Physical Geography of India

What you'll learn

Learn India's location, its six physical divisions, the Himalayas, plateaus and river systems with the exact facts UPSC Prelims tests.

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Physical Geography of India — solved practice questions

8 UPSC Geography questions with step-by-step solutions. Attempt each, then reveal the answer.

1. Q1easy

   Based on their mode of origin, the Himalayas are classified as which type of mountains?

   • ABlock mountains
   • BVolcanic mountains
   • CResidual mountains
   • DFold mountains
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (D) Fold mountains

   The Himalayas are young fold mountains formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates, which folded and uplifted the sediments of the former Tethys Sea.

2. Q2medium

   The Peninsular Plateau of India is largely composed of which of the following?

   • AOld crystalline igneous and metamorphic rocks
   • BRecent alluvial deposits
   • CMarine sedimentary rocks
   • DWindblown loess deposits
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (A) Old crystalline igneous and metamorphic rocks

   The Peninsular Plateau is one of the oldest and most stable landmasses on Earth, a part of the ancient Gondwana, and is made up of old crystalline igneous and metamorphic rocks.

3. Q3hard

   Which of the following correctly arranges the three parallel ranges of the Himalayas from north to south?

   • AShiwalik – Himachal – Himadri
   • BHimachal – Himadri – Shiwalik
   • CHimadri – Himachal – Shiwalik
   • DHimadri – Shiwalik – Himachal
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (C) Himadri – Himachal – Shiwalik

   From north to south, the ranges are the Himadri (Greater Himalayas), the Himachal (Lesser Himalayas), and the Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas).

4. Q4medium

   Which is the highest peak of Peninsular (South) India?

   • ADoddabetta
   • BAnamudi
   • CGuru Shikhar
   • DMahendragiri
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   Correct answer: (B) Anamudi

   Anamudi (about 2,695 m) in the Anaimalai Hills of the Western Ghats, Kerala, is the highest peak in South India. Doddabetta is the highest of the Nilgiris but lower than Anamudi.

5. Q5medium

   The black cotton soil (regur) of the Deccan is chiefly derived from the weathering of which rock?

   • AGranite
   • BLimestone
   • CSandstone
   • DBasalt
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (D) Basalt

   The black soils of the Deccan Trap region are formed from the weathering of basaltic lava flows, making them rich in clay and moisture-retentive.

6. Q6medium

   India's only confirmed active volcano is located in which of the following?

   • ALakshadweep
   • BGreat Nicobar
   • CBarren Island (Andaman Sea)
   • DGulf of Khambhat
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (C) Barren Island (Andaman Sea)

   Barren Island, situated in the Andaman Sea, hosts India's only confirmed active volcano. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are of tectonic and volcanic origin.

7. Q7medium

   Which statement best describes the Aravalli Range?

   • AThe youngest fold mountains in India
   • BOne of the world's oldest fold ranges, now heavily eroded
   • CA range formed by Deccan volcanic activity
   • DA block mountain formed during the Himalayan orogeny
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   Correct answer: (B) One of the world's oldest fold ranges, now heavily eroded

   The Aravallis are among the oldest fold mountain systems in the world, now heavily eroded into residual hills. Guru Shikhar on Mount Abu is their highest peak.

8. Q8hard

   Karewas, thick lacustrine deposits famous for the cultivation of saffron (zafran), are associated with which region?

   • AThe Kashmir Valley
   • BThe Kutch region
   • CThe Chotanagpur Plateau
   • DThe Sundarbans
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (A) The Kashmir Valley

   Karewas are glacio-lacustrine deposits found in the Kashmir Valley, and they support the cultivation of saffron and orchards.

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