Part of: Kerala Gk set 31

A vallam is used to reach school in some parts of .....

Category: Kerala Gk

Hint: Think about the waterways and traditional boats used in the state.

Correct Answer: D) Kerala

Exam Relevance: SSC, UPSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

A vallam is a traditional boat used in Kerala, India, for various purposes including transportation, fishing, and cultural events. Kerala is a state located on the southwestern coast of India, known for its lush green landscapes, backwaters, and rivers. The state's geography is characterized by a network of rivers and canals that crisscross the land, making water transportation a significant part of the local culture and daily life.

The term "vallam" refers to a type of long, narrow boat that is typically used for both commercial and recreational purposes. In some parts of Kerala, especially in rural areas where roads are not easily accessible, vallams are used to transport children to and from school. This is particularly true in regions where the backwaters and rivers are the primary means of transportation.

Other states in India, such as Tamil Nadu (where Chennai is located), Arunachal Pradesh, and Kashmir, have their own unique geographical features and traditional modes of transportation. For example, Chennai is a coastal city and uses different types of boats for fishing and transportation. Arunachal Pradesh, being a landlocked state with a mountainous terrain, does not have significant waterways where vallams would be used. Kashmir, while known for its lakes and rivers, uses different types of boats that are specific to its geography and culture.

Therefore, the correct answer is Kerala, as it is the only state among the options where vallams are traditionally used for school transportation in some areas due to the state's unique geography and reliance on waterways for transportation.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Chennai is not known for using vallams for school transportation. Chennai is a coastal city in Tamil Nadu, and its traditional boats are different from the vallams used in Kerala.
  • Option B: Arunachal Pradesh is a landlocked state with no significant waterways where vallams would be used for transportation. The state's geography is dominated by mountains and forests.
  • Option C: Kashmir, located in the northern part of India, is known for its lakes and rivers, but it does not use vallams for school transportation. The traditional boats used in Kashmir are different from those in Kerala.
  • Option D: Kerala is the correct answer because it is known for its extensive network of rivers and backwaters where vallams are commonly used for transportation, including school transportation in some areas.

Mnemonic: Vallam for Kerala, like gondolas for Venice.

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