West Bengal is an important state of eastern India, known for its diverse physical features, fertile plains, rivers, forests, hills, coastline and rich cultural heritage. Geographically, the state extends from the Himalayan mountains in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south. This great variation in relief gives West Bengal a unique geographical character.
For competitive examinations such as WBCS, WBPSC, West Bengal Police, Clerkship, Primary TET and other state-level exams, knowledge of the districts, rivers and geographical divisions of West Bengal is particularly important.
Location and Geographical Boundaries
West Bengal lies in the eastern part of India. It shares international boundaries with Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, while its Indian neighbours include Sikkim, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha. To the south lies the Bay of Bengal.
The geographical position of West Bengal is significant because it connects the northeastern region of India with the rest of the country. The state also has access to the Bay of Bengal, making Kolkata and the Haldia region important centres of trade, transport and commerce.
The state covers an area of approximately 88,752 square kilometres. Its geographical landscape can broadly be divided into several distinct regions, ranging from the Himalayan mountains and Terai-Duars in the north to the Gangetic plains, western plateau and coastal delta in the south.
Districts of West Bengal
West Bengal is administratively divided into 23 districts. These districts are generally grouped according to their geographical location and characteristics.
Northern West Bengal: The northern part includes the Himalayan and sub-Himalayan districts. Important districts are:
* Darjeeling
* Kalimpong
* Jalpaiguri
* Alipurduar
* Cooch Behar
* Uttar Dinajpur
* Dakshin Dinajpur
* Malda
Darjeeling is famous for the Himalayan mountain landscape, tea gardens and Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Kalimpong is another important hill district.
Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri are known for forests, tea gardens and wildlife. The Dooars region lies mainly in this part of the state and is characterised by forests and numerous rivers.
Southern and Central West Bengal: The central and southern parts include several densely populated districts and the major urban-industrial areas of the state. Important districts include:
* Murshidabad
* Nadia
* North 24 Parganas
* South 24 Parganas
* Howrah
* Hooghly
* Kolkata
* Purba Bardhaman
* Paschim Bardhaman
Kolkata, the state capital, is the major metropolitan, commercial and cultural centre.
Western Plateau and Rarh Region: The western part of West Bengal has relatively undulating terrain and is associated with the Chota Nagpur Plateau fringe. Important districts include:
* Purulia
* Jhargram
* Paschim Medinipur
* Purba Medinipur
* Birbhum
Purulia has some of the state's highest elevations and is characterised by rocky and undulating terrain. Bankura and Jhargram also have extensive forested areas.
Major Geographical Divisions
1. Himalayan Region: The northernmost part of West Bengal contains the eastern Himalayas. Darjeeling and Kalimpong are the principal hill districts. The region contains high mountains, steep slopes, valleys and cool climatic conditions. Sandakphu, located in the Singalila Ridge, is the highest point of West Bengal.
2. Terai and Dooars Region: South of the Himalayan foothills lies the Terai and Dooars region. It is characterised by fertile land, forests, grasslands and numerous streams. The region is famous for tea cultivation and wildlife. Important protected areas include Jaldapara National Park, Gorumara National Park and Buxa Tiger Reserve.
3. North Bengal Plains: The plains of North Bengal are mainly formed by sediments brought by rivers. The soil is suitable for agriculture, particularly paddy, jute and tea-related activities.
The Teesta is one of the most important rivers of this region.
4. Rarh and Western Plateau Region: Western West Bengal has comparatively less fertile, reddish and lateritic soil in many areas. The terrain is more undulating than the Gangetic plain. Purulia, Bankura, Birbhum, Jhargram and parts of Paschim Medinipur belong to this broad geographical zone.
5. Gangetic Plain: The central and southern parts of West Bengal contain extensive alluvial plains. These plains have been formed mainly by sediments deposited by the Ganga and its tributaries and distributaries. The fertile alluvial soil supports intensive agriculture. Rice, jute, vegetables and various other crops are cultivated extensively.
6. Delta and Coastal Region: The southernmost part of West Bengal includes the coastal plain and the vast Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta system. The Sundarbans form one of the most remarkable geographical features of this region.
The Sundarbans consist of tidal waterways, mudflats, mangrove forests and numerous islands. The region is famous for its mangrove ecosystem and Royal Bengal Tiger.
Major Rivers of West Bengal
Rivers play an extremely important role in the geography, agriculture, economy and settlement pattern of West Bengal.
1. The Ganga is the most important river system affecting West Bengal. After entering the state, the river divides into different channels. The Bhagirathi-Hooghly system flows southward through West Bengal, while the Padma flows towards Bangladesh.
The Bhagirathi-Hooghly system is historically and economically important because Kolkata and the Hooghly industrial belt developed along it.
2. The Teesta River originates in the Himalayas and flows through Sikkim before entering West Bengal. It is one of the most important rivers of North Bengal. It flows through areas around Jalpaiguri and ultimately joins the Brahmaputra system in Bangladesh.
3. The Damodar River flows through Jharkhand and West Bengal. Historically, it was known as the "Sorrow of Bengal" because of its devastating floods. The construction of dams and reservoirs under the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) helped regulate its water and contributed to irrigation and industrial development.
4. The Mahananda River is an important river of North Bengal. It flows through areas including Darjeeling, Uttar Dinajpur and Malda before entering Bangladesh.
5. The Ajay River flows through Jharkhand and West Bengal. It is associated with the western plateau and Rarh region.
6. The Mayurakshi River is another important river of Birbhum and Murshidabad. The Massanjore Dam, located in Jharkhand on the Mayurakshi River, is important for irrigation and water management.
7. The Rupnarayan River is important in southern West Bengal. It joins the Hooghly system and contributes to the extensive river network of the coastal region.
8. The Dwarakeswar and Kangsabati rivers are important rivers of western and southwestern West Bengal. The Kangsabati Project has played an important role in irrigation.
Sundarbans
The Sundarbans are among the most distinctive geographical features of West Bengal. They form part of the world's largest mangrove forest and occupy the deltaic region of the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna system.
The area contains numerous tidal rivers, creeks and islands. The mangrove vegetation is adapted to saline and tidal conditions. The Royal Bengal Tiger is the most famous animal associated with the Sundarbans.
The Sundarbans are also vulnerable to cyclones, coastal erosion, rising sea levels and salinity.
Climate of West Bengal
West Bengal generally experiences a tropical monsoon climate, although climatic conditions vary considerably from north to south and from the hills to the plains.
The state receives most of its rainfall during the southwest monsoon. The Himalayan foothills receive heavy rainfall, while western districts may experience comparatively drier conditions.
Summer temperatures can be high in the plains, while the Himalayan districts remain much cooler. Coastal areas are influenced by the Bay of Bengal and are frequently exposed to tropical cyclones.
Agriculture and Natural Resources
The fertile alluvial plains make West Bengal an important agricultural state. Rice is the principal food crop. Other important crops include jute, potatoes, wheat, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables and tea. West Bengal is particularly famous for Darjeeling tea. Tea cultivation is concentrated mainly in the northern districts.
The western districts contain mineral resources and support industries based on coal and other raw materials. Raniganj is an important coalfield, and the Durgapur-Asansol region is one of the major industrial belts of the state.
In Conclusion, West Bengal is geographically diverse despite its relatively compact area. From the Himalayas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong to the Dooars forests, from the fertile Gangetic plains to the lateritic western plateau, and finally to the mangrove-dominated Sundarbans, the state presents remarkable geographical variety.
Its rivers—particularly the Ganga, Teesta, Damodar, Mahananda, Ajay, Mayurakshi, Rupnarayan and Kangsabati—have shaped agriculture, settlement, transport and economic development. The combination of mountains, forests, plains, rivers, plateau and coastal delta makes West Bengal one of India's most geographically significant states.
For competitive examinations, candidates should especially remember district locations, major rivers and their tributaries, geographical regions, important dams, national parks, highest points, soil types and major crops. These areas frequently form the basis of factual and map-based questions in West Bengal examinations.
****REVISION NOTES | IMPORTANT ONE-LINERS | FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS****
A. BASIC GEOGRAPHY
1. Capital of West Bengal → Kolkata.
2. Area → Approximately 88,752 sq km.
3. West Bengal is located in → Eastern India.
4. International coastline along → Bay of Bengal.
5. Countries sharing an international boundary→ Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan.
6. Indian states bordering West Bengal → Sikkim, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha.
7. Highest point → Sandakphu, located in → Singalila Ridge, Darjeeling Himalayan region.
8. Broadest geographical sequence from north to south → Himalayas → Terai-Dooars → Plains → Delta/coastal region.
9. Major geographical divisions→ Himalayan region, Terai-Dooars, North Bengal plains, Rarh/western plateau, Gangetic plains and coastal-deltaic region.
B. HILLS, PLATEAU & REGIONS
10. Main Himalayan districts of West Bengal → Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
11. Dooars region is located in → Sub-Himalayan northern West Bengal.
12. Major districts associated with the Dooars → Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar.
13. Dooars is famous for → Tea gardens, forests, grasslands and rivers.
14. Rarh region is mainly associated with → Western West Bengal.
15. Western plateau region is associated with → Chota Nagpur Plateau's eastern fringe.
16. Important western plateau districts → Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram and parts of Paschim Medinipur.
17. Soil commonly associated with western plateau areas → Red and lateritic soil.
18. Susunia Hill is located in → Bankura district.
C. MAJOR RIVERS
19. Most important river system → Ganga river
20. Bhagirathi-Hooghly is associated with → The Ganga river system
21. River flowing beside Kolkata → Hooghly
22. Teesta is mainly associated with → North Bengal | originates in → Himalayan region | flows through → Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh.
23. “Sorrow of Bengal” → Damodar
24. Damodar is associated with → Damodar Valley and western industrial belt
25. Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) is associated with → Damodar River system
26. Mayurakshi is associated with → Birbhum and Murshidabad region
27. Massanjore Dam is built across → Mayurakshi River
28. Kangsabati River is associated with → Southwestern West Bengal
29. Mahananda is an important river of → North Bengal
39. Rupnarayan is associated with → Southern West Bengal and the Hooghly river system
40. Ajay River is associated with → Western/Rarh region
41. Torsa is an important river of → North Bengal
42. Jaldhaka is an important river of → North Bengal
43. Major river associated with Kolkata's historical development → Hooghly
D. FORESTS & WILDLIFE GEOGRAPHY
44. Sundarbans are located in → Southern West Bengal
45. Major district associated with the Sundarbans → South 24 Parganas
46. Sundarbans are part of → Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta
47. Dominant vegetation of Sundarbans → Mangrove vegetation
48. Sundarbans are characterised by → Tidal creeks, mudflats, islands and mangrove forests
49. Famous animal of the Sundarbans → Royal Bengal Tiger
**50. Jaldapara National Park is located in → Alipurduar
**51. Gorumara National Park is located in → Jalpaiguri region
**52. Buxa Tiger Reserve is located in → Alipurduar
53. Major forest region of North Bengal → Dooars
E. AGRICULTURE & ECONOMY
54. Principal food crop of West Bengal → Rice
**55. Major commercial crop associated with Bengal → Jute
56. Famous tea-producing region → Darjeeling
57. Another major tea-growing region → Dooars
58. Darjeeling tea is associated with → Himalayan hill slopes.
59. Dooars tea is associated with → Sub-Himalayan foothills and plains.
**60. Major coalfield of West Bengal → Raniganj
**61. Major coalfield district → Paschim Bardhaman.
62. Major industrial belt of western Bengal → Asansol–Durgapur.
F. DISTRICT-BASED ONE-LINERS
63. Darjeeling → Himalayan hills and tea
64. Kalimpong → Himalayan hill region
65. Jalpaiguri → Dooars, forests and tea
66. Alipurduar → Dooars and Buxa
67. Cooch Behar → North Bengal plains.
68. Uttar Dinajpur → North Bengal.
69. Dakshin Dinajpur → North Bengal.
70. Malda → North Bengal/Ganga basin.
71. Murshidabad → Ganga-Bhagirathi riverine region.
72. Nadia → Alluvial/Gangetic plain
73. Purba Bardhaman → Fertile alluvial agricultural region
74. Paschim Bardhaman → Coal and industries
75. Birbhum → Rarh region and Mayurakshi
76. Bankura → Lateritic terrain and western plateau
77. Purulia → Chota Nagpur Plateau fringe
78. Jhargram → Forested western region
79. Paschim Medinipur → Western/southwestern terrain
80. Purba Medinipur → Coastal region.
81. Howrah → Hooghly river corridor and urban-industrial region
82. Hooghly → Hooghly river corridor and fertile plains
83. Kolkata → Hooghly river and metropolitan centre
84. North 24 Parganas → Lower Gangetic plain and urban region
85. South 24 Parganas → Coastal delta and Sundarbans
****SUPER IMPORTANT EXAM PAIRS FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS****
* Sandakphu → Highest point of West Bengal
* Darjeeling → Himalayan hills
* Dooars → Sub-Himalayan foothills
* Buxa → Alipurduar
* Jaldapara → Alipurduar.
* Gorumara → Jalpaiguri region.
* Damodar → Sorrow of Bengal.
* DVC → Damodar.
* Massanjore Dam → Mayurakshi.
* Kangsabati Project → Kangsabati.
* Raniganj → Coalfield.
* Asansol–Durgapur → Industrial belt.
* Hooghly → Kolkata.
* Teesta → North Bengal.
* Sundarbans → Mangrove delta.
* Purulia → Plateau fringe.
* Bankura → Lateritic/undulating western terrain
****PRACTICE SET | MCQS WITH EXPLANATIONS | MUST READ****
Q1. Which of the following sequences correctly represents the broad geographical transition in West Bengal from north to south?
A. Gangetic Plain → Himalayas → Plateau → Delta
B. Himalayas → Terai-Dooars → Plains → Delta/Coastal Region
C. Plateau → Himalayas → Terai → Coastal Plain
D. Delta → Gangetic Plain → Himalayas → Plateau
Answer: B
Explanation: The northernmost area contains the Himalayas, followed by the Terai-Dooars, the extensive North and Gangetic plains, and finally the deltaic and coastal region around the Sundarbans.
Q2. Which one of the following rivers is most closely associated with the historical description “Sorrow of Bengal”?
A. Teesta
B. Mahananda
C. Damodar
D. Mayurakshi
Answer: C. Damodar
Explanation: Because of its destructive and recurrent floods. Flood-control and irrigation projects, particularly those associated with the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), significantly changed the river's role in the region.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the Teesta River:
1. It originates in the Himalayan region.
2. It is an important river of North Bengal.
3. It ultimately joins the Ganga within West Bengal.
4. It flows through Sikkim before entering West Bengal.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
Explanation: The Teesta originates in the Himalayas, flows through Sikkim, enters West Bengal, and is one of the major rivers of North Bengal. It eventually joins the Brahmaputra/Jamuna system in Bangladesh.
Q4. Which district of West Bengal is particularly associated with the highest point of the state?
A. Kalimpong
B. Darjeeling
C. Jalpaiguri
D. Alipurduar
Answer: B. Darjeeling
Explanation: Sandakphu, located in the Singalila Ridge of the Darjeeling Himalayan region, is the highest point of West Bengal. The area is famous for Himalayan views and trekking.
Exam Trap: Sandakphu is sometimes incorrectly associated with Sikkim because of its Himalayan location.
Q5. Which river system is most directly associated with the development of the Kolkata–Hooghly industrial belt?
A. Teesta
B. Hooghly-Bhagirathi
C. Mahananda
D. Kangsabati
Answer: B
Explanation: The Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system has historically been extremely important for settlement, transportation, ports, trade and industrial development. Kolkata and numerous industrial centres developed along this river corridor.
Q6. Which of the following pairs is incorrectly matched?
A. Jaldapara — Alipurduar
B. Gorumara — Jalpaiguri
C. Buxa — Alipurduar
D. Sundarbans — Purulia
Answer: D
Explanation: The Sundarbans are located in the southern deltaic region, primarily in South 24 Parganas of West Bengal.
Purulia, in contrast, belongs to the western plateau region.
7. Which of the following districts belongs most clearly to the western plateau/lateritic geographical region?
A. Purulia
B. Cooch Behar
C. South 24 Parganas
D. Nadia
Answer: A
Explanation: Purulia is situated in the western part of West Bengal and is strongly associated with the Chota Nagpur Plateau fringe. The landscape contains undulating terrain, rocky formations and extensive areas of lateritic soil.
Nadia and South 24 Parganas are associated mainly with the alluvial/deltaic plains.
Q8. The term “Dooars” in West Bengal is primarily associated with which geographical environment?
A. Coastal mangrove ecosystem
B. Himalayan foothill and forest region
C. Western lateritic plateau
D. Central alluvial plain
Answer: B
Explanation: The Dooars form the sub-Himalayan foothill region of northern West Bengal. The area is characterised by forests, grasslands, tea gardens and numerous rivers and streams.
Q9. Which of the following combinations correctly identifies the major geographical character of the Sundarbans?
A. Arid plateau and thorn forest
B. Glacial valley and coniferous forest
C. Tidal delta, mangroves and numerous creeks
D. Lateritic upland and dry deciduous forest
Answer: C
Explanation: The Sundarbans are part of the vast Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta. Its distinctive landscape includes tidal waterways, mudflats, islands, creeks and mangrove vegetation.
Q10. Which river is associated with the Massanjore Dam and the irrigation development of the Birbhum region?
A. Damodar
B. Mayurakshi
C. Teesta
D. Rupnarayan
Answer: B
Explanation: The Mayurakshi River is associated with the Massanjore Dam, located in Jharkhand. The Mayurakshi system has been important for irrigation and water management in parts of West Bengal, particularly Birbhum and neighbouring areas.
Q11. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?
A. Purulia — Himalayan mountain region
B. Darjeeling — Western plateau
C. Alipurduar — Dooars
D. South 24 Parganas — Terai
Answer: C
Explanation: Alipurduar is an important district of the Dooars region, known for forests, rivers, tea gardens and wildlife areas including Buxa.
South 24 Parganas is associated with the Sundarbans and coastal-deltaic region, while Darjeeling belongs to the Himalayan region.
Q12. Which river is particularly important in understanding the geography of North Bengal?
A. Teesta
B. Kangsabati
C. Damodar
D. Rupnarayan
Answer: A. Teesta
Q13. Which one of the following districts is NOT generally associated with the western plateau region?
A. Bankura
B. Purulia
C. Jhargram
D. Cooch Behar
Answer: D
Explanation: Cooch Behar belongs to North Bengal, whereas Bankura, Purulia and Jhargram are associated with the western/southwestern geographical region.
Q14. . A student preparing a map-based question is asked to identify the district most strongly associated with the Himalayan hill region. Which option should be selected?
A. Darjeeling
B. Howrah
C. Nadia
D. Purba Medinipur
Answer: A. Darjeeling
Explanation: Darjeeling is the best-known Himalayan hill district of West Bengal. Its geography includes high-altitude mountains, deep valleys, tea plantations and Himalayan forests.
Exam Trap: Kalimpong is also a Himalayan hill district, so if both Darjeeling and Kalimpong appear as options, read the wording carefully.
Q15. Which of the following districts is most closely associated with the Dooars–Buxa geographical region?
A. Birbhum
B. Alipurduar
C. Nadia
D. Purba Medinipur
Answer: B
Explanation: Alipurduar lies in the Dooars region of North Bengal and contains the Buxa Tiger Reserve. The district is characterised by forests, rivers, tea gardens and Himalayan foothill landscapes.
Q16. Which river is particularly important in the geographical and economic development of the Asansol–Durgapur industrial belt?
A. Damodar
B. Teesta
C. Mahananda
D. Kangsabati
Answer: A
Explanation: The Damodar River flows through the industrial belt of western West Bengal. The availability of coal in the Raniganj coalfield, water resources and power generated through the Damodar Valley system contributed to industrial development.
Exam Trap: Damodar → industrial belt + coal + DVC is an important combination.
Q17. Which of the following represents the CORRECT river–region association?
A. Teesta — South 24 Parganas
B. Kangsabati — Southwestern West Bengal
C. Mahananda — Sundarbans
D. Rupnarayan — Darjeeling Himalayas
Answer: B
Q18. Which district is particularly famous for lateritic soil, undulating terrain and the Susunia hills?
A. Bankura
B. Cooch Behar
C. Murshidabad
D. North 24 Parganas
Answer: A. Bankura
Explanation: Bankura belongs to the western Rarh/plateau fringe. It contains lateritic terrain and important uplands such as Susunia Hill.
Q19. Which of the following rivers is NOT primarily associated with the northern part of West Bengal?
A. Teesta
B. Mahananda
C. Jaldhaka
D. Damodar
Answer: D
Explanation The Damodar is mainly associated with the western and central parts of the state.
Q20. Which of the following pairs is INCORRECTLY matched?
A. Darjeeling — Tea
B. Purulia — Chota Nagpur Plateau fringe
C. Sundarbans — Mangrove forest
D. Dooars — Desert vegetation
Answer: D
Explanation: The Dooars have lush forests, grasslands, rivers and tea gardens. They are part of the humid sub-Himalayan environment.
Q21. Consider the following statements:
1. Darjeeling belongs to the Himalayan region.
2. Purulia belongs to the western plateau b. region.
3. South 24 Parganas contains the Sundarbans region.
4. Alipurduar is associated with the Dooars.
Which statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D
Q22. Which of the following combinations is most appropriate for North Bengal?
A. Teesta — Dooars — Tea gardens
B. Kangsabati — Sundarbans — Mangroves
C. Damodar — Kolkata — Delta
D. Rupnarayan — Darjeeling — Himalayas
Answer: A
Q23. Which one of the following rivers is associated with the western part of West Bengal rather than the Himalayan foothills?
A. Teesta
B. Jaldhaka
C. Damodar
D. Torsa
Answer: C. Damodar
Q24. Which district is geographically distinguished by its location in the Ganga-Padma riverine region and historical importance?
A. Murshidabad
B. Purulia
C. Darjeeling
D. Jhargram
Answer: A. Murshidabad
Q25. Which of the following districts is most likely to be associated with coal-based industrial development?
A. Paschim Bardhaman
B. Darjeeling
C. South 24 Parganas
D. Cooch Behar
Answer: A
Explanation: Paschim Bardhaman includes the major industrial areas of Asansol and Durgapur and is closely associated with the Raniganj coalfield and coal-based industries.
****WEST BENGAL STATIC GK — IMPORTANT ONE-LINERS****
A. GEOGRAPHY & DISTRICTS
* Capital of West Bengal — Kolkata
* Largest city — Kolkata
* Number of districts — 23
* Highest peak — Sandakphu, located in Darjeeling district
* Highest point of the Singalila Range — Sandakphu
* Major river of West Bengal — Ganga (Bhagirathi-Hooghly system), enters West Bengal through — Malda district
* River known as Bhagirathi in West Bengal — Ganga's distributary
* Hooghly River flows past — Kolkata
* Farakka Barrage is located in — Murshidabad district
* Largest district by area — South 24 Parganas
* Smallest district by area — Kolkata
* Northernmost district — Darjeeling
* Southernmost district — South 24 Parganas
* West Bengal shares an international border with — Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal
* West Bengal shares a border with how many Indian states? — Five — Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Sikkim and Assam
* Darjeeling Himalayan Railway — UNESCO World Heritage Site
B. RIVERS, DAMS & GEOGRAPHY
* Teesta River is mainly associated with — North Bengal
* Damodar river — “Sorrow of Bengal”
* Durgapur Barrage is built across — Damodar River
* Maithon Dam is built across — Barakar River
* Panchet Dam is built across — Damodar River
* Ajay River flows through — West Bengal and Jharkhand
* Mayurakshi River — Massanjore Dam, located in — Jharkhand
* Sundarbans is famous for — Mangrove forests
* Sundarbans is formed by — Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta system
C. National Parks & Wildlife
* Royal Bengal Tiger is associated with — Sundarbans
* Sundarbans National Park is in — South 24 Parganas
* Jaldapara National Park is famous for — One-horned rhinoceros
* Gorumara National Park is famous for — One-horned rhinoceros
* Buxa Tiger Reserve is located in — Alipurduar
* Neora Valley National Park — Kalimpong
* Singalila National Park — Darjeeling
* Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary — Jalpaiguri
* State animal — Fishing Cat
* State bird — White-throated Kingfisher
* State flower — Shiuli (Night-flowering Jasmine)
* State tree — Chatim (Alstonia scholaris)
D. History
* Battle of Plassey was fought in — 1757 at Palashi, Nadia
* Battle of Buxar was fought in — 1764
* Permanent Settlement was introduced in Bengal in — 1793 by Lord Cornwallis
* First Governor-General of Bengal — Warren Hastings
* First Governor-General of India — Lord William Bentinck
* Capital of British India was shifted from Kolkata to Delhi in — 1911
E. CULTURE, LITERATURE & ART
* Rabindranath Tagore was born at — Jorasanko, Kolkata
* Rabindranath Tagore won the Nobel Prize in Literature in — 1913
* Tagore's Nobel-winning work — Gitanjali
* Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay wrote — Anandamath
* “Vande Mataram” is from — Anandamath
* Satyajit Ray was born in — Kolkata
* Satyajit Ray's first film — Pather Panchali was first released in — 1955
* Baul music is especially associated with — Bengal
* Chhau is associated with — Purulia
* Gambhira folk — Malda
* Tusu festival — Western districts of Bengal
* Durga Puja is the most prominent festival of — West Bengal
* Kalighat painting originated in — Kolkata
* Bishnupur is famous for — Terracotta temples and Baluchari sarees
* Bengal's famous folk theatre — Jatra
* Kantha is a traditional — Embroidery art
F. ECONOMY & IMPORTANT PLACES
* Durgapur is famous for — Steel industry
* Burnpur is associated with — IISCO Steel Plant
* Haldia is famous for — Port and petrochemical industries
* Durgapur Steel Plant was established with assistance from — Soviet Union
* Kolkata Port is now officially known as — Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, located on — Hooghly River
* Asansol is famous for — Coal and industry
* Raniganj coalfield is located mainly in — West Bengal
* Siliguri is known as the gateway to — North-East India and Himalayan region
* Kolkata is known as the — “City of Joy”