Q51. Which of the following geomorphic features is NOT typically associated with the flat, low-gradient terrain of the mature floodplains found in the Northern Plains?
Physiographic Divisions of India: RAS Prelims MCQs
58 RAS Prelims MCQs on the physiographic divisions of India cover the Himalayas, the northern plains, the Peninsular Plateau, the coastal plains and the islands. Peaks, passes, the Bhabar and Terai belts, the Central Highlands and the Lakshadweep and Andaman groups are asked as facts and matches, with the explanations tying each feature to its region.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 51–58 of 58 questions
Q52. In the specific context of the soil composition in the Northern Plains, the term ‘Kankar’ strictly refers to:
Explanation
In the context of the Northern Plains, the term ‘Kankar’ refers to hard, nodular deposits of calcium carbonate. These are predominantly found in the Bhangar soil, which is the older alluvium situated above the active floodplains.
Q53. Which of the following statements correctly and fundamentally differentiates the major Peninsular rivers from the Himalayan rivers?
Explanation
Peninsular rivers are much older than Himalayan rivers and have reached a mature stage of development. Consequently, they flow through broad and shallow valleys with graded profiles, indicating that they have nearly reached their base level of erosion. In contrast, Himalayan rivers are youthful and active, cutting deep V-shaped valleys and gorges as they flow through the high, rising mountains of the north.
Q54. Match List-I with List-II:
| Specific Island/Feature | Key Characteristic/Location |
|---|---|
| A. Pitti Island | i. Highest point in Andaman and Nicobar |
| B. Saddle Peak | ii. Southernmost tip of India |
| C. Minicoy | iii. Uninhabited bird sanctuary in Lakshadweep |
| D. Indira Point | iv. Largest island in Lakshadweep |
Explanation
Pitti Island is an uninhabited bird sanctuary in Lakshadweep, while Saddle Peak is the highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Minicoy is the largest island within the Lakshadweep group. Indira Point, located on Great Nicobar Island, represents the southernmost tip of Indian territory. These locations are key geographical landmarks within India’s oceanic territories in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
Q55. Consider the following statements regarding the overarching geographical significance of India’s physical divisions:
I. The lofty Himalayas actively intercept and regulate the monsoon climate of India.
II. The incredibly fertile Northern Plains effectively act as the essential granary of the country.
III. The ancient Peninsular Plateau firmly provides a solid base for metallurgical industries due to its immense mineral wealth.
IV. The steep slopes of the Western Ghats optimally generate substantial hydroelectric power due to their sheer gradients.
V. The extensive coastal areas consistently offer highly favorable natural conditions for the development of ports and maritime trade.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. The lofty Himalayas actively intercept and regulate the monsoon climate of India.
II. The incredibly fertile Northern Plains effectively act as the essential granary of the country.
III. The ancient Peninsular Plateau firmly provides a solid base for metallurgical industries due to its immense mineral wealth.
IV. The steep slopes of the Western Ghats optimally generate substantial hydroelectric power due to their sheer gradients.
V. The extensive coastal areas consistently offer highly favorable natural conditions for the development of ports and maritime trade.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
India’s physical divisions provide diverse economic benefits. The Himalayas regulate climate and provide water, while Northern Plains serve as the country’s granary. The Peninsular Plateau is rich in minerals, and the Western Ghats offer high potential for hydroelectric power. Additionally, the extensive coastline facilitates international maritime trade through numerous ports. Together, these divisions form a highly balanced and resource-rich environment.
Q56. A major, highly engineered railway line runs parallel to the western coast of India. The engineers constructing tunnels and bridges through this challenging region had to heavily cut across highly resistant, steep-sided mountainous escarpments. Which exact physiographic feature were they continuously traversing?
Explanation
The Konkan Railway is a major engineering marvel that runs parallel to the western coast of India. To build this line, engineers had to navigate the extremely challenging terrain of the Western Ghats. This involved constructing numerous tunnels and bridges through the steep-sided, rugged mountain escarpments. The range acts as a formidable barrier between the narrow coastal strip and the elevated interior of the plateau.
Q57. The Coromandel Coast famously receives a highly significant, life-sustaining portion of its annual rainfall during the winter season. What is the primary geomorphological and climatic reason for this specific phenomenon?
Explanation
The Coromandel Coast receives significant rainfall during the winter due to the retreating northeast monsoon. As these winds blow from the land toward the sea, they pass over the Bay of Bengal, where they pick up moisture. When they strike the coast of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, they cause heavy precipitation. This unique seasonal pattern distinguishes the east coast from the rest of India.
Q58. Moving longitudinally from west to east, the mighty Himalayas have been traditionally divided on the basis of prominent river valleys. Which of the following regional divisions is incorrectly matched with its bounding rivers?
Explanation
The regional division of the Himalayas is based on river valleys. The Punjab Himalayas lie between the Indus and Sutlej, and the Kumaon between the Sutlej and Kali. However, the Assam Himalayas are situated between the Teesta and the Dihang rivers. Bounding them with the Ganga is incorrect, as the Ganga flows much further south than this mountainous region.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 51 | (d) Deep V-shaped valleys |
| 52 | (a) Hard, nodular calcareous deposits found predominantly in the older alluvium (Bhangar). |
| 53 | (c) Peninsular rivers flow through shallow valleys with graded profiles, unlike the deep valleys of Himalayan rivers. |
| 54 | (a) A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii |
| 55 | (d) I, II, III, IV and V |
| 56 | (c) The Western Ghats |
| 57 | (d) Retreating northeast monsoon winds pick up moisture from the Bay of Bengal before striking the coast. |
| 58 | (d) Assam Himalayas: Situated between the Teesta and the Ganga rivers |
Key facts from Physiographic Divisions of India
- India is divided into six major physiographic divisions on the basis of macro-level features.
- Barren Island in the Andaman Sea has India’s only confirmed active volcano.
- The northern plains were built by the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra; the sequence of belts is Bhabar, Terai, Bhangar and Khadar.
- The Central Highlands are bounded on the south by the Vindhya Range; the Malwa plateau has badland ravines.
- K2 is in the Karakoram, not the Greater Himalayas; Gangotri and Yamunotri glaciers lie in the Greater Himalayas.
- The Lakshadweep Islands are coral islands; the highest peak of the Aravallis is Guru Shikhar, of the Satpuras Dhupgarh and of the Nilgiris Doddabetta.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Physiographic Divisions of India?
This page has 58 practice MCQs on Physiographic Divisions of India (Indian Geography). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Where is India’s only active volcano?
On Barren Island in the Andaman Sea, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Narcondam Island nearby is a dormant volcano, and the Andaman volcanic arc is part of the Indo-Burmese island chain.
What is the Bhabar?
A narrow, porous belt of pebbles and boulders along the foot of the Shivalik hills, where streams sink underground. South of it lies the marshy Terai, where the water comes out again.
What is the highest peak of the Aravallis?
Guru Shikhar, near Mount Abu in Rajasthan. The Aravallis are among the oldest fold mountains in the world, and Guru Shikhar rises to about 1,722 metres and is a common answer in questions on the highest peaks of Indian mountain ranges.