📚 Part of: Arunachal Pradesh Mcqs: Geography, Culture, And Cuisine

..... is the largest state among the "Seven Sisters".

Category: Arunachal Pradesh Gk

Correct Answer: B) Arunachal Pradesh.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, State PSC, Geography Olympiad, Competitive Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

The "Seven Sisters" refers to the seven northeastern states of India: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland. Among these, Arunachal Pradesh is the largest in terms of geographical area.

Common Mistakes:
  • Students often confuse the largest state in terms of population with the largest in terms of area.
  • Assam is often mistakenly thought to be the largest due to its prominence.
  • Students may not be familiar with the exact areas of each state.
Explanation:

The term "Seven Sisters" refers to the seven northeastern states of India: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland. These states are geographically and culturally distinct from the rest of India, forming a unique region with diverse landscapes, cultures, and languages.

Among these states, Arunachal Pradesh is the largest in terms of geographical area. It covers an area of approximately 83,743 square kilometers, making it the largest state in the northeastern region. Arunachal Pradesh is characterized by its vast mountainous terrain, dense forests, and a significant portion of its area is under protected forest cover. The state shares international borders with Bhutan, China, and Myanmar, which contributes to its strategic importance.

Assam, while being the most populous state among the Seven Sisters, is not the largest in terms of area. It covers an area of approximately 78,438 square kilometers, which is smaller than Arunachal Pradesh. Assam is known for its rich biodiversity, including the Kaziranga National Park, and is a significant agricultural and industrial hub in the region.

Meghalaya, known for its heavy rainfall and scenic beauty, is much smaller in area compared to Arunachal Pradesh. It covers an area of approximately 22,429 square kilometers. The state is famous for its lush green landscapes, waterfalls, and unique cultural practices.

Tripura, Manipur, and Mizoram are also smaller in area compared to Arunachal Pradesh. Tripura covers an area of approximately 10,486 square kilometers, Manipur covers 22,327 square kilometers, and Mizoram covers 21,081 square kilometers. These states are known for their rich cultural heritage, diverse ethnic groups, and natural beauty.

It is important to note that West Bengal, while being a significant state in eastern India, is not one of the Seven Sisters. It is located in a different region and has a distinct geographical and cultural identity.

In summary, Arunachal Pradesh is the largest state among the Seven Sisters in terms of geographical area, covering a vast expanse of mountainous and forested terrain. This makes it a crucial part of the northeastern region of India, both in terms of its natural resources and strategic importance.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Assam is not the largest state among the Seven Sisters. It is the most populous and has a significant area, but it is smaller than Arunachal Pradesh in terms of geographical area. This misconception might arise because Assam is often highlighted in news and media, leading to an assumption of it being the largest.
  • Option B: Arunachal Pradesh is indeed the largest state among the Seven Sisters. It covers an area of approximately 83,743 square kilometers, making it the largest in terms of geographical area. This is correct because Arunachal Pradesh is a vast, mountainous region with a significant portion of its area being forested and sparsely populated.
  • Option C: Meghalaya is not the largest state among the Seven Sisters. It is known for its heavy rainfall and scenic beauty, but its area is much smaller compared to Arunachal Pradesh. This misconception might arise due to Meghalaya's unique geographical features and cultural significance.
  • Option D: West Bengal is not one of the Seven Sisters. It is a state in eastern India and is not part of the northeastern region. This option is incorrect because the question specifically asks about the Seven Sisters, which are the northeastern states of India.

Mnemonic: A for Arunachal, A for Area

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