Q21. The mineral economy of Rajasthan is closely tied to its physiography. While the Aravalli range provides metallic minerals, the Hadoti plateau is primarily famous for the extensive extraction of which resource?
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 21–27 of 27 questions
Q22. Consider the following statements regarding Guru Shikhar:
I. It is located in the Mount Abu region of the Sirohi district.
II. Col. James Tod referred to it as the ‘Peak of the Saints’ (Santon Ka Shikhar).
III. It lies in the northern section of the Aravalli Range.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
I. It is located in the Mount Abu region of the Sirohi district.
II. Col. James Tod referred to it as the ‘Peak of the Saints’ (Santon Ka Shikhar).
III. It lies in the northern section of the Aravalli Range.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
Guru Shikhar is located in the Mount Abu region of Sirohi district and was aptly named the "Peak of the Saints" by Col. James Tod. Standing at 1722 meters, it is the highest point in Rajasthan. However, it is situated in the southern part of the Aravalli Range, not the northern section, which is characterized by much lower and fragmented elevations.
Q23. In the context of the Thar Desert classification, the region surrounding Jaisalmer, Ramgarh, and Pokhran that consists predominantly of exposed sedimentary rocks without significant sand cover is known as:
Explanation
The specific type of desert found around Jaisalmer, Ramgarh, and Pokhran, which is characterized by exposed sedimentary rocks and a lack of significant sand cover, is known as a Hamada. This rocky terrain stands in contrast to the shifting dunes of the sandy Erg desert.
Q24. Which of the following statements best provides the definition of a "Reg" in the geographical context of Rajasthan?
Explanation
In the geographical context of Rajasthan, a "Reg" refers to a stony desert surface. It is a desert plain composed of a mixture of gravel, pebbles, and sand. This landform is created when wind removes the finer sand particles, leaving behind a layer of coarser materials. It represents one of the three major types of desert surfaces found throughout the Thar Desert.
Q25. Match the major macro-physiographic divisions in List I with their approximate percentage share of Rajasthan’s total geographical area in List II.
Select the correct code:
| Division | Percentage Area |
|---|---|
| A. Western Sandy Plains | i. 9.0% |
| B. Aravalli Range | ii. 23.3% |
| C. Eastern Plains | iii. 6.89% |
| D. Southeastern Plateau | iv. 61.11% |
Explanation
Rajasthan is divided into four major physiographic units with varying spatial coverage. The Western Sandy Plains are the largest, occupying 61.11 percent of the state. The Eastern Plains cover 23.3 percent, followed by the Aravalli Range at 9.0 percent. The Southeastern Plateau, or Hadoti region, is the smallest, accounting for 6.89 percent of the total geographical area of the state.
Q26. In the Eastern Plains of Rajasthan, areas comprised of older alluvium that are generally elevated above the flood levels of rivers are technically termed as:
Explanation
In the Eastern Plains of Rajasthan, older alluvial deposits that are situated at a higher elevation and are generally not reached by annual river floods are termed Bangar. These areas are distinct from the newer alluvium, or Khadar, which is found in lower-lying floodplains. Bangar regions are often more stable for settlements and have been under agricultural use for longer historical periods.
Q27. The physiography of Rajasthan has a profound impact on its climate. Which of the following represents the most significant climatic function of the Aravalli Range?
Explanation
The most significant climatic role of the Aravalli Range is acting as a physical barrier that restricts the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert. By spanning the state from southwest to northeast, it prevents the wind-blown sands of the western arid region from encroaching upon the more fertile and humid eastern plains, thus preserving the ecological balance of the eastern and southern districts.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 21 | (d) Building stones like sandstone and limestone. |
| 22 | (b) I and II only |
| 23 | (c) Hamada |
| 24 | (a) A desert plain consisting of gravel, pebbles, and sand. |
| 25 | (d) A-iv, B-i, C-ii, D-iii |
| 26 | (b) Bangar |
| 27 | (c) It acts as a divide restricting the eastward spread of the desert. |
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.