📚 Part of: West Bengal Gk: Climate, History, And Culture Mcqs

Consider the following Statements: KOLKATA WAS THE FIRST CITY TO LAUNCH METRO Human-powered rickshaws appeared one hundred years ago. At the Calcutta session of the Congress in September 1920, Mahatma Gandhi convinced other leaders of the need to start a non-cooperation movement in support of Khilafat as well as for swaraj. Which of the following statement(s) is/are true?

Category: West Bengal Gk

Correct Answer: C) Only 1, 2, 3.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, West Bengal PSC, West Bengal GK Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

This question tests knowledge of significant historical events in West Bengal, including the launch of the Kolkata Metro, the history of human-powered rickshaws, and the pivotal role of the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress in the non-cooperation movement. Each statement is a distinct piece of information that requires understanding of West Bengal's history and its contributions to India's independence movement.

Common Mistakes:
  • Students might confuse the launch date of the Kolkata Metro with other major cities in India.
  • Students may not be aware of the exact timeline of human-powered rickshaws in Kolkata.
  • Students might overlook the specific session of the Congress where the non-cooperation movement was initiated.
Explanation:

To understand the context of the statements, we need to delve into the history and development of Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal.

1. **Kolkata Metro**: The Kolkata Metro, also known as the Calcutta Metro, is the first underground metro system in India. It was inaugurated on October 24, 1984, making Kolkata the first city in the country to have a metro system. The metro has been a significant mode of public transportation, reducing traffic congestion and providing a reliable service to the city's residents and visitors.

2. **Human-powered Rickshaws**: Human-powered rickshaws, also known as cycle rickshaws, have been a part of Kolkata's transportation landscape for over a century. They were introduced in the early 20th century and have since become a symbol of the city's culture and heritage. Despite the introduction of modern transportation methods, cycle rickshaws continue to be a popular mode of transport, especially in the narrow streets of Kolkata.

3. **Calcutta Session of the Congress**: The Indian National Congress held its annual session in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in September 1920. This session was significant because it was during this time that Mahatma Gandhi convinced other leaders to launch a non-cooperation movement. The movement was aimed at achieving swaraj (self-rule) and supporting the Khilafat cause, which was a movement to protect the Ottoman Caliphate. The non-cooperation movement was a turning point in India's struggle for independence, as it marked the first large-scale civil disobedience movement under Gandhi's leadership.

Each of these statements highlights a different aspect of Kolkata's history and its role in India's development. The first statement emphasizes Kolkata's pioneering role in modern transportation, the second statement reflects the city's cultural heritage, and the third statement underscores Kolkata's importance in the Indian independence movement. Therefore, all three statements are true, making option C the correct answer.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect because it omits the third statement, which is true. The Calcutta session of the Congress in 1920 was indeed a significant event where Mahatma Gandhi convinced other leaders to start a non-cooperation movement.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect because it omits the second statement, which is true. Human-powered rickshaws have been a part of Kolkata's transportation system for over a century.
  • Option C: This option is correct because all three statements are true. Kolkata was the first city in India to launch a metro system, human-powered rickshaws have been around for a century, and the Calcutta session of the Congress in 1920 was crucial for the non-cooperation movement.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect because it omits the first statement, which is true. Kolkata was indeed the first city in India to launch a metro system.

Mnemonic: KMC: Kolkata Metro Came first, Rickshaws Rode for a Century, Congress Convinced

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