UPSC CSE Prelims
Physical Geography of India Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Showing solved Previous Year Questions for Chapter: Physical Geography of India
Topic Breakdown: Scroll →
The Narmada river flows to the west, while most other large peninsular rivers flow to the east. Why?
- It occupies a linear rift valley.
- It flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras.
- The land slopes to the west from Central India.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Detailed Explanation:
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: The Narmada River flows through a linear rift valley formed by faulting and tectonic subsidence between the Vindhya Range (north) and Satpura Range (south). This east-west oriented rift structure directs the river's flow westward into the Arabian Sea, making it an exception among peninsular rivers.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: While the Narmada does flow between the Vindhyas and Satpuras, merely being confined between two ranges does not explain the westward direction. Confinement alone could allow flow in either direction; it is the rift valley orientation that determines the westward flow.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: The Peninsular Plateau has a general slope from west to east, which is why most peninsular rivers (Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi) flow eastward to the Bay of Bengal. The Narmada's westward flow contradicts this regional slope and is explained by its structural control through the rift valley, not by land slope.
When you travel to the Himalayas, you will see the following :
- Deep gorges
- U-turn river courses
- Parallel mountain ranges
- Steep gradients causing land-sliding
Which of the above can be said to be the evidence for the Himalayas being young fold mountains?
Detailed Explanation:
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Deep gorges form due to intense vertical erosion by rivers cutting through rapidly rising young mountains; the Kali Gandaki Gorge exemplifies this feature of active orogeny.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: U-turn river courses (sharp bends) occur due to rugged topography and ongoing tectonic uplift forcing rivers to change direction abruptly.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Parallel mountain ranges (Greater, Lesser, Outer Himalayas) are characteristic of fold mountain systems formed by compression of sedimentary layers during continental collision.
✅ Statement 4 – Correct: Steep gradients combined with unconsolidated young rocks and active seismic activity make the Himalayas highly prone to landslides.
A particular State in India has the following characteristics :
- It is located on the same latitude which passes through northern Rajasthan.
- It has over 80% of its area under forest cover.
- Over 12% of forest cover constitutes Protected Area Network in this State.
Which one among the following States has all the above characteristics?
Detailed Explanation:
Arunachal Pradesh is located between 26°28'N to 29°30'N latitude, which overlaps with northern Rajasthan (around 27°N).
Forest cover exceeds 80% (approximately 79-80% officially, highest among Indian states), with over 12% of its geographical area under Protected Area Network (national parks and wildlife sanctuaries like Namdapha).
Assam has only ~36% forest cover; Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand lie on different latitudes (31-33°N) compared to northern Rajasthan.
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