Indian Geography: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Geography)

Explanation

The Indian elephant is the largest population of the Asian elephant species, and India is home to about 60-70% of the total population of Asian elephants. The passage refers to the distribution of the population in north-west India (Dehradun, Bijnor), western Ghats (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu), central India (Southern Bihar, Orissa), and the eastern parts (Assam, North Bengal), all of which are areas where elephants are found in the wild. Elephants predominantly inhabit moist deciduous forests, dry thorn forests, and grasslands, which align with the habitats described. Distinctive Features:

They have smaller ears compared to their African counterparts. Their trunks are highly sensitive and versatile, used for feeding, drinking, bathing, and social interactions. Adult males typically weigh up to 5,000 kg and stand about 2.5 to 3 meters tall at the shoulder. Males have large tusks, although not all elephants have visible tusks (especially females).

Explanation

India’s National Forest Policy (1988) recommends that at least 33% of the total geographical area of the country should be under forest cover to maintain proper ecological balance. Forests play a crucial role in maintaining the environment by preventing soil erosion, conserving water, supporting biodiversity, and regulating the climate. Currently, India’s forest cover is around 24% of its total geographical area, according to the Forest Survey of India (FSI) report. While the target of 33% forest cover is still not fully achieved, ongoing afforestation and conservation programs aim to increase the forest cover to meet this goal.

Explanation

Statement (a) is incorrect: Water of the Ghaggar River is not utilized in the Indira Gandhi Canal. The Indira Gandhi Canal, which primarily serves the Thar Desert region in Rajasthan, is fed by waters from the Satluj River, not the Ghaggar. The Ghaggar River is primarily seasonal and dries up during the summer months. It is sometimes considered to be a remnant of the ancient Sarasvati River, but its flow is not regular enough to be utilized for the Indira Gandhi Canal. Statements (b), (c) and (d) are correct:

The Narmada River originates from the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward to the Arabian Sea. Nizam Sagar is located on the Manjira River in the state of Telangana. It is part of the water supply system for the region. The Penganga River is a tributary of the Godavari River that flows through Maharashtra and Telangana.

Explanation

Option (c) is correct: India’s first marine sanctuary was established in the Gulf of Kutch in 1980. This sanctuary is located on the west coast of India, in the state of Gujarat, and is known for its rich biodiversity. It includes coral reefs, molluscs, dolphins, tortoises, and various sea birds. The Gulf of Kutch is one of the most important coastal ecosystems in India and serves as a critical habitat for marine life. Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:

The Sundarbans is a delta formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. It is primarily a mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage site but is not a marine sanctuary. It is known for being home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, but not for coral reefs or other marine life like dolphins and tortoises. Chilka Lake, located on the east coast of India, is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest in the world. While it is an important ecological site, it is not India’s first marine sanctuary. Chilka Lake is known for its rich biodiversity, including various migratory birds, and the presence of the Irrawaddy dolphins, but it does not encompass coral reefs. Lakshadweep is a group of islands in the Arabian Sea, known for its coral reefs, atolls, and rich marine life. While there are marine reserves in Lakshadweep, it was not the first marine sanctuary to be established in India. The Gulf of Kutch predates Lakshadweep’s marine conservation areas.

Explanation

Pair (a) is correctly matched: The Miri tribe is an indigenous tribe found in Assam. They are primarily located in the northeastern part of the state, mainly in the areas around the Brahmaputra River. The Miri tribe is known for its traditional agricultural practices and social structure. Pair (b) is correctly matched: The Konyak tribe is one of the prominent tribes of Nagaland, particularly known for their rich cultural heritage, including headhunting traditions, elaborate tattoos, and distinctive attire. The Konyaks reside mainly in the Mon district of Nagaland. Pair (c) is correctly matched: The Apatani tribe is one of the major tribes in Arunachal Pradesh. They are found primarily in the Ziro Valley of the state and are known for their unique agricultural techniques, including rice cultivation. The women of the Apatani tribe are known for their traditional face tattoos and nose plugs. Pair (d) is incorrectly matched: The Lambada tribe is not indigenous to Madhya Pradesh. They are predominantly found in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. The Lambadas, also known as Banjara or Gor in various regions, are a nomadic tribe with a rich cultural history, mainly located in the Deccan plateau and the western parts of India.