7 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Indian Geography (Geography). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–7 of 7 questions
Gandhi Sagar Dam is a crucial part of the Chambal River Project, a major hydroelectric and irrigation project in In-dia. This project involves a series of dams built on the Chambal River, and Gandhi Sagar Dam is one of the key components. The dam is located in the Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh and serves multiple purposes.
The arrangement of these hill ranges in India, from north to south, follows a specific order. Beginning in the north are the Nallamalai Hills, located primarily in Andhra Pradesh. Moving southward, the Javadi Hills, situated in Tamil Nadu, come next. Further south lies the prominent Nilgiri Hills, also in Tamil Nadu, known for their biodiversity and hill stations. Finally, the southernmost range in this sequence is the Anamalai Hills, straddling the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and home to the highest peak in the Western Ghats, Anamudi. Therefore, the correct north-to-south sequence is Nallamalai Hills, followed by the Javadi Hills, then the Nilgiri Hills, and finally the Anamalai Hills.
The Nallamalai Hills, a part of the Eastern Ghats, extend across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, stretching from the Krishna River to the Pennar River. These hills are home to the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, India’s largest tiger reserve, which plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation. The Javadi Hills, a north-south hill range in Tamil Nadu, are a continuation of the Eastern Ghats. Known for their blue granite deposits, sandalwood, and medicinal plants, these hills also support tribal settlements, making them an ecologically and culturally significant region. Nilgiri Hills located at the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats, the Nilgiri Hills span Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. The region is famous for Ooty (Udhagamandalam), tea plantations, and the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which hosts a rich variety of flora and fauna. The Anamalai Hills, a southern extension of the Western Ghats, stretch across Tamil Nadu and Kerala. They are home to the Anamalai Tiger Reserve and vast tea, coffee, and spice plantations, making them an important biodiversity hotspot and agricultural zone.
Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems promoting solutions to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. They are designated by UNESCO under its Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme. Currently, India has 18 Biosphere Reserves, designated to con-serve biodiversity, ecosystems, and traditional lifestyles.
Option (b) is correct: Agasthyamalai, Nilgiri, and Panchmarhi are all recognized Biosphere Reserves in India. The Nallamalai Hills, while a significant geographical feature, are not currently designated as a Biosphere Reserve.
Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is located in the southern Western Ghats, Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve spans 3,500 sq. km across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Recognized by UNESCO in 2016, it harbors tropical forests, 2,254 plant species (405 endemic), and rare fauna like the Nilgiri Tahr and Asian Elephant. It includes Neyyar, Peppara, and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is India’s first biosphere reserve (1986), Nilgiri spans 5,520 sq. km across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. It houses diverse ecosystems like shola forests and grasslands, supports 3,300 plant species (132 endemic), and endangered fauna like the Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed Macaque. Protected areas include Bandipur, Mudumalai, and Silent Valley National Parks. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve was established in 1999 in Madhya Pradesh’s Satpura Range, Pachmarhi covers 4,926 sq. km. It includes Satpura National Park (core zone), Bori Sanctuary, and Pachmarhi Sanctuary. Known for teak and sal forests, it supports rich biodiversity with tigers, leopards, Indian giant squirrels, and over 300 bird species. UNESCO recognized it in 2009.
Kochi receives the highest rainfall (~3000 mm) due to the Southwest Monsoon and its proximity to the Western Ghats, making it one of the wettest cities in India. Kolkata follows with around 1600 mm of rainfall, heavily influenced by the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon, with most rain occurring between June and September. Patna, with approximately 1200 mm of annual rainfall, experiences moderate monsoon rains, though lesser than Kolkata. Delhi, receiving around 800 mm of rainfall, has a semi-arid climate, with monsoon rains but significantly lower precipitation than the other cities. Thus, the correct sequence in decreasing order of rainfall is Kochi-Kolkata-Patna-Delhi.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Silent Valley National Park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is located in Kerala’s Western Ghats. It is not situated in the Nallamalai range. The park is known for its untouched tropical rainforest, rich bio-diversity, and ecological importance. It is home to rare species like the lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, and Malabar giant squirrel. The park also has 960 plant species and 170 bird species. In the 1970s, the "Save Silent Valley" movement helped protect it. This movement stopped a hydroelectric project that threatened the park’s ecosystem. Silent Valley was declared a na-tional park in 1984.
Statement 2 is correct: The Pathrakkadavu Hydro Electric Project was proposed near the Silent Valley National Park. This proposal sparked significant environmental concerns and debate due to the potential impact on the park’s fragile ecosystem.
Statement 3 is correct: The Kunthi River, originating from the Anginda peak in the Silent Valley National Park, Kerala, is a tributary of the Bharathapuzha River. Known for its perennial flow due to its source in dense tropical rainforests, the river supports biodiversity and local communities. The river is undammed so far, preserving its natural ecosystem.
| List-I (National Park/Wildlife Sanctuary) | List-II (State) |
|---|---|
| A. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary | 1. Orissa |
| B. Kangerghat National Park | 2. Assam |
| C. Orang Sanctuary | 3. Chhattisgarh |
| D. Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary | 4. Goa |
| 5. Tripura |
A is matched with 4: Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary (Goa) is the smallest wildlife sanctuary in Goa, making it easy to visit and popular with tourists. Despite its small size, it has a good variety of animals like leopards, deer, wild boars, and many birds. B is matched with 3: Kanger Valley National Park is also known as Kangerghat National Park, this park is located in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. The park is named after the Kanger River that flows through it. C is matched with 2: Orang National Park (Assam) is known as the "Mini Kaziranga" because it has a similar landscape and wildlife. It lies on the northern bank of the Brahmaputra River and is home to one-horned rhinoceroses, tigers, elephants, and deer. D is matched with 1: Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary (Odisha) is covered with dry deciduous forests and is an important home for Indian elephants, along with other animals.
Option 1 is correct: Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is located in Gujarat. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture, including temples, mosques, and water installations. It is renowned for the Kalika Mata Temple and its 16th-century pre-Mughal city remains.
Option 2 is correct: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, this Victorian Gothic Revival railway station blends British and Indian architectural styles. Built in 1887, it is a bustling hub and an iconic symbol of Mumbai’s heritage.
Option 3 is correct: Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram) is situated in Tamil Nadu. This UNESCO site showcases 7th-8th century Pallava dynasty rock-cut temples, monolithic structures, and bas-relief sculptures like Arjuna’s Penance. The Shore Temple is its most prominent landmark.
Option 4 is correct: Sun Temple (Konark Temple) was built in the 13th century in Odisha. The Konark Sun Temple is designed as Surya’s chariot with intricately carved wheels and horses. This UNESCO site is a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture and Hindu symbolism.
As of September 2024, India has 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, comprising 35 cultural, 7 natural, and 1 mixed property. The most recent addition is the Moidams - the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty in Assam, inscribed in 2024. These ancient burial mounds date back to the 13th century and reflect the unique funerary practices of the Ahom Dynasty.
| Q | UPSC year | Correct answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2005 | (a) Chambal Project |
| 2 | 2005 | (c) Nallamalai Hills-Javadi Hills-Nilgiri Hills -Anamalai Hills |
| 3 | 2005 | (b) Nallamalai |
| 4 | 2005 | (c) Kochi-Kolkata-Patna-Delhi |
| 5 | 2005 | (c) 2 and 3 |
| 6 | 2005 | (b) A-4; B-3; C-2; D-1 |
| 7 | 2005 | (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
This page covers 7 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Indian Geography (Geography), asked from 1996 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Questions on Indian Geography (Geography) are available for 28 years, from 1996 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
