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Difficulty: HardState Geography and Physical Features

Consider the following statements regarding the physical relief, drainage divides, and landform regions of Rajasthan:

I. The Aravalli Range functions as a principal watershed, separating the westward drainage of the Luni river system from the eastward drainage of the Banas river system.
II. The western Marusthali region is predominantly covered by deep fertile alluvial soils deposited and continuously replenished by the Ghaggar river network.
III. The southeastern Hadoti Plateau forms an extension of the Malwa Plateau, characterized by volcanic basaltic rock formations and black soil deposits.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. I and III onlyAnswer
  2. B
    I and II only
  3. C
    II and III only
  4. D
    I, II, and III

Answer

Statements I and III only are correct.
The option selecting statements I and III only is correct because the Aravalli mountain system serves as the main hydrological divide between the western arid basin (Luni River) and eastern river networks (Banas and Chambal tributaries). Furthermore, the southeastern Hadoti region is physically part of the trap country (Malwa Plateau) composed of volcanic rocks and fertile black soil. Statement II is false because the Marusthali desert landscape is defined by sand dunes and aridisols, not riverine alluvial deposits.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement I regarding the drainage divide of Rajasthan.
The Aravalli Range runs diagonally across Rajasthan from southwest to northeast. It serves as a major watershed separating the west-flowing Luni River system (draining towards the Rann of Kutch) from the east-flowing Banas-Chambal system (draining towards the Yamuna/Ganga system). Statement I is correct.
Topographical relief determines regional river course orientation.
2
Analyze Statement II regarding Marusthali soil composition.
The western Marusthali region forms the core sandy desert of the Thar Desert. Its surface features sand dunes, rocky hammadas, and sandy Aridisols/Entisols, not deep fertile alluvial soils. The Ghaggar River is an ephemeral, inland drainage stream that flows only seasonally near the northern fringe (Ganganagar-Hanumangarh plains). Statement II is incorrect.
Desert landforms are dominated by wind erosion/deposition rather than perennial river alluvium.
3
Analyze Statement III regarding the Hadoti Plateau geology.
The southeastern plateau region (Hadoti) is a continuation of the Deccan Traps / Malwa Plateau, dominated by basaltic lava flows and rich medium black soil (Vertisols). Statement III is correct.
Geological origin dictates the rock strata and resulting soil profile of the region.

Key Concept

Physiographic divisions, drainage divides, and soil-geology mapping of Rajasthan state geography.
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Topics

State Geography and Physical Features

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