1. The largest river basin in India is formed by:
(A) Yamuna
(B) Ganga
(C) Godavari
(D) Mahanadi
✅ Ans: (B) Ganga
Explanation: The Ganga River has the largest drainage basin in India (~861,452 sq.km), covering states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. Geography of India by Majid Husain highlights its extensive plain and agricultural importance.
2. Which river flows through the rift valley between Satpura and Vindhya ranges?
(A) Chambal
(B) Narmada
(C) Yamuna
(D) Godavari
✅ Ans: (B) Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada flows westward through a rift valley between the Satpura (south) and Vindhya (north) ranges, forming an estuary. Geography of India notes its unique geological setting.
3. The Teesta River is a tributary of:
(A) Brahmaputra
(B) Ganga
(C) Yamuna
(D) Mahananda
✅ Ans: (A) Brahmaputra
Explanation: The Teesta, originating in Sikkim, joins the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh, contributing to its vast delta. Geography of India describes its Himalayan course and flood-prone nature.
4. Which state does not share a border with Nepal?
(A) West Bengal
(B) Sikkim
(C) Bihar
(D) Meghalaya
✅ Ans: (D) Meghalaya
Explanation: Meghalaya borders Bangladesh, not Nepal, while West Bengal, Sikkim, and Bihar share boundaries with Nepal. Geography of India lists India’s five Nepal-bordering states: Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
5. The river that flows through the Valley of Kashmir is:
(A) Ravi
(B) Beas
(C) Jhelum
(D) Chenab
✅ Ans: (C) Jhelum
Explanation: The Jhelum River flows through the Kashmir Valley, passing through Srinagar and feeding Wular Lake. Geography of India highlights its role in Jammu & Kashmir’s geography.
6. Majuli Island is located in:
(A) Yamuna River
(B) Brahmaputra River
(C) Ganga River
(D) Kosi River
✅ Ans: (B) Brahmaputra River
Explanation: Majuli, in Assam, is the world’s largest river island, formed by the Brahmaputra River, though it is shrinking due to erosion. Geography of India notes its cultural and ecological significance.
7. The Satpura range is located in:
(A) Uttar Pradesh
(B) Rajasthan
(C) Madhya Pradesh
(D) Maharashtra
✅ Ans: (C) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: The Satpura Range, running parallel to the Vindhyas, is primarily in Madhya Pradesh, with extensions into Maharashtra and Gujarat. Geography of India describes its forested hills.
8. Which river does not form a delta?
(A) Narmada
(B) Mahanadi
(C) Godavari
(D) Krishna
✅ Ans: (A) Narmada
Explanation: The Narmada forms an estuary at the Arabian Sea due to its steep gradient and rift valley flow, unlike the delta-forming Mahanadi, Godavari, and Krishna. Geography of India explains its coastal morphology.
9. Which of the following states has no desert area?
(A) Rajasthan
(B) Gujarat
(C) Punjab
(D) Kerala
✅ Ans: (D) Kerala
Explanation: Kerala, with its tropical climate and high rainfall, has no desert areas, unlike Rajasthan and Gujarat (Thar Desert) or Punjab (semi-arid zones). Geography of India contrasts its lush geography.
10. The river which is known as ‘Bengal’s Sorrow’ is:
(A) Kosi
(B) Damodar
(C) Teesta
(D) Subarnarekha
✅ Ans: (B) Damodar
Explanation: The Damodar River, due to frequent flooding in West Bengal, is called “Bengal’s Sorrow,” now managed by the Damodar Valley Corporation. Geography of India discusses its flood control measures.
11. The most important river in the desert region of Rajasthan is:
(A) Banas
(B) Sabarmati
(C) Luni
(D) Ghaggar
✅ Ans: (C) Luni
Explanation: The Luni, a seasonal river, is the most significant in Rajasthan’s arid Thar Desert, draining into the Rann of Kutch. Geography of India notes its inland drainage.
12. Which lake is famous for phumdis (floating islands)?
(A) Chilika Lake
(B) Loktak Lake
(C) Pulicat Lake
(D) Sambhar Lake
✅ Ans: (B) Loktak Lake
Explanation: Loktak Lake in Manipur is known for its phumdis, floating masses of vegetation, supporting Keibul Lamjao National Park. Geography of India highlights its unique ecosystem.
13. “Bhakhra Nangal Dam” is located on the river:
(A) Sutlej
(B) Ravi
(C) Beas
(D) Chenab
✅ Ans: (A) Sutlej
Explanation: Bhakra Nangal Dam, one of India’s highest gravity dams, is on the Sutlej River in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. Geography of India details its irrigation and power roles. [Note: Corrected typo in question.]
14. The largest natural port in India is:
(A) Chennai
(B) Mumbai
(C) Visakhapatnam
(D) Kolkata
✅ Ans: (B) Mumbai
Explanation: Mumbai, with its deep natural harbor, is India’s largest natural port, handling significant trade. Geography of India emphasizes its maritime importance.
15. Which among the following passes is located in Arunachal Pradesh?
(A) Rohtang Pass
(B) Nathu La
(C) Bomdila Pass
(D) Zojila Pass
✅ Ans: (C) Bomdila Pass
Explanation: Bomdila Pass in Arunachal Pradesh connects the state to Tibet, unlike Rohtang (Himachal Pradesh) or Nathu La (Sikkim). Geography of India notes its strategic location.
16. “Dudhwa National Park” is located in:
(A) Assam
(B) Madhya Pradesh
(C) Uttar Pradesh
(D) Rajasthan
✅ Ans: (C) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Dudhwa National Park, in Uttar Pradesh’s Terai region, is known for its tiger and swamp deer populations. Geography of India highlights its biodiversity conservation.
17. Which of the following states does NOT have black soil?
(A) Maharashtra
(B) Gujarat
(C) Tamil Nadu
(D) West Bengal
✅ Ans: (D) West Bengal
Explanation: West Bengal primarily has alluvial soil, while Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu have black soil in parts of their Deccan Plateau regions. Geography of India maps soil distribution.
18. India’s largest inland saltwater lake is:
(A) Chilika
(B) Sambhar
(C) Vembanad
(D) Pulicat
✅ Ans: (B) Sambhar
Explanation: Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan is India’s largest inland saltwater lake, used for salt production. Geography of India contrasts it with coastal lagoons like Chilika.
19. Saddle Peak, the highest point of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is located in:
(A) Middle Andaman
(B) Little Andaman
(C) North Andaman
(D) Great Nicobar
✅ Ans: (C) North Andaman
Explanation: Saddle Peak (732 m) in North Andaman is the highest point in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Geography of India describes its forested terrain.
20. The city located on the banks of the river Mula-Mutha is:
(A) Nashik
(B) Pune
(C) Aurangabad
(D) Nagpur
✅ Ans: (B) Pune
Explanation: Pune in Maharashtra lies on the Mula-Mutha River, a tributary of the Bhima. Geography of India notes its cultural and industrial significance.
21. The Konkan Coast lies between:
(A) Goa and Maharashtra
(B) Kerala and Karnataka
(C) Gujarat and Maharashtra
(D) Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
✅ Ans: (A) Goa and Maharashtra
Explanation: The Konkan Coast stretches from Maharashtra to Goa, part of India’s western coastal plain. Geography of India describes its narrow, fertile geography.
22. Which river originates from the Mahabaleshwar hills?
(A) Krishna
(B) Godavari
(C) Mahanadi
(D) Yamuna
✅ Ans: (A) Krishna
Explanation: The Krishna River originates in the Mahabaleshwar hills of Maharashtra’s Western Ghats, flowing eastward. Geography of India traces its peninsular course.
23. The deepest landlocked and protected port in India is:
(A) Mumbai
(B) Kandla
(C) Visakhapatnam
(D) Haldia
✅ Ans: (C) Visakhapatnam
Explanation: Visakhapatnam, on India’s eastern coast, is the deepest landlocked and protected port, ideal for large vessels. Geography of India highlights its strategic importance.
24. The smallest Union Territory of India by area is:
(A) Chandigarh
(B) Puducherry
(C) Daman & Diu
(D) Lakshadweep
✅ Ans: (D) Lakshadweep
Explanation: Lakshadweep (~32 sq.km) is India’s smallest Union Territory by area, consisting of coral islands. Geography of India contrasts its size with other territories.
25. The only active volcano in India is:
(A) Barren Island
(B) Narcondam
(C) Minicoy
(D) Great Nicobar
✅ Ans: (A) Barren Island
Explanation: Barren Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands hosts India’s only active volcano, with recent eruptions. Geography of India notes its location in the Bay of Bengal.
26. The state which shares its boundary with the maximum number of states is:
(A) Madhya Pradesh
(B) Uttar Pradesh
(C) Chhattisgarh
(D) Rajasthan
✅ Ans: (B) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh borders eight states and Delhi, more than any other state, due to its central location. Geography of India lists its neighbors: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar.
27. The Tapi river flows through:
(A) Gujarat
(B) Maharashtra
(C) Madhya Pradesh
(D) All of the above
✅ Ans: (D) All of the above
Explanation: The Tapi (or Tapti) River flows through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, draining into the Arabian Sea. Geography of India describes its rift valley course.
28. The term “Kharif Crop” is associated with which season?
(A) Winter
(B) Monsoon
(C) Summer
(D) Post-Monsoon
✅ Ans: (B) Monsoon
Explanation: Kharif crops, like rice and maize, are sown during the monsoon season (June-September) and harvested post-monsoon. Geography of India explains India’s cropping seasons.
29. Which one of the following is NOT a land-locked state?
(A) Chhattisgarh
(B) Bihar
(C) Telangana
(D) Odisha
✅ Ans: (D) Odisha
Explanation: Odisha has a coastline along the Bay of Bengal, while Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Telangana are landlocked. Geography of India lists India’s coastal states.
30. Which city is known as the “Gateway of South India”?
(A) Hyderabad
(B) Bengaluru
(C) Chennai
(D) Madurai
✅ Ans: (C) Chennai
Explanation: Chennai, a major port and cultural hub on the Coromandel Coast, is called the “Gateway of South India.” Geography of India highlights its economic role.
31. Which Indian river is also called the “Dakshina Bhagirathi”?
(A) Krishna
(B) Cauvery
(C) Godavari
(D) Mahanadi
✅ Ans: (B) Cauvery
Explanation: The Cauvery, revered in South India, is called “Dakshina Bhagirathi” for its sacred and life-giving role. Geography of India notes its cultural significance.
32. Chilika Lake is located in which state?
(A) Andhra Pradesh
(B) Odisha
(C) Tamil Nadu
(D) West Bengal
✅ Ans: (B) Odisha
Explanation: Chilika Lake, India’s largest coastal lagoon, is in Odisha, a Ramsar site for migratory birds. Geography of India emphasizes its ecological importance.
33. Which state is the leading producer of sugarcane in India?
(A) Maharashtra
(B) Punjab
(C) Uttar Pradesh
(D) Bihar
✅ Ans: (C) Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: Uttar Pradesh, with its fertile Gangetic plains, is India’s top sugarcane producer, supporting sugar industries. Geography of India cites its agricultural output.
34. The Garo Hills are located in:
(A) Nagaland
(B) Manipur
(C) Meghalaya
(D) Tripura
✅ Ans: (C) Meghalaya
Explanation: The Garo Hills, part of the Meghalaya Plateau, are in Meghalaya, known for high rainfall and biodiversity. Geography of India describes their tribal culture.
35. The longitude that determines Indian Standard Time passes through:
(A) Allahabad
(B) Ahmedabad
(C) Varanasi
(D) Mirzapur
✅ Ans: (D) Mirzapur
Explanation: The 82.5°E longitude, passing through Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh, defines Indian Standard Time (IST, UTC+5:30). Geography of India explains its time zone role.
36. Which of the following crops requires laterite soil?
(A) Tea
(B) Wheat
(C) Rice
(D) Pulses
✅ Ans: (A) Tea
Explanation: Laterite soil, found in high-rainfall areas like Assam and Kerala, is acidic and suitable for tea cultivation. Geography of India discusses soil-crop associations.
37. Where is the Gulf of Khambhat located?
(A) Tamil Nadu
(B) Gujarat
(C) Kerala
(D) Maharashtra
✅ Ans: (B) Gujarat
Explanation: The Gulf of Khambhat, also called the Gulf of Cambay, lies along Gujarat’s coast in the Arabian Sea. Geography of India notes its tidal energy potential.
38. The place with the highest rainfall in India is:
(A) Cherrapunji
(B) Mawsynram
(C) Agumbe
(D) Itanagar
✅ Ans: (B) Mawsynram
Explanation: Mawsynram in Meghalaya receives the highest average annual rainfall (~11,872 mm), surpassing Cherrapunji. Geography of India attributes this to orographic effects.
39. India lies between which latitudes?
(A) 8°4′N to 37°6′N
(B) 10°N to 40°N
(C) 5°N to 36°N
(D) 6°N to 39°N
✅ Ans: (A) 8°4′N to 37°6′N
Explanation: India’s latitudinal extent is from 8°4′N (Indira Point) to 37°6′N (Indira Col), influencing its climatic diversity. Geography of India defines its geographical coordinates.
40. Which is the southernmost range of the Himalayas?
(A) Himadri
(B) Himachal
(C) Shiwalik
(D) Zanskar
✅ Ans: (C) Shiwalik
Explanation: The Shiwalik, or Outer Himalayas, is the southernmost range, composed of younger sedimentary rocks. Geography of India describes its foothills across northern states.
41. Which plateau is known as the mineral heartland of India?
(A) Deccan Plateau
(B) Malwa Plateau
(C) Chota Nagpur Plateau
(D) Meghalaya Plateau
✅ Ans: (C) Chota Nagpur Plateau
Explanation: The Chota Nagpur Plateau in Jharkhand is rich in minerals like coal, mica, and iron ore, driving industrial growth. Geography of India highlights its economic role.
42. Which river originates from the Amarkantak plateau?
(A) Narmada
(B) Son
(C) Mahanadi
(D) All of the above
✅ Ans: (D) All of the above
Explanation: The Narmada, Son, and Mahanadi originate from the Amarkantak Plateau in Madhya Pradesh, flowing in different directions. Geography of India traces their sources.
43. In which state is the Sardar Sarovar Dam located?
(A) Madhya Pradesh
(B) Gujarat
(C) Rajasthan
(D) Maharashtra
✅ Ans: (B) Gujarat
Explanation: The Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River is in Gujarat, a key project for irrigation and hydropower. Geography of India discusses its regional benefits.
44. “Kharif crops” are sown in:
(A) Summer
(B) Winter
(C) Rainy Season
(D) Spring
✅ Ans: (C) Rainy Season
Explanation: Kharif crops are sown during the rainy season (June-July) with the monsoon onset, harvested in autumn. Geography of India contrasts them with Rabi crops.
45. The north-south extent of India is approximately:
(A) 3200 km
(B) 3600 km
(C) 2900 km
(D) 3100 km
✅ Ans: (A) 3200 km
Explanation: India’s north-south extent, from Indira Col to Indira Point, is approximately 3,200 km, contributing to its climatic diversity. Geography of India provides its dimensions.
46. Which Indian state has the largest number of islands?
(A) Gujarat
(B) Tamil Nadu
(C) Andaman & Nicobar Islands
(D) Lakshadweep
✅ Ans: (C) Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Explanation: Andaman & Nicobar Islands have over 572 islands, far more than Lakshadweep (~36) or Gujarat’s coastal islands. Geography of India notes their archipelago structure.
47. The river Krishna originates from:
(A) Nashik
(B) Mahabaleshwar
(C) Panchgani
(D) Nasirabad
✅ Ans: (B) Mahabaleshwar
Explanation: The Krishna River begins near Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats, flowing eastward to the Bay of Bengal. Geography of India traces its peninsular course.
48. The Indira Col is located in:
(A) Sikkim
(B) Arunachal Pradesh
(C) Ladakh
(D) Himachal Pradesh
✅ Ans: (C) Ladakh
Explanation: Indira Col, India’s northernmost point, is in Ladakh near the Siachen Glacier, a strategic location. Geography of India describes its high-altitude setting.
49. Which region in India has red soil in abundance?
(A) Indo-Gangetic Plains
(B) Northern Rajasthan
(C) Deccan Plateau
(D) Western Himalayas
✅ Ans: (C) Deccan Plateau
Explanation: Red soil, formed from crystalline rocks, is abundant in the Deccan Plateau, supporting crops like millets. Geography of India maps its distribution in peninsular India.
50. “Mica Belt” in India lies in:
(A) Kerala-Tamil Nadu
(B) Jharkhand-Bihar
(C) Madhya Pradesh-Uttar Pradesh
(D) Odisha-West Bengal
✅ Ans: (B) Jharkhand-Bihar
Explanation: The Mica Belt, a major source of mica, spans Jharkhand (Koderma) and Bihar, critical for electrical industries. Geography of India details India’s mineral zones.