Which of the following is the first national park of India?

Appeared in: AIIMS CRE SNO - 2023

Explanation

Hailey National Park is the correct answer as it was established in 1936, making it the oldest and first national park in India.
It was founded to protect the endangered Bengal tiger.
The park was renamed Ramganga National Park for a brief period before being named Jim Corbett National Park in 1957.

Option A: Kanha National Park was established in 1955, which is 19 years after Hailey National Park.
Option C: Gir National Park was established in 1965, much later than Hailey National Park.
Option D: Kaziranga was declared a National Park in 1974, although it was established as a Reserve Forest in 1905. The question asks for the first 'National Park'.

Visual 1: Map of India - An infographic map showing the geographical locations of Hailey (Jim Corbett), Kanha, Gir, and Kaziranga National Parks to provide spatial context.
Visual 2: Timeline Chart - A horizontal timeline illustrating the establishment years of major Indian national parks, visually highlighting Hailey National Park as the first in 1936.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain History of National Parks in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While not a clinical topic, general knowledge is crucial for healthcare professionals to be well-rounded individuals capable of engaging with patients and colleagues on a variety of subjects.
Understanding environmental conservation can be linked to public health, as deforestation and habitat loss can lead to the emergence of zoonotic diseases (e.g., Kyasanur Forest Disease, Nipah virus), a topic relevant to community health nursing.
What if the question asked for the largest national park in India? The answer would change to Hemis National Park in Ladakh.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is to find the 'first' national park in 'India'.
This is a factual recall question from general knowledge. Access your memory for historical facts about India's conservation efforts.
Evaluate each option based on its establishment year. Hailey National Park was established in 1936.
Compare this date with the establishment dates of the other parks if you know them (Kanha 1955, Gir 1965, Kaziranga 1974).
Conclude that Hailey National Park is the oldest and therefore the first.
Also, recall or note the fact that Hailey National Park is now known as Jim Corbett National Park.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full AIIMS CRE SNO - 2023

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