Part of: West Bengal Gk set 44

In which city can we find the Great Banyan tree which is 200-250 years old?

Category: West Bengal Gk

Hint: Consider the geographical location of the Great Banyan tree.

Correct Answer: D) Kolkata

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Great Banyan tree is a significant natural landmark located in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Kolkata, West Bengal. This tree is one of the largest known trees in the world and is estimated to be between 200 to 250 years old. The Great Banyan tree is a banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis), which is a species of fig tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is known for its extensive aerial roots that grow downwards and take root in the soil, forming additional trunks. This process has allowed the tree to spread over a vast area, making it a unique and impressive sight.

The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, formerly known as the Indian Botanic Garden, is a large botanical garden located in Shibpur, Howrah, near Kolkata. It was established in 1787 and is one of the oldest and largest botanical gardens in India. The garden is named after the renowned Indian physicist and botanist, Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, who conducted significant research on plant physiology and growth in the early 20th century.

The Great Banyan tree is a major attraction within the garden and is a testament to the longevity and resilience of the banyan species. It has been recognized for its size and age, and it continues to grow, with its canopy covering an area of about 14,500 square meters. The tree has over 2,800 aerial roots that have taken root in the ground, forming a forest-like structure around the main trunk. This unique characteristic of the banyan tree allows it to spread over a large area and has made the Great Banyan tree a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Kolkata's natural heritage.

Understanding the location of the Great Banyan tree is important for students preparing for competitive examinations, as questions related to geographical landmarks and natural wonders are common in such tests. It is essential to be familiar with the major landmarks and their locations within India, as this knowledge can be tested in various competitive exams such as the UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, and State PSC.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. Mumbai is not the location of the Great Banyan tree. The tree is located in Kolkata, West Bengal.
  • Option B: Incorrect. Delhi is not the location of the Great Banyan tree. The tree is located in Kolkata, West Bengal.
  • Option C: Incorrect. Chennai is not the location of the Great Banyan tree. The tree is located in Kolkata, West Bengal.
  • Option D: Correct. The Great Banyan tree is located in Kolkata, West Bengal, within the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden.

Mnemonic: K for Kolkata, K for Great Banyan Tree

Back to West Bengal Gk set 44 – Practice all questions