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

The northwestern region of the Deccan Plateau, covered by nearly horizontal sheets of lava, is known as what?

Malwa Plateau
Chhota Nagpur Plateau
Deccan Trap region
Bundelkhand

Correct Option: C [ Deccan Trap region ]

Explanation: The northwestern part of the Deccan Plateau is covered by nearly horizontal sheets of lava and is called the 'Deccan trap region'. The Deccan Plateau itself is a large triangular plateau bounded by the Vindhyas and the Eastern and Western Ghats.

Which two major peninsular rivers flow westward through a rift valley and drain into the Arabian Sea?

Godavari and Krishna
Mahanadi and Kaveri
Narmada and Tapti
Ganga and Yamuna

Correct Option: C [ Narmada and Tapti ]

Explanation: The Narmada and Tapti are two major rivers that flow westward. They flow through a rift valley between the Vindhya and Satpura ranges and enter the Arabian Sea along the Gujarat coast.

The Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats meet at which hilly region?

Cardamom Hills
Nilgiri Hills
Anaimalai Hills
Palani Hills

Correct Option: B [ Nilgiri Hills ]

Explanation: The Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats join at the Nilgiri Hills, which border the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

What is the highest peak of the Peninsular Plateau?

Doddabetta
Mahendragiri
Guru Shikhar
Anamudi

Correct Option: D [ Anamudi ]

Explanation: Anamudi (or Anaimudi) is the highest peak of the peninsula, with a height of 2,695 meters. It is situated in the Anaimalai Hills, which are part of the Western Ghats (Sahyadri) range in Kerala.

Which is the oldest mountain range in India, running across Rajasthan from northeast to southwest?

Himalayas
Vindhya Range
Aravalli Range
Western Ghats

Correct Option: C [ Aravalli Range ]

Explanation: The Aravalli Range is the oldest mountain range in India, running approximately 800 km from northeast to southwest across Rajasthan. It is the eroded stub of an ancient fold mountain system that rose in a Precambrian event.

Which pass connects Srinagar with Kargil and Leh and lies on the Zanskar Range?

Shipki La
Nathu La
Banihal Pass
Zoji La

Correct Option: D [ Zoji La ]

Explanation: The Zoji La pass lies on the Zanskar Range in the Kargil District of Ladakh. It is a vital pass that connects Srinagar with Kargil and Leh and is part of National Highway 1 (the Srinagar-Leh Highway).

The Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, and Mahabharat mountain ranges are part of which division of the Himalayas?

The Trans-Himalayas
The Greater Himalayas (Himadri)
The Lesser Himalayas (Himachal)
The Siwaliks (Outer Himalayas)

Correct Option: C [ The Lesser Himalayas (Himachal) ]

Explanation: The Lesser Himalayas, also known as The Himachal, is the middle range of the Himalayas. The Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, and Mahabharat are the prominent mountain ranges found in this part. Major hill stations like Shimla, Mussourie, and Nainital are also located in this range.

The longitudinal valleys found between the Siwaliks (Outer Himalayas) and the Lesser Himalayas are known by what name in the eastern part?

Duns
Duars
Kayals
Bhabar

Correct Option: B [ Duars ]

Explanation: The longitudinal valleys that are found between the Siwaliks and the Lesser Himalayas are called 'Duns' in the western part and 'Duars' in the eastern part.

What are the three major divisions of the Himalayas from north to south?

Karakoram, Zaskar, Patkai Bum
Himadri, Himachal, Shivaliks
Punjab, Kumaon, Nepal Himalayas
Purvanchal, Vindhya, Satpura

Correct Option: B [ Himadri, Himachal, Shivaliks ]

Explanation: The three major divisions of the Himalayas from north to south are: The Great or Inner Himalayas (also called Himadri), The Middle Himalayas (or Himachal), and The Outer Himalayas (or the Shivaliks).

What are the youngest and highest fold mountain ranges in the world, formed by the tectonic collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates?

Aravalli Range
Andes Mountains
Himalayas
Western Ghats

Correct Option: C [ Himalayas ]

Explanation: The Himalayas are the youngest and highest fold mountain ranges in the world. They were formed by the ongoing tectonic collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates. The name "Himalayas" is derived from Sanskrit and means the "Abode of Snow".