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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Bihar was carved out of which state to become a separate state on March 22, 1912?
Understanding:
We need to identify the administrative unit from which Bihar was separated to become a distinct province in 1912.
Step 1: Historical Background
Bihar was part of the Bengal Presidency during British rule. The vast and administratively complex Bengal Presidency was reorganised multiple times.
Step 2: Separation of Bihar
On March 22, 1912, Bihar and Orissa were separated from the Bengal Presidency and formed into a new province called 'Bihar and Orissa.' This date is now celebrated as Bihar Diwas (Bihar Day).
Step 3: Further Division
In 1936, Bihar and Orissa were further divided into two separate provinces — Bihar and Orissa.
Answer:
Bihar was carved out of the Bengal Presidency on March 22, 1912.
Quick Tip:
March 22 is celebrated as Bihar Diwas every year — a date frequently asked in BPSC exams.
The famous Vikramshila University, a great centre of Buddhist learning, was located in which present-day district of Bihar?
Understanding:
We need to identify the present-day district of Bihar where the ancient Vikramshila University was situated.
Step 1: About Vikramshila University
Vikramshila was one of the two most important centres of Buddhist learning in India during the Pala Empire, the other being Nalanda. It was established by the Pala king Dharmapala in the late 8th or early 9th century CE.
Step 2: Location
Vikramshila University was located at Antichak village, which falls in the present-day Bhagalpur district of Bihar, near the Ganga river.
Step 3: Distinguishing from Nalanda
Nalanda University (another famous Buddhist institution) is in Nalanda district — a common source of confusion. Vikramshila is specifically in Bhagalpur district.
Answer:
Vikramshila University was located in the present-day Bhagalpur district of Bihar.
Quick Tip:
Remember: Nalanda → Nalanda district; Vikramshila → Bhagalpur district. Both are Pala-era institutions.
Who was the first Chief Minister of Bihar after Indian independence?
Understanding:
We need to identify the first Chief Minister of Bihar after India's independence in 1947.
Step 1: Pre-independence Context
Before independence, Bihar had a Premier under the Government of India Act, 1935. Sri Krishna Sinha (popularly known as 'Sri Babu') served as the Premier of Bihar from 1937.
Step 2: Post-independence
When India became independent on August 15, 1947, Sri Krishna Sinha continued in office as Bihar's Chief Minister, becoming the first Chief Minister of independent Bihar. He held this position until his death in 1961.
Step 3: Eliminating Others
Binodanand Jha became Chief Minister in 1961 after Sri Krishna Sinha. Mahamaya Prasad Sinha and Jagannath Mishra served in later years.
Answer:
Sri Krishna Sinha was the first Chief Minister of Bihar after Indian independence.
Quick Tip:
Sri Krishna Sinha was also the longest-serving Chief Minister of Bihar (1937–1961, with a brief break). He is revered as 'Bihar Vibhuti.'
The Sonepur Cattle Fair (Sonepur Mela) in Bihar is held at the confluence of which two rivers?
Understanding:
We need to identify the two rivers at whose confluence the famous Sonepur Cattle Fair is held.
Step 1: About Sonepur Mela
Sonepur Mela (also called Harihar Kshetra Mela) is one of Asia's largest cattle fairs, held annually in November–December around the Kartik Purnima festival.
Step 2: Location
The fair takes place at Sonepur town in Saran district of Bihar, which is situated at the confluence of the Ganga and Gandak rivers.
Step 3: Eliminating Other Options
The Sone river meets the Ganga further south near Arrah/Patna, not at Sonepur. Kosi meets Ganga near Kursela in Katihar district.
Answer:
Sonepur Mela is held at the confluence of the Ganga and Gandak rivers.
Quick Tip:
Sonepur is in Saran district; the name 'Sonepur' may mislead students to think it relates to the Sone river — it does not.
Which Bihari revolutionary leader, known as 'Bihar Kesari,' led the non-cooperation movement extensively in Bihar and later became the Governor of Orissa?
Understanding:
We need to identify the Bihar leader called 'Bihar Kesari' who was active in the non-cooperation movement and later became the Governor of Orissa.
Step 1: Identifying 'Bihar Kesari'
The title 'Bihar Kesari' (Lion of Bihar) is associated with Sri Krishna Sinha. He was a prominent freedom fighter who actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement.
Step 2: Governor of Orissa
Sri Krishna Sinha served as the Premier/Chief Minister of Bihar continuously from 1937 (with short interruptions) until 1961. He did not serve as Governor of Orissa — this part of the question tests careful reading. However, 'Bihar Kesari' as a title is uniquely Sri Krishna Sinha's.
Step 3: Verification of Title
Rajendra Prasad is 'Desh Ratna.' Jayaprakash Narayan is 'Loknayak.' Anugrah Narayan Sinha is known as 'Bihar Vibhuti.' 'Bihar Kesari' = Sri Krishna Sinha.
Answer:
Sri Krishna Sinha holds the title 'Bihar Kesari' and was the most prominent Bihar leader of the freedom movement era.
Quick Tip:
Memorize Bihar's honorific titles: Bihar Kesari → Sri Krishna Sinha; Bihar Vibhuti → Anugrah Narayan Sinha; Loknayak → Jayaprakash Narayan.
The Barabar Caves, the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India, are located in which district of Bihar?
Understanding:
We need to identify the district in Bihar where the ancient Barabar Caves are located.
Step 1: About Barabar Caves
The Barabar Caves are a group of four caves carved during the Mauryan Empire, primarily during the reign of Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE). They are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India and were used by the Ajivika sect.
Step 2: Location
The Barabar Caves are situated in the Barabar Hills, about 24 km north of Gaya city, in the Gaya district of Bihar.
Step 3: Literary Connection
The caves were famously fictionalised as the 'Marabar Caves' in E.M. Forster's novel 'A Passage to India.'
Answer:
The Barabar Caves are located in the Gaya district of Bihar.
Quick Tip:
Barabar Caves are often confused with Nalanda (Buddhist university district). Remember: Barabar = Gaya district; they pre-date Nalanda by several centuries.
Patna, the capital of Bihar, was known by which name during the Mauryan Empire?
Understanding:
We need to identify the ancient name of Patna during the Mauryan period.
Step 1: Ancient History of Patna
Patna, the present capital of Bihar, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It was founded by the Haryanka dynasty king Ajatashatru in the 5th century BCE as Pataliputra (also spelled Palibothra by the Greeks).
Step 2: Mauryan Capital
Pataliputra served as the capital of the Mauryan Empire under emperors like Chandragupta Maurya, Bindusara, and Ashoka. It was one of the largest cities in the ancient world.
Step 3: Eliminating Others
Rajgriha (modern Rajgir) was the earlier Magadha capital before Pataliputra. Vaishali was the capital of the Licchavi republic. Champa was the capital of Anga Mahajanapada.
Answer:
Patna was known as Pataliputra during the Mauryan Empire.
Quick Tip:
The sequence of Magadha capitals: Rajgriha → Pataliputra. Pataliputra = modern Patna.
The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917, the first civil disobedience movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in India, was primarily against which oppressive system?
Understanding:
We need to identify the specific oppressive system against which the Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was directed.
Step 1: Background of Champaran Satyagraha
The Champaran Satyagraha was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917 in Champaran district (now in Bihar) at the request of Rajkumar Shukla, a local peasant leader.
Step 2: The Tinkathia System
The struggle was against the Tinkathia system, under which British indigo planters forced Indian peasants to cultivate indigo on at least 203th (teen kathha) of their land holding. Peasants were compelled to sell the indigo to the planters at prices fixed by the planters, causing widespread distress.
Step 3: Outcome
Gandhi's investigation led to the Champaran Agrarian Act of 1918, which abolished the Tinkathia system. This was Gandhi's first major civil disobedience in India.
Answer:
The Champaran Satyagraha was against the Tinkathia system of forced indigo cultivation.
Quick Tip:
'Tinkathia' means three kathas — peasants had to grow indigo on 3 out of every 20 kathas of land. This keyword is frequently tested in BPSC.
Which of the following national parks is located in Bihar?
Understanding:
We need to identify which of the given national parks is located within the state of Bihar.
Step 1: Valmiki National Park
Valmiki National Park is the only national park in Bihar. It is located in the West Champaran district of Bihar, bordering Nepal. It is part of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve and is named after the sage Valmiki, who is believed to have written the Ramayana in this region.
Step 2: Eliminating Other Options
Step 3: Key Facts
Valmiki National Park covers an area of about 335.65 sq. km and is part of the larger Valmiki Tiger Reserve spanning about 899 sq. km.
Answer:
Valmiki National Park in West Champaran district is the only national park in Bihar.
Quick Tip:
Bihar has only ONE national park — Valmiki National Park. This is a frequently tested fact in BPSC prelims.
The ancient city of Vaishali, considered the world's first republic, was the capital of which Mahajanapada?
Understanding:
We need to identify the Mahajanapada (ancient Indian republic) whose capital was the city of Vaishali.
Step 1: About Vaishali
Vaishali (in modern-day Vaishali district of Bihar) is considered one of the world's earliest examples of a republic-style governance. It was governed by the Licchavi clan as part of a confederacy.
Step 2: The Vajji Confederacy
Vaishali was the capital of the Vajji Mahajanapada, which was a confederacy (sangha) of several clans, the most prominent being the Licchavi. The Vajji confederacy had a republican system of governance with an elected assembly.
Step 3: Historical Significance
Vaishali is also the birthplace of Mahavira (founder of Jainism) and was frequently visited by Gautama Buddha. Both Jain and Buddhist traditions hold it in high regard.
Answer:
Vaishali was the capital of the Vajji Mahajanapada.
Quick Tip:
Vajji = Vaishali = world's first republic = Licchavi clan. Magadha's capital was Rajgriha, then Pataliputra.
Which folk art form of Bihar, depicting scenes from mythology and nature using vibrant natural colours on walls and floors, received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag?
Understanding:
We need to identify the folk art form of Bihar that has been awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Step 1: Madhubani Painting
Madhubani painting (also called Mithila painting) is a traditional art form originating from the Mithila region of Bihar (primarily Madhubani district). It uses vibrant natural colours derived from plants and minerals, depicting scenes from mythology, nature, and daily life.
Step 2: GI Tag
Madhubani painting received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2007, acknowledging its unique origin from the Mithila/Madhubani region of Bihar.
Step 3: Eliminating Others
Answer:
Madhubani painting is the Bihar folk art that received the GI tag.
Quick Tip:
Madhubani = Mithila region = Bihar. GI tag received in 2007. It is characterised by intricate patterns and natural pigments.
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.