📚 Part of: West Bengal Gk Mcq: Historical Landmarks, Cultural Significance, And Geographical Features

What is West Bengal's position amongst India's states in terms of area?

Category: West Bengal Gk

Correct Answer: C) 13th.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Services, UPSC, State PSC, Geography Olympiad

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

West Bengal is a state in eastern India, known for its rich cultural heritage and significant contributions to Indian history and politics. In terms of area, it ranks 13th among all the states and union territories in India. This ranking is based on the total land area of the state, which is approximately 88,752 square kilometers.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing West Bengal's area ranking with its population ranking.
  • Misremembering the exact position due to similar rankings of other states.
  • Not being aware of the total number of states and union territories in India.
Explanation:

West Bengal is a state located in the eastern part of India, bordering Bangladesh and the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the most populous states in India and is known for its rich cultural heritage, including literature, music, and art. In terms of geographical area, West Bengal ranks 13th among all the states and union territories in India.

The total area of West Bengal is approximately 88,752 square kilometers. This ranking is based on the land area alone, excluding any water bodies within the state's boundaries. The ranking of states by area is an important aspect of geographical knowledge and helps in understanding the relative sizes of different states within the country.

It is important to note that the ranking of states by area does not necessarily correlate with their population or economic importance. For example, while West Bengal is the 13th largest state in terms of area, it ranks much higher in terms of population and economic contribution to the country.

The ranking of states by area is determined by official data from the Indian government, which periodically updates the measurements of each state. This data is crucial for various administrative and planning purposes, including resource allocation, infrastructure development, and policy-making.

Understanding the geographical context of West Bengal within India is essential for students preparing for competitive examinations, particularly those related to civil services and geography. It is also important for anyone interested in the cultural, economic, and political landscape of the region.

In summary, West Bengal's position as the 13th largest state in India in terms of area is a key piece of geographical knowledge that helps in understanding the state's place within the broader context of the country. This ranking is based on the total land area of the state and is an important aspect of geographical studies.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. West Bengal is not the 10th largest state in India. The 10th largest state in terms of area is Madhya Pradesh. This misconception might arise from a general confusion about the rankings of various states.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. West Bengal is not the 11th largest state in India. The 11th largest state in terms of area is Rajasthan. Students might confuse the ranking due to the similarity in numbers and the varying sizes of states.
  • Option C: This option is correct. West Bengal is the 13th largest state in India in terms of area. This ranking is based on the total land area of the state, which is approximately 88,752 square kilometers. The correct ranking is essential for understanding the geographical context of West Bengal within India.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. "Cat" is not a valid option for the ranking of West Bengal's area. This option is likely included to test the student's attention to detail and to ensure they are not guessing randomly.

Mnemonic: Remember "13th" by associating it with the "13th" Amendment in the US Constitution, which abolished slavery, symbolizing West Bengal's progressive stance.

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