Q1. Which of the following options accurately represents the geographical extension of Rajasthan in terms of latitude and longitude?
Location, Extent and Physiography of Rajasthan: RAS Prelims MCQs
27 RAS Prelims MCQs on the location, extent and physiography of Rajasthan test the latitudes and longitudes, the area and its share of India, the neighbouring States and the physical divisions. The border districts, the Utkhat badlands of the Chambal basin and the geological history shown by the Bap Boulder Bed are asked as facts.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 1–10 of 27 questions
Q2. The total geographical area of Rajasthan is 3,42,239 square kilometres. What percentage of the total geographical area of India does Rajasthan represent?
Explanation
Rajasthan is the largest state in India by land area, covering 3,42,239 square kilometers. This vast territory accounts for approximately 10.41 percent of the total geographical area of the nation. Since the formation of Chhattisgarh from Madhya Pradesh in 2000, Rajasthan has maintained its status as the top-ranking state regarding physical size across the entire country.
Q3. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the international boundary of Rajasthan.
Explanation
The international border between Rajasthan and Pakistan, known as the Radcliffe Line, spans 1070 kilometers. Jaisalmer district shares the longest portion of this boundary, covering 464 kilometers. In contrast, Phalodi shares the shortest segment. The line starts at Hindumalkot in Sriganganagar and concludes at Shahgarh in the Barmer district, ensuring vital national security for the region.
Q4. Rajasthan shares its interstate boundaries with five Indian states. Which of the following pairs correctly identifies the states with the longest and shortest boundary lengths with Rajasthan respectively?
Explanation
Rajasthan borders five Indian states, sharing varying boundary lengths. The longest interstate border is shared with Madhya Pradesh, spanning 1600 kilometers to the southeast. Conversely, the shortest boundary is with Punjab in the north, covering only 89 kilometers. These borders play a crucial role in the state’s economic trade, cultural exchange, and overall administrative regional connectivity with its neighboring territories.
Q5. Match the adjoining states in List I with the length of their respective boundary shared with Rajasthan in List II.
Select the correct code:
| State | Boundary Length |
|---|---|
| A. Madhya Pradesh | i. 1262 km |
| B. Haryana | ii. 1022 km |
| C. Gujarat | iii. 1600 km |
| D. Punjab | iv. 89 km |
Explanation
The interstate boundaries of Rajasthan vary significantly in length across different directions. Madhya Pradesh shares the most extensive border at 1600 kilometers. Haryana follows with 1262 kilometers, while Gujarat covers 1022 kilometers. Punjab shares the smallest boundary at 89 kilometers. These measurements define the state’s geopolitical limits and influence the shared regional resources and various interstate migratory and trade patterns.
Q6. Which of the following is not recognized as one of the four major macro-physiographic divisions of Rajasthan?
Explanation
Rajasthan is divided into four major physiographic units: the Western Sandy Plains, the Aravalli Range and Hilly Region, the Eastern Plains, and the Southeastern Rajasthan Plateau. Being a landlocked state, it does not possess any coastal features or plains. These diverse regions are categorized based on their distinct geological structures, relief features, soil types, and the prevailing regional climatic conditions.
Q7. Which of the following districts is the odd one out as it does NOT share a boundary with the international border (Radcliffe Line)?
Explanation
The international border with Pakistan, the Radcliffe Line, is shared by several districts in western Rajasthan, including Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Sriganganagar, Barmer, Anupgarh, and the newly created Phalodi. Jodhpur, however, is located further inland toward the east. It does not touch the international boundary, making it an interior district within the Western Sandy Plains rather than a frontline border district of the state.
Q8. Which district of Rajasthan shares both an international boundary with Pakistan and an interstate boundary with Gujarat?
Explanation
Barmer is a unique district in Rajasthan that shares both an international and an interstate boundary. To the west, it borders Pakistan along the Radcliffe Line. To the south, it shares a border with the state of Gujarat. This dual status makes it a strategically important region for national security and an essential hub for interstate trade and cultural exchange between neighboring regions.
Q9. Consider the following statements regarding the Eastern Plains of Rajasthan:
I. The region is largely composed of older alluvium (Bangar) and newer alluvium (Khadar).
II. The Banas plain is situated in the northern part of this macro-region.
III. The Chambal basin is famous for its heavily gullied topography.
IV. The Eastern Plains receive the lowest average annual rainfall among all physiographic regions of Rajasthan.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
I. The region is largely composed of older alluvium (Bangar) and newer alluvium (Khadar).
II. The Banas plain is situated in the northern part of this macro-region.
III. The Chambal basin is famous for its heavily gullied topography.
IV. The Eastern Plains receive the lowest average annual rainfall among all physiographic regions of Rajasthan.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
Explanation
The Eastern Plains are composed of fertile older and newer alluvium, featuring the Banas and Chambal basins. However, stating they receive the lowest average annual rainfall is incorrect. That distinction belongs to the Western Sandy Plains. The Eastern Plains actually enjoy moderate to high rainfall, which, combined with the fertile soil, makes them the most agriculturally productive region in all of Rajasthan.
Q10. The Utkhat (Badland) topography is an extensive geomorphological feature resulting from severe water erosion. This physiographic feature is the hallmark of which river basin?
Explanation
Utkhat or Badland topography is the defining geomorphological feature of the Chambal River basin. Severe gully erosion caused by the river has created a rugged landscape of deep ravines and narrow ridges, particularly in Dholpur, Karauli, and Sawai Madhopur. These ravines, locally known as Dang, make the land unsuitable for regular agriculture but provide a unique, albeit difficult, terrain for regional ecology.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (a) 23°3’N to 30°12’N latitude and 69°30’E to 78°17’E longitude |
| 2 | (b) 10.41 percent |
| 3 | (c) Bikaner district shares the longest segment of the international boundary among all bordering districts. |
| 4 | (d) Madhya Pradesh and Punjab |
| 5 | (c) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv |
| 6 | (b) Southern Coastal Plains |
| 7 | (a) Jodhpur |
| 8 | (c) Barmer |
| 9 | (c) IV only |
| 10 | (d) Chambal Basin |
Key facts from Location, Extent and Physiography of Rajasthan
- Rajasthan extends from 23°3’N to 30°12’N latitude and from 69°30’E to 78°17’E longitude.
- Its area of 3,42,239 square kilometres is about 10.41 per cent of India.
- It shares boundaries with five States: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
- Barmer shares both an international boundary with Pakistan and an interstate boundary.
- The Utkhat (badland) topography is in the Chambal basin.
- The Bap Boulder Bed near Jodhpur is evidence of glaciation in the Permo-Carboniferous period; the Eastern Plains region has the highest population share among the physiographic divisions.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Location, Extent and Physiography of Rajasthan?
This page has 27 practice MCQs on Location, Extent and Physiography of Rajasthan (Rajasthan Geography). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What is the area of Rajasthan?
3,42,239 square kilometres, which is about 10.41 per cent of the area of India. This makes Rajasthan the largest State of India by area, and it is larger than many countries of Europe.
With which States does Rajasthan share its borders?
Five: Punjab and Haryana in the north, Uttar Pradesh in the east, Madhya Pradesh in the south-east and Gujarat in the south-west. On the west and north-west it has an international border with Pakistan.
What is the Bap Boulder Bed?
A deposit of boulders near Jodhpur that was carried by glaciers in the Permo-Carboniferous period. It is evidence that this region once had a very cold climate and was covered by ice.