Part of: West Bengal Gk set 19

Which are the two states from the below group which have Tropic of Cancer passing through them?

Category: West Bengal Gk

Hint: Consider the latitudinal position of the Tropic of Cancer and the states it crosses.

Correct Answer: C) West Bengal Tripura.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Tropic of Cancer is a significant latitudinal line that marks the northernmost point where the sun can be directly overhead at noon. It is located at approximately 23.5° North latitude. This line is crucial in geography as it helps in understanding the climatic zones and the distribution of solar energy across the Earth's surface.

In the context of India, the Tropic of Cancer passes through several states, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Tripura. These states are located in the northern part of the country and experience a tropical climate due to their proximity to the Tropic of Cancer.

Understanding the geographical distribution of the Tropic of Cancer is essential for various competitive exams, particularly those related to geography and general knowledge. It is important to remember the states that the Tropic of Cancer passes through, as this information is often tested in multiple-choice questions.

For the given question, the correct answer is West Bengal and Tripura. These two states are located in the eastern part of India and are crossed by the Tropic of Cancer. The other options provided in the question are incorrect because they either include states that are not crossed by the Tropic of Cancer or do not accurately represent the states that the Tropic of Cancer passes through.

It is also important to note that the Tropic of Cancer is not a fixed line and can shift slightly over time due to the Earth's axial tilt. However, for the purposes of geographical knowledge and competitive exams, the Tropic of Cancer is generally considered to be at 23.5° North latitude.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. The Tropic of Cancer passes through Gujarat and Rajasthan, but not through Maharashtra. This option is incorrect because it includes Maharashtra, which is not crossed by the Tropic of Cancer.
  • Option B: Incorrect. The Tropic of Cancer does not pass through Chhattisgarh or Odisha. This option is incorrect because it includes states that are not crossed by the Tropic of Cancer.
  • Option C: Correct. The Tropic of Cancer passes through both West Bengal and Tripura. This option is correct because it accurately identifies the two states that the Tropic of Cancer crosses.
  • Option D: Incorrect. The Tropic of Cancer passes through Rajasthan but not through Uttar Pradesh. This option is incorrect because it includes Uttar Pradesh, which is not crossed by the Tropic of Cancer.

Mnemonic: Tropic of Cancer: 23.5°N, remember the states it touches.

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