Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 205

Two areas of scanty rainfall.

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the geographical and climatic conditions of the states.

Correct Answer: B) Rajasthan, Punjab.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, CLAT

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

India is a vast country with diverse climatic conditions, ranging from tropical to arid. The distribution of rainfall across the country is influenced by various factors, including geographical location, topography, and the presence of monsoon winds. Understanding the rainfall patterns in different regions is crucial for various fields, including agriculture, water resource management, and urban planning.

Rajasthan and Punjab are two states in India that are known for their low rainfall. Rajasthan, located in the northwestern part of the country, is a desert state with very little rainfall. The state is characterized by its arid and semi-arid climate, with the Thar Desert occupying a significant portion of its land. The average annual rainfall in Rajasthan is around 500-600 mm, which is much lower compared to other parts of India. The scarcity of rainfall in Rajasthan is due to its location away from the influence of the monsoon winds, which bring most of the rainfall to the country.

Punjab, located in the northwestern part of India, also experiences low rainfall compared to other regions. The state has a semi-arid climate, with the average annual rainfall ranging from 450 to 900 mm. Punjab receives most of its rainfall during the monsoon season, but the overall rainfall is still lower compared to states like Kerala and Karnataka, which receive heavy rainfall throughout the year.

On the other hand, states like Kerala and Karnataka are known for their high rainfall. Kerala, located in the southwestern part of India, receives heavy rainfall due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea and the influence of the southwest monsoon. The state has a tropical climate with high humidity and receives an average annual rainfall of around 3000 mm. Karnataka, located in the southern part of India, also receives significant rainfall, particularly during the monsoon season, with an average annual rainfall of around 1200 mm.

Mumbai and Hyderabad, while not as wet as Kerala and Karnataka, also receive moderate rainfall. Mumbai, located on the western coast of India, receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea. The city has a tropical climate with high humidity and receives an average annual rainfall of around 2200 mm. Hyderabad, located in the southern part of India, has a tropical climate with moderate rainfall, receiving an average annual rainfall of around 800 mm.

In conclusion, Rajasthan and Punjab are areas of scanty rainfall in India due to their geographical location and climatic conditions. Understanding the rainfall patterns in different regions of India is essential for various applications, including agriculture, water resource management, and urban planning.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. Kerala and Karnataka are known for their high rainfall, especially during the monsoon season. Kerala is one of the wettest regions in India, receiving heavy rainfall throughout the year.
  • Option B: Correct. Rajasthan and Punjab are areas with scanty rainfall. Rajasthan is a desert state with very low rainfall, and Punjab, while it receives some rainfall, is generally drier compared to other regions in India.
  • Option C: Incorrect. Mumbai and Hyderabad are not areas of scanty rainfall. Mumbai receives significant rainfall, particularly during the monsoon season, and Hyderabad, while it has a tropical climate, also receives moderate rainfall.
  • Option D: Incorrect. This option is not correct because there are indeed areas in India with scanty rainfall, such as Rajasthan and Punjab.

Mnemonic: Rajasthan and Punjab are dry, think of deserts and arid plains.

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