📚 Part of: West Bengal Gk Mcqs: Colonial History & Modern Infrastructure

This is the 500 year old great banyan tree in India's biggest botanical garden. Name the state where it is.

Category: West Bengal Gk

Correct Answer: B) The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Kolkata.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, West Bengal PSC, UPSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

The Great Banyan Tree is a famous landmark located in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Kolkata, West Bengal. It is one of the widest trees in the world and is over 500 years old. The tree is a significant tourist attraction and a symbol of the rich biodiversity of the region.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing the location of the Great Banyan Tree with other botanical gardens in India.
  • Misidentifying the age or significance of the tree.
  • Not recognizing the historical and cultural importance of the tree in West Bengal.
Explanation:

The Great Banyan Tree is a significant landmark located in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Kolkata, West Bengal. This tree is one of the widest trees in the world and is over 500 years old. The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, formerly known as the Indian Botanic Garden, is a vast botanical garden that covers an area of 109 hectares and is located in Shibpur, Howrah, near Kolkata.

The Great Banyan Tree is a Ficus benghalensis, a species of fig tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is known for its extensive aerial roots that grow down to the ground and form additional trunks, creating a forest-like canopy. The tree has a circumference of about 1 kilometer and covers an area of 14,500 square meters. It is a symbol of the rich biodiversity and natural heritage of West Bengal.

The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden was established in 1787 and is one of the oldest and largest botanical gardens in India. It was named after the renowned Indian physicist and botanist, Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, who conducted significant research on plant physiology and made important contributions to the field of biophysics. The garden is home to a vast collection of plants, including rare and endangered species, and serves as a center for botanical research and education.

The Great Banyan Tree is a major tourist attraction and a source of pride for the people of West Bengal. It is a testament to the region's natural beauty and the importance of preserving its biodiversity. The tree's age and size make it a unique and fascinating landmark, attracting visitors from all over the world.

In conclusion, the Great Banyan Tree is located in the Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Kolkata, West Bengal. This location is significant not only for its historical and cultural importance but also for its contribution to the study and preservation of plant life in the region. Understanding the location and significance of the Great Banyan Tree is essential for anyone studying the geography and natural history of West Bengal.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. The Lalbagh Botanical Gardens are located in Bangalore, Karnataka, and not in West Bengal. The Great Banyan Tree is not located in this garden. This option might be chosen by students who are not familiar with the specific location of the Great Banyan Tree.
  • Option B: Correct. The Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, located in Kolkata, West Bengal, is the home of the Great Banyan Tree. This tree is over 500 years old and is a significant landmark in the garden. The correct answer is based on the geographical and historical knowledge of West Bengal.
  • Option C: Incorrect. Lloyd's Botanical Garden is located in Darjeeling, West Bengal, but it is not the location of the Great Banyan Tree. This option might be chosen by students who are familiar with other botanical gardens in West Bengal but are not aware of the specific location of the Great Banyan Tree.
  • Option D: Incorrect. The Agri Horticulture Society of India in Alipore, Kolkata, is a different institution and not the location of the Great Banyan Tree. This option might be chosen by students who are familiar with other institutions in Kolkata but are not aware of the specific location of the Great Banyan Tree.

Mnemonic: GREAT BANYAN: Great Banyan Tree in Kolkata's Botanic Garden

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