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Q.1
WBCS Prelims 2023
After the partition of Bengal, the two new provinces which came into existence were
A.East Bengal and Bengal
B.East Bengal and West Bengal
C.East Bengal and Assam
D.East Bengal and North Bengal
Explanation
Why Correct: Lord Curzon's 1905 partition created East Bengal and Assam as a new province with Dhaka as its capital, while the western part remained Bengal with Calcutta. Distractor Analysis: East Bengal and Bengal incorrectly suggests Bengal remained undivided. East Bengal and West Bengal describes the post-1947 division, not the 1905 partition. East Bengal and North Bengal was never an official administrative division. Takeaway: The 1905 partition aimed to weaken Bengali nationalism by creating a Muslim-majority East Bengal and Assam province, sparking the Swadeshi Movement and ultimately being annulled in 1911.
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Q.2
WBCS Prelims 2022
Who was felicitated by Aurobindo Ghosh as 'the Prophet of Great Political Creed'?
A.Brahmabandhab Upadhyay
B.Ashwini Kumar Dutta
C.Rashbehari Bose
D.Bipin Chandra Pal
Explanation
Why Correct: Aurobindo Ghosh bestowed the title 'Prophet of Great Political Creed' specifically upon Bipin Chandra Pal for his articulation of Swadeshi and national self-reliance. Distractor Analysis: Brahmabandhab Upadhyay was a theologian and journalist who converted to Catholicism while remaining culturally Hindu. Ashwini Kumar Dutta was a Bengali educator and social reformer who founded Brojomohun College. Rashbehari Bose was a revolutionary who organized the Ghadar Mutiny and later led the Indian National Army in exile. Takeaway: Bipin Chandra Pal formed the famous 'Lal-Bal-Pal' triumvirate with Lala Lajpat Rai and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, advocating for Swadeshi, boycott, and national education during the anti-partition movement (1905-1911).
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Q.3
WBCS Prelims 2022
Who painted the image of Bharat Mata?
A.Rabindranath Tagore
B.Abanindranath Tagore
C.Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
D.Mahatma Gandhi
Explanation
Why Correct: Abanindranath Tagore created the iconic watercolor painting 'Bharat Mata' in 1904, depicting the motherland as a serene, saffron-clad woman with four arms holding symbolic objects. Distractor Analysis: Rabindranath Tagore was Abanindranath's uncle and a Nobel laureate poet, not the painter of this specific work. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote the novel Anandamath and composed Vande Mataram, which inspired the concept. Mahatma Gandhi led India's independence movement but was not a visual artist. Takeaway: Abanindranath Tagore founded the Bengal School of Art, which rejected Western academic styles and revived Indian artistic traditions during the Swadeshi movement.
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Q.4
WBCS Prelims 2022
When was the 'Carlyle Circular' issued?
A.1905
B.1901
C.1902
D.1906
Explanation
Why Correct: The Carlyle Circular was issued on 22 October 1905 by Sir Thomas Carlyle, the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bengal, to suppress nationalist activities in educational institutions. Distractor Analysis: 1901 marks the death of Queen Victoria and the accession of Edward VII. 1902 saw the formation of the Anushilan Samiti, a revolutionary organization. 1906 witnessed the founding of the Muslim League and the Surat split in the Indian National Congress. Takeaway: The circular prohibited students from participating in political activities and threatened institutions with withdrawal of grants, directly responding to the Swadeshi Movement after Bengal's partition.
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Q.5
WBCS Prelims 2022
Who pioneered 'Rakhi Bandhan' festival during partition of Bengal?
A.Chittaranjan Das
B.Rabindranath Tagore
C.Pramathanath Mitra
D.Pulin Behari Das
Explanation
Why Correct: Rabindranath Tagore initiated Rakhi Bandhan on 16 October 1905 as a symbolic protest against the partition of Bengal, where Hindus and Muslims tied rakhis to each other to demonstrate unity. Distractor Analysis: Chittaranjan Das was a prominent lawyer and Congress leader who later founded the Swaraj Party. Pramathanath Mitra co-founded the Anushilan Samiti, a revolutionary secret society. Pulin Behari Das led the Dhaka Anushilan Samiti and organized revolutionary activities in eastern Bengal. Takeaway: Tagore also composed 'Amar Sonar Bangla' (later Bangladesh's national anthem) during this period and established Shantiniketan as an alternative educational institution.
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Q.6
WBCS Prelims 2021
Which among the following novels of Sarat Chandra vividly reflected the revolutionary movement of India ?
A.Srikanta
B.Pather Dabi
C.Palli Samaj
D.None of the above
Explanation
Why Correct: 'Pather Dabi' (1926) explicitly depicted revolutionary nationalism through its protagonist Sabyasachi, leading to its immediate ban by the British government for seditious content that promoted anti-colonial resistance. Distractor Analysis: 'Srikanta' (1917-1933) follows a wandering protagonist's spiritual and moral journey through various life experiences. 'Palli Samaj' (1916) critiques rural social structures, caste oppression, and traditional village life in Bengal. Takeaway: Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's 'Devdas' (1917) remains his most adapted work, filmed in multiple Indian languages including Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, and Malayalam versions.
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Q.7
WBCS Prelims 2021
The Partition of Bengal was annulled in
A.1905
B.1911
C.1901
D.1947
Explanation
Why Correct: King George V announced the annulment of the Partition of Bengal on December 12, 1911, during the Delhi Durbar, reuniting Bengal while creating separate provinces. Distractor Analysis: 1905 marks the original partition by Lord Curzon. 1901 precedes both partition and annulment events. 1947 is the year of India's independence and the final partition of Bengal along religious lines. Takeaway: The 1911 annulment transferred India's capital from Calcutta to Delhi, creating Bihar and Orissa as separate provinces while Assam became a chief commissioner's province.
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Q.8
WBCS Prelims 2021
What was the Carlyle Circular and when was it issued in colonial India ?
A.A decree to prevent political gathering during the World War I.
B.A regulation to introduce English education in schools after 1857.
C.A decree to restrict use of arms by Indian citizens of colonial India from 1919 onwards.
D.A decree to prevent nationalist protests amongst students in educational institutions during the Partition of Bengal.
Explanation
Why Correct: The Carlyle Circular was issued on October 22, 1905 by Sir Thomas Carlyle, the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bengal, to prevent nationalist protests among students in educational institutions during the Partition of Bengal. Distractor Analysis: Preventing political gatherings during World War I refers to the Defence of India Act 1915 and Rowlatt Act 1919. Introducing English education after 1857 refers to Wood's Despatch of 1854 and subsequent education policies. Restricting arms use from 1919 onwards refers to the Arms Act of 1878 and its amendments during the Rowlatt Satyagraha period. Takeaway: The circular threatened disciplinary action including expulsion and withdrawal of scholarships for students participating in anti-partition protests, reflecting British attempts to suppress the Swadeshi Movement that emerged after Bengal's partition on October 16, 1905.
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Q.9
WBCS Prelims 2021
Which Bengal poet composed the song ‘Ban esechhe mora gange’ during the Partition of Bengal ?
A.Rabindranath Tagore
B.Lalan Fakir
C.Kazi Nazrul Islam
D.Mukunda Das
Explanation
Why Correct: Mukunda Das composed 'Ban esechhe mora gange' during the 1905 Partition of Bengal as a patriotic protest song against British colonial division. Distractor Analysis: Rabindranath Tagore composed 'Banglar Mati Banglar Jol' and 'Amar Sonar Bangla' during the Swadeshi movement. Lalan Fakir was a 19th-century Baul mystic poet known for spiritual songs, not political protest. Kazi Nazrul Islam wrote revolutionary poems like 'Bidrohi' and 'Kandari Hushiar' but not this specific song. Takeaway: Mukunda Das also wrote 'Bande Mataram' songs and was imprisoned for his nationalist compositions during the Swadeshi movement.
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Q.10
WBCS Prelims 2019
Which of the following movements Immediately followed the partition of Bengal ?
A.Non-cooperation movement
B.Swadeshi movement
C.Civil disobedience movement
D.Ghadar movement
Explanation
Why Correct: The Swadeshi movement (1905-1908) directly followed Lord Curzon's partition of Bengal in 1905, becoming a mass protest involving boycotts of British goods and promotion of indigenous products. Distractor Analysis: The Non-cooperation movement started in 1920-22 under Gandhi. The Civil Disobedience movement began in 1930 with the Salt March. The Ghadar movement emerged in 1913-1915 among Indian expatriates, primarily in North America, focusing on armed rebellion. Takeaway: The partition of Bengal was annulled in 1911 due to the Swadeshi movement's pressure, demonstrating how mass agitation could force colonial policy reversals.
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Q.11
WBCS Prelims 2019
Who among the following annulled the Partition of Bengal ?
A.Lord Hardinge
B.Lord Minto
C.Lord Curzon
D.Lord Chelmsford
Explanation
Why Correct: Lord Hardinge II, as Viceroy of India, officially annulled the Partition of Bengal on December 12, 1911, reuniting Bengal into a single province while creating separate provinces of Bihar and Orissa. Distractor Analysis: Lord Minto served as Viceroy from 1905-1910 and implemented the Morley-Minto Reforms. Lord Curzon originally partitioned Bengal in 1905 as Viceroy. Lord Chelmsford served as Viceroy from 1916-1921 and implemented the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms. Takeaway: The Partition of Bengal (1905) and its annulment (1911) were key events in the Swadeshi Movement and the rise of revolutionary nationalism in Bengal.
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Q.12
WBCS Prelims 2013
Which novel of Rabindranath Tagore makes a critique of the Swadeshi movement ?
A.Chokherbali
B.Ghare Baire
C.Chaturanga
D.Char Adhyay
Explanation
Why Correct: Rabindranath Tagore's 1916 novel Ghare Baire (The Home and the World) critically examines the Swadeshi movement through its characters' conflicting ideologies and personal dilemmas. Distractor Analysis: Chokherbali explores marital infidelity and psychological complexities in a Bengali household. Chaturanga deals with philosophical and social themes through four interconnected stories. Char Adhyay focuses on revolutionary nationalism and personal sacrifice in the independence struggle. Takeaway: Tagore's Gora (1910) also critiques nationalism and social reform through its protagonist's identity crisis.
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Q.13
WBCS Prelims 2013
Who was the painter of the famous 'Bharatmata' ?
A.Gaganendranath Tagore
B.Abanindranath Tagore
C.Nandalal Bose
D.Jamini Roy
Explanation
Why Correct: Abanindranath Tagore painted 'Bharatmata' in 1905 as a personification of India as a Hindu goddess, becoming an iconic symbol of the Swadeshi movement. Distractor Analysis: Gaganendranath Tagore was Abanindranath's elder brother and a pioneering modernist painter known for cubist experiments. Nandalal Bose was a student of Abanindranath who later became principal of Santiniketan's Kala Bhavan. Jamini Roy developed a distinctive folk-art style in the 1920s-30s, drawing from Kalighat pat paintings. Takeaway: Abanindranath Tagore founded the Bengal School of Art, which rejected Western academic styles and revived Indian artistic traditions through wash technique and mythological themes.
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Q.14
WBCS Prelims 2012
Who among the following Muslim leaders was actively involved in the Swadeshi Movement that began on 7th August 1905?
A.Liakat Ali Khan
B.Liakat Hossain
C.Muhammad Ali
D.A.K. Azad
Explanation
Why Correct: Liakat Hossain was a prominent Muslim leader from Bengal who actively participated in the Swadeshi Movement, which officially commenced on 7th August 1905 as a protest against the Partition of Bengal. Distractor Analysis: Liakat Ali Khan later became Pakistan's first Prime Minister but was not involved in the 1905 Swadeshi Movement. Muhammad Ali was a Khilafat Movement leader in the 1920s. A.K. Azad (Abul Kalam Azad) was a Congress leader who joined the national movement later, not during the 1905 Swadeshi phase. Takeaway: The Swadeshi Movement's formal launch date of 7th August 1905 marks the beginning of organized resistance against the Partition of Bengal, with key leaders including Surendranath Banerjee and Bipin Chandra Pal alongside Muslim participants like Liakat Hossain.
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Q.15
WBCS Prelims 2008
Which Indian nationalist leader declared, 'For next fifty years let Mother India be the only god to be worshiped by Indians'?
A.Sri Aurobindo Ghosh
B.Bal Gangadhar Tilak
C.Aswini Kumar Dutta
D.Swami Vivekananda
Explanation
Why Correct: Aswini Kumar Dutta, a Bengali educationist and nationalist from Barisal, made this statement emphasizing devotion to the nation as the primary spiritual focus for Indians during the Swadeshi Movement. Distractor Analysis: Sri Aurobindo Ghosh developed Integral Yoga and spiritual philosophy. Bal Gangadhar Tilak popularized 'Swaraj is my birthright' and organized public festivals. Swami Vivekananda preached Vedantic universalism and represented India at the 1893 Parliament of Religions. Takeaway: Aswini Kumar Dutta founded the Brojomohun College in Barisal and actively participated in the Swadeshi Movement, earning him the title 'Deshpriya' (Beloved of the Nation).
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Q.16
WBCS Prelims 2008
Who founded the Swadesh Bandhav Samity in 1905?
A.Aswini Kumar Dutta
B.Pulin Das
C.Surya Sen
D.Barindra Ghosh
Explanation
Why Correct: Aswini Kumar Dutta founded the Swadesh Bandhav Samity in 1905 as a socio-political organization promoting self-reliance during the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal. Distractor Analysis: Pulin Das led the Dhaka Anushilan Samiti revolutionary group. Surya Sen commanded the Chittagong Armoury Raid in 1930. Barindra Ghosh was a key figure in the Jugantar revolutionary group and younger brother of Aurobindo Ghosh. Takeaway: The Swadeshi Movement (1905-1911) began as a protest against the Partition of Bengal and later evolved into a broader nationalist campaign promoting indigenous goods and institutions.
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Q.17
WBCS Prelims 2008
Who wrote the Bengali patriotic song 'Banglar gharay joto Bhai-bon ek hawuk, he bhagaban' published in the journal Bhandar in 1905?
A.Rajani Kanta Sen
B.Mukunda Das
C.Rabindranath Tagore
D.Dwijendralal Roy
Explanation
Why Correct: Rabindranath Tagore composed this patriotic song, which first appeared in the journal Bhandar in 1905. Distractor Analysis: Rajani Kanta Sen wrote devotional songs like 'Mora ekti brinte duti pat'. Mukunda Das was a poet and playwright known for his nationalist works like 'Bharat Mata'. Dwijendralal Roy composed patriotic songs like 'Dhano Dhanye Pushpe Bhara'. Takeaway: Tagore's 'Banglar Mati Banglar Jol' is another iconic patriotic song written during the Swadeshi movement.
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Q.18
WBCS Prelims 2006
Who made the statement 'We shall make the settled fact unsettled'?
A.Lord Curzon
B.Surendranath Banerjee
C.Mahatma Gandhi
D.B. G. Tilak
Explanation
Why Correct: Surendranath Banerjee declared 'We shall make the settled fact unsettled' in 1905, vowing to overturn the partition of Bengal imposed by the British. Distractor Analysis: Lord Curzon served as Viceroy of India and ordered the Bengal Partition. Mahatma Gandhi led India's independence movement through nonviolent resistance. B. G. Tilak was a nationalist leader famous for the slogan 'Swaraj is my birthright'. Takeaway: The partition of Bengal was revoked in 1911 following massive protests including the Swadeshi movement and boycott campaigns.
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Q.19
WBCS Prelims 2005
Which Bengali poet and singer composed the patriotic song 'Mayer deya mota kapor mathai tule ne re bhai' during the anti-Partition agitation of 1905?
A.Mukunda Das
B.Rajanikanta Sen
C.Dwijendralal Roy
D.Rabindranath Tagore
Explanation
Why Correct: Mukunda Das composed and sang 'Mayer deya mota kapor mathai tule ne re bhai' as a protest song against the 1905 Partition of Bengal, urging people to wear coarse cloth made by their mothers as a symbol of Swadeshi. Distractor Analysis: Rajanikanta Sen wrote devotional songs like 'Mora jibaner pathe'. Dwijendralal Roy composed patriotic plays and songs like 'Dhana dhanya pushpa bhara'. Rabindranath Tagore wrote the national anthems and led cultural resistance through his works. Takeaway: The Swadeshi Movement (1905-1911) saw widespread use of songs, plays, and boycotts as tools of political protest, with Mukunda Das's songs being particularly popular among the masses.
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Q.20
WBCS Prelims 2004
In which year was the partition of Bengal, initially implemented in 1905, officially annulled?
A.1908
B.1911
C.1916
D.1921
Explanation
Why Correct: The partition of Bengal was officially annulled in 1911, ending the division that had been implemented in 1905. Distractor Analysis: 1908 saw continued nationalist agitation against the partition but no official reversal. 1916 marks the Lucknow Pact between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League. 1921 is associated with the Non-Cooperation Movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi. Takeaway: The partition of Bengal was announced on July 20, 1905, and came into effect on October 16, 1905, sparking the Swadeshi Movement.
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Q.21
WBCS Prelims 2004
Which prominent figure introduced the 'Rakhi Bandhan' tradition during the anti-Partition agitation of Bengal in 1905?
A.Aswini Datta
B.Dayananda
C.Rabindranath
D.Surendranath Banerjee
Explanation
Why Correct: Rabindranath Tagore initiated Rakhi Bandhan on October 16, 1905, where Hindus and Muslims tied symbolic threads on each other's wrists to protest the partition of Bengal. Distractor Analysis: Aswini Kumar Datta was a Swadeshi leader from Barisal. Dayananda Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj in 1875. Surendranath Banerjee organized protests and the Boycott movement against partition. Takeaway: The partition of Bengal was announced on July 19, 1905, and implemented on October 16, 1905, sparking widespread Swadeshi and Boycott movements across India.
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Q.22
WBCS Prelims 2001
When was the 'corridor war' in Writers Buildings Calcutta was fought?
A.1921
B.1930
C.1908
D.1916
Explanation
Why Correct: The 'Corridor War' occurred in 1908 when nationalist protesters clashed with British officials in the corridors of Writers' Building, Calcutta's secretariat. Distractor Analysis: 1921 saw the Non-Cooperation Movement launch under Gandhi's leadership. 1930 marked the Civil Disobedience Movement with the Salt March. 1916 witnessed the Lucknow Pact between Congress and Muslim League. Takeaway: Writers' Building was designed by Thomas Lyon in 1777 and served as the East India Company's office before becoming the West Bengal state secretariat.
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Q.23
WBCS Prelims 2001
Who is credited with translating the Swadeshi movement into a mass movement in Bengal?
A.Pulin Das
B.Bipin Chandra Pal
C.Mukunda Das
D.Aswini Kumar Datta
Explanation
Why Correct: Aswini Kumar Datta organized extensive grassroots mobilization in Barisal district, making the Swadeshi movement a truly mass-based struggle in Bengal through public meetings, boycotts, and national education initiatives. Distractor Analysis: Pulin Das led the revolutionary Anushilan Samiti in Dhaka and focused on armed resistance rather than mass mobilization. Bipin Chandra Pal provided ideological leadership and propaganda through writings and speeches. Mukunda Das used folk songs and jatras (traveling theater) to popularize Swadeshi ideas among rural audiences. Takeaway: The Barisal Conference of 1906, organized by Aswini Kumar Datta, became one of the largest mass gatherings of the Swadeshi movement, demonstrating its popular reach beyond urban elites.
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Q.24
WBCS Prelims 2000
In which year did the British Government revoke the Partition of Bengal?
A.1911
B.1941
C.1971
D.1919
Explanation
Why Correct: The British Government revoked the Partition of Bengal in 1911, ending the controversial 1905 division that had sparked widespread nationalist protests. Distractor Analysis: 1941 marks the year during World War II when the Quit India Movement was launched. 1971 is the year of the Bangladesh Liberation War and India-Pakistan War. 1919 is the year of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the Rowlatt Act. Takeaway: The Partition of Bengal was originally announced by Lord Curzon in 1905, dividing the province on religious lines to weaken nationalist unity.
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