Indian Geography: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Geography)

Explanation

The Himalayan ecosystem exhibits distinct vegetation zones based on altitude and climate.

Statement 1 is correct: Oak trees dominate the temperate broadleaf forests of the Himalayas. They are typically found between 1,500-3,000 meters. Common species include Quercus leucotrichophora (Banj Oak) in the western Himalayas (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh) and Quercus semecarpifolia (Kharsu Oak) at higher elevations. Oak forests play a key role in soil conservation and water retention, making them ecologically vital.

Statement 2 is correct: Coniferous trees like Rhododendron, pine, deodar, silver fir, spruce and cedar, are found in the temperate forests (1500 and 3000 metres). Some key species include Rhododendron arboreum (Buransh), found in Uttarakhand and Sikkim, and Rhododendron hodgsonii, which thrives in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. The vibrant flowers contribute to pollination cycles and biodiversity.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Sandalwood does not naturally grow in the Himalayas. It is native to tropical dry deciduous forests. It is primarily found in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, at lower altitudes (600-1,200 meters). Its preference for warm, arid conditions makes it unsuitable for Himalayan climates.

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: The Changpa are a semi-no-madic ethnic group. They are mainly found in the Changtan plateau that stretches across the cold desert of Ladakh and parts of Jammu and Kashmir. They are also known as Champa. A smaller number resides in the western regions of the Tibet Autonomous Region in China. They share linguistic and cultural affinities with Tibetans.

Statement 2 is correct: The Changpa community is known for rearing Changra goats, which produce the fine wool known as Pashmina. They are raised for ultra-fine cashmere wool, also known as pashmina once woven.

Statement 3 is correct: The Changpa community is recognized as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) in the Union Territory of Ladakh. This classification provides them with certain constitutional safeguards and benefits.

Explanation

Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems formed by colonies of tiny animals called coral polyps. These animals secrete a hard, calcium carbonate exoskeleton that provides a foundation for the growth of other corals and a diverse array of marine organisms. Coral reefs are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, particularly in the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea. Fig: Map showing distribution of Coral Reefs in India Options 1 is correct: Andaman and Nicobar Islands archipelago is home to some of India’s most diverse and well-developed coral reefs which supports a rich variety of marine life. Options 2 is correct: Gulf of Kachchh is situated along Gujarat’s western coast. This region features fringing reefs around its islands. Though less developed due to environmental factors, these reefs contribute significantly to marine biodiversity. Options 3 is correct: Gulf of Mannar is ocated between south-eastern India and Sri Lanka. The Gulf of Mannar hosts extensive fringing reefs around 21 islands. It is part of the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, known for its diverse marine species. Option 4 is incorrect: Sundarban is the largest deltaic region of the world and encompasses over hundreds of islands (105), with a maze of innumerable rivers, rivulets, and creeks but does not have any coral reef.

Explanation

Pair 1 is correctly matched: Tamang, Limbu, Bhutia, Khas, Lepchas are important tribal communities of Sikkim.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: Karbi is a tribal community from Karbi Anglong of Assam, not Himachal Pradesh. Other important tribes from the state include Bodo, Kachari, Miri, Mishimi, Rabha.

Pair 3 is correctly matched: The Dongaria Kondh is a particularly vulnerable tribal group found in the Niyamgiri Hills of Odisha. They are known for their unique cultural practices and traditional agriculture.

Pair 4 is incorrectly matched: The Bonda tribe is one of the oldest and most primitive tribes in India, residing in the hilly regions of the Malkangiri district in southwestern Odisha, not in Tamil Nadu.

Explanation

The Narmada River is unique among India’s major peninsular rivers due to its westward flow into the Arabian Sea, contrasting with the predominantly eastward flow of other large rivers in the region.

Statement 1 is correct: The Narmada River flows through a linear rift valley which is a geological depression created by the subsidence of the Earth’s crust. It is flanked by the Vindhya Range to the north and the Satpura Range to the south. This rift valley naturally channels the river westward, distinguishing it from most other peninsular rivers that flow eastward.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Though the Narmada does flow between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges but it not the cause of its westward flow. The ranges themselves are remnants of older folded mountains.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While most rivers in the Indian peninsula flow eastward towards the Bay of Bengal. This is due to the region’s natural slope to the west from Central India. But the Narmada River’s westward course is dictated by its unique geological setting within a rift valley.

Explanation

National Parks in India are biodiversity hotspots, often intertwined with rivers that sustain their ecosystems.

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: Corbett National Park, located in Uttarakhand, is traversed by the Ramganga River, not the Ganga. The Ramganga is a significant tributary within the park, supporting its rich biodiversity.

Pair 2 is incorrectly matched: The Kaziranga National Park is circumscribed by the Brahmaputra River, which forms the northern and eastern boundaries, and the Mora Diphlu, which forms the southern boundary. The Manas River flows through the Manas National Park.

Pair 3 is incorrectly matched: Silent Valley National Park is located in Kerala. It is drained by the Kunthipuzha River, a tributary of the Bharathapuzha River. The Kaveri River flows through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, not Kerala.

Explanation

The Himalayas are the youngest fold mountains in the world. They exhibit dynamic geological features shaped by tectonic activity. These features provide evidence of their youthful and evolving nature, making them a fascinating subject for geologists and travelers alike. All the given features--deep gorges, U-turn river courses, parallel mountain ranges, and steep gradients causing landslides--are evidence of the Himalayas being young fold mountains. These characteristics result from ongoing tectonic uplift, erosion, and the mountains’ relatively recent formation (around 50 million years ago).

Explanation

Monsoon refers to a seasonal change in wind patterns that results in a shift in precipitation patterns over a region. Monsoons occur primarily in tropical and subtropical regions and are characterized by a wet season and a dry season.

Statement 1 is correct: The monsoon duration decreases from southern India (June-September) to northern India (July-August) due to the gradual weakening of monsoon winds as they move inland. Due to its proximity to the sea, India’s southern region has earlier and longer rainy seasons than its northern region.

Statement 2 is correct: The northern plains experience a rainfall gradient, with higher rainfall in the east (Assam, West Bengal) and decreasing towards the west (Punjab, Rajasthan) due to the weakening of monsoon winds. During the southwest monsoon, Kolkata receives 119 cm, Patna 105 cm, Allahabad 76 cm, and Delhi 56 cm.

Explanation

Arunachal Pradesh has the following mentioned characteristics:

Northern Rajasthan lies approximately between 26°N to 27°N latitude. Arunachal Pradesh (27°N-29°N) closely aligns with this latitude range. Assam (24°N-28°N), Himachal Pradesh (30°N-33°N), and Uttarakhand (29°N-31°N) are either too far north or south. As per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021, Arunachal Pradesh has 82.4% forest cover. While Assam has 35.83%, Himachal Pradesh 27.72%, and Uttarakhand 45.44%. Arunachal Pradesh has over 12% of its forest area designated as Protected Areas, including Namdapha National Park, Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mouling National Park.

Explanation

Under the text of the Ramsar Convention wetlands are defined as: "areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres". Wetlands in India are vital ecosystems supporting biodiversity, water regulation, and livelihoods. They are classified into coastal and inland wetlands, each with unique ecological and geographical significance.

Statement 1 is correct: Gujarat has the largest area under wetlands in India. It is primarily due to the extensive Rann of Kutch, a seasonal salt marsh, and coastal wetlands like the Gulf of Kutch. According to the National Wetland Inventory and Assessment by the Space Applications Centre (ISRO), Gujarat accounts for ~22.7% of India’s total wetland area.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Inland wetlands (like lakes, rivers, and marshes) cover a larger area than coastal wetlands (like mangroves, estuaries, and lagoons). As per the National Wetland Atlas, inland wetlands constitute ~69% of India’s total wetland area, while coastal wetlands make up ~27%.