Part of: Kerala Gk set 13

In which state Monsoon arrives first in India?

Category: Kerala Gk

Hint: Consider the geographical location and the direction of the monsoon winds.

Correct Answer: B) Kerala

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The monsoon in India is a significant climatic phenomenon that affects the agricultural and economic activities of the country. The arrival of the monsoon is closely tied to the geographical location of the states and the direction of the monsoon winds. The southwest monsoon, which is the primary monsoon system in India, originates from the Indian Ocean and moves towards the Indian subcontinent, primarily from the southwest direction.

Kerala, located on the southwestern coast of India, is the first state to receive the monsoon due to its geographical position. The monsoon typically arrives in Kerala around the first week of June, marking the beginning of the monsoon season in India. This early arrival is due to the fact that the monsoon winds first make landfall on the southwestern coast, and Kerala is the closest state to the point of landfall.

The monsoon winds then move towards the northeast, affecting other states in their path. States like Karnataka, which is further north of Kerala, and Telangana, which is located further inland and to the northeast, receive the monsoon later. Odisha, located on the eastern coast, also receives the monsoon later as the monsoon winds primarily move from the southwest to the northeast.

Understanding the geographical and climatic factors that influence the arrival of the monsoon is crucial for predicting weather patterns and planning agricultural activities. The monsoon plays a vital role in the agricultural economy of India, and its timely arrival is essential for the success of the monsoon-dependent crops.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Telangana is not the first state to receive the monsoon because it is located further inland and to the northeast of Kerala. The monsoon winds first hit the southwestern coast of India, making Telangana one of the later states to receive the monsoon.
  • Option B: Kerala is the correct answer because it is located on the southwestern coast of India, where the southwest monsoon first makes landfall. The monsoon typically arrives in Kerala around the first week of June, marking the beginning of the monsoon season in India.
  • Option C: Odisha is located on the eastern coast of India and receives the monsoon later than Kerala. The monsoon winds primarily move from the southwest to the northeast, making Odisha one of the later states to receive the monsoon.
  • Option D: Karnataka, while also located on the western coast of India, is further north of Kerala. The monsoon typically arrives in Karnataka after it has already made landfall in Kerala, making Karnataka one of the later states to receive the monsoon.

Mnemonic: Remember "K" for Kerala and "K" for "Kicking off" the monsoon.

Back to Kerala Gk set 13 – Practice all questions