Which of the following Indian states are primarily covered by the Great Indian Desert?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent -29 April-2025 (shift-2nd)

Explanation

The Great Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert, is a large arid region located in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent.
The desert covers approximately 60% of the state of Rajasthan, making it the primary state covered by this geographical feature.
It also extends into the northern parts of Gujarat, specifically the Rann of Kutch region, and touches southern portions of Haryana and Punjab.

Option A: Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh are located in central and peninsular India, characterized by the Deccan Plateau, not desert terrain.
Option B: Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are part of the fertile Indo-Gangetic plains, known for alluvial soil and major river systems, which is the opposite of a desert environment.
Option C: Uttarakhand is a Himalayan state with mountainous terrain, and Uttar Pradesh is a plains state. Neither geography is consistent with the Great Indian Desert.

Visual 1: Map of India - A map highlighting the location and extent of the Thar Desert across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab to provide a clear visual understanding of its spread.
Visual 2: Infographic - An infographic detailing key facts about the Thar Desert, including its area, climate statistics (rainfall, temperature), unique flora and fauna, and its status as the world's most densely populated desert.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Geography of India: Location of the Great Indian Desert (Thar Desert) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The Thar Desert forms a natural and strategic boundary between India and Pakistan.
Despite its arid conditions, the desert supports a significant population and unique biodiversity, making its conservation and sustainable development important.
The region is a major source of solar and wind energy for India.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key geographical feature in the question, which is the 'Great Indian Desert'.
Recall or deduce its common name, the 'Thar Desert', and its general location in the northwestern part of India.
Systematically evaluate each option by considering the geographical location of the states mentioned.
Eliminate options containing states from other distinct geographical zones of India: central (Madhya Pradesh), peninsular (Maharashtra), Gangetic plains (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar), and Himalayan (Uttarakhand).
Select the option that correctly pairs the states (Rajasthan and Gujarat) known to be part of India's northwestern arid zone.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Geography of India: Location of the Great Indian Desert (Thar Desert)
Stem keywords: Great Indian Desert, Indian states
Lead-in keywords: primarily covered

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Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent -29 April-2025 (shift-2nd)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.