1. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was born in the year –
A. 1820
B. 1825
C. 1830
D. 1840
Answer: A. 1820
Explanation: Vidyasagar was born on 26th September 1820 in Birsingha, West Bengal.
2. Vidyasagar’s original name was –
A. Ishwar Chandra Bandopadhyay
B. Ishwar Chandra Sharma
C. Ishwar Chandra Gupta
D. Ishwar Chandra Sen
Answer: A. Ishwar Chandra Bandopadhyay
Explanation: “Vidyasagar” was a title; his birth name was Ishwar Chandra Bandopadhyay.
3. The title ‘Vidyasagar’ means –
A. Ocean of Patriotism
B. Ocean of Wisdom
C. Beacon of Education
D. Light of Literature
Answer: B. Ocean of Wisdom
Explanation: He earned the title “Vidyasagar” due to his extraordinary performance in Sanskrit studies, meaning “Ocean of Knowledge/Wisdom.”
4. Where did Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar study Sanskrit?
A. Calcutta University
B. Fort William College
C. Sanskrit College, Calcutta
D. Presidency College
Answer: C. Sanskrit College, Calcutta
Explanation: Vidyasagar was a brilliant student of Sanskrit College and later became its principal.
5. Vidyasagar was instrumental in promoting –
A. Widow Remarriage
B. Sati System
C. Child Marriage
D. Polygamy
Answer: A. Widow Remarriage
Explanation: He fought for widow remarriage and helped pass the Hindu Widow Remarriage Act, 1856.
6. The Hindu Widow Remarriage Act was passed in the year –
A. 1852
B. 1854
C. 1856
D. 1858
Answer: C. 1856
Explanation: The Act was passed due to Vidyasagar’s efforts in 1856.
7. Which Governor-General supported Vidyasagar’s efforts for widow remarriage?
A. Lord Dalhousie
B. Lord Ripon
C. Lord William Bentinck
D. Lord Canning
Answer: D. Lord Canning
Explanation: Lord Canning approved the Widow Remarriage Act in 1856.
8. Vidyasagar’s primary contribution in education was –
A. Founding Calcutta University
B. Introducing modern science
C. Reorganizing Sanskrit College and girls’ education
D. Promoting technical education
Answer: C. Reorganizing Sanskrit College and girls’ education
Explanation: He modernized Sanskrit College and strongly promoted women’s education.
9. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar introduced the Bengali primer titled –
A. Sahaj Path
B. Bornoporichoy
C. Pathshala
D. Shiksha Sopan
Answer: B. Bornoporichoy
Explanation: “Bornoporichoy” is the famous Bengali alphabet book authored by Vidyasagar.
10. Vidyasagar served as the Principal of Sanskrit College in –
A. 1850
B. 1851
C. 1852
D. 1853
Answer: B. 1851
Explanation: Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar (1820–1891) was indeed associated with the Sanskrit College in Calcutta (now Kolkata). He became the Principal of the Sanskrit College in 1851. His tenure there was marked by significant reforms aimed at modernizing the traditional Sanskrit education system.
11. Vidyasagar emphasized the use of –
A. English in schools
B. Bengali in primary education
C. Persian for legal work
D. Urdu in religious texts
Answer: B. Bengali in primary education
Explanation: He supported Bengali as the medium of instruction, especially in primary schools.
12. Vidyasagar worked to open schools for –
A. Only Brahmin boys
B. Dalit students
C. Girls
D. Muslim children only
Answer: C. Girls
Explanation: He opened 35+ girls’ schools in Bengal.
13. Who was a contemporary social reformer like Vidyasagar?
A. Raja Rammohan Roy
B. Swami Vivekananda
C. Keshab Chandra Sen
D. Aurobindo Ghosh
Answer: A. Raja Rammohan Roy
Explanation: Both Roy and Vidyasagar worked for women’s rights.
14. Vidyasagar simplified Bengali –
A. Music
B. Poetry
C. Prose
D. Grammar only
Answer: C. Prose
Explanation: His writings simplified Bengali prose, making it accessible.
15. Vidyasagar was associated with which publication?
A. Tattvabodhini Patrika
B. Samachar Darpan
C. Shome Prakash
D. Hindoo Patriot
Answer: C. Shome Prakash
Explanation: He often expressed his views through Shome Prakash, a Bengali newspaper.
16. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar resigned from Sanskrit College due to –
A. Political pressure
B. Health issues
C. Differences over educational policies
D. Family obligations
Answer: C. Differences over educational policies
Explanation: Vidyasagar resigned in 1858 because of disagreements with the education department’s policies and lack of support for his reforms.
17. Vidyasagar was known for his reform in –
A. Muslim personal law
B. Hindu social customs
C. Christian missionary education
D. Tribal rights
Answer: B. Hindu social customs
Explanation: He fought against orthodox Hindu practices like child marriage and promoted widow remarriage.
18. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar established the Metropolitan Institution in –
A. 1853
B. 1872
C. 1859
D. 1860
Answer: B. 1872
Explanation: The Metropolitan Institution, now Vidyasagar College, was founded by him in 1872.
19. Vidyasagar’s father’s name was –
A. Thakurdas Bandopadhyay
B. Raghunath Bandopadhyay
C. Haranath Bandopadhyay
D. Nabakumar Bandopadhyay
Answer: A. Thakurdas Bandopadhyay
Explanation: Thakurdas Bandopadhyay was Vidyasagar’s father, a poor Brahmin.
20. Which famous writer called Vidyasagar the “Father of Bengali Prose”?
A. Michael Madhusudan Dutt
B. Rabindranath Tagore
C. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay
D. Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay
Answer: B. Rabindranath Tagore
Explanation: Tagore praised Vidyasagar as the Father of Bengali Prose due to his lucid and logical writing style.
21. Vidyasagar was deeply influenced by –
A. Buddhist Philosophy
B. Christian Missionaries
C. Western liberal thought
D. Traditional Vedanta
Answer: C. Western liberal thought
Explanation: He was influenced by rationalism, liberalism, and humanistic ideals from the West.
22. In his later life, Vidyasagar was engaged in philanthropy in –
A. Bihar
B. Odisha
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Jharkhand
Answer: D. Jharkhand
Explanation: Vidyasagar spent his final years in Karmatar (Jharkhand, then Bihar) serving the poor and tribal communities.
23. Vidyasagar’s contribution in Bengali literature includes –
A. Bengali Dictionary
B. Bengali Grammar Books
C. Bengali Encyclopaedia
D. Bengali Satirical Works
Answer: B. Bengali Grammar Books
Explanation: He wrote grammar books and readers like “Byakaran Koumudi” and “Bornoporichoy”.
24. In addition to education, Vidyasagar also worked to abolish –
A. Dowry System
B. Sati System
C. Untouchability
D. Polygamy
Answer: D. Polygamy
Explanation: He spoke against polygamy, especially among upper-caste Hindu men.
25. In which area of Bengal did Vidyasagar establish most girls’ schools?
A. East Bengal
B. Northern Bengal
C. Southern Bengal
D. Western Bengal
Answer: C. Southern Bengal
Explanation: Most of his 35+ girls’ schools were in Southern Bengal areas like Kolkata, Medinipur, and Hooghly.
26. Vidyasagar was a contemporary of which famous poet and dramatist?
A. Keshab Chandra Sen
B. Bankim Chandra
C. Michael Madhusudan Dutt
D. Rammohan Roy
Answer: C. Michael Madhusudan Dutt
Explanation: Vidyasagar and Michael Madhusudan Dutt were friends and shared reformist ideas.
27. Vidyasagar was awarded the title “Vidyasagar” from –
A. British Crown
B. Sanskrit College
C. Fort William College
D. Hindu College
Answer: B. Sanskrit College
Explanation: He received the title “Vidyasagar” from Sanskrit College after his exceptional scholarship in Sanskrit.
28. In recognition of his efforts, a postage stamp on Vidyasagar was issued in –
A. 1952
B. 1970
C. 1978
D. 1980
Answer: B. 1970
Explanation: The Government of India issued a commemorative stamp in 1970.
29. Vidyasagar’s mother’s name was –
A. Bhubaneshwari Devi
B. Bhagavati Devi
C. Shibani Devi
D. Saradamani Devi
Answer: B. Bhagavati Devi
Explanation: His mother’s name was Bhagavati Devi, a strong influence in his childhood.
30. The death anniversary of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar is observed on –
A. July 29
B. November 15
C. January 21
D. April 23
Answer: A. July 29
Explanation: Vidyasagar passed away on 29th July 1891.
31. Vidyasagar translated first which of the following Sanskrit classics into Bengali?
A. Meghaduta
B. Raghuvamsha
C. Betal Panchabinsati
D. Abhijnanashakuntalam
Answer: C. Betal Panchabinsati
Explanation: Betal Panchabinsati (1847): He translated this classic Sanskrit collection of stories into Bengali, broadening its audience and creating a masterpiece of Bengali literature.
32. Which philosophical outlook influenced Vidyasagar’s reforms the most?
A. Advaita Vedanta
B. Rational Humanism
C. Islamic Mysticism
D. Jainism
Answer: B. Rational Humanism
Explanation: Vidyasagar’s social and educational reforms were driven by rational humanist values, emphasizing logic, dignity, and compassion.
33. Vidyasagar’s major educational effort in tribal areas was in –
A. Purulia
B. Karmatar
C. Jhargram
D. Jalpaiguri
Answer: B. Karmatar
Explanation: In Karmatar (now in Jharkhand), Vidyasagar opened schools and supported tribal education in his later years.
34. Which of the following was NOT a focus of Vidyasagar’s reform movement?
A. Widow remarriage
B. Promotion of female education
C. Eradication of Sati
D. Simplification of Bengali prose
Answer: C. Eradication of Sati
Explanation: The abolition of Sati was led by Raja Rammohan Roy. Vidyasagar focused on widow remarriage, education, and social equality.
35. Vidyasagar was appointed as the Principal of Sanskrit College in –
A. 1841
B. 1851
C. 1853
D. 1855
Answer: B. 1851
Explanation: He became Principal of Sanskrit College in 1851, marking the beginning of important educational reforms.
36. Which of the following languages was Vidyasagar NOT proficient in?
A. Bengali
B. English
C. Persian
D. French
Answer: D. French
Explanation: Vidyasagar mastered Sanskrit, Bengali, English, and some Persian, but not French.
37. The Widow Remarriage Act was passed during the rule of which Governor-General?
A. Lord Dalhousie
B. Lord Bentinck
C. Lord Canning
D. Lord Curzon
Answer: C. Lord Canning
Explanation: The Hindu Widow Remarriage Act was enacted in 1856 during Lord Canning’s administration.
38. In which year was Vidyasagar born?
A. 1815
B. 1820
C. 1825
D. 1830
Answer: A. 1820
Explanation: Vidyasagar was born on 26 September 1820 in Birsingha village, Midnapore.
39. Which characteristic best describes Vidyasagar’s style of Bengali prose?
A. Ornamental and poetic
B. Difficult and academic
C. Simple and direct
D. Symbolic and abstract
Answer: C. Simple and direct
Explanation: His writing was known for clarity, brevity, and logic, revolutionizing Bengali prose.
40. Which book written by Vidyasagar is a primer for beginners in Bengali?
A. Barna Parichay
B. Sahitya Sangraha
C. Bodhodoy
D. Katha Mala
Answer: A. Barna Parichay
Explanation: Barna Parichay is a classic Bengali alphabet book for children and is still widely used.
41. Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar’s social reforms were opposed by –
A. Christian Missionaries
B. Colonial Officers
C. Orthodox Hindu Society
D. The Brahmo Samaj
Answer: C. Orthodox Hindu Society
Explanation: His efforts, especially widow remarriage, met strong resistance from orthodox Brahmins and conservatives.
42. The “Vidyasagar Setu” is named in honour of him and connects –
A. Delhi and Noida
B. Kolkata and Howrah
C. Mumbai and Thane
D. Chennai and Kanchipuram
Answer: B. Kolkata and Howrah
Explanation: Vidyasagar Setu, the second Hooghly Bridge, is named after him and connects Kolkata to Howrah.
43. What was Vidyasagar’s view on caste discrimination?
A. It was divine and must be preserved
B. It could be reformed
C. It was unjust and harmful
D. It was helpful for social order
Answer: C. It was unjust and harmful
Explanation: Vidyasagar strongly opposed caste-based discrimination and supported social equality.
44. The title “Vidyasagar” means –
A. Master of Law
B. Ocean of Knowledge
C. Servant of the People
D. Saint of Education
Answer: B. Ocean of Knowledge
Explanation: “Vidyasagar” translates to ‘Ocean of Knowledge’, a title earned due to his exceptional learning.
45. Vidyasagar published his Bengali translation of Shakuntala in –
A. 1852
B. 1854
C. 1855
D. 1858
Answer: B. 1854
Explanation: Shakuntala (1854): His translation of Kalidasa’s “Shakuntala” into Bengali showcases his literary skill.
46. Which act is directly associated with Vidyasagar’s reform efforts?
A. Bengal Tenancy Act
B. Widow Remarriage Act
C. Sati Regulation Act
D. Female Literacy Act
Answer: B. Widow Remarriage Act
Explanation: He was instrumental in lobbying for and ensuring the passage of the 1856 Hindu Widow Remarriage Act.
47. Which reformer was a contemporary of Vidyasagar and worked on female education?
A. Swami Vivekananda
B. Keshab Chandra Sen
C. Raja Rammohan Roy
D. Dayanand Saraswati
Answer: B. Keshab Chandra Sen
Explanation: Both Keshab Chandra Sen and Vidyasagar supported female education and social upliftment.
48. Vidyasagar contributed to the development of which type of school in Bengal?
A. English-medium missionary schools
B. Gurukuls
C. Government model schools
D. Vernacular Bengali schools
Answer: D. Vernacular Bengali schools
Explanation: He promoted Bengali-medium education, particularly in vernacular schools across Bengal.
49. Vidyasagar’s greatest contribution to education was –
A. Industrial education
B. Western moral instruction
C. Universal education, especially for girls
D. Military training in schools
Answer: C. Universal education, especially for girls
Explanation: He was a pioneer in promoting universal and girls’ education, breaking gender barriers in 19th-century Bengal.
50. Where is the Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar statue prominently located?
A. Indian Museum, Kolkata
B. Presidency University
C. College Street, Kolkata
D. Rabindra Bharati University
Answer: C. College Street, Kolkata
Explanation: A famous statue of Vidyasagar stands on College Street, Kolkata, honouring his educational contributions.