Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Instruction: Select the correct option for each question.
Q1. In which year was Bibha Chowdhuri born?
(a) 1910
(b) 1913
(c) 1920
(d) 1915
Ans: (b) 1913
Bibha Chowdhuri was born in 1913 in Kolkata, during a time when women’s access to education was limited.
Q2. Bibha Chowdhuri pursued her Ph.D. on which subject?
(a) Nuclear energy
(b) Subatomic particles
(c) Cosmic rays
(d) Astronomy
Ans: (c) Cosmic rays
Her Ph.D. thesis under Nobel Laureate Patrick M.S. Blackett was based on cosmic rays.
Q3. Who nominated Bibha Chowdhuri for the Nobel Prize in 1950?
(a) Vikram Sarabhai
(b) Homi J. Bhabha
(c) Erwin Schrödinger
(d) Patrick M.S. Blackett
Ans: (c) Erwin Schrödinger
Though unsuccessful, her nomination by the great scientist Schrödinger reflected her talent.
Q4. What honour did the International Astronomical Union (IAU) give Bibha in 2019?
(a) A professorship in her name
(b) A star named after her
(c) A research lab named after her
(d) A telescope named after her
Ans: (b) A star named after her
In 2019, star HD 86081 in the Leo constellation was renamed ‘Bibha,’ meaning ‘beam of light.’
Q5. Who is popularly known as the “Rocket Woman of India”?
(a) Kalpana Chawla
(b) Sunita Williams
(c) Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava
(d) Tessy Thomas
Ans: (c) Dr. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava
She played a key role in India’s Mars Orbiter Mission and Chandrayaan-2 and 3.
Fill in the Blanks
Instruction: Fill in the blanks with the correct word based on the chapter.
Q1. Bibha Chowdhuri became the first woman faculty member at ______ in 1949.
Ans: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
She was personally selected by Homi J. Bhabha for TIFR.
Q2. Bibha Chowdhuri’s most notable scientific contribution was the discovery of ______.
Ans: pi-mesons
Pi-mesons are subatomic particles, and her research in this area was pioneering.
Q3. The Government of India declared a ______ professorship in her name in 2020.
Ans: chair
This honour was given to celebrate her contributions to Indian science.
Q4. Bibha worked under the mentorship of ______ at the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad.
Ans: Vikram Sarabhai
She continued her research on cosmic rays and subatomic particles under him.
Q5. Bibha Chowdhuri passed away in the year ______.
Ans: 1991
She died without much recognition during her lifetime, but her legacy lives on today.
Very Short Answer Questions
Instruction: Answer the following questions in one line.
Q1. Where was Bibha Chowdhuri born?
Ans: She was born in Kolkata in 1913.
Q2. Which institute did Bibha join before going abroad for higher studies?
Ans: She joined the Bose Institute.
Q3. Who guided Bibha during her Ph.D. in Manchester?
Ans: Nobel Laureate Patrick M.S. Blackett.
Q4. Which star was renamed ‘Bibha’ by IAU?
Ans: HD 86081 in the Leo constellation.
Q5. What nickname did newspapers give Bibha during her early career?
Ans: “India’s New Woman Scientist—She has an eye for Cosmic Rays.”
Short Answer Questions
Instruction: Answer the following questions in 2–3 lines.
Q1. Why is Bibha Chowdhuri considered a pioneer in Indian science?
Ans: She was India’s first woman physicist who excelled in high-energy particle physics at a time when women had little access to education. Her determination paved the way for future women scientists.
Q2. What challenges did Bibha face during her career?
Ans: She worked in a male-dominated field, often remained unrecognized, and despite her discoveries, did not receive awards during her lifetime.
Q3. What was Bibha’s contribution after returning to India in 1949?
Ans: She joined TIFR as the first woman faculty and worked across institutions like PRL and Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, continuing research in cosmic rays and subatomic particles.
Q4. How is Bibha’s legacy honoured today?
Ans: A star was named after her in 2019, and a professorship was declared in her name in 2020 by the Government of India.
Q5. How do present-day women scientists reflect Bibha’s pioneering spirit?
Ans: Women at ISRO, including Ritu Karidhal Srivastava, lead key space missions like Chandrayaan-3, building on the foundation laid by Bibha Chowdhuri.