BPSC (Bihar) - MCQ Practice Questions

# Understanding Bihar's Political Reorganization

Bihar's present boundaries were established through a significant administrative reorganization of India's states.

Step 1: Historical Context of Bihar

Bihar existed as a state since India's independence in 1950, but its territorial boundaries encompassed a larger area including what is now Jharkhand. The state underwent major administrative changes during India's reorganization period.

Step 2: Formation of Present Bihar

On November 15, 2000, Bihar was reorganized when Jharkhand was separated from it as an independent state. This administrative division gave Bihar its current, reduced boundaries. This reorganization was part of the larger wave of state formations in India during 1956-2000, aimed at creating states based on linguistic and cultural lines.

The correct answer is (C) 15 Nov 2000, when Bihar attained its present boundaries following the creation of Jharkhand as a separate state.

# Understanding Rajendra Setu and Its Geographical Connections

The Rajendra Setu is a critical bridge infrastructure that spans the Ganges River, connecting Bihar with neighboring states through multiple routes.

Step 1: Identify the Bridge Location

The Rajendra Setu (formerly known as the Lakshman Jhula in some contexts) is located in Bihar and crosses the Ganges River. It serves as a vital transportation link connecting different regions of Bihar with Uttar Pradesh, not with a single direction alone.

Step 2: Verify the Connected Locations

The bridge connects Mokama (in South Bihar) on one bank with Barauni (in North Bihar) on the opposite bank. Both locations are within or connected to Bihar's network, and the bridge serves as a crucial link between these two important towns. The Rajendra Setu primarily connects Bihar's internal regions and facilitates trade between southern and northern Bihar districts.

Final Answer: (C) Both A And B

The Rajendra Setu connects Mokama (South Bihar) with Barauni (North Bihar), making both options correct. This bridge is essential infrastructure for Bihar's internal connectivity across the Ganges River.

The Tripitaka (Three Baskets), the foundational Buddhist scriptures comprising Vinaya, Sutra, and Abhidharma, were studied, preserved, and copied at Nalanda University, making it the center of Buddhist learning.

According to the accounts of Greek envoy Megasthenes and other ancient texts, the walls of Pataliputra had 64 gates. The city was also surrounded by a ditch and had multiple towers for defense and administrative purposes.

Step 1: Calculate 62832 ÷ 20000 = 3.1416. Aryabhata, the great mathematician from Pataliputra (Bihar), gave one of the most accurate values of π in the 5th century CE. His value was remarkably close to the actual value (3.14159...).

During the Mughal Empire, most of Bihar was part of the Subah Bengal, one of the richest provinces of the empire. This administrative division remained largely intact through much of the Mughal rule.

Step 1: Total area of Bihar = 94,163 sq km. Step 2: Number of districts = 38. Step 3: Average area per district = 94,163 ÷ 38 = 2,478 sq km approximately. This calculation helps understand the administrative distribution of the state.

Bihar has 38 districts as per the latest administrative reorganization. This was increased from 36 after the creation of new districts in recent years.

The Ganga is the longest river flowing through Bihar with a length of approximately 420 km within the state.

Nalanda University was an ancient Buddhist university located in Nalanda district. It was one of the world's oldest universities.

According to the 2011 Census, Bihar has the lowest literacy rate among Indian states at 53.87%, with male literacy at 66.40% and female literacy at 39.95%.

Bodh Gaya is located in Gaya district of Bihar. It is believed to be the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment.

Pataliputra was the capital of the Mauryan Empire and was associated with all major Mauryan emperors including Chandragupta Maurya, Bindusara, and Ashoka.

The Kosi River originates from the Himalayas in Nepal and is known for causing devastating floods in Bihar. It is called 'Sorrow of Bihar' due to its destructive nature.

Bihar has several wildlife sanctuaries including Valmiki National Park in West Champaran, Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary in Nalanda, and Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary in Munger.

Bihar was separated from Bengal and established as a separate administrative unit in 1912. In 2000, Jharkhand was carved out from Bihar.

Bihar covers an area of 94,163 square kilometers, making it one of the smaller states by area in India.

The Ghaghara River forms the northern boundary between Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Bihar's industrial backwardness is due to multiple factors: insufficient infrastructure (roads, railways, ports), limited skilled workforce, inadequate capital availability, and lower technological adoption. Solutions include attracting Foreign Direct Investment, establishing SEZs, improving transportation networks, and implementing skill development programs. The state has been working on these through various government initiatives.

Using compound growth formula: Final Population = Initial Population × (1 + growth rate)^time. P = 100 × (1 + 0.025)^3 = 100 × (1.025)^3 = 100 × 1.0769 = 107.69 million