Part of: Rajasthan Gk set 8

Which Indian state has the highest percentage of desert area?

Category: Rajasthan Gk

Hint: Consider the location of the Thar Desert.

Correct Answer: A) Rajasthan

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The question asks which Indian state has the highest percentage of desert area. To understand this, we need to consider the geographical features of the Indian subcontinent, particularly the distribution of desert areas across different states.

Rajasthan, located in the northwestern part of India, is renowned for its vast desert area, primarily the Thar Desert. The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is the world's 17th largest subtropical desert and covers a significant portion of Rajasthan. This desert area contributes to Rajasthan having the highest percentage of desert land among all Indian states. The Thar Desert extends into parts of Gujarat and Pakistan but is most prominent in Rajasthan.

Geographically, Rajasthan is characterized by its arid and semi-arid regions, which are part of the larger Thar Desert. The desert landscape is a result of the region's climate, which is influenced by the monsoon patterns and the presence of the Aravalli Range. The Aravalli Range acts as a natural barrier, preventing the monsoon winds from reaching the western part of Rajasthan, leading to a dry and desert-like climate.

Other states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh do not have such extensive desert areas. Gujarat has some desert regions, but they are not as dominant as those in Rajasthan. Madhya Pradesh is known for its diverse geographical features, including forests and plains, and does not have a significant desert area. Uttar Pradesh, located in the northern part of India, is primarily known for its fertile plains and agricultural lands, and it does not have a significant desert area.

Therefore, the correct answer is Rajasthan, as it has the highest percentage of desert area among the given options. This is due to the presence of the Thar Desert, which covers a significant portion of the state and contributes to its arid and semi-arid climate.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. Rajasthan has the highest percentage of desert area in India, primarily due to the presence of the Thar Desert, which covers a significant portion of the state.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. While Gujarat does have some desert areas, it does not have as high a percentage of desert land as Rajasthan. The Thar Desert extends into Gujarat but is not as dominant there.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. Madhya Pradesh has diverse geographical features including forests and plains, but it does not have a significant desert area like Rajasthan.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Uttar Pradesh is known for its fertile plains and agricultural lands, and it does not have a significant desert area.

Mnemonic: Think "Raj" for "Rajasthan" and "Raj" for "Rajasthan's vast desert."

Back to Rajasthan Gk set 8 – Practice all questions