BPSC (Bihar) - MCQ Practice Questions
BPSC candidates face a paper that mixes standard general studies with a substantial Bihar component. Practice here covers Bihar history and geography, Indian polity, economy, general science, and current affairs, with the state material treated as its own subject rather than an afterthought. Explanations give enough background that the same fact is usable in a mains answer, not only in a prelims option.
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The Rajgir hot springs in Bihar are fed by which type of geological source?
Understanding:
We need to identify the geological source of the famous hot springs at Rajgir in Bihar.
Step 1: About Rajgir Hot Springs
Rajgir (in Nalanda district of Bihar) is famous for its natural hot water springs, known as 'Brahma Kund.' These springs are considered sacred by both Jains and Buddhists.
Step 2: Source of Hot Springs
The Rajgir hot springs are fed by natural geothermal activity — heat from the Earth's interior heats groundwater, which then rises to the surface as hot springs. The water temperature in these springs ranges from about 45°C to 55°C.
Step 3: Eliminating Other Options
Glacial meltwater produces cold springs. Limestone percolation produces karst springs, which are not typically hot. Underground river channels do not explain the high temperature of the water.
Answer:
The Rajgir hot springs are fed by natural geothermal activity.
Quick Tip:
Rajgir hot springs are also called 'Brahma Kund' — a popular pilgrimage site also mentioned in ancient Buddhist and Jain texts.
Which of the following statements about the Nalanda University (ancient) is correct?
Understanding:
We need to identify the correct statement about the ancient Nalanda University from the given options.
Step 1: Founding of Nalanda
Nalanda University was established during the Gupta period, attributed to Kumaragupta I in the 5th century CE — not by Chandragupta Maurya in the 3rd century BCE. So option A is incorrect.
Step 2: Destruction of Nalanda
Nalanda was destroyed by the Turkish military commander Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khilji around 1193 CE. He destroyed the university and massacred monks during his raids into Bihar. Option B is correct.
Step 3: Nature and Location
Nalanda was a centre of Mahayana Buddhist learning, not Jain learning (option C is wrong). It is located in the present-day Nalanda district of Bihar (not Vaishali district — option D is wrong).
Answer:
Nalanda University was destroyed by Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khilji around 1193 CE.
Quick Tip:
Nalanda: founded in 5th century CE (Gupta era), destroyed in 1193 CE (Khilji). It admitted students from China, Korea, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Bihar shares its international boundary with which neighbouring country?
Understanding:
We need to identify the foreign country with which Bihar shares an international border.
Step 1: Bihar's Geographical Position
Bihar is an inland state located in eastern India. It is bordered by Uttar Pradesh to the west, Jharkhand to the south, West Bengal to the east, and Nepal to the north.
Step 2: International Border
Bihar shares an international boundary of approximately 601 km with Nepal along its northern border. Several districts of Bihar — West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, and Kishanganj — share borders with Nepal.
Step 3: Eliminating Other Options
Bangladesh borders West Bengal, not Bihar. Bhutan borders Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. China borders states like Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
Answer:
Bihar shares its international boundary with Nepal.
Quick Tip:
Bihar's ~601 km long border with Nepal is an important geographical fact. The Valmiki Tiger Reserve in West Champaran also borders Nepal.
The 'Sarhul' festival, a major tribal festival celebrating the blossoming of Sal trees, is primarily associated with which tribe of Bihar/Jharkhand region?
Understanding:
We need to identify the tribe most closely associated with the Sarhul festival.
Step 1: About Sarhul
Sarhul is a spring festival celebrated when Sal (Shorea robusta) trees blossom. It is one of the most important festivals for the tribal communities of the Chota Nagpur Plateau region.
Step 2: Primary Association
Sarhul is most prominently celebrated by the Munda tribe. It involves worship of the village deity (Sarna) and the Sal tree, which is considered sacred. The Munda, Oraon, and Ho tribes celebrate it, but it is most strongly identified with the Munda people.
Step 3: Eliminating Others
Gond tribes are primarily from central India (Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra). Bhil tribes are from western India (Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP). Santali communities celebrate Sohrai and other festivals as their major celebrations.
Answer:
The Sarhul festival is primarily associated with the Munda tribe.
Quick Tip:
Sarhul = Sal tree worship = Munda tribe = Chota Nagpur region. It is celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March–April).
Which of the following rivers does NOT flow through Bihar?
Understanding:
We need to identify the river among the options that does NOT flow through the state of Bihar.
Step 1: Rivers of Bihar
Bihar is a river-rich state. Major rivers flowing through Bihar include:
Step 2: Chambal River
The Chambal River originates in the Vindhya ranges in Madhya Pradesh and flows through MP and Rajasthan before joining the Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh. It does not flow through Bihar at any point.
Answer:
The Chambal River does not flow through Bihar.
Quick Tip:
Chambal flows through MP → Rajasthan → UP (joins Yamuna). It is famous for its ravines (badlands), not for Bihar geography.
The Patna High Court, the oldest High Court in Bihar, was established in which year?
Understanding:
We need to identify the year in which the Patna High Court was established.
Step 1: Historical Context
When Bihar and Orissa were separated from the Bengal Presidency in 1912, there was a need to establish a separate High Court for the new province.
Step 2: Establishment
The Patna High Court was established on February 2, 1916, under the High Courts Act of 1911. It replaced the jurisdiction of the Calcutta High Court over Bihar and Orissa.
Step 3: Significance
The Patna High Court is one of the oldest High Courts in India and has jurisdiction over the entire state of Bihar. After the formation of Jharkhand in 2000, a separate High Court was eventually established there.
Answer:
The Patna High Court was established in 1916.
Quick Tip:
Patna High Court was established on February 2, 1916. Bihar was separated from Bengal Presidency in 1912, and the High Court followed four years later.
Which of the following is Bihar's official state animal?
Understanding:
We need to identify the official state animal of Bihar.
Step 1: State Symbols of Bihar
Every Indian state has official state symbols including state animal, state bird, state tree, and state flower, designated by the state government.
Step 2: Bihar's State Animal
The official state animal of Bihar is the Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus). Elephants have historical and cultural significance in Bihar, featuring prominently in the art and literature of ancient Magadha civilisation.
Step 3: Other Bihar State Symbols
Step 4: Eliminating Other Options
Royal Bengal Tiger is the state animal of West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh (also Karnataka's state animal is Elephant, not Bihar's Royal Bengal Tiger). Gaur is the state animal of Goa.
Answer:
The official state animal of Bihar is the Indian Elephant.
Quick Tip:
Bihar State Symbols mnemonic: Animal = Elephant, Bird = House Sparrow (unusual choice — frequently tested!), Tree = Peepal, Flower = Kachnar.