Geography of India (Part -V) (UPSC)

Total Questions: 46

1. Consider the following towns of India: [2014-1]

1. Bhadrachalam

2. Chanderi

3. Kancheepuram

4. Karnal

Which of the above are famous for the production of traditional sarees/fabric?

Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Solution:

The Chanderi saree, from Madhya Pradesh, is known for its lightweight fabric and delicate designs. These sarees are woven using a combination of silk and cotton fabrics, which gives them a sheer texture and a luxurious finish. Chanderi sarees often feature intricate patterns like floral designs, peacocks, and traditional motifs woven into the fabric with golden or silver threads. These sarees are ideal for both formal and festive occasions, and their lightweight nature makes them comfortable for daily wear in India’s warm climate. The elegance and grace of Chanderi sarees have made them a favourite among Indian women.

The Kanjeevaram saree from Tamil Nadu is synonymous with luxury and grace. Woven from pure mulberry silk, these sarees are known for their rich texture, durability, and vibrant colors. The borders and pallus are often adorned with gold and silver heavy embroidery, featuring traditional patterns such as peacocks, temples, and flowers. The Kanchipuram silk sarees are often worn during weddings and religious ceremonies, making them one of the most famous and respected traditional silk sarees in India.

2. Consider the following pairs: [2014-1]

National HighwayCities Connected
1. NH 4Chennai and Hyderabad
2. NH 6Mumbai and Kolkata
3. NH 15Ahmedabad and Jodhpur
Correct Answer: (d) None
Solution:NH 4 is a major National Highway in Western and Southern India. It connects Mumbai with Chennai. NH 6, runs through Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal state in India. It connects Surat with Kolkata, NH 15 is a major National Highway in Western and Northwestern India. NH 15 connects Samakhiali in Gujarat with Pathankot in Punjab.

3. The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of

Correct Answer: (c) Monsoon climate
Solution:

Monsoon is the only climate which is having reversal of wind between seasons.
Some key features of the Monsoon in India are:
• Seasonal Rainfall – The Monsoon in India is characterised by heavy rainfall, primarily between June and September.
• Two Main Phases – It consists of the Southwest Monsoon (June to September) and the Northeast Monsoon (October to December).
• Geographical Influence – The monsoon in India is influenced by the Himalayas, the Thar Desert, and the Indian Ocean, which affect wind patterns and rainfall distribution.
• Diversity in Rainfall – Different regions receive varying amounts of rainfall, with coastal areas and the Western Ghats experiencing heavy precipitation, while some interior regions may receive less.
• Monsoon Winds – The monsoon winds are characterised by a shift in wind direction, bringing moisture-laden winds from the southwest.

4. Consider the following rivers : [2014-1]

1. Barak
2. Lohit
3. Subansiri
Which of the above flows/flow through Arunachal Pradesh?

Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Solution:
  • Barak River: The Barak River 15 8 major river in North East India. It originates in the Manipur hills. It flows through the states of Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Assam in India, before entering Bangladesh where it merges with the Surma and Kushiyara rivers to form
    the Meghna River. Based on its course, the Barak River does not flow through Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Lohit River: The Lohit River is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River. It originates in the Zayal Chu range in Tibet, China. It flows through Arunachal Pradesh, particularly in the eastern part of the state, before entering Assam to join the Brahmaputra near Parshuram Kund.
    So, the Lohit River does flow through Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Subansiri River: The Subansiri River is 8150 a tributary of the Brahmaputra River. It originates in the Himalayas in Tibet, China. It flows east and southeast into India, entering Arunachal Pradesh. It then flows through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam before joining the
    Brahmaputra River in Assam. Thus, the Subansiri River flows through Arunachal Pradesh.

5. Consider the following pairs: [2014-11]

WetlandsConfluence of Rivers
1. Harike WetlandsConfluence of Beas and Sutlej
2. Keoladeo Ghana National ParkConfluence of Banas and Chambal
3. Kolleru LakeConfluence of Musi and Krishna

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

Correct Answer: (a) I only
Solution:Harike Wetlands is at Confluence of Beas and Satluj/Sutlej. The Keoladeo National Park formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Bharatpur is at the confluence of two rivers, the Gambhir and Banganga. Kolleru Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in India located in state of Andhra Pradesh. Kolleru is located between Krishna and Godavari delta.

6. Consider the following pairs: [2014-1]

HillsRegion
1. Cardamom HillsCoromandel Coast
2. Kaimur HillsKonkan Coast
3. Mahadeo HillsCentral India
4. Mikir HillsNorth-East India
Correct Answer: (c) 3 and 4
Solution:The Cardamom Hills are southern hills of India and part of the southern Western Ghats located in southeast Kerala and southwest Tamil Nadu. They are not in coromandel coast. Kaimur Range is the eastern portion of the Vindhya Range extending from Madhya Pradesh to Bihar. They are not in konkan coast. The Mahadeo Hills are in Madhya Pradesh, state of central India. Mikir hills are in assam i.e. in North East India.

7. If you travel through the Himalayas, you are likely to see which of the following plants naturally growing there? [2014-1]

1. Oak

2. Rhododendron

3. Sandalwood

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Correct Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Solution:Oak and Rhododendron is found in Himalayan region while sandalwood is found in South India.
  • The Himalayas span 2,400 kilometres across Nepal, India, Bhutan, Pakistan, China, Myanmar, and Afghanistan.
  • The Himalayas are home to 10,000 vascular plants, 979 birds, and 300 mammals.
  • Iconic species such as the snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan tahr, and Himalayan monal are found in this region.
  • The Himalayas are one of 36 biodiversity hotspots, boasting about 3,160 rare, endemic, and sensitive plant varieties with medicinal properties.
  • This mountain system encompasses various climate types and ecological zones, from tropical to alpine ecosystems.

8. With reference to 'Changpa' community of India, consider the following statements: [2014-1]

1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand.

2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool.

3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Solution:
  • The Changpa who live nomadic lives are known as Phalpa, while those who have settled down in fixed locations are called Fangpa.
  • For many Changpas, rearing of animals and consuming and selling their produce (milk and its products, hair, and meat) is the only means of livelihood.
  • They rear the highly pedigreed and prized Changra goats (Capra Hircus) that yield the rare Pashmina (Cashmere) fibre. It is the finest fibre of all goat hair.
  • Their Buddhist belief does not allow them to kill animals for meat. It is only when animals die a natural death that the carcasses can be used for meat and hide, which the Changpas use 10 line their huts and make garments.
  • In 1989, the Changpa were granted official status in India as a scheduled tribe.

9. In a particular region in India, the local people train the roots of living trees into robust bridges across the streams. As the time passes, these bridges become stronger. These unique 'living root bridges' are found in [2015-1]

Correct Answer: (a) Meghalaya
Solution:
  • Meghalaya 15 known for its living root bridges, locally known as jingkieng jri.
  • They are on the tentative list of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.
  • Many bridges across the State are over 8 century 010.
  • Aliving root bridge is like a suspension bridge formed by guiding the pliable roots of the rubber fig tree (Ficus elastica) across a stream or river and
    allowing the roots to grow and strengthen over time.
  • They are common in the southern part of the Northeast Indian state of Meghalaya.

10. Consider the following States [2015-11]

1. Arunachal Pradesh

2. Himachal Pradesh

3. Mizoram

In which of the above States do 'Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests' occur?

Correct Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Solution:Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests are found in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, West Bengal and Andaman and Nicobar Island and on the eastern and western slopes of the Western Ghats in such states as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra.
The Tropical Evergreen Forests are evergreen in nature and there is no drought in this region. These trees are tall and hardwood and promote greenery on the planet. These characteristics include:
  • Trees are evergreen due 10 the absence of prolonged drought.
  • Mostly tall, hardwood species forming dense, multi-layered forests.
  • Cover nearly 7% of Earth’s surface, largely around the equatorial belt.
  • Sparse undergrowth and limited clearings.
  • Minimal litter accumulation due to rapid decomposition.
  • Essential for ecological balance and biodiversity preservation.
  • Support harmonious coexistence of diverse plant and animal life.