Bihar GK MCQs Questions for preparation of Competitive Exams. Important Bihar General Knowledge previous year exam question answer with explanation are provided below.
Bihar General Knowledge MCQs
Question 1: Which is the largest city in Bihar?
a) Patna
b) Gaya
c) Muzaffarpur
d) Bhagalpur
Explanation: Patna is the capital of Bihar and the largest city in the state.
Question 2: In which year did the Champaran Satyagraha start in Bihar?
a) 1915
b) 1917
c) 1920
d) 1930
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi started a movement in Champaran in 1917 to support the indigo farmers.
Question 3: What is the official state animal of Bihar?
a) Elephant
b) Cow
c) Ox
d) Lion
Explanation: The ox has been declared the state animal of Bihar.
Question 4: Which district of Bihar is famous as the ‘Silk City’?
a) Patna
b) Gaya
c) Bhagalpur
d) Munger
Explanation: Bhagalpur is known for its silk textile industry and is called the ‘Silk City’.
Question 5: How many divisions (Pramandal) are there in Bihar?
a) 7
b) 9
c) 10
d) 11
Explanation: Bihar has a total of 9 divisions that administratively divide the state into different regions.
Question 6: Who is the current Chief Minister of Bihar? (As of August 2024)
a) Nitish Kumar
b) Tejashwi Yadav
c) Jitan Ram Manjhi
d) Sushil Modi
Explanation: Nitish Kumar is currently serving as the Chief Minister of Bihar and has held the position multiple times.
Question 7: Who was the first Chief Minister of Bihar?
a) Shri Krishna Singh
b) Jagannath Mishra
c) Lalu Prasad Yadav
d) Karpoori Thakur
Explanation: Shri Krishna Singh was the first Chief Minister of Bihar after independence.
Question 8: Which city in Bihar is considered the ‘center of education’?
a) Patna
b) Gaya
c) Nalanda
d) Darbhanga
Explanation: Nalanda was home to the ancient Nalanda University, which was a major center of education.
Question 9: On which date is Bihar Day celebrated?
a) 15 January
b) 22 March
c) 1 April
d) 2 October
Explanation: Bihar Day is celebrated on 22nd March to mark the formation of the state in 1912 after separating from Bengal.
Question 10: What is the main language of Bihar?
a) Hindi
b) Bhojpuri
c) Maithili
d) Magahi
Explanation: Hindi is the official language of Bihar, although Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Magahi are also widely spoken.
Question 11: Which is the largest district in Bihar?
a) Patna
b) West Champaran
c) Gaya
d) Bhagalpur
Explanation: Based on area, West Champaran is the largest district in Bihar.
Question 12: In which district of Bihar is the ‘Mahabodhi Temple’ located?
a) Patna
b) Gaya
c) Muzaffarpur
d) Darbhanga
Explanation: The Mahabodhi Temple is located in the Gaya district and is an important site in Buddhism.
Question 13: Which city of Bihar is the birthplace of ‘Sher Shah Suri’?
a) Patna
b) Sasaram
c) Darbhanga
d) Nalanda
Explanation: Sasaram is the birthplace of Sher Shah Suri and is also famous for his mausoleum.
Question 14: At which place in Bihar did Lord Buddha deliver his first sermon?
a) Nalanda
b) Pawapuri
c) Bodh Gaya
d) Sarnath
Explanation: Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodh Gaya, which is a major center of Buddhism.
Question 15: In which year did the reconstruction of Nalanda University begin?
a) 2010
b) 2014
c) 2005
d) 2012
Explanation: The reconstruction of Nalanda University began in 2014 with contributions from India and many other countries.
Question 16: Which folk dance of Bihar is very famous?
a) Bihu
b) Jumari
c) Kathak
d) Chhau
Explanation: Jumari is one of the most famous folk dances of Bihar, especially performed by married women and connected deeply with the local culture and heritage.
Question 17: Which place in Bihar is known as the birthplace of Lord Mahavira?
a) Nalanda
b) Pawapuri
c) Vaishali
d) Bodh Gaya
Explanation: Vaishali is the birthplace of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
Question 18: In which district is the Sonepur Mela organized?
a) Patna
b) Saran
c) Gaya
d) Nalanda
Explanation: The Sonepur Mela is organized every year in the Saran district and is considered the largest cattle fair in Asia.
Question 19: Bihar shares its southern border with which state?
a) Uttar Pradesh
b) Jharkhand
c) West Bengal
d) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: Bihar shares its southern border with Jharkhand, and many of its districts are adjacent to Jharkhand.
Question 20: What was the ancient name of Patna?
a) Pataliputra
b) Vaishali
c) Magadh
d) Rajgir
Explanation: The ancient name of Patna was Pataliputra, which was also the capital of the Maurya Empire.
Question 21: Which place is known as the ‘Education City’ of Bihar?
a) Nalanda
b) Patna
c) Gaya
d) Muzaffarpur
Explanation: Nalanda is famous for its ancient university and has been a center of education for centuries.
Question 22: Which place in Bihar is called the “Capital of Religion”?
a) Gaya
b) Rajgir
c) Bodh Gaya
d) Pawapuri
Explanation: Bodh Gaya is called the “Capital of Religion” because it is the place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment.
Question 23: Where are the remains of the Vikramshila University found?
a) Patna
b) Bhagalpur
c) Nalanda
d) Munger
Explanation: The remains of Vikramshila University are located in Bhagalpur district, which was a center of ancient education.
Question 24: Which city in Bihar is known as the “City of Kabir”?
a) Patna
b) Sasaram
c) Motihari
d) Darbhanga
Explanation: Sasaram has a large number of followers of Saint Kabir, hence it is known as the “City of Kabir”.
Question 25: Where is the Mahatma Gandhi Setu located?
a) Patna
b) Hajipur
c) Bhagalpur
d) Buxar
Explanation: Mahatma Gandhi Setu is built over the Ganges river in Patna and is one of the longest bridges in India.
Question 26: What is the original meaning of the word “Bihar”?
a) Mountain
b) River
c) Buddhist Monastery
d) Fort
Explanation: The word “Bihar” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Vihar”, meaning “Buddhist Monastery”. In ancient times, this region was a significant center for Buddhism, with many monasteries.
Question 27: When was the Patna High Court established?
a) 1912
b) 1916
c) 1919
d) 1935
Explanation: Patna High Court was established on 3rd February 1916 after the separation of Bihar and Odisha. Justice Edward Mayne Stuart was its first Chief Justice.
Question 28: How many seats does Bihar have in the Rajya Sabha?
a) 12
b) 14
c) 16
d) 18
Explanation: Bihar has 16 representatives in the Rajya Sabha, which is the upper house of the Parliament of India. These members are elected by the elected members of the Bihar Legislative Assembly.
Question 29: For what was Nalanda University world-famous?
a) Advancement in Physics
b) Expertise in Ayurveda
c) Study of Buddhism and Philosophy
d) Excellence in Mathematics and Astronomy
Explanation: Nalanda University was located in Bihar and was active from the 5th to the 12th century. It was especially famous for the study of Buddhism and Philosophy and was one of the most prestigious ancient universities.
Question 30: What was the main cause of the destruction of Nalanda University?
a) Turkish Invasion
b) Chinese Invasion
c) Muslim Invasion
d) Mongol Invasion
Explanation: Nalanda University was destroyed in 1193 AD by Muslim invaders. Muhammad bin Bakhtiyar Khilji attacked and completely destroyed the university, which ended its prosperous educational legacy.
Question 31: In which district are the ruins of Nalanda University located?
a) Patna
b) Nalanda
c) Gaya
d) Saran
Explanation: The ruins of the ancient Nalanda University are located in Nalanda district.
Question 32: What is the state tree of Bihar?
a) Peepal
b) Ashoka
c) Neem
d) Banyan
Explanation: The Peepal tree is the state tree of Bihar. It holds great significance in Indian culture and is considered sacred in religious beliefs.
Question 33: When was Jharkhand separated from Bihar?
a) 15 August 1947
b) 1 January 2000
c) 15 November 2000
d) 26 January 1950
Explanation: Jharkhand was separated from Bihar on 15 November 2000, which is also the birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda. Prior to this, Jharkhand was part of Bihar.
Question 34: In which year was the first Hindi newspaper “Bihar Bandhu” published in Bihar?
a) 1862
b) 1872
c) 1882
d) 1892
Explanation: “Bihar Bandhu” was the first Hindi newspaper in Bihar, published in 1872, marking the beginning of Hindi journalism in the state.
Question 35: Who was the first woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha?
a) Meira Kumar
b) Ranjit Kumari
c) Urmila Singh
d) Shobha Yadav
Explanation: Meira Kumar was the first woman Speaker of the Lok Sabha, serving during the 15th Lok Sabha from 2009 to 2014.
Question 36: Which great personality of Bihar is known for contributing to the historical development of “Magadh”?
a) Ashoka
b) Chandragupta Maurya
c) Emperor Akbar
d) Bimbisara
Explanation: Bimbisara was a great ruler of the Magadh Empire and significantly contributed to its historical development.
Question 37: In which district is the “Bihar Museum” located?
a) Patna
b) Darbhanga
c) Muzaffarpur
d) Gaya
Explanation: Bihar Museum is located in Patna and showcases the cultural and historical heritage of the state.
Question 38: “Litti Chokha” is a dish of which state?
a) Bihar
b) Kerala
c) Goa
d) Punjab
Question 39: Which is the largest municipal corporation in Bihar?
a) Patna
b) Bhagalpur
c) Muzaffarpur
d) Gaya
Explanation: Patna is the largest municipal corporation in Bihar. It is also the capital of the state and has the highest population and area among cities in Bihar.
Question 40: On which day is ‘Dr. Rajendra Prasad’s’ birth anniversary celebrated in Bihar?
a) January 3
b) January 26
c) August 15
d) December 3
Explanation: Rajendra Prasad was born on December 3, 1884, in Ziradei, Siwan district of Bihar. Being the youngest in a large joint family, he was very much loved. He had a deep bond with his mother and elder brother Mahendra.
Question 41: Who founded the ‘Nalanda’ University in Bihar?
a) Ashoka
b) Chandragupta Maurya
c) Kumaragupta
d) Vikramaditya I
Explanation: Nalanda University was founded by Kumaragupta I. It was one of the most prominent educational centers of ancient India, offering studies in Buddhism, Tantra, Mathematics, and Science.
Question 42: Which district of Bihar is famous for ‘Madhubani Painting’?
a) Patna
b) Madhubani
c) Gaya
d) Bhagalpur
Explanation: Madhubani district is famous for Madhubani painting, which is a traditional Indian art style.
Question 43: Which district of Bihar is famous for ‘Litchi’?
a) Darbhanga
b) Muzaffarpur
c) Patna
d) Gaya
Explanation: Muzaffarpur district is known for the production of high-quality litchi.
Question 44: In which district of Bihar is ‘Tilka Manjhi’ University located?
a) Patna
b) Bhagalpur
c) Muzaffarpur
d) Gaya
Explanation: Tilka Manjhi University is located in Bhagalpur and is named after the freedom fighter Tilka Manjhi.
Question 45: What is the western border state of Bihar?
a) Uttar Pradesh
b) Madhya Pradesh
c) Rajasthan
d) West Bengal
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh lies on the western border of Bihar. Several major rivers flow between these two states.
Question 46: Which is the smallest district in Bihar in terms of area?
a) Patna
b) Sheohar
c) Gopalganj
d) Bhagalpur
Explanation: Sheohar is the smallest district of Bihar by area, covering a total of 443 square kilometers.
Question 47: Which district of Bihar has the lowest population?
a) Sheikhpura
b) Kishanganj
c) Darbhanga
d) Gaya
Explanation: Sheikhpura is a small district in Bihar with a comparatively low population. As per the 2011 Census, its population is about 4.8 lakhs.
Question 48: Where is the oil refinery located in Bihar?
a) Patna
b) Barauni
c) Muzaffarpur
d) Bhagalpur
Explanation: The only oil refinery in Bihar is located in Barauni. It is operated by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and was established in 1964.
Question 49: By whose hands was the glory of Nalanda University destroyed?
a) Ashoka
b) Mahmud of Ghazni
c) Bakhtiyar Khilji
d) Qutb-ud-din Aibak
Explanation: Nalanda University, a prominent educational and Buddhist center of ancient India, was destroyed in 1193 CE by Turkish invader Bakhtiyar Khilji. He burned down the university and killed many scholars and monks. Thousands of manuscripts and books stored in the library were lost, deeply impacting the history of Indian education and Buddhism.
Question 50: In which state is the Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) located?
a) Uttar Pradesh
b) Bihar
c) Jharkhand
d) West Bengal
Explanation: Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) is located in Patna, Bihar. It is a premier law university of the state and was established in 2006.
Question 51: What is the main monsoon season in Bihar?
a) April-May
b) June-September
c) October-November
d) December-January
Explanation: The main monsoon season in Bihar occurs between June and September. Most of the rainfall in the state happens during this time, which is very important for agriculture.
Question 52: How many districts are there in Bihar?
a) 35
b) 38
c) 40
d) 42
Explanation: Bihar has a total of 38 districts. These districts play an important role in the smooth functioning of administrative and developmental activities in the state.
Question 53: Who constructed the ‘Golghar’ located in Patna?
a) Lord Cornwallis
b) John Garstin
c) Sher Shah Suri
d) Emperor Ashoka
Explanation: The Golghar in Patna was built by John Garstin in 1786. It is a large grain storage facility.
Question 54: In which district of Bihar is the Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary located?
a) Munger
b) West Champaran
c) Begusarai
d) Gaya
Explanation: The Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary is located in Begusarai district of Bihar. The ancient Buddhist-era Harshai Stupa, of archaeological significance, is also situated in this region.
Question 55: In whose court did the Greek ambassador Megasthenes come to Pataliputra?
a) Chandragupta Maurya
b) Ashoka
c) Vikramaditya
d) Sultan Tipu
Explanation: The Greek ambassador Megasthenes visited the court of Chandragupta Maurya. He was a well-known Greek envoy and writer who traveled across the Indian subcontinent. His book Indica provides detailed information about the social, political, and economic conditions of India during that time.
Question 56: In which year was cow slaughter banned by law in Bihar?
a) 1963
b) 1955
c) 1959
d) 1960
Explanation: Cow slaughter was banned in Bihar through the Bihar Animal Preservation and Improvement Act of 1955. Violation of the law can lead to imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of up to one thousand rupees.