Places and Locations: Indian Geography: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Geography)

Explanation

The State of Uttar Pradesh shares its boundaries with eight Indian states and the National Capital Territory of Delhi. These adjacent states include Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. Uttar Pradesh shares an inter-national border with the nation of Nepal. Punjab situated in the northwest shares its boundaries with Jammu and Kashmir (Union Territory), Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. Chhattisgarh located in central India is surrounded by Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Jharkhand. Jharkhand in the east, shares borders with Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal. Rajasthan in the west, is bordered by Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

Explanation

A is correctly matched with 1: Kothagudem, a city in Telangana (earlier part of Andhra Pradesh), India, is the administrative center of the Bhadradri Kothagudem district. With historical roots in the Nizam’s dominion, it is geographically situated with an average elevation of 89 meters. As of the 2011 census, its population was 119,501. The city is a crucial hub for coal reserves, featuring the Singareni Collieries Company, and houses a thermal power station along with an ITC paperboard factory. Culturally significant, it’s located near the revered Bhadrachalam Temple, making it a blend of industrial and cultural importance. The Kothagudem Thermal Power Station, located in Palwan-cha, Telangana, is a major coal-based power plant operated by TSGENCO. B is correctly matched with 3: Raichur, the administrative center of its namesake district in Karnataka, India, lies between the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers. With a history spanning from the Mauryan era and subsequent rule by various empires, Raichur boasts the historic Raichur Fort. Its economy is primarily agricultural, earning it the nickname "Rice Bowl of Karnataka," though it also has some industry and gold resources. Culturally diverse, Raichur blends Hindu and Muslim influences, and is well-connected by road and rail, featuring a major railway junction. Located at Shaktinagar in Karnataka’s Raichur district, the Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS) is a coal-fired power plant operated by the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL). Commissioned in stages starting in 1985, RTPS, Karnataka’s first thermal power plant, is situated 18km from Raichur City and its nearest railway station. It generates approximately 70% of the state’s total electricity, making it a crucial power source for Karnataka. C is correctly matched with 4: Mettur, a town in Tamil Nadu’s Salem district, is renowned for the massive Mettur Dam, one of India’s largest. Built on the Cauvery River, the dam provides crucial irrigation and drinking water, generates hydroelectric power, and forms the Stanley Reservoir. Beyond the dam, Mettur is an industrial hub with chemical and aluminium production. The dam and surrounding areas also make it a popular tourist destination. The Mettur Thermal Power Station, operated by TANGEDCO in Salem district, Tamil Nadu, is a major coal-fired power plant. With a total installed capacity of 1,440 MW across multiple units commissioned since 1987, it plays a vital role in meeting Tamil Nadu’s energy needs. D is correctly matched with 2: Wanakbori, in Gujarat, In-dia, is primarily known for its major coal-fired Wanakbori Thermal Power Station. Operated by GSECL, this plant boasts a capacity exceeding 2,000 MW across multiple units, including a large 800 MW unit. Using coal as fuel, it’s a crucial electricity source for Gujarat, significantly contributing to the state’s indus-trial and economic growth.

Explanation

A is correctly matched with 1: Giridih located in Jharkhand is one of India’s earliest coal mining sites. It is known for superior-quality metallurgical coal used in steel production. Giridih is part of the Jharia and Bokaro coal belt, which is among the richest in the country. B is correctly matched with 3: Alwar in Rajasthan is known for copper reserves, particularly in the Khetri Copper Belt. The Khetri Copper Complex (KCC) is operated by Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), extracts copper ore from this region. Rajasthan accounts for a significant portion of India’s copper production. C is correctly matched with 4: Dharwar in Karnataka is known for its rich manganese deposits. Manganese is crucial for steel manufacturing and is found in association with iron ore in Karnataka. Karnataka, along with Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, contributes majorly to India’s manganese production. D is correctly matched with 2: Jayamkondam town in Tamil Nadu is known for its lignite reserves. Lignite is a type of coal that is lower in carbon content than bituminous coal. It is used as a fuel for power generation. The Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) mines lignite extensively in Tamil Nadu.

Explanation

A is correctly matched with 3: Gopinath Beach is located near the town of Bhavnagar in Gujarat. It is known for its rocky shores and breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. The beach is named after the Gopinath Mahadev Temple located nearby. B is correctly matched with 1: Lawson’s Bay Beach is situated in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This scenic and serene beach is an extension of Ramakrishna Beach and is popular for swimming and sunbathing. It is a clean and less crowded destination compared to other beaches in Vizag. C is correctly matched with 5: Devbagh Beach is located near Karwar in Karnataka. It’s known for its pristine sands, clear waters, and the serene environment. The area surrounding Devbagh is also known for its natural beauty, including the backwaters and the nearby islands. D is correctly matched with 4: Sinquerim Beach is a popular beach in Goa located near the historic Aguada Fort. It is well known for water sports like jet skiing, windsurfing, and banana boat rides. The beach is a favorite among tourists for its golden sands and stunning sunsets.

Explanation

A is correctly matched with 4: Similipal Biosphere Reserve is located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. Similipal Biosphere Reserve is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, encompassing dense forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The reserve is a significant habitat for the Bengal tiger and the Asian elephant. The Similipal biosphere reserve is an important part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve which also includes the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary and Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. B is correctly matched with 3: Dehang-Debang Biosphere Reserve is situated in the eastern Himalayan region of Arunachal Pradesh. The Brahmaputra River, known as the Siang and Dihang in Arunachal Pradesh, flows through the reserve. Dehang-Debang is a crucial habitat for several endangered species such as Mishmi Takin and the Red Panda. C is correctly matched with 5: Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is in the West Garo Hills of Meghalaya. It is home to the rare and endangered species of the Red Panda. The reserve is also famous for being the origin of Meghalaya’s important rivers including the Simsang River. The reserve features tropical and subtropical forests, housing endangered species like the clouded leopard and hoolock gibbon, along with endemic plants such as Nepenthes khasiana (pitcher plant). D is correctly matched with 1: Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve is located in Sikkim. Kanchenjunga Biosphere Reserve encompasses a wide range of altitudinal zones, from subtropical forests to high-altitude alpine meadows and glaciers. Kanchenjunga is a biodiversity hotspot, supporting a diverse array of flora and fauna, including the snow leopard, the red panda, and various species of rhododendrons. The area also has cultural significance to the Bhutia and Lepcha communities.

Explanation

Mahadev Hills is located in Madhya Pradesh. They are known for their scenic beauty, forested slopes, valleys, and waterfalls. It is composed of sandstone and sedimentary rocks and support diverse flora and fauna. These hills also hold cultural significance as sacred sites integrated into local traditions. Satpura Range lies south of the Mahadeo Hills, spanning Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh. Named after the Sanskrit word for "seven mountains," it consists of rolling hills, plateaus, and peaks made of metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. It is home to national parks like Kanha and Satpura. Western Ghats (Sahyadri Parvat) runs along India’s western coast through Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. They are composed mainly of basalt rock from ancient volcanic activity. They give rise to rivers like Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. The Western Ghats regulate monsoon patterns by intercepting Arabian Sea winds and hold cultural value with ancient temples and sacred sites. Thus, the correct sequence from north to south is: Mahadeo Hills -> Satpura Range -> Sahyadri Parvat

Explanation

Sambhar Lake is India’s largest inland saltwater lake, located in Rajasthan. It is spread across Jaipur, Nagaur, and Ajmer districts. The lake covers an area of about 230 square kilometers during peak monsoon and is known for its historical and economic significance due to salt production.

Option (b) is correct: Sambhar Lake is located approximately 80 km southwest of Jaipur, making it the nearest major city. Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is well connected to Sambhar Lake via NH 8 and NH 48. The lake is also a popular weekend getaway from Jaipur for bird watchers and photographers. It is home to migratory birds like flamingos, pelicans, and storks.

Explanation

A is correctly matched with 1: Kanger Ghati National is located in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. It is known for its biodiversity and limestone caves, such as the famous Kotumsar Cave. The park is home to species like the Bastar hill myna, tigers, leopards, and various reptiles. It is also known for its scenic beauty and waterfalls, such as the Tirathgarh Falls. B is correctly matched with 4: Nagerhole National Park is located in Kodagu and Mysore districts of Karnataka. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is famous for Bengal Tigers, Indian Elephants, and leopards. C is correctly matched with 3: Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the state. It is known for its alpine and sub-alpine vegetation and is home to species like the Himalayan brown bear, musk deer, and snow leopard.The sanctuary is also a popular trekking destination. The sanctuary features alpine meadows, coniferous forests of deodar and fir, and vibrant rhododendron shrubs. D is correctly matched with 2: Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is located in Gurugram, Haryana. The sanctuary attracts numerous species of waterfowl and other birds, making it a crucial stopover on their migratory routes. Sultanpur’s ecosystem comprises various aquatic plants and grasses, providing habitat for a rich variety of resident and migratory birds, including ducks, geese, waders, raptors, and songbirds.

Explanation

The Onge, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) inhabit Little Andaman Island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They are one of the oldest tribes of India, believed to have migrated from Africa around 60,000 years ago.The Onges are hunter-gatherers and rely on forest produce and fishing for survival. Their population is critically low, with fewer than 150 members as per the latest census.

Option (b), (c) and (d) are incorrect:

Dadra and Nagar Haveli is home to tribes like the Warli, Kokna, and Dhodia but not the Onge tribe. The tribes here are primarily engaged in agriculture and forest-based occupations. Daman and Diu, in contrast, has a smaller tribal presence and is better known for its Portuguese colonial heritage blended with Gujarati culture. Tribal communities are less culturally prominent here compared to Dadra and Nagar Haveli or Lakshadweep. Lakshadweep’s population is predominantly Muslim with traditional social groups like the Koyas (landowners), Melacheris (laborers), and Aminidivi (boat builders). Their rich maritime culture revolves around seafaring and fishing, influenced by Islamic traditions. They speak Malayalam and Dhivehi, showcasing a cultural fusion unique to their island environment.

Explanation

The Subarnarekha River originates in Jharkhand’s Chota Nagpur Plateau. It flows through West Bengal and Odisha before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Also known as the "Golden Line" due to historical traces of gold in its sands. It is one of the smallest east-flowing rivers. The Mahanadi originates from Sihawa Hills in Chhattisgarh and flows through Odisha before meeting the Bay of Bengal. The Hirakud Dam, one of the longest dams in the world, is built on this river. The Godavari River, called "Dakshina Ganga" from Trimbak Plateau in Maharashtra and flows through Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. It is the longest river of Peninsular India. The Krishna River originates from Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra) and flows through Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh before reaching the Bay of Bengal. It is the second-longest river in Peninsular India after the Godavari. The Pennar River originates from Nandi Hills in Karnataka and flows through Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu before joining the Bay of Bengal. The Cauvery River originates from Talakaveri in Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu before reaching the Bay of Bengal. The Vaigai River originates from the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu and flows into the Palk Strait near the Bay of Bengal. The Madurai Meenakshi Temple is situated on the banks of Vaigai. Therefore, the correct sequence from north to south is Subarnarekha, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Pennar, Cauvery, and Vagai.