Q171. Desert sandy soils in western Rajasthan are pedologically characterized primarily by which of the following properties?
Rajasthan Geography: RAS Prelims MCQs
529 RAS Prelims practice MCQs on the geography of Rajasthan are on this page, in 13 chapters. They cover location, extent and physiography, rivers and lakes, climate, natural vegetation and wildlife, soils, agriculture, livestock, irrigation, minerals, population, urbanisation, tribes and tourism. Each question has an answer and an explanation, in the formats the exam uses.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 171–180 of 529 questions
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Q172. Match the sub-classifications of sandy soils (List I) with their prominent characteristics or locations in Rajasthan (List II):
| Sub-classification | Characteristics/Locations |
|---|---|
| A. Sandy Dune Soil | i. Sub-surface hardpan of calcium carbonate |
| B. Calcic Brown Sandy Soil | ii. Found in depressions of Luni basin and Ghaggar bed |
| C. Gypsiferous Sandy Soil | iii. Mobile and devoid of distinct soil horizons |
| D. Saline Sandy Soil | iv. Presence of subsurface calcium sulphate layer |
Explanation
The desert landscape features specialized sandy soil variations. Sandy dune soils are mobile and lack distinct horizons, while calcic brown sandy soils contain a subsurface hardpan of calcium carbonate. Gypsiferous sandy soils are identified by a calcium sulphate layer, and saline sandy soils are typically found in low-lying depressions such as the Luni basin and the ancient Ghaggar bed.
Q173. All of the following are typical chemical characteristics of the desert sandy soils of the Thar region, except:
Explanation
The soils of the Thar Desert possess specific chemical properties influenced by aridity. They generally exhibit an alkaline pH and contain high concentrations of soluble salts and calcium minerals. However, they are consistently deficient in available nitrogen and organic matter. The lack of dense vegetation and rapid decomposition under high temperatures prevent the accumulation of nitrogenous compounds in these soil profiles.
Q174. What is the primary cause for the widespread formation of calcic horizons (kankar pans) in the subsurface of western Rajasthan’s sandy soils?
Explanation
The formation of subsurface kankar pans or calcic horizons in western Rajasthan is primarily driven by the upward capillary movement of water. In this arid climate, groundwater containing dissolved calcium minerals moves toward the surface. As the water evaporates due to high temperatures, the minerals precipitate and accumulate at a certain depth, eventually hardening into a distinct and stony subsurface layer.
Q175. In which of the following sets of districts are alluvial soils most extensively found in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Alluvial soils are most extensively distributed across the eastern and north-eastern parts of Rajasthan, where river systems have deposited fertile sediments. Districts such as Bharatpur, Dholpur, and Tonk feature these productive soils. They are characterized by a fine to medium texture and are capable of supporting intensive agriculture, provided there is adequate irrigation and proper organic nutrient management.
Q176. In the context of the eastern plains of Rajasthan, the older alluvial soil deposits that are generally located above the present flood levels are known as:
Explanation
In the riverine plains of eastern Rajasthan, older alluvial deposits situated above the current flood levels are referred to as Bhangar. Unlike the newer, frequently replenished Khadar soils found in active floodplains, Bhangar soils are more stable and often contain calcareous concretions known as kankar. They are generally less fertile than Khadar but still support significant and productive agricultural activity.
Q177. Match the river basins of Rajasthan (List I) with the dominant soil types found within them (List II):
| River Basins | Dominant Soil Types |
|---|---|
| A. Luni Basin | i. Red Loam Soil |
| B. Mahi Basin | ii. Alluvial and Black Soil |
| C. Chambal Basin | iii. Brown Sandy Soil |
| D. Banas Basin | iv. Yellowish Brown Soil |
Explanation
Soil types in Rajasthan vary significantly across different river basins. The Luni basin is characterized by brown sandy soils, while the Mahi basin features red loam. The Chambal basin is dominated by a mix of alluvial and black soils due to its unique topography and parent material. The Banas basin is primarily associated with yellowish-brown soils throughout its entire geographic course.
Q178. Which of the following statements correctly describes the fertility profile of the alluvial soils in eastern Rajasthan?
Explanation
The alluvial soils found in eastern Rajasthan possess a distinct fertility profile. They are naturally rich in essential minerals like potash and lime, which are beneficial for plant growth.
Q179. Consider the following characteristics of soils:
I. Formed by fluvial deposition over thousands of years.
II. Capable of supporting intensive agriculture with proper irrigation.
III. Highly acidic in reaction with pH typically below 5.5.
Which combination is correct for the alluvial soils of eastern Rajasthan?
I. Formed by fluvial deposition over thousands of years.
II. Capable of supporting intensive agriculture with proper irrigation.
III. Highly acidic in reaction with pH typically below 5.5.
Which combination is correct for the alluvial soils of eastern Rajasthan?
Explanation
Alluvial soils in the eastern plains are formed through fluvial deposition over thousands of years, making them highly productive for agriculture. They respond well to intensive farming when supported by irrigation. Unlike acidic soils, these alluvial deposits are generally neutral to slightly alkaline in reaction, providing a favorable environment for the cultivation of a wide variety of food and commercial crops.
Q180. Identify the odd one out among the following districts based on the absence of significant alluvial soil cover:
Explanation
Among the listed districts, Jaisalmer is the odd one out regarding soil types. While Alwar, Dausa, and Sawai Madhopur are part of the eastern plains and feature significant alluvial soil cover deposited by rivers, Jaisalmer is located deep within the Thar Desert. Its landscape is dominated by desert sandy soils and shifting dunes rather than fluvial alluvial deposits.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 171 | (a) Sandy and loamy sand textures with weak profile development |
| 172 | (a) A-iii, B-i, C-iv, D-ii |
| 173 | (b) Elevated levels of available nitrogen |
| 174 | (d) Evaporation leading to upward capillary movement of calcium solutions |
| 175 | (a) Bharatpur, Dholpur, and Tonk |
| 176 | (b) Bhangar |
| 177 | (a) A-iii, B-i, C-ii, D-iv |
| 178 | (a) Rich in potash and lime but deficient in nitrogen and phosphorus |
| 179 | (a) I and II only |
| 180 | (c) Jaisalmer |
Key facts from Rajasthan Geography
- The RPSC syllabus lists Rajasthan’s location, extent and physiography, rivers and lakes, climate, vegetation, biodiversity, soils, agriculture, livestock, irrigation, population, urbanisation and tribes.
- Many questions ask for a number or a name: the area of the State, a district’s density, the length of a canal, the home district of a mine.
- Rajasthan is the biggest State of India by area, and several chapters test the contrast between the arid west and the humid south-east.
- Minerals, irrigation and wildlife are the chapters with the most name-based questions, so keep a list of districts and projects.
- Population questions use Census 2011 figures.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Rajasthan Geography?
This page has 529 practice MCQs on Rajasthan Geography. Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which chapters does the Rajasthan geography set cover?
Thirteen chapters: location, extent and physiography; rivers and lakes; climate; natural vegetation, biodiversity and conservation; soils; agriculture; livestock and animal husbandry; irrigation; minerals; population; urbanisation; tribes; and tourism.
Is Rajasthan geography in the RAS Prelims syllabus?
Yes. RPSC lists Geography of Rajasthan as a separate part of the syllabus, including location, rivers, climate, vegetation, soil, agriculture, livestock, irrigation, population, urbanisation and tribes, after the world and India sections.
How can I prepare Rajasthan geography quickly?
Keep a Rajasthan map and mark every river, dam, mine, sanctuary and fair that appears. Attempt each chapter, read the explanations and revise the numbers: area, population, density and canal lengths.