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 11–20 of 27 questions
Explanation
Among all the physiographic divisions of Rajasthan, the Eastern Plains have the highest population density. This is primarily due to the fertile alluvial soil deposited by the Banas and Chambal rivers, which supports intensive agriculture. Additionally, the region enjoys a more favorable climate and better water availability compared to the arid west, attracting large-scale human settlement and extensive urban development.I. Rajasthan shares its longest interstate border with Madhya Pradesh.
II. The border with Punjab is the shortest, measuring 89 km.
III. Bhilwara is the district that shares the longest interstate boundary overall.
IV. Jhalawar shares an interstate boundary with Madhya Pradesh.
V. Two districts of Rajasthan share a boundary with Uttar Pradesh.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
Rajasthan’s longest interstate border is with Madhya Pradesh, while Punjab has the shortest. Jhalawar district shares the longest individual interstate boundary, specifically with Madhya Pradesh. Three districts, Deeg, Bharatpur, and Dholpur, border Uttar Pradesh. These boundaries are essential for regional administration, as they define the spatial limits through which resources, people, and trade move between Rajasthan and its neighboring Indian states.Explanation
The Bap Boulder Bed near Jodhpur is evidence of extensive glaciation in the Permo-Carboniferous period. The boulders were carried there by ice, which shows that the region once had a very cold climate.| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| A. Hamada | i. A sandy desert |
| B. Reg | ii. A rocky, stone-paved desert lacking sand |
| C. Erg | iii. A mixed desert of stones and sand |
| D. Runn/Tat | iv. A shallow saline depression or temporary lake |
Explanation
Desert landforms in Rajasthan are classified by their surface characteristics. A Hamada is a barren, rocky desert. A Reg consists of a mixture of sand and gravel. An Erg is the classic sandy desert dominated by dunes. A Runn or Tat refers to a shallow saline depression that often becomes a temporary lake after rainfall, illustrating the desert’s varied and complex geomorphology.Explanation
The Aravalli Range spans a total length of approximately 692 kilometers from Palanpur in Gujarat to Delhi. Out of this total, about 550 kilometers lie within the state of Rajasthan, accounting for roughly 80 percent of the range’s total length. This dominance makes the Aravallis the most significant topographical feature influencing the state’s climate, drainage, and rich mineral distribution.Explanation
The Southeastern Plateau, or Hadoti region, is structurally composed of two distinct sub-units: the Vindhyan Scarplands and the Deccan Lava Plateau. The scarplands are characterized by massive sandstone cliffs, while the lava plateau is formed from basaltic volcanic activity. Together, these formations create a rugged landscape that differs significantly from the sandy plains and the ancient fold mountains found elsewhere in Rajasthan.Assertion (A): The Western Sandy Plains of Rajasthan experience a very high diurnal range of temperature.
Reason (R): The sandy soil of the region is characterized by a high specific heat capacity, meaning it absorbs and loses heat extremely slowly.
Explanation
The Western Sandy Plains experience a very high diurnal range of temperature, meaning the difference between day and night temperatures is extreme. However, this is because sand has a low specific heat capacity, allowing it to heat up very quickly during the day and cool down rapidly at night. The assertion is true, but the reasoning provided is scientifically incorrect.Explanation
Nakki Lake is a unique high-altitude lake situated in Mount Abu, within the Sirohi district. It is located on the Mount Abu Batholith, which is a massive igneous rock formation within the southern Aravalli Range. According to local legend, the lake was dug by the nails of gods, but geologically it represents a significant feature in the state’s rugged mountain topography and relief.I. Quaternary Aeolian Deposits (Sand Dunes)
II. Aravalli Supergroup
III. Deccan Traps
IV. Vindhyan Supergroup
Which of the following represents the correct chronological order from youngest (most recent) to oldest?
Explanation
Rajasthan’s geological history spans billions of years. The oldest formations are the Aravalli Supergroup rocks. These were followed by the sedimentary Vindhyan Supergroup and the volcanic Deccan Traps. The most recent features are the Quaternary aeolian deposits, including the sand dunes that continue to shift across the Thar Desert today. This sequence reflects the long and complex structural evolution of the state.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 11 | (a) Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat |
| 12 | (c) Eastern Plains |
| 13 | (b) I, II, IV and V only |
| 14 | (b) Evidence of extensive glaciation during the Permo-Carboniferous period. |
| 15 | (b) A-ii, B-iii, C-i, D-iv |
| 16 | (c) 550 km |
| 17 | (c) Vindhyan Scarplands and Deccan Lava Plateau |
| 18 | (c) A is true but R is false. |
| 19 | (c) The Mount Abu Batholith (Aravalli Range) |
| 20 | (a) I, III, IV, II |
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.