India

Map Entries in Geography for Civil Services Main Examination

India

Map Entries in Geography for Civil Services Main Examination

Majid Husain Former Head, Department of Geography Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi

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e

Prefac

Q

uestions related to map entries of India and their geographical features are an important feature in the Geography optional paper of the civil services main examination. While attempting these type of questions, the candidates are required to locate the given entries in the outline map of India provided, and also to write about 30 words on each of the entries, explaining their geographical significance. Doing this requires a good understanding of the standard geographical symbols, their geographical features and significance. It is in this context that this book has been written which will be of utmost relevance to aspirants of Indian Administrative Services (IAS). The book covers the geographical locations, terms and concepts of India which are important from the examination point of view. The entries cover the required, relevant information of mountains, peaks, rivers, passes, lakes, river-projects, biosphere reserves, national parks, and sanctuaries, sea-beaches, cities, sea-port etc. Some key chapters in the book ( all related to India) are given below: •  Mountain Ranges •  Main Peaks • Plateaus • Rivers • Passes • Lakes • Glaciers

vi

Preface

•  Cities and Towns •  Sea Beaches •  Biosphere Reserves •  Projects and Dams • Miscellaneous The book should also be of great value to those interested in the discipline of geography apart from civil services aspirants. The technical jargons of geography have been explained with clarity and brevity and this would make the book interesting for the ordinary reader as well. It would also be of valuable help to teachers of geography who would like to keep themselves updated on the subject. This edition has been updated with Solved Map based Question of Geography (Optional) 2018 My sincere gratitude to CL Media (P) Ltd. for their initiative in bringing out this latest edition. Thanks are also due to my family members and friends who always supported me in my endeavours. —Majid Husain

Contents

Preface

...(v)

Chapter–1:

Coastal Features

1–4

Chapter–2:

Main Islands

5 –9

Chapter–3: Sea-Beaches

11 – 13

Chapter–4:

Series and Faults

15 – 18

Chapter–5:

Mountain Ranges

19 – 29

Chapter–6:

Mountain Peaks

31 – 37

Chapter–7: Plateaus

39 – 41

Chapter–8:

Main Passes

43 – 49

Chapter–9:

Geographical Extremes

51 – 53

Chapter–10: Rivers

55 – 65

Chapter–11: Lakes

67 – 75

Chapter–12: Glaciers

77 – 79

Chapter–13: Selected Regions

81 – 84

Chapter–14: Waterfalls

85 – 89

Chapter–15: Cities and Towns

91 – 187

viii

Contents

Chapter–16: States and Union Territories

189 – 226

Chapter–17: Biosphere Reserves

227 – 234

Chapter–18: National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves and Wetlands

235 – 258

Chapter–19: Projects and Dams

259 – 267

Chapter–20: Miscellaneous Entries

269 – 279

Appendices

281 – 297

Geography Optional 2018 Map Based Question (Solved)

299 – 301

Chapter

1

Coastal Features

 

Andaman Sea This forms an arm of the Bay of Bengal lying between the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Malay Peninsula. The sea is known for its brackish water. The Tsunami of 2005 did a lot of damage to the inhabitants of the islands situated in the Andaman Sea (Figure 1.1).

Bay of Bengal  It is the northeast part of the Indian Ocean extending from the east coasts of

Bangladesh and Myanmar (Burma) to the northern tip of Sumatra and the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. It covers about 2,172,000 sq km of area. The union territory of Andaman and Nicobar lies in the Bay of Bengal. Along its coastal areas are the mangrove vegetation. Petroleum and natural gas have been discovered in the Bay of Bengal in front of the delta of Godavari and Krishna (Figure 1.1).

Cambay (Khambat)  It is an inlet of the Arabian Sea on the Gujarat Coast of Western India,

north of Mumbai. The Narmada River flows into the Gulf of Cambay making an estuary. The city of Bharuch located on its estuary was an important seaport during the Medieval Period. The Gulf of Cambay is very rich in petroleum and natural gas deposits. The important cities located along the coast of the Gulf of Cambay are Ankleshwar on the opposite side of Bharuch, Surat, and Bhavnagar. The coastal area of the Gulf of Cambay is developing fast industrially and commercially (Figure 1.1).

Cape Comorin (Kanniyakumari)  This is a cape at the southern tip of India in the state of

Tamil Nadu. At present it is known as Kanniyakumari. The waters of Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean converge at Cape Comorin. It is an important religious and

2

India : Map Entries in Geography

tourist place. Thousands of domestic and international tourists visit this place annually. The sunset scene of Kanniyakumari is fascinating and unparallel (Figure 1.1).

Coco Channel  It lies between the Coco Island of Myanmar and North Andaman Islands of India. It has great strategic significance (Figure 1.1).

Coromandel Coast  See East Coastland (Figure 1.1). Dalryimple Bank  Rich in marine life, it lies to the west of Little Andaman Island (Figure 1.1). Duncan Passage (Channel)  It lies between the South Andaman and the Little Andaman Islands. Being close to Port Blair, it has great strategic importance (Figure 1.1).

Eight Degree Channel  It lies to the south of Minicoy Island (Lakshadweep) in the Arabian Sea (Figure 1.1).

Gohelwar Coast  This coast lies between Daman and Diu and the Gulf of Khambat. Rich in marine life, it has attractive sea-beaches like Delvada and Jafrabad (Figure 1.1).

Gulf

of

Kachchh  Lies between the Peninsula of Kathiawad and the Rann of Kachchh

(Figure 1.1).

Gulf of Mannar  Lying between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka and delimited on the north by the Ram Sethu (Adam’s Bridge)—a line of sand and coral shoals—the Gulf of Mannar extends from the Pamban Island in Ramanathapuram District to Mannar Island in Sri Lanka. The important seaport and harbour, Tuticorin (Thoothukkudi), lies along its Indian coast. It is a biosphere reserve also (Figure 1.1).

Invisible Bank  It lies in the Andaman Sea to the south-east of Port-Blair. It is rich in marine life (Figure 1.1).

Kanniyakumari  The cape of Kanniyakumari (Cape Camorin) lies in the state of Tamil Nadu at the tri-junction of the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. It is a sacred place visited by thousands of domestic and international tourists. Its main industries include spinning mills, agro-based products, and food-processing. The National Highway No. 47 from Kerala and the National Highway No.7 from Bangalore terminate here. Pilgrims and tourists to Kanniyakumari are an important part of its economy (Figure 1.1).

Gulf of Khambat  This is an important gulf of India lying between the Peninsula of Kathiawad

and the Gujarat plains. The Narmada and the Tapi rivers make their estuary in this gulf. The Gulf of Khambat is known for the oilfields. The city of Ankleshwar known for oil and petroleum is located on its coast. Its surrounding areas are developing fast industrially. It has great potential for the harnessing of tidal energy (Figure 1.1).

Coastal Features

3

Konkan Coast  The Konkan Coast is a part of the Western Coastal Plain. It extends from the Tapi River in Gujarat in the north to the northern part of Goa. It is 50 to 80 km wide. It is much dissected, especially south of Mumbai, by numerous short rivers. The Konkan Railway Line traverses it from north to south (Figure 1.1).

Malabar Coast  This is a sub-region of the Western Coastal Plains of the peninsular India.

It stretches from south of Goa up to Kanniyakumari. It is an emerging coastline, suggesting upward tilting of the Peninsular platform. Rice, cashewnut, tea, rubber, and coconut are the main crops grown on the Malabar Coast (Figure 1.1).

Malacca Banks  Rich in marine life, it lies to the west of Valsad (Gujarat) in the Gulf of Khambat (Figure 1.1).

Mal-Bank  Rich in fisheries and marine life, it lies in the northern part of Gulf of Khambat (Figure 1.1).

Middle Coral Bank  Rich in marine resources, it lies to the west of Middle Andaman Island (Figure 1.1).

Nine Degree Channel  Lies between Kavaratti and Minicoy Islands of the Lakshdweep-islands (Figure 1.1).

Palk Strait  Lying between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, the Palk Strait has coral formations and

great diversity in marine life. A project to connect Palk Strait with the Gulf of Mannar is under consideration which, however, has been opposed by a section of the society. The important religious places like Rameshwaram lies in its southern part (Figure 1.1).

Pamban Channel  It lies in the Palk Strait to the north of Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu) (Figure 1.1).

Porbandar-Coast  It lies between Okha (Dwarka) and Diu (Daman & Diu). Rich in marine life, it has the attractive sea-beaches of Chorwad, Porbandar and Somnath (Figure 1.1).

Sombrero Channel  It lies to the north of Little Nicobar Islands (Figure 1.1). South Coral Bank  Rich in marine resources, it lies to the west Andaman Island (Figure 1.1). Ten Degree Channel  This channel separates Little Andaman from Car Nicobar Islands (Figure 1.1).

West Coral Bank  It lies to the west of north Andaman. It has rich marine resources (Figure 1.1).

4

India : Map Entries in Geography

Figure 1.1  India—Coastal Features

Chapter

2

Main Islands

 

Adunda Island Situated in the Gulf of Mannar, this island is a coral formation. It is inhabited by the Tamil fishermen. There is a thin cover of soil on which coconut trees and vegetables are grown. With the development of petroleum refinery at Tuticorin, the surroundings of the island are getting increasingly polluted (Figure 2.1).

Aliabet Island  This island lies in the Gulf of Khambat in between the estuaries of the rivers,

Narmada and Tapi. Inhabited by fishermen, the island helped in the promotion of Bharuch as the seaport. The people of this island are largely dependent on fisheries and cultivation of vegetables, banana, and coconut (Figure 2.1).

Amini Islands (Lakshadweep Islands)  A coral island in the archipelago of Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea. The island is only about three metres above the sea level. Banana and coconut are the main crops here. It is a great attraction for the domestic and international tourists (Figure 2.1).

Andrott Island (Lakshadweep)  Situated in the archipelago of Lakshadweep, it is a coral

formation. It is only about three metres above the sea level. The inhabitants are dependent mainly on fisheries. Tourists visit this island, especially during the period of spring tides (Figure 2.1).

Anjidiv  This island is located in the Arabian Sea to the west of Goa. Its natural beauty and sea

beaches are a great attraction for the tourists. The climate is of marine type having very little annual range of temperature. Coconut, vegetables, and rice are the main crops of the island (Figure 2.1).

6

India : Map Entries in Geography

Barren Island  Situated to the eastern part of Middle Andaman, the Barren Island of India has

an active volcano. Covered with thick evergreen equatorial forests, it is sparsely inhabited. The tribes of this island are in a very primitive stage of socioeconomic development who are largely dependent on fishery, food gathering, and hunting (Figure 2.1).

Batra Island  A coral island of Lakshadweep (Figure 2.1). Bela Island  Lies in the marshy land of Runn of Kachchh (Figure 2.1). Butcher Island  Situated about 10 km in the vicinity of Mumbai in the vicinity of Elephanta

Caves, the Butcher Island is known for the slaughtering of goats and sheep. It was named by the British government which started slaughtering here, away from the main city of Mumbai. The island, however, is highly polluted and its environment deserve immediate attention (Figure 2.1).

Car-Nicobar Island  Inhabited by the primative tribes, it lies to the south of Ten Degree Channel (Figure 2.1).

Coco I (Myanmar)  Lying to the north of Andaman Islands, Coco Island of Myanmar is strategically of great importance on which China has built its naval-base (Figure 2.1).

Crocodile Island  Situated in the Gulf of Mannar, it is a coral formation. It has great diversity

in fauna and flora. It is a part of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve. The coastal vegetation consists of mangrove. It is inhabited by the Tamil fisherman (Figure 2.1).

Cross Island  The Cross Island is located in the vicinity of Mumbai. Rocky and undulating in character, the island is inhabited by fishermen. The fast growth of Mumbai has adversely affected the surroundings and environment of this island (Figure 2.1).

Elephanta Island  This is an island in the Mumbai Harbour in Maharashtra. It has rock-cut

cave temples dating between fifth and tenth centuries. The temple depicts the god Shiva. The rapid growth of population of Mumbai has adversely affected the surroundings of this island (Figure 2.1).

Kavvayi  It is a small island, near Payyannur in the Kannur District of Kerala state. The island is

connected to Payyannur by a small bridge on the Kavvayi–Pozha River. This island is specially famous of its traditionally high muslim families of zamindars and family system (Figure 2.1).

Kiltan  Having a coral origin, it lies to the north-east of Kavaratti, the capital of Lakshadweep (Figure 2.1).

Landfall Island  Lying to the north of the North Andaman Island, the Landfall Island is

volcanic in origin. Having hot and humid climate, it is covered with dense equatorial evergreen forests. The tribals living in the island belong to the Negrito racial group and are in the primitive stage of human development (Figure 2.1).

Main Islands

7

Little Nicobar  Having a volcanic origin and inhabited by primative tribes, it lies to the north of Great Nicobar (Figure 2.1).

Minicoy  The southerly island of Lakshadweep. It has coral formation (Figure 2.1). Moore Island (New Moore Island)  This island is situated in front of the Sundarban Delta

in the Bay of Bengal. It is only about two metres above the sea level. Characterised with mangrove vegetation and marshy land, it is inhabited by fishermen. The tropical cyclones have damaged the life and property on this island several times during the last three decades (Figure 2.1).

Narcondam Island  A small volcanic island of India located in Andaman Sea, lying to the east

of North Andaman Island. Its central peak rises about 710m above the mean sea level. It was classified as a dormant volcano by the Geological Survey of India. Narcondam is a wildlife sanctuary also. This sanctuary mainly protects Narcondam Hornbill Aceros (Figure 2.1).

Nicobar Islands  See Andaman and Nicobar Islands Nicobars  This is a district in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It extends over 1840 sq km in

a wide scatter of islands. The largest island here which is Great Nicobar rises 642 m above the sea level. Coconut groves are planted here for copra and drink. Arecanut, banana, and papaya are also grown here. Fishing and forest products are the major sources of sustenance of the tribals here (Figure 2.1).

Omkareshwar  This is an island in Narmada River in the East Nimar District of Madhya Pradesh. It is a Hindu pilgrimage centre. A large number of pilgrims take a dip in the Narmada River here on the days of Full Moon and the New Moon (Figure 2.1).

Pamban Island  Located in the Gulf of Mannar, it is a coral formation having a thin cover of

soil. It is inhabited by the Tamil fishermen who are dependent mainly on fisheries for their sustenance. It is part of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve. The vegetation along its coasts is mangrove type. After the controversy of the Ram-Sethu (Adam’s Bridge), it has drawn the attention of politicians, planners, and environmentalists (Figure 2.1).

Pigeon-cock Island  This island is situated to the west of the Mangalore seaport in the Karnataka state along the coast of Arabian Sea. It is an elongated island extending from north to south. Its presence has appreciably helped in the development of the Mangalore seaport. The surrounding water of the island is polluted which deserve the attention of the environmentalists and the planners (Figure 2.1).

Pirotan Island (Pirothan)  Situated along the Jamnagar District of Gujarat, Pirotan is an Arabian Sea island in the Marine National Park. It is characterised with mangroves and low-tide beaches. Marine life includes king crab, ghost crab, sea scorpions, wiper, sea-slugs, octopus, sea-urchins, etc. There is a Holy Saint Khwaja Khizar R.A. Shrine (Durgah) on the island (Figure 2.1).