moist and dry deciduous forests of western West Bengal (Bankura, Purulia, Jhargram, Paschim Medinipur).
• Sundari (Heritiera fomes): Characteristic mangrove tree of the Sundarbans; the name “Sundarbans” is derived from this tree.
• Pine forests in West Bengal are found mainly in the Darjeeling Himalayan region, not in Cooch Behar.
• Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1987).
• Baobab (Adansonia digitata) is an African-origin tree and is not part of the natural vegetation of Purba Medinipur.
• Natural vegetation zones of West Bengal: Mangrove forests (Sundarbans), Deciduous forests (western plateau), and Montane forests (Darjeeling Himalayas).

Answer: (B) Alipurduar district

Explanation

Jaldapara National Park is located in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, on the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas along the Torsa River. It is internationally famous for conserving the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and was declared a National Park in 2014 (earlier it was a Wildlife Sanctuary).

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Alipurduar district
• Established as Wildlife Sanctuary: 1941
• Declared National Park: 2014
• Famous for: Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)
• Major River: Torsa River flows through the park.
• Vegetation: Terai grasslands and moist deciduous forests.
• Other important fauna: Asian Elephant, Gaur, Leopard, Sambar, Hog Deer.
• Nearest town/railway station: Madarihat, Alipurduar district.

Important National Parks of West Bengal:

• Jaldapara → One-horned Rhinoceros
• Gorumara → Indian Gaur (Bison) & Rhinoceros
• Sundarbans → Royal Bengal Tiger (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Neora Valley → Red Panda
• Singalila → Red Panda & Sandakphu (highest peak of West Bengal)

Answer: (D) Manas Biosphere Reserve

Explanation

The Manas Biosphere Reserve is located in the state of Assam, along the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas on the India–Bhutan border. The other three—Singalila National Park, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, and Namthing Pokhari Biodiversity Heritage Site—are all located in West Bengal.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Manas Biosphere Reserve (Assam)
• Manas Biosphere Reserve: Located in Assam; also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Project Tiger Reserve, and Elephant Reserve.
• Singalila National Park: Located in Darjeeling district, West Bengal; famous for the Red Panda and Sandakphu, the highest peak of West Bengal.
• Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal; famous for Asian Elephants and Indian Gaur.
• Namthing Pokhari Biodiversity Heritage Site: Located in Kalimpong district, West Bengal.
• Namthing Pokhari is famous for the Himalayan Salamander (Tylototriton verrucosus), the only salamander found in India.
• Manas National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Answer: (C) Chhattisgarh

Explanation

Chhattisgarh does not share a boundary with West Bengal. West Bengal shares its interstate boundaries with Sikkim, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha, while it also has international borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Chhattisgarh
• States sharing boundary with West Bengal: Sikkim, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
• International neighbours of West Bengal: Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.
• **West Bengal is the only Indian state that extends from the Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south.
• Capital of West Bengal: Kolkata.
• Largest district (by area): South 24 Parganas.
• Highest peak of West Bengal: Sandakphu (3,636 m) in the Singalila Range.
• Longest river flowing through West Bengal: Ganga (known as Bhagirathi–Hooghly within the state after its bifurcation).

Answer: (A) 1967

Explanation

The West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. (WBIDC) was established in 1967 by the Government of West Bengal. It is the state’s principal agency for promoting industrial development by facilitating investments, developing industrial infrastructure, and supporting industrial projects.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: 1967
• WBIDC Full Form: West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation Limited.
• Established by: Government of West Bengal.
• Year of establishment: 1967.
• Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal.
• Main functions: Industrial promotion, investment facilitation, development of industrial parks and infrastructure, and support for MSMEs and large industries.
• Major industrial hubs promoted by WBIDC: Haldia, Kalyani, Rajarhat, Durgapur, and Panagarh.
• Nodal agency: WBIDC acts as a key agency for attracting domestic and foreign investment into West Bengal.

Answer: (D) NH-34 — Sevak–Gangtok

Explanation

NH-34 did not connect Sevak to Gangtok. Under the old National Highway numbering system, Sevak–Gangtok was NH-31A, while NH-34 connected Kolkata to Dalkhola in West Bengal.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: NH-34 — Sevak–Gangtok (Incorrect match).
• NH-2 (Old Number): Delhi–Kolkata (part of the historic Grand Trunk Road).
• NH-35 (Old Number): Barasat–Bangaon (Petrapole Border), West Bengal.
• NH-41 (Old Number): Kolaghat–Haldia, West Bengal.
• NH-31A (Old Number): Sevak–Gangtok, connecting West Bengal with Sikkim.
• India adopted a new National Highway numbering system in 2010; many old NH numbers have since changed.
• Petrapole on NH-35 is the largest land port between India and Bangladesh.

Answer: (A) Terai

Explanation

The Teesta River divides the northern plains of West Bengal into two distinct physiographic regions. The western part is known as the Terai, while the eastern part is called the Duars (Dooars). The Terai is characterized by marshy, waterlogged land at the foothills of the Himalayas.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Terai
• West of Teesta River: Terai
• East of Teesta River: Duars (Dooars)
• Terai: Marshy, poorly drained belt at the foothills of the Himalayas.
• Duars: Means “Doors” or “Gateways” to Bhutan; famous for tea gardens, forests, and wildlife.
• Teesta River Origin: Tso Lhamo (Chho Lhamo) Lake, North Sikkim.
• Teesta River flows through Sikkim, West Bengal, and Bangladesh before joining the Brahmaputra (Jamuna).
• Major National Parks in the Duars: Jaldapara National Park and Gorumara National Park.

Answer: (B) the Haldi River

Explanation

The Kasai (Kangsabati) and Keleghai rivers meet near Tamluk in Purba Medinipur district to form the Haldi River. The Haldi River then flows southward and joins the Hooghly River before entering the Bay of Bengal.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Haldi River
• Formed by the confluence of: Kasai (Kangsabati) and Keleghai rivers.
• Confluence location: Near Tamluk, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal.
• Haldi River joins: Hooghly River.
• Kasai River is another name for the Kangsabati River in its lower course.
• Kangsabati River Origin: Ajodhya Hills, Purulia district, West Bengal.
• Kangsabati Dam (Mukutmanipur Dam): Built across the Kangsabati River in Bankura district.
• Haldia Port is situated near the confluence of the Haldi and Hooghly rivers.

Answer: (B) Gorgaburu

Explanation

Gorgaburu is the highest peak of South Bengal, located in the Ajodhya Hills of Purulia district, West Bengal. It has an elevation of about 677 metres above sea level and forms part of the Chota Nagpur Plateau.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Gorgaburu
• Location: Ajodhya Hills, Purulia district, West Bengal
• Height: Approximately 677 m
• Physiographic region: Chota Nagpur Plateau (Rarh region)
• Highest peak of West Bengal: Sandakphu (3,636 m) in the Singalila Range, Darjeeling district.
• Biharinath Hill: Located in Bankura district; highest peak of Bankura, but not of South Bengal.
• Parasnath (Shikharji): Located in Jharkhand, not in West Bengal.
• Ajodhya Hills are famous for eco-tourism, Mayur Hill, Bamni Falls, and Marble Lake.

Answer: (D) Malda

Explanation

According to the Census of India 2011, Malda recorded the highest Child Sex Ratio (0–6 years age group) among the given districts of West Bengal. Child Sex Ratio is defined as the number of girls per 1,000 boys in the 0–6 years age group.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Malda
• Child Sex Ratio: Number of girls (0–6 years) per 1,000 boys (0–6 years).
• Source: Census of India 2011.
• Overall Child Sex Ratio of India (2011): 919 girls per 1,000 boys.
• Overall Sex Ratio of West Bengal (2011): 950 females per 1,000 males.
• Overall Sex Ratio of India (2011): 943 females per 1,000 males.
• Census in India is conducted every 10 years by the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Latest completed Census: 2011 (the 2021 Census has not yet been completed).

Answer: (C) 23

Explanation

West Bengal has 23 districts. The present number was reached after the creation of Alipurduar (2014), Kalimpong (2017), Jhargram (2017), and the bifurcation of Bardhaman into Purba Bardhaman and Paschim Bardhaman in 2017. Although the state government has proposed additional districts, 23 districts remain the officially notified administrative units.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: 23 districts.
• Present administrative divisions: 5 – Presidency, Burdwan, Malda, Jalpaiguri, and Medinipur.
• Alipurduar district: Created on 25 June 2014.
• Kalimpong district: Created on 14 February 2017.
• Jhargram district: Created on 4 April 2017.
• Bardhaman district was bifurcated into Purba Bardhaman and Paschim Bardhaman on 7 April 2017.
• Largest district (by area): South 24 Parganas.
• Smallest district (by area): Kolkata.

Answer: (D) Dampier and Hodges

Explanation

The Dampier–Hodges Line was drawn in 1831 by J. R. Dampier and Lieutenant Hodges to demarcate the northern boundary of the Sundarbans. It separated the mangrove forests from the inhabited and cultivated areas of Bengal.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Dampier and Hodges
• Boundary Name: Dampier–Hodges Line
• Year of demarcation: 1831
• Purpose: To mark the northern boundary of the Sundarbans and distinguish forest land from settled areas.
• Sundarbans: Largest mangrove forest in the world.
• Location: Spread across India (West Bengal) and Bangladesh.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: 1987 (Sundarbans National Park).
• Famous species: Royal Bengal Tiger, Sundari tree (Heritiera fomes), estuarine crocodile, fishing cat.

Answer: (D) Purulia

Explanation

Purulia is the principal mica-producing district of West Bengal. Mica occurs in association with pegmatite rocks of the Chota Nagpur Plateau, which extends into the western part of the state.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Purulia
• Mineral: Mica
• Major mica-producing district in West Bengal: Purulia
• Physiographic region: Chota Nagpur Plateau
• Major minerals of West Bengal:
  • Coal – Paschim Bardhaman (Raniganj Coalfield)
  • China Clay (Kaolin) – Birbhum & Bankura
  • Fire Clay – Paschim Bardhaman
  • Mica – Purulia
• Largest mica-producing state in India: Andhra Pradesh (traditionally, followed by Rajasthan in recent years).
• Uses of mica: Electrical insulation, electronics, cosmetics, paints, and rubber industries.
• Raniganj Coalfield: India’s first coalfield, located mainly in Paschim Bardhaman.

Answer: (B) Sankosh

Explanation

The Sankosh River forms a part of the boundary between West Bengal and Assam. It originates in Bhutan, flows through the Dooars region, and finally joins the Brahmaputra River in Assam.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Sankosh River
• Origin: Bhutan (Eastern Himalayas)
• Forms boundary between: West Bengal and Assam
• River System: Brahmaputra Basin
• Mouth: Joins the Brahmaputra River in Assam.
• Major Himalayan rivers flowing through North Bengal: Teesta, Jaldhaka, Torsa, Raidak, Sankosh, and Mahananda.
• Dooars Region: Lies between the Teesta and Sankosh rivers and is famous for tea gardens, forests, and wildlife.
• Sankosh River is also an important river in the India–Bhutan transboundary river system.

Remember these important North Bengal rivers:

• Sankosh → Boundary between West Bengal and Assam
• Teesta → Divides Terai (west) and Dooars (east)
• Torsa → Flows through Jaldapara National Park
• Mahananda → Flows through Darjeeling, North Dinajpur, Malda, and into Bangladesh.

Answer: (B) Falta

Explanation

The Falta Export Processing Zone (FEPZ) is located at Falta in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. It was established to promote export-oriented industries by providing infrastructure and various fiscal incentives. It is one of the earliest Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in India.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Falta
• Name: Falta Export Processing Zone (FEPZ)
• Location: Falta, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal
• Established: 1984
• Present Status: Converted into Falta Special Economic Zone (FSEZ) under the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Act, 2005.
• Administrative Authority: Falta SEZ Authority, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• Purpose: Promotion of exports, foreign investment, and employment generation.
• India’s first Export Processing Zone (EPZ): Kandla EPZ (Gujarat), established in 1965.

Important industrial locations in West Bengal:

• Falta → Export Processing Zone (SEZ)
• Haldia → Petrochemical & Port Complex
• Durgapur → Iron & Steel, Alloy & Engineering Industries
• Kalyani → Industrial Estate
• Kolkata–Howrah → Jute & Engineering Industries

Answer: (B) Teesta

Explanation

The Punarbhaba (Punarbhava) and Atrai rivers are considered distributaries/old channels of the Teesta River. Before the devastating flood of 1787, the Teesta flowed southward through the Punarbhaba, Atrai, and Karatoya river system. After the flood, it shifted eastward to join the Brahmaputra (Jamuna).

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Teesta
• Punarbhaba and Atrai are old distributaries/channels of the Teesta River.
• Great Teesta Flood: 1787 – caused the Teesta to change its course eastward.
• Present course of the Teesta: Joins the Brahmaputra (Jamuna) in Bangladesh.
• Teesta River Origin: Tso Lhamo (Chho Lhamo) Lake, North Sikkim.
• Teesta flows through: Sikkim, West Bengal, and Bangladesh.
• Historical Teesta River System: Teesta – Karatoya – Atrai – Punarbhaba.
• Atrai River eventually joins the Baral River in Bangladesh, while Punarbhaba flows through West Bengal and Bangladesh.

Answer: (D) Kangsabati

Explanation

The Mukutmanipur Dam is built across the Kangsabati River in Bankura district, West Bengal. It is the largest earthen dam in India and is a major source of irrigation and drinking water for the districts of Bankura, Purulia, Paschim Medinipur, and Purba Medinipur.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Kangsabati River
• Location: Mukutmanipur, Bankura district, West Bengal
• Type: Largest earthen dam in India
• River: Kangsabati (Kasai) River
• Kangsabati River Origin: Ajodhya Hills, Purulia district
• Purpose: Irrigation, flood control, and drinking water supply.
• Kangsabati Project benefits Bankura, Purulia, Paschim Medinipur, and Purba Medinipur districts.
• Confluence: The Kangsabati (Kasai) joins the Keleghai River to form the Haldi River.

Answer: (B) Darjeeling Tea

Explanation

Darjeeling Tea became the first Indian product to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag. It was registered in 2004 under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. The GI tag protects its unique quality, reputation, and origin.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Darjeeling Tea
• First Indian product to receive GI Tag: Darjeeling Tea (2004)
• GI Act: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
• GI Act came into force: 15 September 2003
• GI Registry Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Darjeeling Tea is produced in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
• Purpose of a GI Tag: Protects products whose quality or reputation is linked to a specific geographical region.
• Examples of GI-tagged products from West Bengal: Darjeeling Tea, Banglar Rasogolla, Joynagar Moa, Fazli Mango, Gobindobhog Rice, Santiniketan Leather Goods, Baluchari Saree.

Answer: (D) 77%

Explanation

According to the Census of India 2011, the literacy rate of West Bengal is 76.26%, which is rounded off to 77% in competitive examinations. It is higher than the national average of the previous census (2001) but slightly above the national literacy rate of 74.04% in 2011.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: 77% (Actual: 76.26%)
• Literacy Rate of West Bengal (Census 2011): 76.26%
• Male Literacy: 81.69%
• Female Literacy: 70.54%
• Overall Literacy Rate of India (Census 2011): 74.04%
• Highest literacy district in West Bengal: Purba Medinipur
• Lowest literacy district in West Bengal: Uttar Dinajpur
• **Literacy is calculated for the population aged 7 years and above.

Answer: (C) 5

Explanation

West Bengal shares its interstate boundaries with five Indian states: Sikkim, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha. In addition, it shares international boundaries with Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: 5 States
• States sharing boundary with West Bengal: Sikkim, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
• International neighbours: Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.
• West Bengal is the only Indian state extending from the Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south.
• Capital: Kolkata
• Administrative divisions: 5 – Presidency, Burdwan, Jalpaiguri, Malda, and Medinipur.
• Present number of districts: 23
• State Animal: Fishing Cat; State Bird: White-throated Kingfisher; State Tree: Chatim (Alstonia scholaris).

Answer: (C) 1992

Explanation

The erstwhile West Dinajpur district was bifurcated into Uttar Dinajpur (North Dinajpur) and Dakshin Dinajpur (South Dinajpur) in 1992 to improve administrative efficiency. The bifurcation came into effect on 1 April 1992.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: 1992
• Date of bifurcation: 1 April 1992
• Districts created: Uttar Dinajpur and Dakshin Dinajpur
• Headquarters of Uttar Dinajpur: Raiganj
• Headquarters of Dakshin Dinajpur: Balurghat
• Present number of districts in West Bengal: 23
• Major river of Uttar Dinajpur: Kulik River; Kulik Bird Sanctuary is located near Raiganj.
• Dakshin Dinajpur is traversed by the Atreyee (Atrai) and Punarbhaba rivers.

Answer: (B) Fourth

Explanation

According to the Census of India 2011, West Bengal is the 4th most populous state in India, after Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar. The state’s population in 2011 was approximately 9.13 crore (91.3 million).

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Fourth
• Population of West Bengal (Census 2011): 9.13 crore (91,276,115)
• Rank by population: 4th among Indian states.
• Top 5 most populous states (Census 2011):
  1. Uttar Pradesh
  2. Maharashtra
  3. Bihar
  4. West Bengal
  5. Madhya Pradesh
• Population of India (Census 2011): 121.09 crore (1.21 billion)
• Population density of West Bengal: 1,029 persons per sq. km (highest among Indian states in Census 2011).
• Population density of India: 382 persons per sq. km
• Largest district by population in West Bengal (Census 2011): North 24 Parganas

Answer: (B) Murshidabad, Medinipur, East Bardhaman

Explanation

Among the given districts, Murshidabad produces less rice than Medinipur, while Purba (East) Bardhaman is the highest rice-producing district in West Bengal. Therefore, the correct ascending order is Murshidabad → Medinipur → East Bardhaman.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Murshidabad → Medinipur → Purba (East) Bardhaman.
• Highest rice-producing district in West Bengal: Purba Bardhaman (East Bardhaman).
• Purba Bardhaman is popularly known as the “Rice Bowl (Granary) of West Bengal.”
• West Bengal is the largest producer of rice in India.
• Rice is the principal Kharif crop of West Bengal.
• Three major rice crops of West Bengal: Aus, Aman, and Boro.
• Aman is the most important rice crop, contributing the largest share of production.
• Gobindobhog Rice of Purba Bardhaman has received a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag.

Answer: (C) Laterite Soil

Explanation

The Gangani region, located near Garhbeta in Paschim Medinipur district, is famous for its laterite soil and spectacular ravine (badland) topography, often called the “Grand Canyon of Bengal.” The reddish lateritic soil has been deeply eroded by the Shilabati (Silai) River, creating steep gullies and cliffs.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Laterite Soil
• Location: Gangani, Garhbeta, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal
• River responsible for erosion: Shilabati (Silai) River
• Famous as: “Grand Canyon of Bengal”
• Soil type: Laterite Soil – rich in iron and aluminium oxides, reddish in colour.
• Laterite soils are found mainly in: Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram, Birbhum, and Paschim Medinipur.
• Suitable crops: Paddy (with irrigation), millets, pulses, groundnut, cashew, and plantation crops after proper soil management.
• Badland (ravine) topography develops due to severe gully erosion, a frequently asked concept in WBCS and UPSC.

Answer: (D) Mayurakshi

Explanation

The Tilpara Barrage is built across the Mayurakshi River near Suri in Birbhum district, West Bengal. It is an important part of the Mayurakshi Irrigation Project, supplying irrigation water to Birbhum and neighbouring districts.

Exam Facts

• Correct Answer: Mayurakshi River
• Location: Tilpara, near Suri, Birbhum district, West Bengal
• River Origin: Trikut Hills, Deoghar district, Jharkhand
• Project: Mayurakshi Irrigation Project
• Massanjore Dam (Canada Dam): Also built on the Mayurakshi River, located in Jharkhand upstream of Tilpara Barrage.
• Massanjore Dam was constructed with Canadian assistance, hence it is also known as the Canada Dam.
• The Mayurakshi River is a tributary of the Bhagirathi–Hooghly River system.
• Major irrigation projects of West Bengal:
  • Tilpara Barrage → Mayurakshi River
  • Mukutmanipur Dam → Kangsabati River
  • Durgapur Barrage → Damodar River