Part of: Rajasthan Gk set 43

What geographic feature is west of the Himalayas?

Category: Rajasthan Gk

Hint: Consider the major deserts of the Indian subcontinent.

Correct Answer: B) Thar Desert.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The question asks about the geographic feature that is west of the Himalayas. To understand this, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the major geographic features of the Indian subcontinent and their relative positions.

The Himalayas are a vast mountain range that forms a natural boundary to the north of the Indian subcontinent. They extend from the west to the east, covering parts of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. The Himalayas are not only the highest mountain range in the world but also a significant geographical barrier that influences the climate and ecosystems of the region.

West of the Himalayas, in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent, lies the Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert. The Thar Desert is primarily located in the state of Rajasthan, India, and extends into parts of Pakistan. It is characterized by its arid climate, sparse vegetation, and sand dunes. The Thar Desert is a significant geographic feature and is the only desert in the Indian subcontinent that is west of the Himalayas.

Other deserts mentioned in the options, such as the Sahara Desert, Gobi Desert, and Mojave Desert, are located in different parts of the world and are not adjacent to the Himalayas. The Sahara Desert is in North Africa, the Gobi Desert is in Central Asia, and the Mojave Desert is in the southwestern United States. These deserts are not relevant to the geographic context of the Indian subcontinent and the Himalayas.

Therefore, the correct answer is the Thar Desert, which is the only desert in the Indian subcontinent that is west of the Himalayas. Understanding the relative positions of these geographic features is crucial for comprehending the geography of the Indian subcontinent and its surrounding regions.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. The Sahara Desert is located in North Africa, far west of the Indian subcontinent and not adjacent to the Himalayas.
  • Option B: Correct. The Thar Desert is west of the Himalayas and is a significant geographic feature in the Indian subcontinent.
  • Option C: Incorrect. The Gobi Desert is located in Central Asia, north of the Himalayas, not west of them.
  • Option D: Incorrect. The Mojave Desert is located in the southwestern United States, far west of the Indian subcontinent and not adjacent to the Himalayas.

Mnemonic: Think "T" for Thar Desert, "T" for "Toward the West" of the Himalayas.

Back to Rajasthan Gk set 43 – Practice all questions