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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Which river forms the northern boundary of Bihar, separating it from Nepal?
Understanding:
We need to identify the river that forms the northern boundary of Bihar with Nepal.
Step 1: Boundary rivers of Bihar
Bihar shares its northern border with Nepal. The Gandak River (also known as Narayani in Nepal) flows along and forms a significant part of the northern boundary between Bihar and Nepal before entering the Gangetic plains.
Step 2: Eliminating other options
The Kosi flows through northeastern Bihar but does not form the boundary with Nepal throughout. The Bagmati originates in Nepal and enters Bihar in the Sitamarhi district but does not form the boundary. The Mahananda flows through the eastern part of Bihar (Kishanganj and Purnia regions).
Answer:
The Gandak River forms the northern boundary of Bihar, separating it from Nepal.
Quick Tip:
Gandak enters Bihar at Valmikinagar (West Champaran) and is a major tributary of the Ganga. It is also called the "Sorrow of Bihar" along with Kosi in some contexts due to frequent flooding.
Which city in Bihar is known as the 'Manchester of Bihar' due to its textile industry?
Understanding:
We need to identify the city in Bihar that is nicknamed the 'Manchester of Bihar' for its textile industry.
Step 1: Identifying the textile city
Bhagalpur is famously known as the 'Silk City of India' and is also referred to as the 'Manchester of Bihar' because of its significant silk and textile weaving industry. Bhagalpur silk, known as Tussar silk, is famous worldwide.
Step 2: Eliminating other options
Muzaffarpur is known for its litchis (Shahi Litchi). Gaya is a major religious city (Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage centre). Darbhanga is known as the cultural capital of Mithila and for Madhubani art (though Madhubani district is separate).
Answer:
Bhagalpur is known as the 'Manchester of Bihar' due to its celebrated silk and textile industry.
Quick Tip:
Bhagalpur's Tussar silk has a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, making it a frequent topic in state GK questions.
The 'Sone River' originates from which state/region before entering Bihar?
Understanding:
We need to identify the origin state of the Sone River before it enters Bihar.
Step 1: Course of Sone River
The Sone River (also spelled Son) originates near Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, which is also the origin point of the Narmada River. The Sone flows northeast through Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand before entering Bihar and finally joining the Ganga near Patna.
Step 2: Eliminating other options
Although the Sone passes through Jharkhand, its origin is in Madhya Pradesh at Amarkantak plateau. Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are not on its primary course from origin.
Answer:
The Sone River originates from Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh before entering Bihar.
Quick Tip:
Amarkantak is a unique geographical location where both Sone and Narmada rivers originate — Narmada flows westward and Sone flows eastward — a favourite exam fact.
Which of the following is the correct location of the 'Vikramshila University', an ancient centre of Buddhist learning?
Understanding:
We need to identify the correct district location of the ancient Vikramshila University in Bihar.
Step 1: About Vikramshila University
Vikramshila University was one of the two most important centres of Buddhist learning in ancient India during the Pala Empire (8th–12th century CE), the other being Nalanda. It was established by King Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty.
Step 2: Location
Vikramshila was located at a place now known as Antichak village in Bhagalpur district, Bihar. Archaeological excavations have confirmed its presence near the Ganga river in Bhagalpur.
Step 3: Eliminating other options
Nalanda University is in Nalanda district. Bodh Gaya (a major Buddhist site) is in Gaya district. Vaishali is known for the ancient Licchavi republic and Ananda Stupa, not Vikramshila.
Answer:
Vikramshila University is located in Bhagalpur district of Bihar.
Quick Tip:
Remember the Pala king Dharmapala established Vikramshila, while Nalanda was patronised by the Gupta kings — both are common comparison points in BPSC.
The 'Champaran Satyagraha' of 1917, India's first civil disobedience movement, was launched against which system?
Understanding:
We need to identify the system against which the Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was launched.
Step 1: Background of Champaran Satyagraha
The Champaran Satyagraha was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917 in the Champaran district of Bihar. It was directed against the oppressive Tinkathia system.
Step 2: What was the Tinkathia system?
Under the Tinkathia system, British planters compelled the tenant farmers (ryots) to cultivate indigo on at least 203 (teen = three, katha = unit) of their land holdings. The farmers received very low prices for the indigo, causing extreme poverty and misery.
Step 3: Eliminating other options
The Zamindari, Ryotwari, and Mahalwari systems were different land revenue collection mechanisms, not directly what the Champaran Satyagraha opposed. The specific grievance was forced indigo cultivation under the Tinkathia system.
Answer:
The Champaran Satyagraha was launched against the Tinkathia system of forced indigo cultivation imposed by British planters.
Quick Tip:
Champaran Satyagraha (1917) is significant because it was Gandhiji's first experiment with Satyagraha in India after returning from South Africa — a crucial BPSC fact.
Which of the following national highways connects Patna to Kolkata, passing through Bihar?
Understanding:
We need to identify the national highway that connects Patna (Bihar) to Kolkata.
Step 1: Major National Highways in Bihar
NH-19 (previously known as NH-2, the Grand Trunk Road) is the major highway connecting Delhi to Kolkata. It passes through Varanasi, Mughalsarai, Aurangabad (Bihar), and Dhanbad before reaching Kolkata. It connects Patna to Kolkata via this route.
Step 2: Eliminating other options
NH-31 connects Barhi (Jharkhand) to Dalsingpara (West Bengal) through parts of Bihar (North Bihar). NH-30 connects Patna to Visakhapatnam but goes south. NH-28 connects Lucknow to Barauni in Bihar but not directly to Kolkata.
Answer:
NH-19 (Grand Trunk Road) connects Patna to Kolkata, passing through southern Bihar.
Quick Tip:
After the 2010 National Highways renumbering, many old NH numbers changed. NH-2 (Grand Trunk Road) became NH-19 — knowing both old and new numbers helps in BPSC.
The famous 'Patna Kalam' is associated with which form of art in Bihar?
Understanding:
We need to identify the art form associated with 'Patna Kalam' in Bihar.
Step 1: About Patna Kalam
Patna Kalam (also called Patna School of Painting or Company Painting) is a distinctive style of miniature painting that developed in Patna during the 18th and 19th centuries. It evolved from the Mughal miniature tradition but adapted to depict everyday life, common people, artisans, and festivals in Bihar.
Step 2: Characteristics
Patna Kalam paintings were typically done on paper or ivory and were popular among European Company officials as souvenirs. Artists like Sewak Ram and Hulas Lal were prominent in this tradition.
Step 3: Eliminating other options
Sculpture on stone is associated with Mauryan art at sites like Dhauli. Terracotta pottery is found at Chirand (Saran district). Brass metalwork (Dhokra) is a tribal art form more common in Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Answer:
Patna Kalam is associated with the miniature painting tradition of Bihar, depicting everyday life during the Mughal and British periods.
Quick Tip:
Patna Kalam is distinct from Madhubani (Mithila) painting — Madhubani uses natural dyes on walls/cloth in geometric patterns, while Patna Kalam uses watercolours on paper/ivory in realistic style.
Which of the following fairs/festivals is associated with the Rajgir region of Bihar and held annually?
Understanding:
We need to identify the fair or festival specifically associated with the Rajgir region of Bihar.
Step 1: About Rajgir Mahotsav
Rajgir Mahotsav is a three-day cultural festival held annually at Rajgir in Nalanda district, Bihar. It is organized by the Bihar government to promote tourism and the cultural heritage of the region. The festival features classical music, dance performances, folk art, and celebrates the rich history of Rajgir as the ancient capital of the Magadha Empire.
Step 2: Eliminating other options
Sonepur Mela (Harihar Kshetra Mela) is Asia's largest cattle fair, held at Sonepur in Saran district on Kartik Purnima. Pitrapaksha Mela is held at Gaya, associated with Hindu ancestor rituals. Sama-Chakeba is a festival of Mithila region celebrating the homecoming of birds (a brother-sister festival in North Bihar).
Answer:
Rajgir Mahotsav is the cultural festival specifically associated with the Rajgir region of Bihar.
Quick Tip:
Rajgir is significant as the ancient capital of Magadha and the site of the First Buddhist Council held after Buddha's Mahaparinirvana — making it important for both history and GK questions.
Which institution in Bihar was set up as the first Agricultural University of Asia?
Understanding:
We need to identify the institution in Bihar that holds the distinction of being the first Agricultural University in Asia.
Step 1: About Rajendra Agricultural University
Rajendra Agricultural University (RAU), located at Pusa in Samastipur district of Bihar, was established in 1970. However, the Pusa Institute (now the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, IARI) at Pusa was originally set up by the British in 1905, making Pusa a historically significant centre of agricultural research in Asia.
Step 2: Historical significance
The Pusa campus was established as the Imperial Agricultural Research Institute in 1905 — it was one of the earliest and most significant agricultural research institutions set up in Asia. The Rajendra Agricultural University that came up at this site in Bihar is considered its successor and continuation in the state.
Step 3: Eliminating other options
Birsa Agricultural University is in Ranchi, Jharkhand. Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour (Bhagalpur) is a constituent college. Nalanda Open University is not an agricultural institution.
Answer:
Rajendra Agricultural University at Pusa (Samastipur) is recognized as the premier agricultural university of Bihar, established at the site of Asia's first agricultural research institution.
Quick Tip:
Pusa in Samastipur, Bihar, is historically significant — it is the original location of the Imperial Agricultural Research Institute (1905), later moved to New Delhi after the 1934 earthquake.
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 rock-cut caves located in the Barabar Hills in Jehanabad district of Bihar. They date back to the Mauryan period (3rd century BCE) and were patronised by Emperor Ashoka for the Ajivika sect. They are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India.
Step 2: Literary connection
The Barabar Caves are also famous as the inspiration for the 'Marabar Caves' in E.M. Forster's celebrated novel 'A Passage to India'.
Step 3: Eliminating other options
Nalanda district is famous for Nalanda University ruins. Rohtas district is known for Rohtas Fort (a medieval structure). Nawada district has some historical sites but not the Barabar Caves.
Answer:
The Barabar Caves are located in Jehanabad district of Bihar and are the oldest surviving rock-cut caves in India, dating to the Mauryan era.
Quick Tip:
Remember two facts together: Barabar Caves → Jehanabad district → Mauryan period → built for the Ajivika sect. This combination frequently appears in BPSC prelims.
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.