Q41. What is the most geomorphologically accurate definition of the ‘Bhabar’ belt?
Indian Geography: RAS Prelims MCQs
462 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on Indian geography are on this page, in 9 chapters. They cover the physiographic divisions, rivers and lakes, climate, irrigation, agriculture, minerals, industrial regions, the iron and steel, textile and sugar industries, and petrochemical, IT and emerging industries. Each question has an answer and an explanation, in the formats the exam uses.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 41–50 of 462 questions
Browse Indian Geography chapters
Q42. The critically important Gangotri and Yamunotri glaciers are located in which major division of the Himalayas?
Explanation
The Gangotri and Yamunotri glaciers are in the Greater Himalayas (Himadri), the highest and most continuous range.
Q43. Match List-I with List-II:
| Notable Geographical Feature | Associated Mountain Range |
|---|---|
| A. Highest Peak of Aravallis | i. Dhupgarh |
| B. Highest Peak of Satpuras | ii. Doddabetta |
| C. Highest Peak of Nilgiris | iii. Guru Shikhar |
| D. Highest Peak of Naga Hills | iv. Saramati |
Explanation
The highest peak of the Aravallis is Guru Shikhar, of the Satpuras Dhupgarh, of the Nilgiris Doddabetta and of the Naga Hills Saramati. This gives A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv.
Q44. Why do the Aravalli mountains systematically fail to cause significant orographic rainfall in the arid regions of Rajasthan?
Explanation
The Aravalli mountains do not produce significant orographic rainfall in western Rajasthan because their orientation is parallel to the incoming Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoon. As a result, moisture-laden winds pass along the range without being forced to rise and cool. This lack of a physical barrier to obstruct the winds prevents the condensation necessary for heavy precipitation in the region.
Q45. If the massive barrier of the Himalayas were completely removed from India’s northern borders, what would be the most immediate and drastic climatic consequence?
Explanation
If the Himalayas were absent, the northern plains of India would be exposed to the frigid, bone-chilling winds blowing from Central Asia during the winter months. The mountains currently act as a massive physical barrier, protecting the subcontinent from these cold air masses and ensuring a much milder climate. Without this protection, India’s northern states would experience much harsher and colder winters.
Q46. The discontinuous mountain ranges of the Eastern Ghats finally merge with the continuous chain of the Western Ghats at which of the following specific locations?
Explanation
The Nilgiri Hills serve as the critical geographical junction where the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats finally merge. Located at the borders of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, this mountainous knot is famous for its high peaks like Doddabetta. This convergence point is ecologically significant, forming part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and supporting a unique variety of flora and fauna.
Q47. All of the following are significant, ecologically sensitive coastal lakes or lagoons situated on the East Coast of India EXCEPT:
Explanation
Chilika, Pulicat, and Kolleru are all significant water bodies situated along the East Coast of India. In contrast, Vembanad Lake is the largest lake in India and is located on the West Coast in the state of Kerala. It is a famous backwater system known for its ecological diversity and boat races, whereas the other lakes are lagoons or freshwater lakes in the east.
Q48. Which of the following strategically represents the correct sequential order of the prominent sections of the Eastern Coastal Plain moving strictly from North to South?
Explanation
The Eastern Coastal Plain is divided into three major sections from north to south. It begins with the Utkal Coast along the Odisha shoreline. Moving southward, the central portion is known as the Northern Circars, spanning parts of Andhra Pradesh. Finally, the southern stretch extending towards Tamil Nadu is called the Coromandel Coast, which is famous for its winter rainfall from retreating monsoons.
Q49. The Great Indian Desert (Marusthali) is a vast, undulating sandy plain frequently characterized by barchans. What exactly is a barchan?
Explanation
Barchans are highly distinctive, crescent-shaped sand dunes formed by the action of wind in desert environments. They are particularly common in the Great Indian Desert, also known as Marusthali. These dunes have their "horns" pointing downwind and are created by a constant wind direction. They represent a major aeolian landform in the arid, undulating sandy plains of western Rajasthan and nearby regions.
Q50. Read the given statements and select the correct option.
Statement I: The Luni is widely recognized as the only large, significant river operating in the Indian Desert region.
Statement II: It carries an abundant volume of water throughout the year and drains directly and robustly into the Arabian Sea.
Statement I: The Luni is widely recognized as the only large, significant river operating in the Indian Desert region.
Statement II: It carries an abundant volume of water throughout the year and drains directly and robustly into the Arabian Sea.
Explanation
The Luni is the most significant river in the Thar Desert of western Rajasthan. However, it is an ephemeral river that flows only during the brief monsoon season. Unlike perennial rivers, it does not carry water year-round and does not reach the Arabian Sea. Instead, the Luni river eventually disappears into the saline marshes of the Rann of Kutch in northern Gujarat.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 41 | (d) A narrow, highly porous belt of pebbles lying parallel to the Shivalik foothills. |
| 42 | (c) Greater Himalayas |
| 43 | (a) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv |
| 44 | (a) Their alignment is parallel to the direction of the Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoon. |
| 45 | (c) Northern Indian plains would experience freezing winds from Central Asia in winter. |
| 46 | (a) Nilgiri Hills |
| 47 | (d) Vembanad Lake |
| 48 | (b) Utkal Coast, Northern Circars, Coromandel Coast |
| 49 | (c) A highly distinct, crescent-shaped aeolian sand dune |
| 50 | (a) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect. |
Key facts from Indian Geography
- The RPSC syllabus lists Indian physiography, climate, rivers and lakes, irrigation, important crops, metallic and non-metallic minerals, and industrial regions and industries.
- Physiography and rivers are asked through locations: the highest peak of a range, the origin of a river, a lake and its state.
- Minerals and industries questions link a mineral or plant to its State, for example Khetri copper in Jhunjhunu or Bhilai steel in Chhattisgarh.
- Agriculture and irrigation questions test crops, their leading States and the major projects and disputes.
- The questions often include Rajasthan items, such as the Luni, Zawar and the Indira Gandhi Canal.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Indian Geography?
This page has 462 practice MCQs on Indian Geography. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does the Indian geography set cover?
Nine chapters: physiographic divisions of India, major rivers and lakes, climate, irrigation, agriculture (food, commercial and plantation crops), minerals (metallic and non-metallic), major industrial regions, iron and steel, textile and sugar industries, and petrochemical, IT and emerging industries.
Is Indian geography in the RAS Prelims syllabus?
Yes. RPSC lists the physiographic divisions, climate, rivers and lakes, irrigation, agriculture, minerals and industries of India in the Geography of World and India section of the syllabus.
How should I prepare Indian geography for RAS Prelims?
Keep a map of India and mark every place that comes up: peaks, rivers, lakes, mines and plants. Attempt each chapter, read the explanations and revise State-wise lists of crops, minerals and industries.