Part of: Odisha Gk set 8

Which among the following is the largest geographic region of Odisha?

Category: Odisha Gk

Hint: Consider the topography and extent of each region.

Correct Answer: B) The middle mountainous and highlands region.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

Odisha, located in the eastern part of India, is a state with diverse geographic features. The state can be divided into several distinct regions, each with its own unique characteristics. The largest of these regions is the middle mountainous and highlands region, which includes parts of the Eastern Ghats. This region is characterized by its rugged terrain, high elevations, and significant biodiversity.

The Eastern Ghats, a mountain range that runs parallel to the eastern coast of India, plays a crucial role in the geography of Odisha. The middle mountainous and highlands region covers a substantial portion of the state, extending from the northern to the southern parts of Odisha. This region is not only vast but also includes a variety of ecosystems, from dense forests to grasslands, and supports a rich variety of flora and fauna.

While the Odisha coastal plains in the east are significant for their agricultural and economic importance, they do not cover as much area as the middle mountainous and highlands region. The coastal plains are characterized by their flat terrain and are important for rice cultivation and fishing activities. However, they are limited to the eastern coastal belt of the state.

The western rolling uplands, another important region, are characterized by undulating terrain and are less extensive compared to the middle mountainous and highlands region. This region is important for its agricultural activities and mineral resources but does not cover the largest area in the state.

The central plateaus, while significant for their agricultural and mineral resources, are also smaller in area compared to the middle mountainous and highlands region. The central plateaus are important for their fertile soil and are used for farming, but they do not cover the largest geographic area in Odisha.

In summary, the middle mountainous and highlands region, which includes parts of the Eastern Ghats, is the largest geographic region in Odisha. This region is characterized by its extensive and diverse topography, making it the most significant in terms of area coverage and ecological importance.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect because the Odisha coastal plains, while significant, do not cover the largest geographic area of the state. The coastal plains are important for agriculture and fishing but are not the most extensive region.
  • Option B: This option is correct. The middle mountainous and highlands region, which includes parts of the Eastern Ghats, is the largest geographic region in Odisha. It covers a significant portion of the state and includes diverse topography and ecosystems.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. The western rolling uplands, while an important region, do not cover as much area as the middle mountainous and highlands region. They are characterized by undulating terrain and are less extensive.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The central plateaus, although significant, are not the largest geographic region in Odisha. They are important for agriculture and mineral resources but are smaller in area compared to the middle mountainous and highlands region.

Mnemonic: MOM: Middle, Odisha, Mountainous

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