MCQ on Indian Geography for UPSC, Civil Services and TPSC, WBSC, APSC, TCS & TPS examinations

Crops like wheat, gram, and mustard are sown in winter and harvested in summer. What is this cropping season called?

Kharif
Rabi
Zaid
Monsoon

Correct Option: B [ Rabi ]

Explanation: The rabi season begins with the onset of winter in October-November and ends in March-April. The low temperature during this season facilitates the cultivation of temperate and subtropical crops such as wheat, gram, and mustard.

In the Indo-Gangetic plains, what is the term for the older alluvial soil that forms a terrace-like feature and is found above the flood plains?

Khadar
Tarai
Bhabar
Bhangar

Correct Option: D [ Bhangar ]

Explanation: The Bhangar belt consists of older alluvium and forms the alluvial terrace of the flood plains. It is found above the flood levels, has a terrace-like feature, and is less fertile than the newer Khadar alluvium.

What is the other name for Black soil, which is ideal for growing cotton and is found extensively in the Deccan lava region?

Khadar
Bhangar
Regur
Laterite

Correct Option: C [ Regur ]

Explanation: Black soil is also known as ‘Regur’ soil and is ideal for growing cotton. These soils are formed by the weathering of igneous rocks, are clayey in nature, and are retentive of moisture.

The famous 'Sundari' trees, known for providing durable hard timber, are predominantly found in which type of forest?

Montane Forests
Tropical Thorn Forests
Mangrove Forests
Tropical Deciduous Forests

Correct Option: C [ Mangrove Forests ]

Explanation: The mangrove tidal forests are found in coastal areas influenced by tides, such as the deltas of major rivers. Sundari trees are found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta, which is the largest tidal forest, and the Royal Bengal Tiger is a famous animal in these forests.

Tropical Evergreen Forests are found in areas receiving more than 200 cm of annual rainfall. Which of these regions is known for such forests?

The Thar Desert
Western Ghats
Central Deccan Plateau
Plains of Punjab

Correct Option: B [ Western Ghats ]

Explanation: Tropical Evergreen Forests are found in areas with 200 cm or more of annual rainfall. These forests are restricted to heavy rainfall areas of the Western Ghats, the island groups of Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar, and upper parts of Assam.

What is the local name for the hot, dry winds that blow over the northern plains of India during the summer season?

Kalbaishakhi
Mango Showers
Loo
Nor'westers

Correct Option: C [ Loo ]

Explanation: 'Loo' is the local name for the strong, gusty, hot, dry winds that blow during the day over the northern plains of India in the summer season.

The Srisailam Hydroelectric Power Plant is constructed across which river in Andhra Pradesh?

Godavari
Tungabhadra
Krishna
Penna

Correct Option: C [ Krishna ]

Explanation: The Srisailam Hydroelectric Power Plant is built across the Krishna River in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. The Srisailam Dam is the 12th largest capacity hydroelectric project in the country.

Along with the Narmada, which other major peninsular river flows westward through a rift valley?

Mahanadi
Godavari
Krishna
Tapti

Correct Option: D [ Tapti ]

Explanation: The Narmada and Tapti are two major rivers that flow westward through a rift valley. The Tapti rises near Multai in Madhya Pradesh and runs from east to west, similar to the Narmada.

Which is the largest Peninsular River, often referred to as the 'Dakshin Ganga'?

Krishna
Kaveri
Mahanadi
Godavari

Correct Option: D [ Godavari ]

Explanation: The Godavari is the largest Peninsular River and is also known as the 'Dakshin Ganga' due to its size and extent. It rises from the slopes of the Western Ghats in the Nasik district of Maharashtra and flows for about 1,500 km before draining into the Bay of Bengal.

Which river, rising from the Yamunotri Glacier, is the largest tributary of the Ganga?

Ghaghara
Son
Gandak
Yamuna

Correct Option: D [ Yamuna ]

Explanation: The Yamuna is the largest tributary of the Ganga river. It originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Himalayas, flows parallel to the Ganga, and meets it at Prayagraj (Allahabad) as a right-bank tributary.