Geography of India - Solved Questions (2007-2010) | UPSC Topic Wise Previous Year Questions PDF Download

Question 1:
Following are the characteristics of an area in India:  [2010]
1. Hot and humid climate
2. Annual rainfall 200 cm
3. Hill slopes up to an altitude of 1100 meters
4. Annual range of temperature 15°C to 30°C.
Which one among the following crops is you most likely to find in the area described above?
(a) Mustard
(b) Cotton
(c) Pepper
(d) Virginia tobacco

Correct Answer is Option (c)
The above climate conditions are found in India in the Western coastal areas from Maharastra, Goa, Kerala, Coastal Karnataka including the Western Ghats, and hilly areas of northeast except some parts of Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. Virginia tobacco is cultivated in Andhra Pradesh and can be grown in dry weather. So Pepper should be the correct option.

Question 2:
Consider the following statements:   [2010] 
1. The boundaries of a National Park are defined by legislation. 
2. A Biosphere Reserve is declared to conserve a few specific species of flora and fauna. 
3. In a Wildlife Sanctuary, limited biotic interference is permitted. 
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only 
(c) 1 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (c)
The fixed boundary of a National Park is described in the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The legislation states the actual area of the National Park which is notified by the state government. A biosphere reserve conserves an ecosystem and not just a few specific species of plants and animals.

Question 3:
Consider the following statements: [2009] 
1. There is no east-flowing rivers in Kerala. 
2. There are no west-flowing rivers in Madhya Pradesh. 
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Three east-flowing rivers found in Kerala is Kavari, Tapti, Narmada and Mahi rivers flow westward, and also flows through Madhya Pradesh. East flowing rivers of Kerala are Kabani, Bhavani and Pambar. The west-flowing rivers in M.P. are Narmada, Tapti, Mahi.

Question 4:
Consider the following statements:   [2009] 
1. India does not have any deposits of Thorium. 
2. Kerala’s monazite sands contain Uranium. 
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (d)
India has 12% of the thorium deposits in the world.

Question 5:
At which one of the following places do two important rivers of India originate; while one of them flows towards the north and merges with another important river flowing towards the Bay of Bengal, the other one flows towards the Arabian Sea?   [2009] 
(a) Amarkantak 
(b) Badrinath 
(c) Mahabaleshwar 
(d) Nasik

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Amarkantak is the origin of River Narmada and Sone.

Question 6:
Which one of the following rivers does not originate in India?   [2009] 
(a) Beas 
(b) Chenab 
(c) Ravi 
(d) Sutlej

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Sutlej originates from the central Sulaiman range in Pakistan.

Question 7:
Consider the following statements:   [2009] 
1. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the density of the population of India has increased more than three times. 
2. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the annual growth rate (exponential) of the population of India has doubled. 
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (d)
The rate of population density increase in India is as follows: Density 1951 – 117 per sq km, 2001 – 324 per sq km; Annual growth rate in population density: 1951 – 1.25%, 2001 – 1.93%

Question 8:
Consider the following statements:   [2009] 
1. Infant mortality rate takes into account the death of infants within a month after birth. 
2. Infant mortality rate is the number of infant deaths in a particular year per 100 live births during that year. 
Which of the above statements is/are correct? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Infant mortality rate indicates the number of infant death under one year of age per 1000 live birth under one year of age.

Question 9:
Consider the following statements:   [2009] 
1. In the world, tropical deserts occur along the western margins of continents within the trade wind belt. 2. In India, the East Himalayan region gets high rainfall from northeast winds. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (a)
In India, the south-west monsoon causes high rainfall in east Himalayan region.

Question 10:
The Dul Hasti Power Station is based on which one of the following rivers? [2009] 
(a) Beas 
(b) Chenab 
(c) Ravi 
(d) Sutlej

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The Dul Hasti Power Station is on the Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir.

Question 11:
In which one of the following places is the Shompen tribe found? [2009] 
(a) Nilgiri Hills 
(b) Nicobar Islands 
(c) Spiti Valley 
(d) Lakshadweep Islands

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The Shompen tribe is one of two Mongloid tribes found in Nicobar Island.

Question 12:
In India, the ports are categorized as major and non-major ports. Which one of the following is a non-major port? [2009] 
(a) Kochi (Cochin) 
(b) Dahej 
(c) Paradip 
(d) New Mangalore

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Dahej is a not a major port of India.

Question 13:
In India, which one of the following states has the largest inland saline wetland? [2009] 
(a) Gujarat 
(b) Haryana 
(c) Madhya Pradesh 
(d) Rajasthan

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Rajasthan has the largest inland saline wetland, area of Sambhan Salt lake.

Question 14:
Consider the following regions: [2009] 
1. Eastern Himalayas 
2. Eastern Mediterranean region 
3. North-Western Australia 
Which of the above is/are Biodiversity Hotspot(s)? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 1 and 2 only 
(c) 2 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Eastern Himalayas and Eastern Mediterranean region are Biodiversity hotspots. South west part of Australia has hotspots.

Question 15:
Which one among the following has the maximum number of National Parks? [2008] 
(a) Andaman and Nicobar Islands 
(b) Arunachal Pradesh 
(c) Assam 
(d) Meghalaya

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Andaman and Nicobar has 9 national parks; Assam has 6, Arunachal Pradesh and Maghalaya both have 2 each.

Question 16:
Which of the following are among the million-plus cities in India on the basis of data of the Census, 2001?      [2008] 
1. Ludhiana 
2. Kochi 
3. Surat 
4. Nagpur 
Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only 
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only 
(c) 1 and 4 only 
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Accordin g to the Cen sus of 2001 of India, th e population of Ludhiana is 1,398,467, Surat is 2,433,835 and Nagpur is 2,052,066.

Question 17:
Where are Tapovan and Vishnugarh hydroelectric projects located? [2008] 
(a) Madhya Pradesh 
(b) Uttar Pradesh 
(c) Uttarakhand 
(d) Rajasthan

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Tapovan and Vishnugarh h ydroelectr ic project are located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.

Question 18:
Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?    [2008]

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only 
(c) 1 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Damanganga water project is in Gujarat. Girna irrigation project is in the Jalgaon area of Maharashtra. Pamba river is located in Kerala.

Question 19:
Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?   [2008]

Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only 
(c) 1 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Shivasamudram falls is located on the river Cauvery. Jog waterfall is the highest waterfall in India at 253 meters on the Sharavathi river.

Question 20:
On which one of the following rivers is the Tehri hydropower complex located? [2008] 
(a) Alaknanda 
(b) Bhagirathi 
(c) Dhauliganga 
(d) Mandakini

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The Tehri Hydropower complex is located on the Bhagirathi river of Uttar Pradesh.

Question 21:
Which of the following minerals are found in a natural way in the state of Chhattisgarh?   [2008] 
1. Bauxite 
2. Dolomite 
3. Iron ore 
4. Tin 
Select the correct answer using the code given below: 
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only 
(b) 1 and 3 only 
(c) 2 and 4 only 
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer is Option (d)
The minerals deposits in Chhatisgarh is Bauxite (96 million ton), Dolomite (606 million ton) and iron ore (2336 million ton). Tin is not found in Chhatisgarh.

Question 22:
In which one of the following states are Namchik Namphuk coalfields located? [2008] 
(a) Arunachal Pradesh 
(b) Meghalaya 
(c) Manipur 
(d) Mizoram

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Nalchik-Namphuk coalfields are located in Arunachal Pradesh.

Question 23:
Consider the following statements: [2008] 
1. Salt-water crocodile is found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 
2. Shrew and Tapir are found in the Western Ghats of the Malabar region. 
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Salt water crocodile was common and found throughout the Andaman and Nicobar Islands living in the mangrove habitats. Shrew and Tapir are found in western ghats of the Malabar region.

Question 24:
Consider the following pairs:    [2008]

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? 
(a) 1, 2 and 3 
(b) l and 2 only 
(c) 2 and 3 only 
(d) 3 only

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Tributaries of Brahmaputra in India the Manas, Pagladiya, Puthimari, Dhanisri, Jia Bhariti and Subansiri. Manas is a tributary of Brahmaputra Chambal is the chief tributary of Yammuna and sone is a tributary of Ganga.

Question 25:
Which of the following hills are found where the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats meet? [2008] 
(a) Anamalai Hills 
(b) Cardamom Hills 
(c) Nilgiri Hills 
(d) Shevaroy Hills

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Nilgiri hills are at the junction of the eastern and western ghats of the Sahayadri hills. The heights of the hills range varies between 2,280 and 2,290 meters.

Question 26:
In India, how many states share the coastline? [2008] 
(a) 7 
(b) 8 
(c) 9 
(d) 10

Correct Answer is Option (c)
9 states of India have a coastline. Gujrat, Maharastra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal.

Question 27:
With which one of the following rivers is the Omkareshwar Project associated? [2008] 
(a) Chambal 
(b) Narmada 
(c) Tapi 
(d) Bhima

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Omkareshwar Project is associated with the Narmada river.

Question 28:
Out of all the biosphere reserves in India, four have been recognized on the World Network by UNESCO. Which one of the following is not one of them? [2008] 
(a) Gulf of Mannar 
(b) Kanchenjunga 
(c) Nanda Devi 
(d) Sunderbans

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Kanchenjunga has been listed in 2018. Biosphere Reserves: Nilgiri, 2000, Gulf of Mannar, 2001, Sunderban, 2001, Nanda Devi, 2004, Nokrek, 2009, Pachmarhi, 2009, Similipal, 2009, Achanakmar-Amarkantak, 2012, Great Nicobar, 2013, Agasthyamala, 2016, Khangchendzonga, 2018

Question 29:
Which one of the following is not essentially a species of Himalayan vegetation? [2008] 
(a) Juniper 
(b) Mahogany 
(c) Islver fir 
(d) Spruce

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Mahogany is a species of tree found throughout the Caribbean, central and south America but not in the Himalayas.

Question 30:
Among the following, which one has the minimum population on the basis of data of Census of India, 2001? [2008]
(a) Chandigarh    
(b) Mizoram
(c) Pondicherry    
(d) Sikkim

Correct Answer is Option (d)
The population of Sikkim is 54,0851. The population of Chandigarh is 901,000, the Population of Pondicherry is 974000, and the population of Mizoram is 889,000.

Question 31:
Amongst the following States, which one has the highest percentage of rural population to its total population (on the basis of the Census, 2001)? [2008]
(a) Himachal Pradesh
(b) Bihar
(c) Orissa
(d) Uttar Pradesh

Correct Answer is Option (a)
On the basis of the 2001 census, 9.8% of population of Himachal Pradesh, 10.5% of the population of Bihar, 15% of the population of Orissa & 20.8 % of the population of Uttar Pradesh live in rural areas.

Question 32:
What is the approximate percentage of persons above 65 years of age in India’s current population?    [2008] 
(a) 14-15% 
(b) 11-12% 
(c) 8-9% 
(d) 5-6%

Correct Answer is Option (c)
According to census 2001, the approximate percentage of persons above 65 years of age in India is 8-9%. The correct answer is (c)

Question 33:
As per India’s National Population Policy, 2000, by which one of the following years is it our long-term objective to achieve population stabilization? [2008] 
(a) 2025 
(b) 2035 
(c) 2045 
(d) 2055

Correct Answer is Option (c)
As per India’s National Population Policy - 2000, by 2045 India will achieve population stability which means that the size of the population will not go up.

Question 34:
Which one among the following states of India has the lowest density of population?   [2007] 
(a) Himachal Pradesh 
(b) Meghalaya 
(c) Arunachal Pradesh 
(d) Sikkim

Correct Answer is Option (c)
The population density of Arunachal Pradesh is 13, Himachal Pradesh is 109, Meghalaya is 103, and Sikkim is 76.

Question 35:
Consider the following statements: [2007] 
1. In India, Red Panda is naturally found in the Western Himalayas only. 
2. In India, Slow Loris lives in the dense forests of the North East. 
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Red Panda is found in the mountains of Nepal, northeastern India, China, Bhutan, and Slow Loris lives in the dense forest of the northeast, dense forest of Assam. Red Panda is found in the Eastern Himalayas, China, Bhutan, and slow loris in the dense forest of northeast Assam.

Question 36:
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists:   [2007]

(a) A-1; B-4; C-2; D-3 
(b) A-4; B-1; C-2; D-3 
(c) A-4; B-1; C-3; D-2 
(d) A-1; B-4; C-3; D-2

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Correct Matching is

Question 37:
In which State is the Guru Shikhar Peak located?    [2007] 
(a) Rajasthan 
(b) Gujarat 
(c) Madhya Pradesh 
(d) Maharashtra

Correct Answer is Option (a)
Guru Shikhar Peak is the highest point in Rajasthan. The altitude of peak 5676 feet (1722 mt).

Question 38:
Which one of the following is located in the Bastar region?    [2007] 
(a) Bandhavgarh National Park 
(b) Dandeli Sanctuary 
(c) Rajaji National Park 
(d) Indravati National Park

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Indravati National Park is located in the Bastar region. The park is situated at a distance of 97.4 km Bastar.

Question 39:
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists:  [2007]

(a) A-3; B-1; C-4; D-2 
(b) A-2; B-4; C-1; D-3 
(c) A-3; B-4; C-1; D-2 
(d) A-2; B-1; C-4; D-3

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Correct Matching is

Question 40:
Out of the four southern states: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, which shares boundaries with the maximum number of Indian States?   [2007] 
(a) Andhra Pradesh only 
(b) Karnataka only 
(c) Each of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka 
(d) Each of Tamil Nadu and Kerala

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Both Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka share boundaries with a maximum number of Indian states.

Question 41:
Which one among the following major Indian cities is most eastward located? [2007]
(a) Hyderabad 
(b) Bhopal 
(c) Lucknow 
(d) Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Lucknow is the city most east in the list.

Question 42:
Which one of the following rivers originates in Amarkantak? [2007] 
(a) Damodar 
(b) Mahanadi 
(c) Narmada 
(d) Tapi

Correct Answer is Option (c)
The Narmada river originates from a tank 1057 m high west of  Amarkantak plateau in Madhya Pradesh. River Damodar originates from Chhota Nagpur plateau, Mahanadi originates from Bastar plateau and Tapti originates from Satpura hills.

Question 43:
Consider the following statements:   [2007] 
1. Balaghat is known for its diamond mines. 
2. Majhgawan is known for its manganese deposits. 
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Balaghat of Madhya Pradesh is known for its manganese mines. Majhgawan is famous for diamonds.

Question 44:
Which one of the following National Highways passes through Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Orissa?     [2007] 
(a) NH₄ 
(b) NH₅ 
(c) NH₆ 
(d) NH₇

Correct Answer is Option (c)
National Highways passes through Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhatisgarh, Orissa, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. T his road is 1,949 km long.

Question 45:
Assertion (A): River Kalindi is an east-flowing river in the southern part of India.
Reason (R): The Deccan Plateau is higher along its western edge and gently slopes towards the Bay of Bengal in the east. [2007]
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false
(d) A is false but R is true

Correct Answer is Option (d)
River Kalindi is a west-flowing river in the southern part of India. So, the assertion is wrong. Deccan Plateau has an elevation ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 ft and gently slopes towards the Bay of Bengal in the east. So, the reason is correct.

Question 46:
Where are Shevaroy Hills located? [2007] 
(a) Andhra Pradesh 
(b) Karnataka 
(c) Kerala 
(d) Tamil Nadu

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Shevaroy hill is situated near Salem of Tamil Nadu. This hill range covers an area of fifty square kilometers.

Question 47:
Which one of the following is also known as Top Slip? [2007] 
(a) Ismlipal National Park 
(b) Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary 
(c) Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary 
(d) Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park

Correct Answer is Option (d)
Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park are known as top slips. It is a part of Western Ghats is located above 300 meters from sea level on the Anamalai mountain ranges.

Question 48:
The Stilwell Road, built in the 1940s, which was recently in news, connects which of the following? [2007] 
(a) Agartala in India and Yangon in Myanmar via Bangladesh
(b) Ledo in India and Kunming in China via Myanmar 
(c) Kalimpong in India and Lhasa in Tibet via Bhutan 
(d) Imphal in India and Bangkok in Thailand via Myanmar

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The Stilwell Road was built in the 1940s by Americans to connect Ledo in India and Kunming in China via Myanmar during Second World War.

Question 49:
With reference to the steel industry in India in recent times, consider the following statements:   [2007] 
1. Vizag Steel Plant (RINL) has been declared a Mini Ratna. 
2. Merger of IISCO with SAIL has been completed. 
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer is Option (c)
Vizag Steel Plant was declared as a Mini Ratna company on 11th Feb 2006. The merger of IISCO with SAIL has been completed on 29th September 2004.

Question 50:
In which one of the following districts, have large reserves of diamond-bearing Kimberlite been discovered in the recent past?   [2007] 
(a) Hoshangabad 
(b) Raipur 
(c) Sambalpur 
(d) Warangal

Correct Answer is Option (b)
Payali and Behradein in Raipur, Chhattisgarh has large reserves of diamond-bearing kimberlite. It has 28% of the total diamond reserve of India.