Human and Economic Geography: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Geography)

Explanation

Pair (d) is incorrectly matched: The Korba (or Korwa) tribe is not associated with Kodagu. Instead, this tribe primarily inhabits regions in central and eastern India, such as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and parts of Madhya Pradesh. Kodagu, on the other hand, is located in Karnataka and is well known as the homeland of the Kodava community, which is distinct from the Korba tribe. Pairs (a), (b) and (c) are correctly matched:

The Buksa, also known as Bhoksa, are indigenous people primarily residing in the Indian states of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. In Uttarakhand, they are concentrated in districts such as Dehradun, Nainital, and Pauri Garhwal. The Kol tribe is native to central India, with areas like Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh being among their regions of habitation. The Munda tribe is predominantly located on the Chhota Nagpur Plateau in Jharkhand. They form a major tribal community in this region.

Explanation

The Census of India is a decennial exercise conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, to collect demographic, social, and economic data about the population. Below are tables summarizing key census data for the states involved, for the years 1991, 2001, and 2011. Table 1. Population Density (persons per sq km) State 1991 Census 2001 Census 2011 Census West Bengal 767 903 1,029 Uttar Pradesh ~600 698 829 Table 2. Adult Literacy Rate (% of people aged 15 and above) State 1991 Census 2001 Census 2011 Census Bihar 38.48% 903 ~47% ~58.44% Table 3. Sex Ratio (number of females per 1,000 males) State 1991 Census 2001 Census 2011 Census Kerala 1,036 ~1,040 ~1,045 Himachal Pradesh ~976 ~980 ~990

Option (d) is correct: Bihar had the lowest literacy rate in India in the 1991 Census at around 38.48%.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is True: The Ganga Plain, a part of the Indo-Gangetic Plain supports one of the highest population densities in India. This is primarily due to its fertile alluvial soil, which makes the land highly productive for agriculture. The region benefits from abundant water resources, a favorable climate, and flat terrain, all of which have historically encouraged dense human settlements. Reason (R) is True: The Ganga is the most harnessed river in India, with its waters extensively used for irrigation, drinking, industrial purposes, and hydroelectric projects. This extensive harnessing has been pivotal for the region’s agricultural productivity and development. R is not the correct explanation of A: The reason alone does not directly explain the high population density in the Ganga Plain. Population density is influenced by a variety of factors, including geographical, historical, economic, and cultural factors. The availability of fertile land for agriculture, historical settlement patterns, economic opportunities, and cultural factors play significant roles in determining population density.

Explanation

Assertion (A) is True: Australia is one of the world’s largest exporters of beef and has a significant cattle industry focused on meat production. The country’s vast grazing lands and favorable climate make it ideal for raising cattle for beef. According to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), beef production is a major agricultural activity, and Australia exports a significant portion of its beef to international markets. In contrast, dairy farming, while still important, is smaller in scale compared to the beef industry. Reason (R) is True: It is true that meat, particularly beef and lamb, forms a significant part of the Australian diet. This dietary habit reflects the cultural preferences in Australia, where a majority of the population consumes meat. Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion(A):

The reason provided does not directly explain why cattle rearing in Australia is predominantly for meat production. The primary factors influencing this include:

Geographical and Climatic Conditions: Australia’s expansive rangelands and favorable climate support large-scale grazing, making beef cattle rearing more efficient and economically viable than dairy farming. Agricultural Practices: The country’s agricultural infrastructure and export orientation have historically promoted beef production, irrespective of the local dietary habits.