Test: Sikkim, West Bengal, and the North- Eastern States- Physical - 3 - UPSC MCQ

Sikkim, one of the states in North-East India, shares its international boundary with three countries: China, Nepal, and Bhutan. Sikkim is located at the east tip of India and is known for its stunning natural beauty and cultural diversity. The state's strategic location has contributed to its borders touching multiple nations. The proximity to these countries has also influenced the culture, traditions, and trade practices of the region, creating a unique blend of influences from different neighboring countries.

Assam, a state in North-East India, is renowned for its vast tea estates and rice fields. The region's fertile plains and favorable climatic conditions make it ideal for tea cultivation, and Assam tea is famous worldwide for its strong and distinct flavor. The state is also a major producer of rice, with extensive paddy fields spread across its landscape. Agriculture, including tea and rice cultivation, plays a crucial role in the economy and livelihoods of the people in Assam.

The state of Assam in North-East India is home to two prominent national parks: Kaziranga National Park and Manas National Park. Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its conservation efforts and is particularly famous for being the natural habitat of the one-horned rhinoceros. It also houses other diverse wildlife species, including Royal Bengal tigers, elephants, and various bird species. Manas National Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on the foothills of the Himalayas and is known for its rich biodiversity and conservation programs. These national parks are not only significant for India but also contribute to global wildlife conservation efforts.

Meghalaya, one of the states in North-East India, is known as the "abode of the clouds." This name is derived from the abundant rainfall and the presence of clouds throughout the year due to the state's geographical location and topography. Meghalaya is blessed with scenic landscapes, rolling hills, and lush green valleys, making it a popular tourist destination. The state's capital, Shillong, is famous for its natural beauty, and it also houses one of the best golf courses in the country.

Sikkim, a state in North-East India, has its capital city located in Gangtok. Sikkim is known for its serene and peaceful environment, picturesque landscapes, and magnificent mountains. It is home to Buddhist monasteries, including the renowned Rumtek and Pelling monasteries. One of the major attractions in Sikkim is the majestic Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. With its rich biodiversity and pristine natural beauty, Sikkim is considered one of the 18 biodiversity hotspots in the world.

Manipur, a state in North-East India, is home to the rare Brow-Antlered Deer or Sangai. This unique deer species can be found in the Keibul Lamjoa National Park, which is the world's only floating national park. The Sangai holds immense cultural and ecological significance for Manipur and is considered a symbol of the state's natural heritage. Manipur is also known for Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in India, which is located near its capital, Imphal.

Bengali is not spoken by the tribal communities in North-East India. The region is home to a diverse range of tribal communities, each with its own unique culture, traditions, and languages. The main tribal groups in North-East India, such as the Abors of Assam, Garos and Khasis of Meghalaya, Kukis of Manipur, Lushais of Tripura, Angami, Ao, and Phom of Nagaland, and Lepchas of Sikkim, primarily speak various Tibeto-Burmese languages. Additionally, languages like Manipuri, Mizo, and Assamese, along with English, are also spoken in different parts of the region.

Mizoram, one of the states in North-East India, has the highest literacy rate among the states in the region. With a literacy rate of 90%, Mizoram has made remarkable progress in the field of education. The state has placed significant emphasis on providing quality education and promoting literacy among its population. The high literacy rate reflects the commitment of the government and the people of Mizoram towards education and intellectual development.

Tripura, a state in North-East India, is known for its silk and bamboo handicrafts. The state has a rich tradition of handloom weaving, and Tripura silk is highly valued for its quality and intricate designs. Bamboo, a versatile natural resource abundantly available in the region, is skillfully crafted by artisans into various handicraft items such as baskets, furniture, and decorative pieces. The silk and bamboo handicrafts of Tripura showcase the artistic skills and cultural heritage of the state.

The Brahmaputra river flows through the scenic valleys of Assam and Tripura. The Brahmaputra is one of the major rivers in Asia, originating in the Himalayas and flowing through various regions, including North-East India. The river traverses Assam, creating picturesque valleys and fertile plains that support extensive agricultural activities. In Tripura, the Brahmaputra river contributes to the state's natural beauty and plays a significant role in sustaining the local ecosystem and livelihoods of the people.