Q31. The Ruparel river is locally known by which of the following alternative names in its surrounding region?
Rivers and Lakes of Rajasthan: RAS Prelims MCQs
48 RAS Prelims MCQs on the rivers and lakes of Rajasthan cover the drainage systems and individual rivers. The Banas, Luni, Gambhir, Banganga, Kakni and Ruparel are asked with their origin, course and dams, and the explanations show why most of the State has inland drainage.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 31–40 of 48 questions
Q32. Pushkar Lake, considered the most sacred lake in Rajasthan, is geographically classified primarily as which type of lake?
Explanation
Pushkar Lake is geographically classified as a natural caldera or crater lake, believed to have been formed by volcanic activity or a meteorite impact. Located in the Ajmer district, it is surrounded by the Aravalli hills and holds immense spiritual significance. This origin distinguishes it from many other lakes in Rajasthan, which are either man-made reservoirs or tectonic depressions within the desert.
Q33. Consider the following statements regarding Pushkar Lake:
I. It is surrounded by exactly 52 bathing ghats.
II. The world’s most prominent temple dedicated to Lord Brahma is situated near it.
III. The tradition of Deepdaan (offering floating lamps) is a major cultural event here.
IV. A comprehensive lake cleaning and desilting project was undertaken with the financial and technical assistance of Canada.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
I. It is surrounded by exactly 52 bathing ghats.
II. The world’s most prominent temple dedicated to Lord Brahma is situated near it.
III. The tradition of Deepdaan (offering floating lamps) is a major cultural event here.
IV. A comprehensive lake cleaning and desilting project was undertaken with the financial and technical assistance of Canada.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
Pushkar Lake is a major cultural and religious hub, famous for its 52 ghats and the unique Brahma temple. The tradition of Deepdaan during the Kartik Purnima fair is a key highlight. To maintain its ecological health, a desilting project was historically supported by Canada. These features combine to make Pushkar one of the most important pilgrimage and environmental sites in Rajasthan.
Q34. Identify the incorrect statement regarding the natural lakes of Rajasthan.
Explanation
Siliserh Lake is a freshwater lake, not a saltwater one, and it was artificially constructed by Maharaja Vinay Singh in Alwar. While Rajasthan is famous for several natural salt lakes like Sambhar, Siliserh is valued for its scenic beauty and fresh water. Understanding the distinction between these types of lakes is essential for a correct geographical assessment of the state’s water bodies.
Q35. The declining water level in Pushkar Lake over recent decades is best attributed to which of the following combinations of cause and effect?
Explanation
The decline in water levels at Pushkar Lake is primarily due to human interference in its natural catchment area. Many feeder streams that once supplied water have been diverted or blocked by construction and sand mining. Furthermore, extensive groundwater extraction for agriculture and domestic use in the surrounding region has lowered the water table, reducing the natural inflow and the lake’s retention capacity.
Q36. The Sambhar Lake is the largest inland salt lake in India. Approximately what percentage of India’s total salt production is derived from this lake?
Explanation
Sambhar Lake is India’s largest inland salt lake and a critical site for salt production. It contributes approximately 8.
Q37. Which of the following represents the correct west to east geographical sequence of the given lakes in Rajasthan?
Explanation
Arranging Rajasthan’s lakes from west to east requires tracking their district locations. Pachpadra is in the far west (Barmer), followed by Lunkaransar in the northwest (Bikaner). Moving east, we find Sambhar Lake near the center (Jaipur boundary). Finally, Siliserh Lake is located in the eastern district of Alwar, completing the longitudinal sequence across the state’s diverse and vast geographical landscape.
Q38. Consider the following statements about Sambhar Lake:
I. The Mendha and Rupangarh rivers drain their water into it.
II. The Khari and Khandela rivers are also prominent feeders of this lake.
III. It was designated as a Ramsar Wetland site of international importance in 1990.
IV. Hindustan Salts Limited operates a major salt extraction facility here.
V. According to the Bijolia inscription, the lake was constructed by Vasudev Chauhan.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
I. The Mendha and Rupangarh rivers drain their water into it.
II. The Khari and Khandela rivers are also prominent feeders of this lake.
III. It was designated as a Ramsar Wetland site of international importance in 1990.
IV. Hindustan Salts Limited operates a major salt extraction facility here.
V. According to the Bijolia inscription, the lake was constructed by Vasudev Chauhan.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
Sambhar Lake is a complex saline ecosystem fed by several rivers like the Mendha and Rupangarh. It is a designated Ramsar site, reflecting its international ecological importance. Managed by Hindustan Salts Limited, it is also historically significant; the Bijolia inscription attributes its construction to Vasudev Chauhan. These factors highlight the lake’s multifaceted role in the state’s economy, history, and environment.
Q39. Which of the following pairs of ‘Salt Lake’ and ‘District’ is correctly matched?
Explanation
Tal Chhapar is a small saline depression located in the Churu district, which is also famous for its Blackbuck sanctuary. While many of Rajasthan’s prominent salt lakes like Sambhar and Didwana are in the central region, Tal Chhapar represents the saline features found in the northern desert area. Other mentioned lakes like Degana and Kuchaman are located in the Nagaur and Didwana-Kuchaman districts respectively.
Q40. A massive mortality event of migratory birds occurred at Sambhar Lake in recent years. What was the scientifically established cause of this ecological disaster?
Explanation
In recent years, Sambhar Lake witnessed a tragic ecological disaster involving the death of thousands of migratory birds. Scientific investigations confirmed that the primary cause was an outbreak of Avian Botulism, a serious neuromuscular illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This event highlighted the vulnerability of the lake’s ecosystem to changing environmental conditions and biological pathogens.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 31 | (a) Varah and Laswari |
| 32 | (c) Natural crater/caldera lake |
| 33 | (d) I, II, III and IV |
| 34 | (b) Siliserh Lake is an important natural saltwater lake situated in the Alwar district. |
| 35 | (d) Feeder streams are diverted and groundwater is extracted in the catchment. |
| 36 | (b) 8.7% |
| 37 | (a) Pachpadra, Lunkaransar, Sambhar, Siliserh |
| 38 | (d) I, II, III, IV and V |
| 39 | (d) Tal Chhapar - Churu |
| 40 | (b) An outbreak of Avian Botulism |
Key facts from Rivers and Lakes of Rajasthan
- The internal (inland) drainage system covers the largest area of Rajasthan.
- The Banas, the longest river flowing entirely within Rajasthan, rises in the Khamnor hills.
- The Banganga rises in the Bairath hills; the Jamwa Ramgarh Dam on it was once crucial for Jaipur’s water.
- The Gambhir rises in Karauli, flows through Sawai Madhopur, Bharatpur and Dholpur and joins the Yamuna; the Panchana Dam is built at the confluence of its tributaries.
- The Kakni, the smallest river of the internal system, rises at Kotri village in Jaisalmer; the Ruparel is also called Varah and Laswari.
- The flood plain of the Ghaggar in Hanumangarh and Sriganganagar is locally called the Nali.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Rivers and Lakes of Rajasthan?
This page has 48 practice MCQs on Rivers and Lakes of Rajasthan (Rajasthan Geography). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
Which is the longest river flowing wholly within Rajasthan?
The Banas, which rises in the Khamnor hills of the Aravallis and flows to meet the Chambal. Because it begins and ends in the State, it is called the longest river wholly within Rajasthan.
Which dam supplied Jaipur’s water in the past?
The Jamwa Ramgarh Dam on the Banganga river. It was built to supply Jaipur city and was important until the demand outgrew it, and the Banganga is a seasonal river of the eastern plains.
What is the Nali?
The local name for the flood plain of the Ghaggar river in the Hanumangarh and Sriganganagar districts. The Ghaggar is a seasonal river of the north, and the Nali floods in the rainy season.