Q1. With reference to the physiography of India, consider the following statements:
- The Northern Plains were formed by alluvial deposits of the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra river systems.
- The Peninsular Plateau is the oldest landmass in India, composed mainly of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
- The Himalayas are young fold mountains formed by the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
A. Only One
B. Only Two
C. Only Three
D. None
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
S1. Northern Plains — Correct
- Formed by alluvium of Indus–Ganga–Brahmaputra systems.
- Features:
- Bhabar, Terai, Bhangar, Khadar.
- Geologically young & highly fertile.
S2. Peninsular Plateau — Correct
- Oldest landmass (Precambrian shield).
- Dominated by igneous & metamorphic rocks.
- Stable block; minimal tectonic disturbance.
S3. Himalayas — Correct
- Young fold mountains.
- Formed due to Indian–Eurasian plate collision (~50 mya).
- Still rising → earthquakes common.
Q2. Which of the following is the correct descending order of major mountain ranges in India by average height?
A. Himalayas > Eastern Ghats > Western Ghats > Aravalli
B. Himalayas > Western Ghats > Eastern Ghats > Vindhyas
C. Himalayas > Aravalli > Western Ghats > Eastern Ghats
D. Western Ghats > Himalayas > Eastern Ghats > Vindhyas
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
Himalayas → Highest (many peaks >8000 m).
Eastern Ghats → Avg ~600–900 m.
Western Ghats → Avg ~900–1600 m.
Vindyas → Highly denuded, mostly <600 m.
Q3. Match List I (Geographical Feature) with List II (Associated State/Region):
List I
A. Nallamala Hills
B. Cardamom Hills
C. Garo Hills
D. Nilgiri Hills
List II
- Kerala
- Meghalaya
- Tamil Nadu
- Andhra Pradesh/Telangana
Select the correct answer.
A. A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
B. A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
C. A-4, B-1, C-3, D-2
D. A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Nallamala Hills → Andhra Pradesh/Telangana
- Eastern Ghats segment.
- Tiger habitats.
Cardamom Hills → Kerala
- Part of southern Western Ghats.
- Spice cultivation zone.
Garo Hills → Meghalaya
- Part of Garo–Khasi–Jaintia range.
- High rainfall region.
Nilgiri Hills → Tamil Nadu (TN–Kerala–KA junction)
- Meeting point of Eastern & Western Ghats.
Q4. Assertion (A): The Western Ghats receive higher rainfall than the Eastern Ghats.
Reason (R): The Western Ghats lie perpendicular to the southwest monsoon winds, causing orographic rainfall, while the Eastern Ghats are parallel and discontinuous.
Choose the correct answer.
A. Both A and R are correct and R explains A
B. Both A and R are correct but R does not explain A
C. A is correct but R is incorrect
D. A is incorrect but R is correct
Correct Answer: A
Explanation:
Assertion — Correct
- Western Ghats receive very high rainfall (windward side).
Reason — Correct & Explains
- SW monsoon hits WG perpendicularly → orographic rainfall.
- Eastern Ghats:
- Discontinuous
- Mostly parallel to coast → weaker barrier.
Q5. With reference to recent geographical/current affairs linkages, which of the following Tiger Reserves spans two states and is located in the Nallamala Hills of the Eastern Ghats?
A. Sundarbans
B. Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam
C. Bandhavgarh
D. Manas
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
- Located in Nallamala Hills (Eastern Ghats).
- Spans Andhra Pradesh & Telangana.
- One of India’s largest tiger reserves.
- Dry deciduous forests + deep gorges.
