Q5941. Which of the following regions in India represents the largest contiguous area under canal irrigation?
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Q5942. A village in western Rajasthan receives highly erratic rainfall but is situated at the bottom of a large, natural, gently sloping catchment area. Which of the following indigenous systems is most appropriate to maximize agricultural yield in this specific terrain?
Explanation
The Khadin system is uniquely suited for terrains with natural sloping catchments and low rainfall. By constructing an earthen embankment at the base of a slope, runoff water is trapped to saturate the soil. This moisture allows for successful agriculture in arid conditions. Unlike deep wells or decorative structures, it directly uses local geography to maximize the potential agricultural yield.
Q5943. Humayun suffered a decisive defeat that forced him into exile and allowed the Sur Empire to take control of Delhi. In which battle did this decisive defeat occur?
Explanation
The Battle of Kannauj, fought in 1540, was a catastrophic defeat for Humayun at the hands of Sher Shah Suri. Following this loss, the Mughal emperor was forced to flee India and live in exile for fifteen years. This victory allowed the Sur dynasty to seize control of Delhi and Agra, temporarily interrupting Mughal rule in North India.
Q5944. Read the following statements regarding drip irrigation:
I. It significantly reduces water loss through evaporation and deep percolation.
II. It is highly suitable for closely sown crops like wheat and rice.
III. It minimizes weed growth as water is applied directly to the root zone.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It significantly reduces water loss through evaporation and deep percolation.
II. It is highly suitable for closely sown crops like wheat and rice.
III. It minimizes weed growth as water is applied directly to the root zone.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Drip irrigation systems deliver water precisely to the root zone, which significantly minimizes losses from evaporation and deep percolation. By keeping the non-crop areas dry, this method effectively restricts the growth of weeds. However, it is primarily designed for wide-spaced horticultural crops rather than closely sown field crops like rice or wheat, which usually require flooding.
Q5945. Consider the following statements regarding the historical water management approach in Rajasthan.
I. Water management was considered a sacred duty and a moral obligation by both rulers and citizens.
II. Indigenous systems were heavily reliant on imported mechanical technologies from Central Asia.
III. Catchment areas of water bodies were often protected as sacred groves known as Orans.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. Water management was considered a sacred duty and a moral obligation by both rulers and citizens.
II. Indigenous systems were heavily reliant on imported mechanical technologies from Central Asia.
III. Catchment areas of water bodies were often protected as sacred groves known as Orans.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Historically, water conservation in Rajasthan was deeply rooted in morality and local ecology. Communities viewed water management as a sacred duty, often protecting catchments as sacred groves to ensure purity and flow. These systems were entirely indigenous, developed over centuries without relying on foreign mechanical technologies. This traditional approach integrated social values with ecological preservation to sustain life in the desert.
Q5946. The following question consists of two statements, one labeled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Traditional rainwater harvesting systems are highly essential for sustaining life in western Rajasthan.
Reason (R): The region is characterized by high variability of rainfall, lack of perennial rivers, and deep, brackish groundwater aquifers.
Which of the following is correct?
Assertion (A): Traditional rainwater harvesting systems are highly essential for sustaining life in western Rajasthan.
Reason (R): The region is characterized by high variability of rainfall, lack of perennial rivers, and deep, brackish groundwater aquifers.
Which of the following is correct?
Explanation
Traditional rainwater harvesting is vital for survival in western Rajasthan due to its harsh environmental conditions. The combination of erratic rainfall, the absence of perennial rivers, and the presence of deep, saline groundwater makes surface-level storage and recharge essential. These indigenous systems provide a reliable source of potable water and support agriculture where modern infrastructure and natural resources are limited.
Q5947. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the options given below:
| Irrigation Method | Region |
|---|---|
| A. Tank Irrigation | i. Western Rajasthan |
| B. Tube well Irrigation | ii. Punjab and Haryana plains |
| C. Khadin | iii. Historical floodplains of Punjab (Pre-independence) |
| D. Inundation Canals | iv. Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh |
Explanation
Tank irrigation is the traditional mainstay in the hard-rock terrains of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Tube wells are extensively utilized in the fertile alluvial plains of Punjab and Haryana. Khadins represent a unique rainwater harvesting practice in Western Rajasthan. Historically, inundation canals were common in the pre-independence floodplains of Punjab before the development of perennial systems.
Q5948. What is the defining architectural feature of a traditional Baori (stepwell) in Rajasthan?
Explanation
A Baori or stepwell has steps or terraces that go down to the groundwater table. People walk down the steps to reach the water, and this separates it from a saucer-shaped catchment or a tank.
Q5949. What is the most significant disadvantage associated with unlined surface canal irrigation in semi-arid tracts?
Explanation
In semi-arid regions, unlined surface canals often lead to significant seepage of water into the surrounding soil. This process causes the water table to rise, eventually reaching the root zone and creating waterlogged conditions. The subsequent evaporation of this water leaves behind harmful salts at the surface, leading to secondary salinization and long-term degradation of agricultural productivity.
Q5950. Stepwells are historically classified based on their entrances and structures. Which of the following types refers to a stepwell with two entrances?
Explanation
Stepwells were classed by their entrances: Nanda has one, Bhadra two, Jaya three and Vijaya four. A stepwell with two entrances is therefore a Bhadra.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 5941 | (c) The Indo-Gangetic Plains |
| 5942 | (b) Implementation of the Khadin system |
| 5943 | (b) Battle of Kannauj (Bilgram) |
| 5944 | (c) I and III only |
| 5945 | (c) I and III only |
| 5946 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 5947 | (a) A-iv, B-ii, C-i, D-iii |
| 5948 | (c) Architectural steps or terraces descending to the groundwater table. |
| 5949 | (c) Severe soil waterlogging and induced secondary salinization |
| 5950 | (a) Bhadra |
Frequently asked questions
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This page has 9654 practice MCQs on the RAS Prelims syllabus. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
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Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation. Practise one chapter at a time, note the facts you got wrong and revise them. Repeat the chapter after a few days.
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No. These are practice questions written for the RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the pattern the exam uses: factual questions, statement-based questions, match-the-list and assertion-reason.