Chapter 6 India- Economic Environment Topic 1 Agriculture In India Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1. Briefly discuss the imporatant Characterstics of indian agriculuture?
Answer:
The important characteristics of Indian agriculture are discussed below—
1. Subsistence farming: India is a highly populated country, and most of the food grains grown here are mainly consumed by the farmers and their families. Not much agricultural produce is left for the purpose of export and sale.
2. Importance of food crops: In India, priority is given to the cultivation of food crops rather than cash crops to meet the needs of the growing population.
More than 75% of cultivated land in India is used for growing food crops. About 52% of the total income from agricultural products comes only from food crops.
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3. Use of animals: Indian agriculture is not yet developed to an extent that the use of modern machineries such as tractors and harvesters would be popular everywhere.
To date, in many regions, farmers are dependent on animals like bullocks and buffaloes for plowing agricultural plots.
4. Dependence on monsoon winds: Agricultural activities in most places of India are carried out once a year depending on the arrival of monsoons.
However, the advent of monsoon winds may also lead to certain natural calamities such as floods, drought, and excessive heavy rainfall which adversely affect agricultural activities.
5. Irrigation: Most agricultural plots in India have been brought under the scope of irrigation. In these plots, two to three crops are grown per year.
6. Small land holdings: Most agricultural plots in India are small and fragmented mainly due to different laws of succession.
Such small land holdings are not suitable for using modern agricultural equipment. Hence, crop yield per hectare remains low.
7. Uncontrolled use of chemical fertilizers and insecticides: Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to increase crop production has led to soil and water pollution.
8. Lack of fodder crops: Although Indian agriculture mainly focuses on the cultivation of food crops, no importance as such has been given to the cultivation of fodder crops.
9. Variety of crops: Different types of crops are extensively cultivated in India such as food crops (rice, wheat, millets, corn), oilseeds (mustard, sunflower, groundnut), cash crops (tea, coffee, jute, rubber), pulses, spices, etc.
Question 2. Mention the problem of agriculture along with measures.
Answer:
The problem of agriculture along with measures.
There are numerous problems pertaining to agriculture in India. That problem along with their probable remedial measures are discussed below—
1. Low yield per hectare: The yield of crops per hectare is quite low in India. This is due to the lack of—use of HYV seeds; good quality chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides; proper irrigation facilities, and modern machinery.
Solution: Post-independence, many policies have been adopted in the Five-Year Plans in order to improve the agriculture sector in India. This has increased crop yield per hectare to some extent.
WBBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 6 Question Answer
2. Low per capita land ownership: Per capita land ownership in India is only 0.3 hectares which are quite less than other developed countries (where it is 11 hectare per capita). Also, fragmented and small land holdings are not suitable for using modern farming equipment and techniques.
Solution: Small land holdings should be consolidated so that cooperative farming can be practiced to increase crop yield.
3. Soil erosion: Unscientific agricultural methods, uncontrolled grazing by animals and indiscriminately cutting down trees have led to soil erosion and loss of soil fertility.
Solution: Terrace cultivation, contour plowing, and the use of scientific methods of farming are being encouraged to minimize soil erosion.
Also, organic fertilizers and vermicompost are used to maintain soil fertility. Crop rotation is also practiced to maintain the fertility of the soil. The Indian erosion and conserving soil fertility.
4. Lack of knowledge about agriculture and poverty: Farmers do not have adequate knowledge about modern methods of farming and agricultural equipment.
Uncontrolled use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides without assessing the extent of requirement or the nature of the soil leads to both soil and water pollution.
Apart from these, the poor economic conditions of farmers prevent them from investing in agriculture. All these have led to low crop production.
Solution: Proper education regarding agricultural techniques and machinery should be imparted to the farmers. Simultaneously, cooperative farming methods need to be popularised and agricultural loans must be sanctioned as per the needs of the farmers.
5. Faulty land distribution system in India: Faulty land distribution by the government has created many marginal or landless farmers in India.
Solution: Laws have been passed to rectify the land distribution system so that the economic conditions of marginal and landless farmers can improve.
6. Investment based on moneylenders: Most farmers in India are poor and so they often have to take loans from moneylenders. In order to repay the loans, the farmers are forced to sell off their crops at very low prices.
Solution: The government has instructed several nationalized banks and rural banks to sanction agricultural loans at low interest for poor farmers.
Also, necessary arrangements have been made so that farmers can sell their produce directly at reasonable prices. In these ways, the farmers can achieve a good profit.
India Economic Environment Class 10 notes
Question 3. Briefly describe the rice-producing regions of India. OR, Discuss the roles of the different states in India regarding the production and trade of rice.
Answer:
The rice-producing regions of India
Almost all the states in India cultivate rice, either on a small or large scale. However, about 50% of the total rice produced is cultivated in the states of West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, and Chattisgarh.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, India produced 11.01 crore tonnes of rice (in 2016-17) in 4.32 crore hectares of land.
India occupies the second position in global rice production (immediately after China). The yield of rice per hectare in India is 2550kg (2016-17).
| State |
Rice producing districts |
Important facts |
| West Bengal |
Paschim Bardhaman, East & West Midnapore, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Bankura, North and South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Nadia. |
1. Largest rice-producing state in India.
2. Rice is cultivated in about Sl.SOIakh hectares of land.
3. Total rice production is about 1.51 crore tonnes (2017).
4. Per hectare yield is 2933 kg. |
| Uttar Pradesh |
Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Faizabad, Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri. |
1. The Second largest rice-producing state of India.
2. Rice is cultivated on about 56.5 lakh hectares of land.
3. Total rice production is 1.18 crore tonnes (2017).
4. Per hectare yield is 2295kg. |
| State Punjab |
Rice-producing districts Patiala, Jalandhar. |
1. The Third largest rice-producing state of India.
2. Rice is cultivated on about 27.6 lakh hectares of land.
3. Total rice production is l.lOcrore tonnes (2017).
4. Per hectare yield is 3998kg (largest in terms of per hectare yield). |
| Other states |
1. Andhra Pradesh: East and WestGodavari, Krishna, Guntur, Nalgonda;
2. Odisha: Sambalpur, Cuttack;
3. Tamil Nadu: North and South Arcot, Thanjavur;
4. Chattisgarh: Raipur, Durg, Bastar;
5. Bihar: Gaya, Darbhanga;
6. Karnataka: Shimoga, Mandya;
7. Haryana: Jind, Hissar. |
|
Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Co-operation.
Trade: Presently, India is the largest rice exporter in the world (2017). It exports Basmati rice to countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Jordan, and Oman.
It also exports other varieties of rice (apart from Basmati rice) to Benin, Bangladesh, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and South Africa.
Question 5. Briefly describe the wheat-producing regions of India. OR, Discuss the roles of the different states in India regarding the production and trade of wheat.
Answer:
Wheat is cultivated in India mostly during the winter season on the large fertile plains of north India and the low plateau regions of peninsular India.
About 50% of the total wheat produced in India comes from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, India produced about 9.84 crore tonnes of wheat from 3.06 crore hectares of land in 2016-17.
India occupies the second position in global wheat production (just after China). The yield of wheat per hectare is about 3216kg (2016-17) in India.
| State |
Wheat producing districts |
Important facts |
| Uttar Pradesh |
Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Moradabad, Etawah. |
1. Largest wheat-producing state in India.
2. Wheat is cultivated on about 96.6 lakh hectares of land.
3. Total wheat produced is about 3.06 crore tonnes (2017).
4. Yield per hectare is 3113 kg. |
| Madhya Pradesh |
Sagar, Vidisha, Gwalior, Chhatarpur. |
1. the Second largest wheat-producing state of India.
2. Wheat is cultivated on about 60.3 lakh hectares of land.
3. Total wheat produced is about 1.79 crore tonnes.
4. Yield per hectare is 2976 kg. |
| Punjab |
Firozpur, Ludhiana, Patiala, Bhatinda, Gurdaspur. |
1. the Third largest wheat-producing state of India.
2. Wheat is cultivated on about 35.0 lakh hectares of land.
3. Total wheat produced is about 1.64 crore tonnes (2017).
4. Yield per hectare is 4704 kg (largest in terms of per hectare yield). |
| Others |
1. Haryana: Kurukshetra, Karnal, Sonipat;
2. Rajasthan: Ganganagar, Bharatpur, Kota;
3. Bihar: Purnea, Munger, Champaran;
4. Gujarat: Mehsana, Khera, Rajkot;
5. Maharashtra: Dhule, Jalgaon, Amaravati;
6. West Bengal: Murshidabad, Nadia, Birbhum. |
The yield of wheat per hectare is about 4514 kg in Haryana. |
Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Department of Agriculture and Co-operation.
Trade: Wheat is an important export commodity of India. In 2017-18, India exported about 3.24 lakh tonnes of wheat which had a value of INR 669.01 crore.
India exports wheat to countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and Jordan.
WBBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 6 Question Answer
Question 6. Pisarcs the suitable geographical conditions needed for growing millet crops, and also mention the millet-producing states of India.
Answer:
Jowar, Bajra, and Ragi are collectively referred to as millets. These crops are grown in dry tropical climates.
| Crop |
Temperature |
Rainfall |
Soil |
Land |
Millet producing slates |
| Jowar |
26-33’C. Below 16°C the crop cannot grow. |
30-100cm annually. Prolonged drought is harmful to the crop. |
Clayey deep black soil and alluvial soil are highly suitable. Also dry sandy loams. |
Plain land is best suited for this crop. Also can be cultivated on very gentle hill slopes. |
1. Maharashtra (1st): Jalgaon, Buldhana, Akola, Amaravati.
2. Karnataka (2nd): Bijapur, Dharwad, Raichur, Bellary.
3. Tamil Nadu (3rd),
4. Rajasthan,
5. Andhra Pradesh,
6. Madhya Pradesh |
| Bajra |
25-30°C. A higher temperature is needed when the crop ripens. |
50-100cm annually. |
Light sandy soil is highly suitable for red soil and even saline soil is suitable. |
Plain or plateaus.lands gentle |
1. Rajasthan (1st): Bikaner, Churu, Barmer
2. Uttar Pradesh (2nd)
3. Gujarat
4. Haryana
5. Madhya Pradesh |
| Ragi |
20-30°C. |
50-100cm annually. |
Porous loamy soil, light red loams, and sandy loams are ideal for this crop. |
Undulating plateau regions. |
1. Karnataka (1st): Harshan, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Mysore.
2. Tamil Nadu (2nd): Nilgiri, North, and South Arcot
3. Uttarakhand: Kumaon region.
4. Maharashtra
4. Andhra Pradesh
5. Bihar |
WBBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 6 summary
Question 7. Discuss the reasons for the prosperity of agriculture in Punjab and Haryana.
Answer:
The reasons for the prosperity of agriculture in Punjab and Haryana
Punjab and Haryana Are two states in India that have flourished due to agriculture. The reasons for the agricultural prosperity of these two states are discussed below-
1. Soil:
1.The region comprises Soil: The region comprises rich alluvial soil deposited by the Indus river and its five
famous tributaries.
Although in some places the soil is a little sandy, the mineral content of the soil makes it very fertile and highly suitable for agriculture.
2. Irrigation: The largest multi-purpose river valley project, i.e. the Bhakra-Nangal project provides irrigation water to all the agricultural fields of both states. Due to such ready availability of water, three to four crops are grown every year.
3. HYV seeds: High Yielding Variety seeds were first used in this region in India during the Green Revolution. The use of such seeds in the case of rice, wheat, cotton, and other crops has increased crop yield to a large extent.
4. Use of machinery: In Punjab and Haryana, there are many large agricultural tracts. So, different modern agricultural machinery like tractors, harvesters, etc. can be easily used.
WBBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 6 Question Answer
This helps in higher crop production. Use is used in the states of Punjab and Haryana. This results in high crop yield.
5. Use of chemical fertilizers and insecticides: In India, the maximum amount of chemical fertilizers and
insecticides are used in the states of Punjab and Haryana. This results in high crop yield.
6. Agricultural education: Education regarding different aspects of agriculture such as modern farming techniques, types of fertilizers to be used depending on the nature of soils, irrigation techniques, etc.,
Are imparted to farmers by several governmental and non-governmental organizations. Research works are conducted on regular basis in different universities for the further betterment of agriculture.
7. Others: Facilities like power supply, market, transport, godowns, etc. have helped in improving agriculture in Punjab and Haryana. Also, the government has taken initiative to fix the price of the crops so that the farmers gain profits.
Question 8. Discuss suitable geographical conditions for the cultivation of tea. OR, Discuss the physical factors favorable to the growth of tea plantations in India.
Answer:
Tea is the main beverage crop of India. India occupies the second position in global tea production
1. Physical conditions
1. Climate: Tea grows best in warm and wet, Tropical monsoon climates.
1. Temperature: An average temperature ranging from 16-30°C is suitable for tea cultivation. Although tea can tolerate moderately high and low temperatures, hailstorms in summer and snowfall in winter are harmful to tea.
2. Rainfall: An average annual rainfall of 150-250cm is favorable for tea cultivation.
3. Others: Sultry weather with low rainfall, dense fog, frost, and scorching sunlight adversely affect the growth of tea.
2. Soil: Fertile loamy soil rich in iron is suitable for tea plants. Chernozem soil found in the grassland of hill slopes is also favorable for the cultivation of tea as it is rich in humus.
3. Sloping land: Tea plants cannot tolerate water stagnation near their roots. So hill slopes and rolling plateaus are preferred for cultivating tea.
4. Elevation: High mountain slopes where the climate is cool and have no chances of snowfall are highly preferable for tea cultivation. In India, tea gardens are seen at an altitude varying from 90m in the Terai region to about 1980m in Darjeeling.
2. Economic conditions
1. Labour: Tea being a labor-intensive crop requires a huge number of skilled laborers. Especially women laborers are employed for plucking tea leaves as they are quick and nimble. They also look after the tea plants and tend to the tea gardens.
2. Others: Tea is a plantation crop. Modern machinery, fertilizers, and insecticides as well as adequate capital investment, a good transport network, and national and international demand, are some
Question 9. Discuss the suitable geographical conditions required for the cultivation of coffee.
Answer:
Coffee is the second most important beverage crop in India right after tea.
The suitable geographical conditions required for the cultivation of coffee are discussed below—
1. Physical conditions
1. Climate: Coffee grows best in hot and humid tropical climates. The especially equatorial climate is favorable for coffee cultivation,
1. Temperature: An average temperature ranging from 20-25°C is ideal for coffee,
2. Rainfall: An annual average rainfall of 150-250cm is required for growing coffee,
3. Shade trees: Coffee plants are sensitive to direct sunlight. So trees with broad canopies are planted in between coffee plants so that they can provide shade.
2. Soil: Fertile laterite soil of volcanic origin and red loamy soil is best suited for coffee cultivation.
3. Type of land: Sloping highlands, especially foothills of mountains are ideal for coffee cultivation. Large quantities of coffee are grown in the southern region of Karnataka, the mountainous region of Andhra Pradesh, the hilly regions of north Kerala, and the northern part of Tamil Nadu.
2. Economic conditions
1. Labour: Coffee being a plantation crop require abundant cheap labor for transplanting, plucking coffee berries, drying the coffee beans, etc.
2. Others: Coffee is a plantation crop. The plantations need to have proper infrastructure so that all processes involved in preparing coffee can be carried out in the plantation itself.
This includes the transplantation of seedlings processing the beans and finally packing the coffee powder. For this, adequate capital investment is necessary.
Apart from these, transportation of coffee from the coffee plantations to nearby ports (for exporting) requires a well-built transport network.
WBBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 6 Question Answer
Question 10. List the regions where tea is grown in India. OR, Discuss the roles of the different states in India regarding the production and trade of tea.
Answer:
The regions where tea is grown in India
Tea is cultivated in the hilly regions of northeast, north, and south India. More than 3/4th of the total tea produced in India can be attributed to the states of Assam and West Bengal.
In 2017-18, India produced about 32.51 crore kg of tea. This has led India to occupy the second position (just after China) in global tea production. India’s contribution to global tea production is almost
| State |
Districts |
Important facts |
| Assam |
Darrang. Goalpara, Kamrup, lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, Nagaon, Siva sagar, Cachar, Karbi Anglong. |
1. Largest tea-producing state in India.
2. Tea is cultivated on almost 3.07 lakh hectares of land.
3. Total yield was 67.63 crore kg in 2017-18. |
| West Bengal |
Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, North Dinajpur. |
1. Second most important tea-producing state of India.
2. Tea is cultivated on almost 1.40 lakh hectares of land.
3. Total yield was 38.79 crore kg in 2017-18 |
| Tamil Nadu |
ismcrs Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Madurai, Coimbatore, Nilgiri. |
1. The Third most important tea-producing state of India.
2. Tea is cultivated on almost 69.62 thousand hectares of land.
3. Total yield was 16.44 crore kg in 2017-18. |
| Others |
1. Kerala: Wayanad, Thrissur, Idukki, Kottayam.
2. Karnataka: Kodagu.
3. Himachal Pradesh: Kangra, Mandi.
4. Uttarakhand: Dehradun, Almora, Tehri Garhwal.
5. Meghalaya
6. Tripura. |
1. Tea is cultivated on almost 35.01 thousand hectares of land in Kerala.
2. Total yield was 6.39 crore kg in 2017-18. |
Economic Environment of India for Class 10
Source: Tea Board of India.
Trade: India is the second largest tea-exporting country in the world (just after China). In 2018, India exported 24.91 crore kg of tea to countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, the British Isles, United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Poland.
Question 11. Discuss the suitable geographical conditions required for the cultivation of cotton.
Answer:
Cotton is the most important fiber crop in India.
The geographical conditions required for growing cotton are discussed below—
1. Physical conditions
1. Climate: Cotton is a crop native to tropical and subtropical regions.
1. Temperature: An average temperature of 20-26°C is ideal for cultivating cotton.
2. Rainfall: An average annual rainfall of 60-100cm is required for growing cotton. However, in the north-west and southern India, cotton is also cultivated in areas receiving less than 60cm of rainfall with the help of irrigation,
3. Sea winds: Saline winds from the seas are good for cotton cultivation.
2. Soil: Fertile loamy soil rich in lime is good for cotton. Chernozem soil and black soil (regur) of volcanic origin found in the Deccan Plateau region are favorable for cotton cultivation.
WBBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 6 Question Answer
3. Type of land: Plain lands or gently rolling plains with proper drainage patterns are suitable for growing cotton as cotton cannot withstand water logging.
2. Economic conditions
1. Labour: Abundant skilled laborers are required for sowing the seeds, picking the cotton bolls, and pressing the cotton into bales which are then sent to factories for making threads.
2. Fertilisers: Cotton being a soil-exhausting crop require suitable quantities of chemical and organic fertilizers.
3. Insecticides: Cotton plants are susceptible to pests like boll weevil, pink bollworm, and spotted bollworm. Thus, large quantities of insecticides are required during the cultivation of cotton crops.
4. Others: HYV seeds, proper irrigation facilities, modern agricultural equipment, and huge capital are some factors on which cotton cultivation depends. Apart from these, market demand for cotton and well-connected transport system also influence cotton production.
Question 12. List the coffee-producing regions of India.
Answer:
The coffee-producing regions of India
In India, coffee is mainly grown in the southern states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Karnataka alone accounts for about 75% of the total coffee produced in India.
In 2017-18, India produced about 3.16 lakh metric tonnes of coffee. India occupies the seventh position in global coffee production (2016-17).
| State |
District |
Important facts |
| Karnataka |
Chikmagalur, Hassan, Kodagu, Mysore, Shimoga. |
1. Largest coffee-producing state in India.
2. Total coffee produced in 2017-18 was 2.22 lakh metric tonnes. |
| Kerala |
Wayanad, Palakkad, Idukki, Kollam. |
1. the Second largest coffee-producing state of India.
2. Total coffee produced in 2017-18 was 65735 metric tonnes. |
| Tamil Nadu |
Nilgin, Salem. Madurai. Coimbatore. Tirunelvell. |
1. Third largest coffee-producing stole of India.
2. Total col fee pi produced In 2017-18 was 17440 metric tonnes of coffee. |
| Others |
1. Andhra Pradesh: Aiaku valley of Visas.
2. Orissa: Koraput. Rayagada. Kalahandi and Kandhamal districts,
3. Meghalaya: Ri Rhoi. fast Musi Hills and West Jalntia Hills districts.
3. Assam: Cachar district. |
Andhra Piadcslt produced 9600 metric tonnes of coffee in 2017-18. |
Question 13. List the regions where cotton is grown in India. OR, Discuss the roles of the different states in India regarding the production and trade of cotton.
Answer:
In India, cotton is mainly grown in the black soil region of the Deccan plateau. More than 50% of the total cotton produced in India comes from this region.
India produced 3.31 crore bales of cotton in 1.09 crore hectares of land in 2016-17. The yield of cotton per hectare was 519 kg (2016-17). India occupies the second position in global cotton production.
Trade: India mainly produces medium and short-staple cotton fiber. Good quality long-staple cotton fiber is imported from countries like Australia, Egypt, the United States of America, Tanzania, and Pakistan. India exports cotton to countries like China, Sri Lanka, the British Isles, Germany, Taiwan, and Bangladesh.
Question 14. Name the main sugarcane-producing India.
Answer:
The main sugarcane-producing regions of India are discussed below—
1. Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh is the largest sugarcane-producing state in India. Sugarcane is cultivated on about 21.6 lakh hectares of land. The main sugarcane-producing districts of this state are—Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Moradabad, Saharanpur, Deoria, Ghaziabad, Bareilly, and Sitapur.
2. Maharashtra: Maharashtra is the second-largest sugarcane-producing state in India. Sugarcane is cultivated on about 6.30 lakh hectares of land.
WBBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 6 Question Answer
The quality of sugarcane produced in this state is better than that produced in Uttar Pradesh due to the presence of black soil and coastal climate. The main sugarcane-producing districts of Maharashtra are Ahmednagar, Kolhapur, Pune, Nasik, Sangli, Satara, and Osmanabad.
3. Karnataka: Karnataka occupies the third position in sugarcane production in India. Sugarcane is cultivated on 3.50 lakh hectares of land, mostly in the districts of Mysore, Vijayapura, Shimoga, and Chitradurga.
4. Others: Apart from these states, sugarcane is also grown in Gujarat, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Punjab. In 2016-17, India produced 30.67 crore tonnes of sugarcane, out of which, 14.48 crore tonnes were produced by Uttar Pradesh, 5.06 crore tonnes by Maharashtra, and 2.35 crore tonnes by Karnataka.
WBBSE solutions for Chapter 6 Geography
Question 15. Discuss the suitable geographical conditions required for the cultivation of sugarcane. Write a short note on the trade of sugarcane in India.
Answer:
Sugarcane is a very important cash crop in India, as it is the main source for producing sugar.
The suitable geographical conditions required for the cultivation of sugarcane are discussed below—
1. Physical conditions
1. Climate: Sugarcane is a kharif crop and is grown in tropical regions,
1. Temperature: An average temperature of 20-27°C is suitable for growing sugarcane. Higher temperatures may damage the crop.
2. Rainfall: An average annual rainfall of 75-150 cm is required for the cultivation of sugarcane. However, it can also be grown in areas receiving low rainfall with the help of irrigation,
3. Coastal climate: This type of climate with a saline environment influence the sweetness of the sugarcane juice as well as the overall growth of the plants. So sugarcane is widely cultivated in the western region of India,
4. Fog: Sugarcane is highly susceptible to fog, smog, and frost.
2. Soil: Fertile loamy soil rich in lime and black soil is best for growing sugarcane.
3. Type of land: Gently rolling plains with proper drainage facilities are most suitable for growing sugarcane as there is less possibility of water stagnation.
2. Economic conditions
1. Labour: Abundant cheap and skilled laborers are required for sowing the seeds and harvesting the crop. So, sugarcane is usually cultivated in densely populated regions.
2. Transport: A well-connected transport system is extremely essential for sugarcane cultivation as the juice needs to be extracted within 24 hours of cutting the plants and transported to the sugar factories.
If it is not done, both the quantity and sugar content of the juice get affected. For this reason, most sugar factories are established in the vicinity of the sugarcane plantations.
3. Capital: Sugarcane is a soil-exhausting crop. Hence, a substantial amount of fertilizers is required. Also, insecticides, irrigation facilities, and labor supplies needed for cultivating the crop require a huge amount of capital.
4. Market demand: Sugarcane is a crop that cannot be stored in godowns or cold storage. It has to be processed instantly. Hence, the market demand for sugar is a great controlling factor in sugarcane cultivation. In recent times, sugarcane cultivation is expanding keeping in mind the huge population of India.
WBBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 6 Question Answer
Chapter 6 India- Economic Environment Short Answer Explanatory Type Questions
Question 1. Classify the crops of India according to their sowing season.
Answer:
According to their sowing season, crops of India can be classified into three categories which have been tabulated below
| Crop |
Sowing Season |
Examples |
| Kharif crops |
Crops are sown just before the arrival of the monsoons, i.e., in the month of June, and harvested after the autumn season, i.e., in the month of November. |
Aman rice, jute, cotton, sugarcane, jowar, bajra, ragi, maize. |
| Rabi crops |
Crops are sown just before the arrival of the winter season, i.e., in the month of December, and harvested before the arrival of the summer season, i.e., in the month of March. |
Wheat, barley, oat, mustard, lentils. |
| Zaid crops |
Crops are sown before the arrival of the summer season, i.e., in the month of March, and harvested before the arrival of the monsoons, i.e., in the month of June. |
Watermelon, tomato, brinjal, cucumber, muskmelon. |
Question 2. How can you classify rice?
Answer:
Rice can be classified into three categories according to the season in which it is grown. These are—
| Type of rice |
Growing season |
| Asus |
This variety of rice is sown during the summer season (April-May) and harvested during the monsoons (August-September). The meaning of the word ‘aus’ is early. This crop matures rapidly. |
| Aman |
This variety of rice is sown during the monsoons (June) and harvested during the winter season (December-January). This crop is also known as Aghrani rice’ in West Bengal. |
| Boro |
This variety of rice is sown during the winter season (November-December) and harvested during the summer season (April-May). |
Class 10 Geography India Economic Environment questions
Question 3. Classify their nature and the crops of uses. of India according to
Answer:
Crops grown in India can be broadly classified into two types according to their nature of uses—
- Food crops and
- Cash crops.
1. Food crops can be further classified into three categories—
- Grain crops: Rice, wheat.
- Beverage crops: Tea, coffee.
- Other food crops: Sugarcane, spices, lentils, and fruits.
2. Cash crops can be also further classified into three categories—
- Oilseeds: Mustard, sesame, groundnut.
- Fiber crops: Cotton, jute.
- Other crops: Rubber, indigo.
Geography Class 10 West Bengal Board
Question 4. How can you classify wheat?
Answer:
Wheat can be classified into two types according to the season in which it is grown. These are—
| Type of wheat |
Growing season |
| Winter wheat |
This type of wheat is sown in the autumn season and harvested before the onset of the summer season. |
| Spring wheat |
This type of wheat is sown during the spring season and harvested at the end of the summer season. |
In India, mostly winter wheat is cultivated. However, spring wheat is also cultivated in some scattered regions of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
Question 5. Briefly discuss the problems of rice cultivation in India and also state they’re possible remedial measures.
Answer:
The problems of rice cultivation in India and their possible remedial measures are discussed in the following
| Problems |
Remedial measures |
| Farmers are losing interest in cultivating rice due to its low market price. |
Several government organizations are being formed to buy agricultural produce (in this case rice) directly from the farmers, thereby cutting out the middleman. |
| The yield of rice per hectare is quite low. The production was about 2550kg (2016-17). |
HYV seeds, insecticides, and fertilizers are being used nowadays to increase the per-hectare yield of rice. |
| The lack of proper storage facilities is leading to damage to crops. |
The Government has taken an initiative to build cold storage and warehouses for storing surplus crops. |
| Modern types of equipment and machinery cannot be used while cultivating crops since the land holdings are fragmented and scattered. |
Co-operative farming methods have been introduced for fragmented land holdings. Modern types of machinery (such as tractors, and harvesters) are being used to increase crop yield. |
| Lack of irrigation facilities hinders crop cultivation during the dry season as well as in regions receiving scanty rainfall. |
A large number of motorized deep tube wells have been installed by the government as well as by private organizations to provide water to crops throughout the year. |
Question 6. Briefly discuss the problems of wheat cultivation in India and also state they’re possible remedial measures.
Answer:
The problems of wheat cultivation in India and their possible remedial measures are discussed in the following table—
| Problems |
Remedial measures |
| The yield of wheat per hectare is quite low. The production was about 3216kg (2016-17). |
HYV seeds, insecticides, and fertilizers are being used nowadays to increase the per-hectare yield of wheat. |
| The low price of wheat is leading farmers to lose interest in cultivating crops. |
Food Corporation of India, a government organization has taken the initiative to directly buy agricultural produce from the farmers thereby avoiding the middleman. |
| Limited use of modern types of machinery or cultivating crops. |
Investments have been made by both government and non-government organizations to facilitate the use of modern machinery (like tractors and harvesters) to increase crop yield. |
| Lack of storage facilities is leading to the damage of crops every year. |
Warehouses and cold storage are being built by both government and non-government organizations. |
| Lack of irrigation facilities hinders the cultivation of crops during dry seasons as well as in regions receiving scanty rainfall. |
A large number of motorized deep tubewells have been installed by the government as well as by private organizations to provide water to crops throughout the year. |
Geography Class 10 West Bengal Board
Question 7. Why does wheat dominate the agriculture of north India?
Answer:
The reasons behind the predominance of wheat in the agriculture of north India are discussed below—
- The temperature in the Punjab plains as well as in the upper and middle Gangetic plains remains around 14°-20°C during winter, which is ideal for wheat cultivation.
- Rainfall caused by western disturbances in the wheat-producing regions of north India during the winter season is highly favorable for wheat cultivation. Also, improved irrigation facilities provide the necessary water required for growing wheat.
- The fertile heavy loamy soils and clayey alluvial soils of north India are highly suitable for wheat cultivation.
- The gently rolling plains of north India favor wheat cultivation.
- The majority of the population in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh is engaged in agriculture. This huge workforce positively helps in wheat cultivation.
Question 8. Name the important plantation crops of India and mention the regions where they are cultivated.
Answer:
Important plantation crops of India: The two most important plantation crops grown in India are—tea and coffee.
Regions of tea and coffee cultivation:
1. Tea: Approximately 80% of the total tea production in India comes from the states of Assam and West Bengal. The southern states of India namely Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka account for the remaining 20%.
The sloping plains of the Brahmaputra Valley and the Terai region in Assam which includes the districts of Darrang, Sivasagar, Lakhimpur and Cachar are well known for tea cultivation.
Apart from this, tea is also grown in the mountainous and Terai region of West Bengal which includes the districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and North Dinajpur.
2. Coffee: Karnataka (70%), Kerala (21%), and Tamil Nadu (6%) are the leading coffee-producing states of India.
Chikmagalur, Kodagu, Hassan, Shimoga, and Mysore districts of Karnataka; Palakkad, Wayanad, Idukki, and Kollam districts of Kerala; Madurai, Salem, and Coimbatore districts of Tamil Nadu are well known for coffee Cultivation.
Question 9. Why Is coffee cultivation predominant in south India? OR, Mention any two reasons for the growth of coffee cultivation in south India.
Answer:
The hilly regions of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala are famous for coffee cultivation in India. The reasons behind the predominance of coffee cultivation in these states of south India are as follows—
- The weather in this region is favorable for coffee cultivation since the average temperature ranges between 20-30°C and the annual rainfall are approximately 150-250cm.
- Fertile laterite soil of volcanic origin is found here which is highly suitable for coffee cultivation.
- The hill slopes of this region (elevation ranging from 800-1600 m) are ideal for the growth of coffee as they help in avoiding water stagnation.
- Since the cultivation of tea as a beverage crop has not gained popularity in south India, coffee as an alternative beverage crop has taken its place.
Question 10. What do you mean by Green Revolution?
Answer:
Green Revolution:
In post-independent India, during the late ’60s, several measures were adopted to increase agricultural productivity by implementing modern methods.
Using high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, applying chemical fertilizers and insecticides, using modern farming equipment (such as tractors and harvesters) and implementing irrigation facilities, and improving agricultural techniques were some of the highlights of this revolution.
This led to a sharp increase in crop production. From 1968 to 1978, there was a rapid increase in wheat production mostly in the states of Punjab and Haryana which was famously called the ‘Green Revolution’.
In 1960-61, total wheat production in India was 1 crore 10 lakh tons which tripled to an amount of 3 crores 63 lakh tons in 1980-81.
Question 11. What were the advantages and disadvantages of the Green Revolution in India?
Answer:
The Green Revolution in India had its share of both advantages and disadvantages which are as follows—
1. Advantages:
- The sharp increase in the production of food crops.
- Improvement in the economic condition of farmers.
- Reduction in the frequency of pest attacks on crops due to better quality insecticides and pesticides.
- Increase in the national income of the country.
- Importing food grains from other countries reduced considerably since the agricultural produce of the country was sufficient enough for the population.
2. Disadvantages:
- Degradation of soil quality and fertility due to indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers.
- Extinction of several species of insects and birds from the ecosystem due to the harmful effects of insecticides and pesticides on the environment.
- Contamination of groundwater due to agricultural runoff containing chemical fertilizers and other toxic chemicals.
- Loss of primary genes of seeds due to the production of new hybrid seeds by biotechnology thereby adversely affecting seed variety.
Question 12. Why is wheat cultivated in northwest India in spite of being a crop of the temperate region? OR, Why wheat is cultivated during winter in India?
Answer:
Wheat is the second most important food crop in India. In spite of being a crop of the temperate region, wheat is grown in large areas in north-west India during winter because of the following reasons—
Geography Class 10 West Bengal Board
1. Climate: As northwest India lies in subtropical and temperate zones, the climate prevalent here is ideal for wheat cultivation during the winters.
2. Temperature: An average temperature ranging between 14-20°C is favorable for wheat cultivation. Such temperature condition is found in northwest India during winter.
3. Availability of water: Generally, an average annual rainfall of 50-100cm is best suited for wheat cultivation. The northwestern parts of India receive rainfall during winter caused by western disturbances.
However, this rainfall is not sufficient enough for growing wheat. So, the need for extra water is fulfilled by improved irrigation facilities.
4. Sunny and cool weather: In the case of wheat cultivation, moist and cool climatic conditions are necessary while sowing the seeds, dry and warm climate when the panicle comes out, light rainfall when the grains mature, and sunny and cool climate while harvesting. Such kind of climatic conditions prevails in northwest India.
5. Frost-free days: Wheat cultivation requires 110 frost-free days. Although the states of northwest India experience extremely cold weather in winter, there is no occurrence of snowfall in most of these regions. This provides a condition suitable enough for wheat cultivation.
Apart from the above-mentioned reasons, the extensive plainlands and fertile alluvial soil of northwest India are highly favorable for wheat cultivation.
Question 13. Mention three important characteristics of Indian agriculture.
Answer:
Three important characteristics of Indian agriculture are as follows—
1. Subsistence farming: India is a highly populated country, and most of the food grains grown are mainly consumed by the farmers and their families. Not much agricultural produce is left for the purpose of export and sale.
2. Importance of food crops: In India, priority is given to the cultivation of food crops rather than cash crops to meet the needs of the growing population.
More than 75% of cultivated land in India is used for growing food crops. About 52% of the total income from agricultural products comes only from food crops.
3. Use of animals: Indian agriculture is not yet developed to an extent that the use of modern machinery such as tractors and harvesters would be popular everywhere.
To date, in many regions, farmers are dependent on animals like bullocks and buffaloes for plowing agricultural plots.
Question 14. Discuss any three problems of Indian agriculture.
Answer:
Three problems of Indian agriculture are discussed below—
1. Low yield per hectare: In India, the yield per hectare of crops is quite low. In the year 2016-17, the yield of rice was only about 2550 kg per hectare. The causes behind such low yield of crops per hectare are—
- limited irrigation facilities,
- less use of fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides,
- limited use of modern machinery and
- poor knowledge of farmers regarding modern and improved agricultural practices.
2. Ownership of agricultural lands: Most Indian farmers are either marginal farmers or landless farmers. This is because large tracts of land are owned by a few rich farmers. The landless peasants lose interest in cultivating crops as they earn no substantial benefit from it.
3. Dependence on monsoons: Agriculture in India is heavily dependent on the monsoons. Irregularity in the onset and retreat of monsoons along with the occurrence of floods and drought adversely affect crop production in the country.
Question 15. What are the reasons behind the low yield of crops per hectare in India?
Answer:
The different reasons behind the low yield of crops per hectare in India are as follows—
1. Small land holdings: Most of the agricultural plots in India are quite small in size. This restricts the use of modern machinery and the implementation of improved farming techniques. As a result, crop yield per hectare becomes low.
2. Limited use of HYV seeds: In India, high-yielding variety seeds of different crops are still not used extensively. Thus, the yield of crops per hectare remains low.
3. Less use of fertilizers and insecticides: Fertilisers and insecticides are less used while cultivating crops in India. This leads to low crop yield per hectare.
4. Lack of irrigation facilities: Not all agricultural plots in India are benefited from irrigation facilities. So, in that case, the cultivation of crops becomes dependent on rainfall only. This too causes a low yield of crops per hectare.
5. Subsistence farming: Most farmers in India produce crops that are sufficient for their own consumption only. There is an insufficient surplus left for sale or export. This leads to a low yield of crops per hectare.
Question 16. Why is subsistence farming more commonly practiced than commercial farming in India?
Answer:
The reasons why subsistence farming is more commonly practiced in India than commercial farming are as follows—
1. Favourable climate: Tea is a tropical plant. An average temperature of 20-30°C and annual rainfall of 200cm are favorable for tea cultivation. Such weather conditions prevail in this state. Almost every month, rainfall occurs to some extent here.
2. Sloping land: The undulating and sloping landscape of this state is ideal for tea cultivation.
3. Soil: Tea thrives well in the slightly acidic friable loamy soil found here.
4. Other reasons: Investors have invested large sums of money in the tea estates of Assam. Apart from this, Guwahati Tea Auction Centre, its proximity to the Kolkata port, and its modern infrastructure have facilitated tea cultivation in Assam.
Question 17. Discuss the problems of tea cultivation in India and mention their solutions.
Answer:
The problems of tea cultivation in India and their feasible solutions are as follows—
| Problems |
Feasible resolutions |
| Most tea gardens in India are quite old, (older than 100 years).
Also, there is a lack of space for extending these tea gardens. |
Unused lands near the foothills are being targeted to establish small tea gardens. |
| Many tea gardens have closed down due to financial crises and disputes. |
These tea gardens are being re-opened by initiatives taken by the government and also by introducing cooperative farming. |
| Tea production in India is costlier than in other countries. |
Maximum utilization of labor and use of solar energy are some ways of reducing the cost of tea production. |
| Heavy competition in the international market has reduced the sale of Indian tea. |
Efforts are being made to improve the quality of tea and reduce its price in the world market. |
Question 18. Classify cotton according to the size of the fiber.
Answer:
Cotton can be classified into four types according to the size of the fiber. These are—
1. Very long-staple cotton fiber: This type of cotton fiber has a length equal to or more than 35 mm. This is the best quality cotton. It is mixed with polyester to make fine-quality cloth.
2. Long staple cotton fiber: This type of cotton fiber are smooth and is 30-35mm long. These are bright as silk and fine as wool.
3. Medium staple cotton fiber: This type of cotton fiber is 25-30 mm long.
4. Short staple cotton fiber: This type of cotton fiber has a length of less than 25 mm. It is low-quality cotton with rough and coarse fibers.
Geography Class 10 West Bengal Board
Question 19. Discuss the problems of cotton cultivation in India and state their remedial measures.
Answer:
The problems of cotton cultivation in India and their remedial measures are discussed below-
| Problems |
Remedial measures |
| Mainly medium and short-staple cotton is cultivated in India which is not suitable for making cotton clothes. |
Seeds of long-staple cotton are being imported and research is being carried out so that long-staple cotton fibers can be grown in India. |
| The hectare yield of cotton in India is low (519kg per hectare).
The attack of the boll weevil is one of the main causes of such low yield. |
Modern equipment, good quality fertilizers, and insecticides as well as better irrigation facilities are being used to increase the production of cotton. |
| Huge capital is required for buying good quality seeds, fertilizers, insecticides, farming equipment, and also for labor payments.
Capital loans on easy terms and conditions are difficult to arrange in India. |
The government has instructed the nationalized banks to sanction loans on easy terms and low-interest rates to the farmers who are involved in cotton cultivation. |
Question 20. Differentiate between fiber crops and plantation crops.
Answer:
The differences between fiber crops and plantation crops are as follows—
| Point of difference |
Fiber crops |
Plantation crops |
| Use |
Fibers are obtained from these crops which are used to make fabrics, ropes, paper, etc. |
These crops are mainly consumed as fruits, beverages, and spices. |
| Output |
These crops give output only once. So new saplings have to be sown every year. Example: Jute, cotton |
The crops give output for many years once they have been planted. Example: Tea, coffee, rubber. |
| Storage of crops |
The crops can be stored for a long time. |
Most of these crops cannot be stored for a long time. |
Question 21. Why is subsistence farming more commonly practiced than commercial farming in India?
Answer:
1. Huge population: India is a highly populated country. Thus, lands required for extending agricultural plots and implementing modern farming techniques are not readily available.
2. Small land holdings: In India, small land holdings are commonly seen which are not suitable for the purpose of commercial farming.
3. Land ownership: Most agricultural plots are properties of single owners. So, the practice of cooperative farming is not so popular.
4. Crops preferred: Most farmers prefer the cultivation of food crops rather than cash crops.
5. Lack of capital: Most farmers are either marginal farmers or landless farmers. They do not have the necessary capital they can invest.
So, the farmers cannot opt for better quality seeds, fertilizers, and types of machinery even if they want to due to a lack of capital.
Thus, due to the above-mentioned reasons, subsistence farming is more commonly practiced in India than commercial farming.
Question 22. mention the solutions for the problems of Indian agriculture.
Answer:
The solutions for the problems of Indian agriculture are as follows—
1. Use of HYV seeds: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has taken initiative to popularise the use of high-yielding variety seeds among farmers to increase crop yield.
The National Seeds Corporation Limited (NSCL), State Farms Corporation of India Limited (SFCI), and numerous other non-governmental organizations are working to increase the use of FIYV seeds all over India.
About 500 FIYV seeds of rice and 250 FIYV seeds of wheat are being currently used in Indian agriculture.
Geography Class 10 West Bengal Board
2. Use of chemical fertilizers: The use of chemical fertilizers such as nitrogenous fertilizers, phosphate-based fertilizers, and potash has been encouraged to increase crop yield.
Many government organizations have set up units that manufacture different chemical fertilizers. However, the product is not sufficient enough to meet the demand for fertilizers in India.
Fluence, huge amounts of fertilizers are imported. The application of fertilizers has led to an increase in crop yield in recent times.
3. Soil conservation: Several steps have been adopted for the conservation of soil in India which includes terrace cultivation, contour farming, and different modern methods of farming.
The Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation (IISWC) has been established to look after matters pertaining to soil conservation. Apart from these, the state governments have taken initiatives to bring about soil
Question 23. What is the importance of agriculture in India?
Answer:
The importance of agriculture in India is discussed below-
1. Employment: Agriculture is one of the most important means of employment in India. A majority of the population is either directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture.
2. Source of food: Agriculture caters to the food requirement of the Indian population.
3. Source of National Income: In India, agriculture is one of the main sources of National Income.
4. Source of raw materials: Different raw materials required for agro-based industries such as tea, coffee, cotton textile, jute textile, sugar, edible oil, and food processing are provided by agriculture.
5. Source of foreign currency: Agricultural products like jute, tea, coffee, sugar, cashew nuts, tobacco, and spices are exported to foreign countries. Thus, agriculture is a chief source of foreign currency.
6. Expansion of transport and business: Agriculture has helped in the expansion of trade and commerce as well as transport and communication in India.
Agricultural products are transported to markets and agro-based raw materials are transported to industries across the country through roadways and railways.
7. Market: Different markets and trading centers have come up in different regions of India for the purpose of trading agricultural products. Thus, agriculture in India has great economic importance.
Chapter 6 India- Economic Environment Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1. What do you mean by the term ‘agriculture’?
Answer:
Agriculture:
Agriculture was the very first step towards a settled human civilization and has been a primary economic activity of man.
The word ‘agriculture’ originates from two Latin words—’ager’ meaning field or land and ‘culture’ meaning growing or cultivation.
So, agriculture literally means the cultivation of land. However, in recent times, agriculture is not only limited to growing crops but also includes animal rearing, pisciculture, planting trees, and other related activities.
These are done with the motive to sustain and enhance human life.
Geography Class 10 West Bengal Board
Question 2. Name some high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds of rice. What is the characteristic feature of these seeds?
Answer:
Some high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds of rice:
Some of the commonly used high-yielding variety seeds of rice in India are—IR-8, IR- 20, TN-1, Taichung-65, Jaya, Ratna, Vijaya, Pankaj, Bahadur, Ranjit, and Biplab.
Cultivation of HYV seeds leads to greater crop yield in less time and these seeds require adequate amounts of water, fertilizers, and insecticides.
Question 3. Name the major wheat-producing states of India.
Answer:
The major wheat-producing states of India are—Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Bihar, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
Question 4. Name some HYV seeds of wheat.
Answer:
Some HYV seeds of wheat commonly used in India are—Sonalika, Kalyan Sona, Sona 227, Safed Larma, and Choti Larma.
Question 5. Name the countries to which India exports tea.
Answer:
India exports tea to countries like the United Kingdom, Russia, Iran, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, and Germany.
Question 6. Name the countries to which India exports coffee.
Answer:
India exports coffee to countries like Italy, Russia, Germany, Turkey, and Belgium.
Question 7. Name the countries to which India exports cotton.
Answer:
India exports cotton to countries like China, Sri Lanka, the British Isles, Germany, Taiwan, and Bangladesh.
Question 8. Write a short note on plantation agriculture.
Answer:
Plantation agriculture:
The concept of plantation agriculture was introduced in the tropical and sub-tropical areas of Asia, Africa, and America by the different colonial powers of Europe.
In India, plantation agriculture was introduced by the British during the 19th century. Various cash crops such as rubber, tea, and coffee are grown on plantation farms across many states of India like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, and Assam.
The main objective of plantation agriculture is to grow crops meant for sale using modern machinery, fertilizers, and specialized labor. This results in a greater yield of crops. Monoculture is seen in this form of agriculture.
Question 9. Name some HYV seeds of cotton.
Answer:
Some HYV seeds of cotton commonly used are—Sujata, Bharati, MCU-4, and MCU-5.
Question 10. What do you mean by cash crops?
Answer:
Cash crops:
The crops which are cultivated by farmers for sale and to earn a profit are called cash crops. For example, sugarcane, cotton, and jute are cultivated as cash crops in India.
Question 11. What is crop rotation?
Answer:
Crop rotation:
Crop rotation is the practice of successive cultivation of different crops in a particular sequence over a definite period of time on the same agricultural tract.
For example, if wheat is grown in the first year on a piece of land, then in the next successive year potato, barley, and pulses are grown on that piece of land. In the fifth year, wheat is again grown there. In this way, crop rotation is successively carried out.
Question 12. What are the objectives of crop rotation?
Answer:
The different objectives of crop rotation are—
- Maintaining soil fertility,
- Protecting crops against pests,
- Surplus crop production and
- Preserving crop diversity.
Question 13. How can you classify cotton?
Answer:
According to the length of the fiber, cotton can be classified into four categories—
- Very long-staple cotton (equal to or more than 35 mm),
- Long staple cotton (30-35mm),
- Medium staple cotton (25-30mm),
- Short staple cotton (less than 25mm). In India, the production of medium staple cotton is more.
Question 14. Name two important coffee-producing states of India.
Answer:
Two important coffee-producing states of India are—Karnataka and Kerala.
Question 15. Name some of the leading rice-producing states of India.
Answer:
Some of the leading rice-producing states of India are—West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, Chattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Assam, and Haryana.
Question 16. Name two high-yielding variety seeds of each rice and wheat which have been developed by hybridization.
Answer:
Two HYV seeds of rice—IR-8 and Jaya. Two HYV seeds of wheat—Sonalika and Kalyan Sona.
Question 17. Name the top three tea-producing states of India.
Answer:
The top three tea-producing states of India are—Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu.
Question 18. Where are the main rice and wheat research institutes of India located?
Answer:
The main rice research institute of India is located in Cuttack and the main wheat research institute of India is located in Pusa near Delhi.
Question 19. Write a short note on fiber crops.
Answer:
Crops that are grown for their fibers are called fiber crops. The fibers are used to make paper, cloth, and rope.
Fibre crops can be of three types—
Seed fibers: These types of fibers are collected from the seeds, such as cotton.
Leaf fibers: These types of fibers are collected from the leaves, such as sisal.
Question 20. What do you mean by beverage crops? Give two examples.
Answer:
Beverage crops
Beverage crops are those crops that yield drinks suitable for human consumption. The two most common beverage crops that are grown in India are tea and coffee.
Question 21. What are Kharif crops?
Answer:
Kharif crops
In India, crops that are sown with the onset of the southwest monsoons are called Kharif crops. These are rainfed crops and are sown in mid-June and harvested in mid-October. Aman rice, cotton, and sugarcane are some examples of Kharif crops.
Question 22. What are rabi crops?
Answer:
Rabi crops:
In India, crops that are grown during the winter season with the arrival of the northeast monsoon winds are called rabi crops. These crops are sown in October-November and are harvested in March-April. Wheat, barley, and mustard are some examples of rabi crops.
Question 23. What are zaid crops?
Answer:
Zaid crops:
In India, crops that are grown during the short cropping season between the rabi and kharif seasons are called zaid crops. These crops are sown during the spring season (March) and harvested before the arrival of monsoons (June). Watermelon, muskmelon, brinjal, cucumber, and tomato are some examples of zaid crops.
Question 24. What do you mean by winter wheat and spring wheat?
Answer:
Winter wheat and spring wheat:
Winter wheat is wheat that is grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions during the winter season under cool climatic conditions. Spring wheat is the wheat that is grown during the spring season on lands that were covered by snow in the winter season but are now moist due to the melting of the snow.
In India, winter wheat is cultivated in most places. However, in some remote areas in the Himalayas, spring wheat is also cultivated on a small scale.
Question 25. What are Aman rice and Boro rice?
Answer:
Aman rice and Boro rice:
The variety of rice which is cultivated during the monsoon season and is dependent on the amount of rainfall is called Aman rice. The variety of rice which is cultivated during the winter season and is dependent on irrigation is called Boro rice.
Question 26. Why is it better to cultivate tea on hill slopes?
Answer:
Standing water adversely affects tea cultivation as it causes the roots of the plants to rot. So hill slopes are preferable for tea cultivation as there is no chance of rainwater accumulating.
Question 27. What is a boll weevil?
Answer:
Boll weevil:
Boll weevil is a pest that feeds on cotton buds and flowers. It is a beetle that infests the cotton crop and poses a great threat to cotton cultivation. Thus, a substantial amount of insecticide is required for cotton cultivation.
Question 28. Write down the uses of tea.
Answer:
The uses of tea are—
- It is a popular beverage consumed by many across the world.
- It is used for cleaning wooden
- furniture and floors.
- Tannin obtained from tea is used in dyeing in the textile industry and is also used for tanning leather.
- Tea oil is used as cooking oil.
Question 29. Mention any two problems of Indian agriculture.
Answer:
Two problems of Indian agriculture are—
1. Small land holdings: The average size of agricultural plots in India is only 1.2 hectares. Such small lands are not suitable for using advanced and modern equipment for farming.
2. Outdated farming methods: In most regions of India, HYV seeds, insecticides, pesticides, and modern farming machinery are not used effectively. Instead, outdated farming methods are practiced in different parts of India leading to low crop yield.
Question 30. What do you mean by subsistence agriculture?
Answer:
Subsistence agriculture
The farming practice in which crops are grown with the sole purpose that the agricultural produce will be consumed by the farmers and their family members only is called subsistence agriculture.
This type of agriculture is seen in some parts of Africa and south-east Asia.
Question 31. State the importance of terrace cultivation.
Answer:
The importance of terrace cultivation:
The steep slope of the land in hilly regions increases the speed of soil erosion. In terrace cultivation, the slope is cut into steps or stairs (resembling a terrace).
Thus, the general slope of the land is reduced and flat stretches of land are created along the hills. This helps to reduce the speed of running water, thus reducing soil erosion.
Terrace cultivation is commonly practiced for the cultivation of rice, wheat, soybean, etc. Hence, terrace cultivation is of immense importance in reducing soil erosion and helping in soil conservation in mountainous areas.
Chapter 6 India- Economic Environment MCQs
Write the correct answer From the given alternatives
Question 1. Rabi crops are cultivated in—
- Summer
- Monsoon
- Winter
- Autumn
Answer: 3. Winter
Question 2. The Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research is located in—
- Cuttack
- Lucknow
- Pusa
- Jorhat
Answer: 2. Lucknow
Question 3. Boro rice is harvested in—
- Winter
- Monsoon
- Summer
- Spring
Answer: 3. Summer
Question 4. ‘Sujata’ is a high-yielding variety seed of—
- Rice
- Wheat
- Cotton
- Sugarcane
Answer: 3. Cotton
Question 5. Which state in India occupies the leading position in coffee production?
- Tamil Nadu
- Kerala
- Karnataka
- Maharashtra
Answer: 3. Karnataka
Question 6. Which of the following is a Kharif crop?
- Wheat
- Cotton
- Mustard
- Barley
Answer: 2. Cotton
Question 7. Which of the following is a rabi crop?
- Rice
- Wheat
- Jute
- Cotton
Answer: 2. Wheat
Question 8. The minimum number of frost-free days required for the cultivation of wheat is—
- 50 days
- 60 days
- 100 days
- 110 days
Answer: 2. 60 days
Question 9. How much rainfall is required for the cultivation of rice?
- 50-100cm
- 100-200 cm
- 300-400 cm
- 400-500 cm
Answer: 2. 100-200 cm
Question 10. Which state in India is the leading producer of tea?
- West Bengal
- Assam
- Kerala
- Tamil Nadu
Answer: 2. Assam
Question 11. Which states in India have been marked as the ‘wheat growing zone’ by ICAR?
- Haryana-Uttar Pradesh
- Uttar Pradesh-Bihar
- Punjab-Haryana
- Bihar-West Bengal
Answer: 2. Uttar Pradesh-Bihar
Question 12. Which is the largest tea-producing state in India in terms of per-hectare yield?
- West Bengal
- Assam
- Kerala
- Karnataka
Answer: 4. Karnataka
Question 13. Which of the following is a plantation crop?
- Rice
- Jute
- Tea
- Sugarcane
Answer: 3. Tea
Question 14. The hilly region of Karnataka is famous for the cultivation of which crop?
- Coffee
- Wheat
- Tea
- Rice
Answer: 1. Coffee
Question 15. Find the odd one out from the following—
- Jowar
- Bajra
- Ragi
- Rice
Answer: 4. Rice
Question 16. Which state in India occupies the top position in rice production?
- Andhra Pradesh
- West Bengal
- Uttar Pradesh
- Punjab
Answer: 2. West Bengal
Question 17. Which Indian state is the leading producer of rice in terms of per-hectare yield?
- West Bengal
- Bihar
- Punjab
- Haryana
Answer: 3. Punjab
Question 18. Which state in India is the largest producer of bajra?
- Rajasthan
- Uttar Pradesh
- Gujarat
- Haryana
Answer: 4. Haryana
Question 19. Which district in Karnataka is the leading producer of coffee?
- Mysore
- Mandya
- Kodagu
- Hassan
Answer: 3. Kodagu
Question 20. The soil which is best suited for cotton cultivation is—
- Laterite soil
- Red soil
- Black soil
- Sandy soil
Answer: 3. Black soil
Question 21. Wheat is a—
- Rabi crop
- Kharjf crop
- Zaid crop
- Beverage crop
Answer: Rabi crop
Question 22. The farming system in which the total agricultural production is consumed by farmers and their family members is known as—
- Subsistence farming
- Commercial farming
- Orchard farming
- Mixed farming
Answer: 1. Subsistence farming
Question 23. The state which ranks first in jowar production in India is—
- Maharashtra
- Uttar Pradesh
- Bihar
- West Bengal
Answer: 1. Maharashtra
Question 24. ‘Kalyan Sona’ is a high-yielding variety seed of—
- Rice
- Wheat
- Tea
- Cotton
Answer: 2. Wheat
Question 25. The National Seeds Corporation was established in the year—
- 1963
- 1965
- 1977
- 1980
Answer: 1. 1963
Question 26. One of the popular high-yielding variety seed of rice in India is—
- Sonalika
- Kalyan Sona
- IR-8
- Safed Larma
Answer: 3. IR-8
Question 27. Aman rice is sown in the months of—
- April-May
- August-September
- June-July
- November-December
Answer: 3. June-July
Question 28. The Tea Research Institute in India is located in—
- Chikmagalur, Karnataka
- Darjeeling, West Bengal
- Jorhat, Assam
- Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Answer: 3. Jorhat, Assam
Question 29. The leading producer of sugarcane in India is—
- Uttar Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Karnataka
- Punjab
Answer: 1. Uttar Pradesh
Question 30. Shifting cultivation in India is known as—
- Tamrai
- Ladang
- Jhum
- Roka
Answer: 3. Jhum
Question 31. The term ‘Green Revolution’ was first used by
- Dr. Norman Borlaug
- William Gaud
- Samuel Salmon
- Surajit Datta
Answer: 1. Dr. Norman Borlaug
Question 32. The Central Rice Research Institute of India is located in—
- Pusa
- Cuttack
- Chandannagar
- Hyderabad
Answer: 2. Cuttack
Question 33. The Green Revolution in India was most effective in the production of—
- Oilseeds
- Rice
- Wheat
- Tea
Answer: 3. Wheat
Question 34. Boll weevil feeds on—
- Tea
- Rice
- Wheat
- Cotton
Answer: 4. Cotton
Question 35. Cotton is a type of—
- Food crop
- Beverage crop
- Plantation crop
- Fibre crop
Answer: 4. Fibre crop
Question 36. An example of Zaid crop is—
- Watermelon
- Mustard
- Rice
- Wheat
Answer: 1. Watermelon
Question 37. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of Indian agriculture?
- The predominance of food crops
- Large agricultural land holdings
- Extensive farming methods
- Modern agricultural types of equipment
Answer: 1. Predominance of food crops
Question 38. An important oilseed grown in India is—
- Potato
- Wheat
- Mustard
- Coffee
Answer: 3. Mustard
Question 39. Which of the following type of soil is best for rice cultivation?
- Alluvial soil
- Sandy soil
- Black soil
- Red soil
Answer: 1. Alluvial soil
Question 40. What is the position of India in the global production of sugarcane and cotton?
- First
- Second
- Third
- Fourth
Answer: 2. Second
Question 41. The Coffee Board of India is located in—
- Kolkata
- Bengaluru
- Chennai
- Ahmedabad
Answer: 2. Bengaluru
Question 42. Wheat is a—
- Rabi crop
- Kharif crop
- Zaid crop
- Beverage crop
Answer: 1. Rabi crop
Chapter 6 India-Economic Environment If The Statement Is True, Write True, And If False Write False Against The Following
Question 1. The northern region of India accounts for the maximum amount of wheat production.
Answer: True
Question 2. Barley is a Kharif crop.
Answer: False
Question 3. Coffee grows best on red sandy loamy soil.
Answer: True
Question 4. Jute is a plantation crop.
Answer: False
Question 5. India is the leading producer of tea in the world.
Answer: False
Question 6. India occupies the top position in global rice production.
Answer: False
Question 7. Alluvial soil found in river valleys is ideal for the cultivation of rice.
Answer: True
Question 8. Most of the rice in India is cultivated in winter as a rabi crop.
Answer: False
Question 9. During summer, an average temperature ranging from 16°-30°C is required for the cultivation of tea.
Answer: True
Question 10. Wheat is cultivated during the summer season in India.
Answer: False
Question 11. Saline soil is most suitable for cotton cultivation.
Answer: True
Question 12. In India, the crops grown in the summer season are called Kharif crops.
Answer: False
Question 13. Standing water is good for tea cultivation.
Answer: False
Question 14. India is the leading exporter of tea in the global market.
Answer: False
Question 15. Cash crops are those which are cultivated in order to earn a profit by selling them.
Answer: True
Question 16. Shade trees are planted in coffee plantations in order to protect the crop from direct sunlight.
Answer: True
Question 17. Coffee is a food crop grown in India.
Answer: False
Question 18. Small land holdings are one of the characteristic features of Indian agriculture.
Answer: False
Question 19. Agriculture in India is labor-intensive in nature.
Answer: True
Question 20. Soil erosion and drought adversely affect the agricultural produce in India.
Answer: True
Question 21. The southwest monsoon winds mainly control agricultural activities in India.
Answer: True
Question 22. Irrigated water from the Bhakra-Nangal Project has helped in improving agricultural practices in Punjab and Haryana.
Answer: True
Question 23. India occupies the second position in coffee production in the world.
Answer: False
Question 24. Lands with proper drainage systems are required for cotton cultivation.
Answer: True
Question 25. Black soil is ideal for the cultivation of wheat.
Answer: False
Chapter 6 India-Economic Environment Fill In The Blanks With Suitable Words
Question 1. The main food crop of India is_______
Answer: Rice
Question 2. The main wheat research institute in India is located in_______ near Delhi.
Answer: Pusa
Question 3. Tea grows best on _______
Answer: Hill slopes
Question 4. The state which is the leading producer of cotton in India is_______
Answer: Maharastra
Question 5. The black soil region of the Deccan Trap is famous for the cultivation of _______
Answer: Cotton
Question 6. In Andhra Pradesh, a large quantity of rice is cultivated in the_______ river valley and its deltaic region.
Answer: Godavari
Question 7. West Bengal is famous for the cultivation of_______
Answer: Rice
Question 8. The most important rabi crop in India is_______
Answer: Wheat
Question 9. The leading producer of ragi in India is_______
Answer: Karnataka
Question 10._______ soil is most suitable for the cultivation of ragi.
Answer: Laterite
Question 11. In India, the_______ crops are also called ‘monsoon crops’.
Answer: Kharif
Question 12. The state of_______ ranks first in the production of wheat in India.
Answer: Uttar Pradesh
Question 13._______ is called the ‘Orange City’.
Answer: Nagpur
Question 14. A country that imports coffee from India is_______
Answer: Italy
Question 15. The second leading producer of tea in India is _______
Answer: West Bengal
Question 16. Tea is an important_______ crop.
Answer: Plantation
Question 17. Coffee grows best in_______ climatic conditions.
Answer: Hot And Humid
Question 18. _______ ranks first in the production of Jowar in India.
Answer: Maharashtra
Question 19. The Green Revolution is also called the _______ revolution by many in India.
Answer: Wheat
Question 20. _______ is an example of a beverage crop.
Answer: Tea
Question 21. The _______ soil region of Punjab and Haryana is favorable for extensive agricultural activities.
Answer: Alluvial
Question 22. In India, _______ seeds have been introduced to increase crop production.
Answer: High yielding
Question 23._______ is a millet crop that is cultivated in the sandy soils of India.
Answer: Bajra
Question 24._______ crops are grown in the short duration between kharif and rabi crop seasons.
Answer: Zaid
Question 25._______ is harmful for the cultivation of sugarcane.
Answer: Frost
Chapter 6 India-Economic Environment Answer In One Or Two Words
Question 1. Name two kharif crops grown in India.
Answer: Rice and jute.
Question 2. Name two rabi crops grown in India.
Answer: Mustard and wheat.
Question 3. Mention any one method of increasing agricultural yield in India.
Answer: Using high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds.
Question 4. Name two beverage crops produced in India.
Answer: Tea and coffee.
Question 5. Which is the main fiber crop grown in India?
Answer: Cotton.
Question 6. Which is the most important beverage crop in India?
Answer: Tea.
Question 7. Which state in India is the leading producer of rice?
Answer: West Bengal.
Question 8. What is India’s position in global rice production?
Answer: Second.
Question 9. Which crops are collectively called millets?
Answer: Jowar, bajra, and ragi.
Question 10. What is India’s position in global sugarcane production?
Answer: Second.
Question 11. Name two cash crops of India.
Answer: Sugarcane and cotton.
Question 12. Which crop is attacked by the pest boll weevil?
Answer: Cotton.
Question 13. Name two HYV seeds of rice popular in India.
Answer: Ratna and Jaya.
Question 14. Name two HYV seeds of wheat commonly used in India.
Answer: Sonalika and Kalyan Sona.
Question 15. Which state of India occupies the top position in ragi production?
Answer: Karnataka.
Question 16. Which soil in India is ideal for cotton cultivation?
Answer: Black soil.
Question 17. Name two HYV seeds of cotton commonly used in India.
Answer: Sujata and Bharati.
Question 18. Which type of land is ideal for tea cultivation?
Answer: Slope land.
Question 9. Which types of crops are commonly used as fodder?
Answer: Millets (jowar, bajra, and ragi).
Question 20. Which variety of coffee is mainly grown in India?
Answer: Robusta.
Question 21. Which type of crop is Aaus rice?
Answer: Zaid crop.
Question 22. Which type of wheat is mostly grown in India?
Answer: Winter wheat.
Question 23. According to the length of fiber (staple), which variety of cotton is mostly grown in India?
Answer: Short to medium staple cotton.
Question 24. Give an example of a Zaid crop.
Answer: Pumpkin.
Question 25. Which type of crops are grown on the basis of the onset of southwest monsoon winds in India?
Answer: Kharif crops.
Question 26. Which type of soil is best suited for tea cultivation?
Answer: Iron-rich fertile alluvial soil.
Question 27. Name any one tea-producing state of south India.
Answer: Tamil Nadu.
Question 28. What is a boll weevil?
Answer: Pest of cotton.
Question 29. Where is the main rice research institute located in West Bengal?
Answer: Chinsurah.
Question 30. Write any two problems pertaining to Indian agriculture.
Answer: Low yield per hectare and small land holdings.
Question 31. Mention any two solutions for the problems associated with Indian agriculture.
Answer: Use of advanced machinery and easy availability of agricultural loans.
Chapter 6 India-Economic Environment Match The Left Column With The Right Column
1.
| Left column |
Right column |
| 1. Uttar Pradesh |
A. Leading producer of cotton of India |
| 2. Assam |
B. Leading Producer of wheat in India |
| 3. West Bengal |
C. Leading producer of coffee in India |
| 4. Maharashtra |
D. Leading Producer of tea in India |
| 5. Karnataka |
E. Leading Producer of rice in India |
Answer: 1-B,2-D,3-E,4-A,5-C
2.
| Left column |
Right column |
| 1. Cuttack |
A. Sugar cane research institute |
| 2. Pusa |
B. Tea research institute |
| 3. Jorhat |
C. Cofee research institute |
| 4. Lucknow |
D. Wheat research institute |
| 5. Nagpur |
E. Rice research institute |
Answer: 1-E,2-D,3-B,4-A,5-C
Chapter 6 India- Economic Environment Topic 2 Industries In India Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1. Discuss the factors which influence the location of industries. OR, Which factors should be considered before choosing a location for setting up an industry?
Answer:
Industries cannot be established anywhere and everywhere on the earth.
The factors which must be considered before setting up an industry are discussed below—
1. Raw materials: The location of the industry primarily depends upon the type of raw materials that are being used in that particular industry. Raw materials are of two types—
2. Pure raw materials: The raw materials which do not lose weight during their processing into finished products are called pure raw materials.
Examples—Cotton, and jute. One tonne of cotton or jute will produce one tonne of cotton fabric or jute goods. Thus, industries dependent on pure raw materials can be established anywhere between the source of raw materials and the market as the transportation cost remains the same.
3. Impure raw materials: The raw materials which lose weight during their processing into finished products are called impure raw materials.
For example— Sugar manufactured from sugarcane has less weight than that the raw material. So to reduce transportation costs, industries dependent on impure raw materials are established in the vicinity of the source of the raw material.
2. Water: Availability of water is essential for all industries for the industrial processes as well as for the workers. So industries are usually set up near waterbodies like rivers and lakes. Example—The iron and steel plant at Durgapur has been established near the Damodar river in West Bengal.
3. Power: Power is extremely important for the proper functioning of industry, especially thermal and hydroelectric power resources.
For this reason, many industries in Europe and America have grown up centring the coalfields. In India also, there are many industries which have been built close to thermal and hydel power plants.
4. Transport: A well-connected transport system is required for sourcing the raw materials, taking the finished products to the nearby market or port (for importing and exporting purposes) and movement of labourers and other people associated with the industry.
It is best to set up an industry at a location where the cost of transportation is minimum.
5. Availability of labour: The establishment of an industry requires an abundant supply of skilled and cheap labour.
Availability of labour is such an important factor that Bangladesh has progressed in the cotton textile industry only due to the presence of abundant labour although an adequate amount of cotton is not grown in this country.
6. Market: An industry develops depending on the market demand for a certain product. Wherever there is a demand for a particular product, industries based on that product are generally set up.
Example—Although cotton is not cultivated in West Bengal, the cotton textile industry has flourished in the Hooghly region because of the large population which led to the high demand for cotton clothes.
7. Capital: Huge capital investments are essential for setting up an industry. An adequate amount of capital is required to buy the plot, set up the industry, buy equipment and raw materials, establish factory shade, pay the wages of labourers and provide a continuous power supply
For example—The cotton textile industry has flourished to a great extent in western India due to huge capital investment by Gujarati and Parsi businessmen.
Question 2. Explain in brief the factors responsible for the development of the cotton textile industry in Western India.
OR, Discuss the causes of the concentration & of cotton textile industries in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad region. OR, Justify the concentration of cotton; in the textile industry in the black soil region of Western India.
Answer:
At present, there are many cotton textile mills concentrated in the western region of India (in the black soil region of western India) mainly in Maharashtra including the districts of Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Sholapur, Akola and Jalgaon and Gujarat including the districts of Ahmedabad, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara and Rajkot.
The causes behind the concentration of cotton textile industries in Western India are discussed below—
1. Best cotton-producing region: The black soil region of Maharashtra and Gujarat is extremely suitable for cotton cultivation. Hence, the raw materials (i.e., cotton) for the cotton textile industry are readily available in this region.
2. Humid climate: Hot and humid climate of this region due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea is favourable for cutting the yarn.
3. Power resources: Hydroelectric power plants in Ukai, Kadana (Gujarat) and Bhivpuri, Khopoli, Koyna (Maharashtra); thermal power plants in Trombay and Nasik (Maharashtra) provide the necessary power to the cotton textile mills.
4. Nearness to ports: Three important ports of India-Mumbai, Kandla and NhavaSheva (Jawaharlal Nehru port) and other smaller ports namely Surat and Porbander are located in this region. These ports help in the export of cotton fabric and the import of raw materials and necessary equipment.
5. Well-connected transportation system: The Western, Central and Konkan railways as well as the National Highways 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 pass over this region thereby forming a well-connected transportation system. This transport network helps in acquiring f raw materials and sending the finished products to different parts of the country.
6. Capital: Wealthy Gujarati, Parsi and Bhatia businessmen have invested huge capital in the cotton textile industry. Apart from this, Mumbai being the ‘financial capital’ of India is advantageous in terms of acquiring capital for the cotton textile industry.
7. Easy availability of labour: Abundant supply of skilled and cheap labour is found in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad region as this region is densely populated.
8. Infrastructure: Suitable infrastructure required for the development of the cotton textile industry is available here which has helped the industry flourish.
9. High demand: There is a huge demand for cotton clothes in our country because of the large population. Also, the high demand for cotton fabric in foreign markets has helped this industry grow.
Question 3. Discuss the problems of the cotton textile industry in India and their remedial solutions.
Answer:
The problems of the cotton textile industry are discussed below—
1. Lack of raw materials: Long staple cotton (suitable for making the best quality cotton fabric) is not available in adequate quantities in India.
2. High cost of production: Long staple cotton is imported from different countries which have led to an increase in the production cost.
3. Old machinery: Most of the cotton textile industries have old and outdated machinery which produces low-quality fabric. This has ultimately led to a high cost of production.
4. Stiff competition in the global market: The sale of cotton fabrics from India is limited in European countries. India also faces stiff competition from other countries in selling cotton fabric to the global market.
5. Competition with synthetic fibres: Synthetic fibres such as rayon, nylon, polyester, and acrylic are popularly used nowadays to make different fabrics. This has, to some extent, decreased the demand for cotton fabric.
6. Irregular power supply: Sometimes inadequate power supply to the cotton textile mills hampers production.
The remedial solutions to the problems faced by the cotton textile industry in India are as follows—
1. Modernisation of the industry: The Government of India has set up the Textile Modernisation Fund which will help in replacing old and outdated machinery with advanced ones and implement modern technologies in the production process.
2. Cultivation of long-staple cotton: To reduce the import of long-staple cotton from other countries, it is being cultivated in the northwestern region of India with the help of irrigation.
3. Reduction in excise duty: As per the recommendation of the Joshi Committee, the government has reduced the excise duty on cotton-based commodities.
4. Use of automated power looms: Fully automated power looms are being nowadays in order to increase the rate of production and reduce the price of the finished product.
5. Establishment of the cotton textile export promotion council: The cotton Textile export promotion council has been established in order to facilitate the export of cotton-based commodities.
6. Establishment of research institutes: Many research institutes like Ahmedabad Textile Research Association, Mumbai Textile Research Association and South India Textile Research Association have been set up to focus on the betterment of cotton fabrics.
7. Establishment of the National Textile Corporation: The National Textile Corporation (NTC) has been established to revive the sick cotton industries by introducing new machinery and advanced technology.
Question 4. Briefly discuss the causes that have influenced the development of the cotton textile industry in India.
Answer:
The cotton textile industry in India is a flourishing industry and there are at present, many cotton textile mills distributed all over the country.
Cotton textile industries in India can be divided into four categories on the basis of their location—
1. Western region,
2. Southern region,
3. Northern region and
4. Eastern region.
The causes that have influenced the development of cotton textile industries in these regions are discussed below—
1. Availability of raw materials: Adequate amount of cotton is grown in the black soil region of India which is used as the raw material in the cotton textile industry. Apart from this, the southern states of India have taken initiative to start the cultivation of long and very long staple cotton.
2. Humid climate: Hot and humid climate prevails in the states of peninsular India, especially the southern states which are highly favourable for cotton cultivation. This type of climate also helps in cutting the yarns. Nowadays, a humid atmosphere is artificially created in factories using humidifiers.
3. Easy power supply: A number of thermal power plants and hydel power plants have been established in this region in post-independent India.
These power plants supply the requisite power to the cotton and textile industries. Examples—Ukai, Koyna in western India; Hirakud, Talcher, Bandel in eastern India; Bhakra-Nangal, Rihand, Bhatinda in northern India; Mettur, Sivasamudram, Nagarjunasagar in southern India.
4. Proximity to ports: The raw materials are imported and the finished products are exported through the various ports situated close to the cotton textile mills. Example— Mumbai, Kandla (west coast of India); New Mangalore, Kochi, Chennai (south coast of India); Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, Haldia (east coast of India).
5. Well-connected transport system: Numerous railway lines, national highways and other important roads have been linked in such a way that a well-connected transport system has developed in India.
Thus, it has become easy to collect raw materials from different parts of the country and distribute the finished products all over the country.
6. Capital: Wealthy businessmen from the Parsi, Bhatia, and Gujarati communities as well as several government and non-governmental organizations have invested huge capital in the cotton textile industries of India.
7. Cheap labour: India is a highly populated country. Thus the availability of cheap and skilled labour is a favourable factor that promotes the development of cotton textile industries in India.
8. High demand: There is a huge demand for cotton fabrics in both national and international markets. This has helped in the development of the cotton textile industry in India.
Question 5. Discuss the locational advantages of any two large-scale iron and steel plants in India.
Answer:
Two large-scale iron and steel plants in India are the Indian Iron and Steel Company (Kulti-Burnpur) and Durgapur Steel Plant (Durgapur).
The locational advantages of these two large-scale iron and steel plants in India are discussed below—
1. Indian Iron and Steel Company (IISCO), Kulti’Burnpur
Location: This iron and steel plant is located on the banks of the river Damodar in Paschim Bardhaman district of West Bengal and is connected by the Eastern Railway. The steel plant partially lies in both Kulti and Burnpur.
Establishment: The iron and steel plant at Kulti was established in 1870 and that at Burnpur was established in 1919 under private enterprise. In 1973, these two plants were brought under the control of the government of India.
Locational advantages behind the establishment of IISCO
1. Raw materials: The raw materials needed for this iron and steel plant and the places from where they are acquired are given in the following table—
| Raw material |
Place |
| Coal |
Raniganj (West Bengal) and Jharia (Jharkhand). |
| Iron ore |
Gua; Noamundi (Jharkhand); Bolani, Gorumahisani, Badampahar (Odisha). |
| Limestone |
Gangpur and Birmitrapur (Odisha). |
| Dolomite |
Gangpur (Odisha). |
| Manganese |
Gangpur (Odisha). |
2. Availability of water: The nearby rivers, Damodar and Barakar meet the demand for water required for this iron and steel plant.
3. Refractory bricks: Refractory bricks sourced from coal mines at Raniganj are used in this plant.
4. Location of power plants: Power supply from the nearby thermal power plants at Durgapur, Dishergarh and Mejia provides the necessary power to the iron and steel plant.
5. Cheap labor: Cheap and skilled labourers from the nearby densely populated regions of Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal meet the demand of labourers required for this plant.
6. Well-connected transport system: National Highway 2 and the Eastern Railway help in transporting raw materials and finished products.
7. Proximity to ports: The ports at Haldia and Kolkata are within 230km of this plant. This helps in the export and import of goods necessary for this plant.
8. Demand: The rise in the demand for iron and steel in India as well as in other countries has created a good market for iron and steel-based products both in national and international markets.
2. Durgapur Steel Plant, Durgapur:
Location: This iron and steel plant is located on the eastern side of the Raniganj coal mines, beside the Eastern railway track on the banks of the Damodar river. Establishment: Established by government enterprise in 1956, but production started in 1962.
Locational advantages behind the establishment of the Durgapur Steel Plant:
1. Raw materials: The raw materials needed for this iron and steel plant and the places from where they are acquired are given in the following table—
| Raw material |
Place |
| Coal |
Raniganj (West Bengal) and Jharia (Jharkhand). |
| Iron ore |
Gua, Noamundi (Jharkhand); Gorumahisani, Badampahar (Odisha). |
| Limestone |
Gangpur and Birmitrapur (Odisha). |
| Manganese |
Gangpur (Odisha). |
Location of power plants: Durgapur thermal power plant provides the power necessary for the functioning of the plant and provides the water required for this plant
1. Cheap labour: Cheap and skilled labourers from Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal meet the demand of labour required for this plant.
2. Well-connected transport system: National Highway 2 and the Eastern Railway help in transporting raw materials and the finished products
3. Proximity to ports: Nearness of this plant to the Kolkata port (160km away) and the Haldia port (250 km away) provides opportunities for the import and export of goods.
4. Cheap labour: Cheap and skilled labourers from Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal meet the demand of labour required for this plant.
5. Well-connected transport system: National Highway 2 and the Eastern Railway help in transporting raw materials and the finished products
6. Proximity to ports: Nearness of this plant to the Kolkata port (160km away) and the Haldia port (250 km away) provides opportunities for the import and export of goods.
7. Demand: The establishment of heavy engineering industries in the eastern region of India as well as the high demand for iron and steel all over the world have created a good market for the finished products.
Question 6. Discuss the locational advantages of two iron and steel plants in India—one under the public sector and the other under the private sector.
Answer:
Two iron and steel plants in India, one under the public sector and the other under the private sector are—Bhilai Steel Plant at Bhilai and Tata Iron and Steel Company at Jamshedpur.
1. An iron and steel plant under the public sector—Bhilai Steel Plant
Location: The Bhilai Steel Plant is the largest iron and steel plant in India and is located at Bhilai in the Durg district of Chhattisgarh.
Establishment: This iron and steel plant was a government of India initiative and had a collaboration with erstwhile Soviet Russia. It was established in the year 1956. However, the plant became fully operational in 1959.
Locational advantages behind the establishment of Bhilai Steel Plant:
1. Raw materials: The raw materials needed for this iron and steel plant and the places from where they are acquired are given in the following table—
| Raw material |
Place |
| Coal |
Korba (Chhattisgarh); Jharia (Jharkhand). |
| Iron ore |
Dalli-Rajhara (Chhattisgarh). |
| Limestone |
Nandini and Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh). |
| Dolomite |
Hirri, Baradwar (Chhattisgarh). |
| Manganese |
Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh); Bhandara (Maharashtra). |
2. Availability of water: The Tendula reservoir situated close by supplies water to this plant.
3. Power resources: Bhilai Power Plant and Korba Thermal Power Station supply power to this plant.
4. Cheap labour: Cheap and skilled labourers from the nearby region are easily available. This is because the industry provides employment as there is a minimum scope of employment in the agricultural sector.
5. Well-connected transport system: The South-Eastern railway connects the steel plant to Mumbai and Kolkata whereas National Highway 6 connects the plant to other parts of the country.
6. Proximity to the port: The Visakhapatnam port is only 570km away from this plant. This facilitates the import of raw materials and the export of finished products.
7. Demand: High demand for iron and steel in central and western India, especially for the development of heavy engineering industries in western India has helped in the growth of this iron and steel plant.
2. An iron and steel plant under the private sector—Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO)
Location: The Tata Iron and Steel Company is located at Jamshedpur in the East Singbhum district of Jharkhand at the confluence of the Subarnarekha and Kharkai rivers. This is the largest of all the iron and steel plants in the private sector in India.
Establishment: TISCO was founded by pioneer industrialist Jamsetji Tata in the year 1907 at Jamshedpur.
Locational advantages behind the establishment of Tata Iron and Steel Company:
1. Raw materials: The raw materials needed for this iron and steel plant and the places from where they are acquired are given in the following table—
| Raw material |
Place |
| Coal |
Jharia, Bokaro (Jharkhand); Raniganj (West Bengal). |
| Iron ore |
Bolani, Barsua (Odisha); Gua, Meghahatuburu, Kiriburu (Jharkhand). |
| Limestone |
Gangpur, Birmitrapur (Odisha); Purnapani (Chhattisgarh). |
| Dolomite |
Sambalpur (Odisha); Baradwar (Chhattisgarh). |
| Manganese |
Gangpur, Kalahandi (Odisha). |
2. Availability of water: Ample supply of water is available from the river Subarnarekha and its tributary Kharkai.
3. Power resources: This steel plant has its own thermal power station which provides the necessary power resource.
4. Cheap labor: The highly populated regions of Jharkhand and Odisha are a source of cheap and skilled labour. As agricultural practices are not prevalent here, many people look for employment in the iron and steel industry.
5. Well-connected transport system: The industry is well-connected to the rest of the country by the South-Eastern Railway, and the National Highways 2, 23, 31, 33.
6. Proximity to port: The Kolkata port which is about 280 km away from this plant helps in the import of raw materials and export of finished products.
Establishment: The Bokaro Steel Plant was a government of India initiative and had a collaboration with erstwhile Soviet Russia. The plant was established in the year 1964 but it became fully operational in 1972.
Question 7. Discuss the geographical factors that have influenced the development of the Bokaro Steel Plant.
Answer:
Location: The Bokaro Steel Plant is located near the Bokaro coal mines in the Bokaro district of Jharkhand.
Establishment: The Bokaro Steel Plant was a government of India initiative and had a collaboration with erstwhile Soviet Russia.
The plant was established in the year 1964 but it became fully operational in 1972. The geographical factors that have influenced the development of the Bokaro Steel Plant are discussed below—
1. Raw materials: The raw materials needed for this iron and steel plant and the places from where they are acquired are given in the following table—
| Raw Material |
Place |
| Coal |
Bokaro, Jharia (Jharkhand). |
| Iron ore |
Chiria, Gua, Meghahatuburu, Kiriburu (Jharkhand). |
| Limestone |
Bhawanathpur, Daltonganj (Jharkhand); Birmitrapur (Odisha). |
| Dolomite |
Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh) |
| Manganese |
Ganpur (Odisha) |
2. Availability of water: Adequate amount 3 of water is collected from the Tenughat reservoir constructed over the Damodar river.
3. Power resources: The power required for this plant is sourced from the Bokaro and Patratu thermal power stations.
4. Cheap labour: Cheap and skilled labourers from Jharkhand form the majority of the workforce in this plant. As agricultural practices are not prevalent here, many people look for employment in the iron and steel industry.
5. Well-connected transport system: This iron and steel plant is connected to the rest of the country by the South-Eastern Railways and National Highways 2, 23, 31, and 33.
6. Proximity to port: The Kolkata port, located 320km away from this plant facilitates the import of raw materials and export of finished products.
7. Demand: The establishment of heavy engineering industries in Jamshedpur, Ranchi and adjacent areas has created a huge demand for the finished goods of this plant.
Question 8. Discuss the factors behind the development of iron and steel plants at Rourkela and Visakhapatnam.
Answer:
Rourkela Steel Plant
Location: The Rourkela Steel Plant is located on the banks of the Brahmani river in the Sundargarh district of Odisha, along the SouthEastern Railway track.
Establishment: The Rourkela Steel Plant was established in the year 1956. It was a government of India initiative in collaboration with the German company Krupps and Demag. The steel plant became fully functional in the year 1959.
The factors that have influenced the development of the iron and steel plant at Rourkela are discussed below—
1. Raw materials: The raw materials needed for this iron and steel plant and the places from where they are acquired are given in the following table—
| Raw material |
Place |
| Coal |
Jharia, Bokaro (Jharkhand); Raniganj (West Bengal). |
| Iron ore |
Bolani, Barsua (Odisha); Gua, Meghahatuburu, Kiriburu (Jharkhand). |
| Limestone |
Gangpur, Birmitrapur (Odisha); Purnapani (Chhattisgarh). |
| Dolomite |
Sambalpur (Odisha); Baradwar (Chhattisgarh). |
| Manganese |
Gangpur, Kalahandi (Odisha). |
2. Availability of water: Adequate amount of water for the steel plant is available from the Brahmani and Sankha rivers as well as from the reservoirs of south Koyel and Mandira.
3. Power resources: The power required for this plant is sourced from the Hirakud hydel power station.
4. Cheap labour: Cheap and skilled labourers from the nearby region are easily available because there is very less scope for employment in the agricultural sector.
5. Well-connected transport system: The South-Eastern Railways; East Coast Railways and several National Highways connect this steel plant to metropolitan cities like Kolkata, Mumbai and other parts of the county.
6. Proximity to port: The Paradeep port located 400 km away and the Kolkata port located 510 km away help in the import of raw materials and export of finished products.
7. Demand: The development of heavy engineering industries in eastern India has created a high demand for the iron and steel industry.
Visakhapatnam Steel Plant Location: This steel plant is located on the eastern coast of India in Visakhapatnam in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Establishment: The Visakhapatnam Steel Plant was established in 1982 and became fully functional in 1990. This is the largest iron and steel plant in the southern region of India.
The factors that have influenced the development of the iron and steel plant at Visakhapatnam are discussed below—
1. Raw materials: The raw materials needed for this iron and steel plant and the places from where they are acquired are given in the following table—
| Raw material |
Place |
| Coal |
Singareni (Telangana); Talcher (Odisha). |
| Iron ore |
Kadapa, Nellore, Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh); Bailadila (Chhattisgarh). |
| Limestone |
Jaggayyapeta (Andhra Pradesh); Badnapur, Katni (Madhya Pradesh). |
2. Availability of water: India-Economic Environment water is available from the reservoir situated over river Yeleru in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.
3. Power resources: The power required for this plant is sourced from the Ramagundam thermal power station.
4. Cheap labour: Cheap and skilled labour is easily available from nearby areas.
5. Well-connected transport system: The East Coast Railways and different roadways connect this steel plant with the rest of the country.
6. Proximity to port: The Visakhapatnam port is situated very close to this steel plant and even the Paradeep port is just 550km away from here. This helps in the import of raw materials and the export of finished products.
7. Demand: The development of heavy engineering industries in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha has created a good market for the finished products of this industry.
Question 9. Discuss the locational advantages of the Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Limited (Bhadravati Iron and Steel Plant).
Answer:
Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Limited (Bhadravati Iron and Steel Plant)
Location: The Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant is located in Bhadravati on the banks of river Bhadra in northern Karnataka.
Establishment: This plant was established in the year 1918, but it became fully operational in 1923. In 1962, the Government of India and the state government of Karnataka took charge (400km away) to help in the import of raw materials and export of finished products.
Locational advantages behind the establishment of Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Limited:
1. Raw materials: The raw materials needed for this iron and steel plant and the places from where they are acquired are given in the following table—
| Raw material |
Place |
| Iron ore |
Kemmanugundi, Bababudan hills (Karnataka). |
| Dolomite |
Bhundiguda (Karnataka). |
| Limestone |
Bhundiguda (Karnataka). |
| Manganese |
Shimoga, Chitradurga (Karnataka). |
2. Availability of water: The river Bhadra is the main source of water for this plant.
3. Power resources: The Mahatma Gandhi and Sharavati Valley hydroelectric power plants over the Jog waterfalls supply the required power to this plant.
4. Cheap labour: Skilled and cheap labour is easily available from the nearby densely populated regions of Karnataka.
5. Proximity to port: The New Mangalore port (210km away) and the Mormugao port
6. Well-connected transport system: The Southern and South-Central Railway and well-developed roadways help this plant to connect with the rest of the country.
7. Demand: The development of heavy engineering industries in western southern India has led to high demand for the finished products of this industry.
Question 10. Question What are the geographical factors behind the development of the iron and steel industry in West Bengal?
Answer:
There are two large-scale iron and steel plants in West Bengal—Durgapur Steel Plant in Durgapur and Indian Iron and Steel Company in Kulti-Burnpur.
Apart from these, there is the Alloy Steel Plant in Durgapur which focuses on the production of special steels.
The geographical causes behind the development of the iron and steel industry in West Bengal are discussed below—
1. Raw materials: The raw materials needed for the iron and steel industry located in West Bengal and the places from where they are acquired are given in the following table—
| Raw material |
Place |
| Coal |
Raniganj, Andal, Mejia, Dishergarh (West Bengal); Jharia (Jharkhand). |
| Iron ore |
Gua, Noamundi (Jharkhand); Gorumahisani, Badampahar, Bolani (Odisha). |
| Limestone |
Birmitrapur (Odisha). |
| Dolomite |
Gangpur (Odisha). |
| Manganese |
Gangpur (Odisha). |
2. Availability of water: Adequate amount of water is available from the nearby Damodar and Barakar rivers.
3. Power resources: Thermal power stations at Durgapur, Mejia and Dishergarh provide power to the iron and steel plants.
4. Well-connected transport system: The Eastern Railways, the Grand Trunk Road and the navigable canals constructed under the supervision of Damodar Valley Corporation connect the plants with the Hooghly industrial belt and the Kolkata port. This helps in importing raw materials and exporting and selling the finished products.
5. Proximity to ports: The ports at Haldia and Kolkata help in importing raw materials needed for the iron and steel industry and in exporting the finished products.
6. Cheap labour: Cheap and skilled labourers from the densely populated regions of Jharkhand and West Bengal are easily available.
Question 11. Explain the major factors responsible for the development of the Iron and Steel industry in Eastern and Central India
Answer:
There is a concentration of iron and steel plants in east and central India namely at Durgapur, Kulti-Burnpur, Jamshedpur, Rourkela and Bokaro (in the eastern region) and at Bhilai in central India).
Apart from these, approval has been granted for a few more iron and steel plants in this region.
The factors responsible for the concentration of iron and steel industry in east and central India are plants in this region discussed below—
1. Raw materials: The raw materials needed for the iron and steel plants in east and central India and the places from where they are acquired are given in the following table—
| Raw materials |
place |
| Coal |
East India: Raniganj (West Bengal); Jharia, Bokaro, Giridih, Karanpura (Jharkhand); Talcher (Odisha)
Central India: Korba, Sonhat (Chhattisgarh), Singrauli, Umaria (Madhya Pradesh). |
| Iron ore |
East India: Gua, Noamundi, Chiria, Kiriburu (Jharkhand); Bonai; Gorumahisani, Badampahar, Sulaipat, Bolani (Odisha)
Central India: Bailadila, Dalli Rajhara (Chattisgarh). |
| Limestone |
East India: Birmitrapur, (Odisha); Bhawanathpur, Daltonganj (Jharkhand); Purnapani (Chhattisgarh)
Central India: Satna, Kuteshwar, Katni (Madhya Pradesh). |
| Dolomite |
East India: Sambalpur, Gangpur, Sundargarh (Odisha), Hirri (Chhattisgarh).
Central India: Katni (Madhya Pradesh). |
| Manganese |
East India: Gangpur, Bonai (Odisha). |
2. Availability of water: Water required for this industry is available from the rivers Damodar, Barakar, Subarnarekha, Kharkai, Shankha and Brahmani. The Tendula water reservoir is also a major source of water.
3. Power resources: There are many large-scale coal-based thermal power plants in east and central India which supply the power necessary for the functioning of these iron and steel plants such as power stations at Durgapur, Mejia, Dishergarh, Wariya (West Bengal); Patratu, Bokaro (Jharkhand), Talcher (Odisha)
In east India and Korba (Chhattisgarh) and Vindhyachal (Madhya Pradesh) in central India. Apart from these the Hirakud and Sileru hydel power plants also provide power resources to this industry.
4. Well-connected transport system: The presence of eastern and south-eastern railways and roadways like NH-2, 6, 23, 31, and 33 have allowed the iron and steel industry in this region to have good connections with the rest of the country. Thus, the transport of goods has become easier.
5. Proximity to ports: The Kolkata, Haldia, Visakhapatnam and Paradeep ports which are quite close to the iron and steel plants, have helped in the export and import of goods.
6. Abundance of cheap labour: Abundant cheap and skilled labourers are available from the eastern states of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha as well as from the states of central India namely Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
7. Demand: The development of heavy engineering industries in east and central India has generated a huge demand and hence, a good market for the finished products of these industries.
Questions 12. Discuss the problems faced by the iron and steel industry in India.
Answer:
The problems faced by the iron and steel industry in India are as follows—
1. Lack of high-quality coking coal: Although India has good reserves of iron ore, there is a lack of high-quality coking coal, which is one of the most important raw materials required for the iron and steel industries.
2. Lack of capital: There is a serious lack of capital investment which is required for setting up new iron and steel plants and modernising and expanding the existing ones.
3. Problem of acquiring land: There is a dearth of land required for constructing new steel plants. There are also various problems relating to the acquisition of land.
4. Lack of advanced machinery: New and improved machinery have not been implemented yet in the existing iron and steel plants. This has led to an increase in the cost of production.
5. Lack of skilled labourers: Although cheap labourers are available, skilled labourers are not abundantly available. So the production rate per labourer is quite low
6. Problems of transportation: Lack of roads at par with international standards have posed problems in transporting raw materials and finished products.
7. Reduced demand in the national market: Demand for iron and steel is not always high in the national market. Hence, the iron and steel industries have to depend on the international market.
8. Dumping of iron and steel products: Many foreign countries dump iron and steel goods manufactured by them in India at cheap rates. Thus, companies in India are forced to sell their products at low rates, thereby incurring severe losses. This ultimately creates a financial loss.
9. Lack of refractory bricks: Availability of refractory bricks is not so easy and this has led to problems in establishing and maintaining furnaces and walls of the production units.
Question 13. Give a short account of the petrochemical industry in India.
Answer:
A short account of the petrochemical industry in India
The petrochemical industry nowadays is popularly called the ‘giant industry of the modern world’. Each and every product and by-product produced in this industry is useful for mankind either directly or indirectly.
Many allied industries have grown up centring the petrochemical industry which is known as ‘downstream industries’.
Commencement: The petrochemical industry in India was initially started by Union Carbide (India) Limited in the year 1966 in Trombay.
In 1977 a petrochemical industry was established at Hazira in Surat, Gujarat and in 2001 the Haldia petrochemical industry (at Haldia, West Bengal) first started its commercial production.
Raw materials: The by-products obtained while refining crude oil and natural gas are primarily the raw materials of the petrochemical industry, i.e., naphtha, methane, ethane, propane, butane, hexane, benzol, butadiene, ethanol, propylene, etc.
Finished products:
- Chemicals— benzene, ethylene, propylene, carbon black etc.;
- Different kinds of solvents;
- Synthetic fibres— acrylic fibre, nylon filament yarn, polyester filament yarn etc.;
- Polymers-Polyethylene, Polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride etc.;
- Plastic; fibre intermediates—acrylonitrile, mono ethylene glycol etc.;
- Synthetic rubber.
Question 14. Discuss the factors that favour the growth of the petrochemical industry at a particular location.
Answer:
The factors that favour the growth of the petrochemical industry at a particular location
The petrochemical industry nowadays is known as the ‘giant industry of the modern world’. It produces numerous products that are used as raw materials in other industries.
Thus, it helps in the development of the subsidiary industries. Petrochemical industries are largely concentrated in the western and eastern regions of India.
The finished products manufactured by this industry are—synthetic rubber, synthetic fibres, plastic, polythene, paints, life-saving drugs, pesticides, fertilisers, cosmetics and many more.
The factors favouring the growth of petrochemical industries at a particular location are discussed below—
1. Location of oil refineries: Petrochemical industries acquire their raw materials from the by-products obtained while refining crude oil and natural gas.
Thus, the petrochemical industries develop in the vicinity of the oil refineries. The chief raw material of this industry is naphtha, based on which the downstream industries grow close to the oil refineries.
2. Availability of power resources: Easy availability of power facilitates the growth of the petrochemical industry.
3. Capital: A huge capital is required for the growth of the petrochemical industry. So huge capital investments are being made by the state and central governments as well as by rich industrial groups.
4. Advanced technology and technical skills: Advanced technology and proper technical skills help in the development o the petrochemical industry and increase the product output.
5. Demand: High demand for petrochemical products in the internal as well as international markets have boosted the development of this industry.
6. Skilled labourers: Skilled labour is essential for this industry for executing the production process.
7. Efficient transport system: Close proximity to the ports, well-developed roadways and railways help in the development of the petrochemical industry as import, export and distribution of goods become easier.
For all the above-mentioned reasons, the petrochemical industry has developed to a great extent in the western region (Trombay, Koyali and Vadodara) as well as in the eastern region (Haldia) of India.
Question 15. Briefly discuss the regional distribution of the petrochemical industry in India.
Answer:
The petrochemical industry in India is concentrated in four regions surrounding the oil
The regional distribution of the petrochemical industry in India is discussed below—
| Region |
Place |
Important facts |
| Western |
Nagothana (Maharashtra); Vadodara, Koyali, Hazira in Surat, Dahej, Jamnagar (Gujarat). |
Crude oil from the Cambay and Ankleshwar region, Mumbai High region and imported from the countries of the Middle East are sent to the refineries.
These refineries, in turn, supply the requisite raw materials to the petrochemical industries. |
| Eastern |
Bongaigaon (Assam); Haldia (West Bengal). |
Naphtha obtained from the oil refineries in Bangaigaon, Noonmati, Digboi and Numaligarh in Assam is used as raw material in the petrochemical industry at Bongaigan.
Naphtha from the Haldia oil refinery is used as a raw material in the petrochemical industry at Haldia. Naphtha is also imported from other countries as well.
The petrochemical industry in Haldia has developed due to the joint initiatives taken by the government and private enterprises. |
| Southern |
Tuticorin, Manali (Tamil Nadu); Mangalore (Karnataka). |
The petrochemical industry in Manali was established in 1986. It mainly manufactures and exports propylene glycol and polyols.
The petrochemical industry at Mangalore was established in 1988. |
| Northern |
Payal, Panipath (Haryana); Auraiya (Uttar Pradesh). |
These petrochemical industries have been established separately over about 5000 acres of land with the assistance of the India Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). |
Question 16. Discuss the problems and prospects of the automobile industry in India.
Answer:
The problems of the automobile industry in India are discussed below—
1. High production cost: The production cost of automobiles are quite high due to the use of old technologies and outdated machinery.
2. Increase in the cost of fuel: The poor quality of the roads in India as well as not-so-advanced automobile engines had led to an increase in fuel costs. This poses a major problem for the automobile industry. Apart from this, recent diesel and petrol price hike has led to a decrease in the demand for automobiles.
3. Changing government policies: The frequent changes in the different policies implemented by the government cause a major hindrance in the production process and expansion of the automobile industries.
4. Labour disputes: Production is often disrupted due to labour disputes and lockouts of the factories.
The prospects of the automobile industry in India are discussed below-
1. Open economy and license system: The introduction of an open economy in 1991, abolition of the Industrial Licensing, and the scope of 100% investment by foreign investors have facilitated the growth and development of the automobile industry.
2. Economic benefits: According to the Automotive Mission Plan (AMP) implemented by the government of India, tax is exempted for investments which are more than 225000 dollars. Rapid approval and processing of investment procedures and other economic benefits have positively impacted the growth of the automobile industry.
3. Low production cost: Investment by different foreign investors has facilitated the use of advanced and modern technologies in the production process. This has considerably reduced production costs which have led to a decrease in the price of automobiles. Different models of automobiles are being also manufactured.
4. Increase in the purchasing power of the people: The income levels of people in India (especially in urban areas) have considerably increased over the past few years. Thus, it is predicted that people will now invest their money in buying automobiles as their purchasing power has increased.
5. Development of industries manufacturing spare parts of automobiles: The development of ancillary industries manufacturing spare parts of automobiles like engines, suspensions, clutch etc., has helped in the development and expansion of the automobile industry.
Question 17. List the automobile and rail coach manufacturing units of India.
Answer:
The different automobile manufacturing units of India are listed in the following table—
| Company |
Manufacturing |
| Tata Motors Limited |
units Sanand (Gujarat); Jamshedpur (Jharkhand); Pantnagar (Uttarakhand); Pune (Maharashtra); Dharwad (Karnataka); Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh). |
| Mahindra and Mahindra India Limited |
Nasik, Kandivali [near Mumbai] (Maharashtra); Haridwar (Uttarakhand); Bengaluru (Karnataka); Zaheerabad (Telangana). |
| Maruti Suzuki India Limited |
Manesar, Gurgaon (Haryana). |
| Ford India Private Limited |
Maraimalai Nagar near Chennai (Tamil Nadu). |
| Bajaj Auto Limited |
Chakan near Pune, Waluj (Maharashtra); Pantnagar (Uttarakhand). |
| Ashok Leyland |
Ennore, Hosur (Tamil Nadu); Pantnagar (Uttarakhand); Alwar (Rajasthan). |
- The difference rail coach manufacturing units of inia are
- Perambur near Chennai, Tamil Nadu(Integral coach factory);
- Mangalore in Karnataka ( Bharat Earth Movers limited);
- Dumdum near Kolkata, West Bengal ( Jessop and company limited) and
- Kapurthala, Punjab (Integral coach factory).
Question 18. Account for the concentration of engineering industries in the Hooghly industrial belt?
Answer:
The causes for the concentration of engineering industries in the Hooghly industrial belt are discussed below—
1. Initiative was taken by the British: During British rule, Kolkata was the capital of India till the year 1911. Hence, the British were concerned with the industrial growth in and around Kolkata for their own interests. Thus, different engineering industries started developing in the Hooghly industrial belt due to the introduction of modern technology from the west.
2. Capital: Kolkata emerged as a prominent banking and trading centre in eastern India. Thus, the requisite capital could be easily acquired from different financial organisations which led to the development of the engineering industry.
3. Cheap labour: Cheap labour is easily available from the densely populated regions along the banks of river Hooghly.
4. Availability of raw materials: The chief raw materials required for engineering industries are iron, steel and coal. These raw materials are acquired from the following locations—
| Raw materials |
Location of the industry |
| Iron and steel |
Iron and steel plants in Kulti-Burnpur and Durgapur (West Bengal) and in Jamshedpur (Jharkhand). |
| Coal |
Raniganj, Asansol (West Bengal). |
5. Availability of water: The river Hooghly provides an adequate amount of water required for the engineering industries.
6. Availability of power: Sufficient power is supplied from power stations at Cossipore, Budgebudge, and Titagarh which are under the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation Limited.
7. Efficient transport system: The Eastern and South-Eastern Railway and National Highways 2, 6, 34, and 35 connect this industrial belt to the rest of the country. The Hooghly river also is a major waterway in this region.
8. Proximity to the port: This industrial belt has developed quite close to the Kolkata port which has helped in importing raw materials and exporting finished goods.
Question 19. What are the causes behind the development of the information and technology (IT) industry In India?
Answer:
The causes behind the development of the information and technology (IT) industry In India
The industry which is involved in the collection, recovery, modification, improvement, analysis and storage of data for commercial purposes with the help of computer and telecommunication services is called the information and technology or the IT industry.
Gradual advancement of the IT industry commenced in the 1970s and continued till the middle of the 1980s. However, the rate of advancement in this industry picked up speed in the 1990s in India.
The causes behind the development of the IT industry in India are as follows—
1. Skilled and talented workers: Indians are quite advanced where science and technology are concerned. There are several institutes for imparting technical education in India including computer training centres. Students from these institutions are easily hired by IT companies.
2. Global market: Countries in Europe and the United States of America outsource people from IT. Apart from this, information technology is nowadays widely used in the spheres of banking, railway and air ticket booking, telecommunication and many other sectors. Thus, the demand for the IT industry is increasing by leaps and bounds all over the world.
3. No land problem: Like other industries, ’ it industry does not need large plots of land to develop. A number of IT companies can operate from different storeys of the same building.
4. Infrastructure: The IT industry is an urban industry. The efficient transport system, ample supply of electricity, availability of internet and WiFi services and other facilities help in the rapid development of the industry in metropolitan cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata.
5. Government initiative: The state governments of India have provided extensive support to the IT industry by helping in setting up IT complexes, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) offering tax subsidies and providing financial benefits.
6. Capital investments: Multinational companies like TCS, INFOSYS, IBM, and WIPRO, have made huge investments in the development of the IT industry in India.
Question 20. Why no heavy engineering industries have developed in the Himalayan region?
Answer:
The reasons for why no heavy engineering industries have developed in the Himalayan region are discussed below—
1. Topography: The rugged and hilly terrain of the Himalayan region is not suitable for the construction of factory sheds. Hence, the development of the heavy engineering industry is difficult.
2. Lack of raw materials: Heavy engineering industries require huge amounts of coal and mineral-based raw materials. The lack of mineral resources in the Himalayan region hinders the growth of such industries.
3. Lack of water and power resources: The Himalayan region lacks a sufficient amount of water and power resources required for the development of heavy engineering industries.
4. Lack of skilled labourers: The Himalayan region is sparsely populated and most of the people in this region do not have adequate technical knowledge. Hence, there is a lack of skilled and technically sound labourers.
5. Inefficient transport system: The rugged terrain prevents the development of roadways and railways in the Himalayan region. Frequent occurrences of landslides often block the roads and isolate this region from the rest of the country.
6. Less demand: As the Himalayan region is sparsely populated, there is less demand for the finished goods of this type of industry in this region.
7. Lack of capital: The geographical conditions are not favourable for the development of industries in this region. Hence, entrepreneurs show little interest in investing in industries of this region.
8. Political disturbances and terrorism: Political disturbances in the hilly regions of north-east India and terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir have created a politically unstable environment unfavourable for setting up industries.
Question 21. Discuss the locational advantages behind the development of the petrochemical industry at Haldia.
Answer:
The petrochemical industry at Haldia is one of the most important petrochemical complexes in West Bengal as well as in eastern India. It is located in the East Midnapore district of West Bengal at the confluence of the Hooghly and Haldi rivers.
The locational advantages behind the development of the petrochemical industry at Haldia are discussed below—
1. Close proximity to the oil refinery: The petrochemical complex at Haldia acquires its raw materials from the nearby Haldia oil refinery.
2. Nearness to the Haldia port: The Haldia port plays a vital role in importing raw materials, crude oil and machinery and exporting the finished products.
3. Capital investment: The petrochemical industry at a particular location favours the development of ancillary industries in its surrounding region. Thus, capital is easily available from government and non-government organisations.
4. Cheap labour: The densely populated regions of West Bengal and its neighbouring states supply abundant cheap labour required in this industry.
5. Advanced technology: Highly advanced and modern technologies have been implemented in the production process. This has led to the production of high-quality goods which are in high demand in the market.
6. Other factors: Availability of land at cheap rates, adequate power supply, high demand for the finished products and a huge market both within the country and in foreign countries have helped in the development of the petrochemical industry at Haldia.
Question 22. Discuss the problems and prospects of the petrochemical industry in India.
Answer:
The problems of the petrochemical industry in India are discussed below—
1. The initial cost of setting up this industry is quite high for which large capital investments are essential. This hinders the growth and expansion of the petrochemical industry.
2. The industry requires continuous implementation of advanced and modern technologies. In most cases, these technologies are bought from other countries which are quite expensive.
3. The customs duty on petrochemical products is higher in India compared to other countries.
4. Sharp rise in the price of crude oil in the global market has increased the cost of production of petrochemical products.
5. petrochemical products are not biodegradable. Hence, wastes generated by this industry are causing environmental pollution.
The prospects of the petrochemical industry in India are discussed below—
1. About 600 different products are manufactured in the petrochemical industry, which is of high commercial value in the Indian market. Thus, there is a huge scope for selling these products.
2. The, problem of huge capital is being solved by collaborating with NRI investors and foreign organisations.
3. The petrochemical industry leads to the growth of many ancillary industries, which in turn, have created job opportunities for a large section of the Indian population.
Chapter 6 India- Economic Environment Short Answer Explanatory Type Questions
Question 1. Classify industries according to the sources of raw materials used.
Answer:
According to the source of raw materials used, industries can be classified into four categories which are as follows—
1. Agro-based industries: These industries use agricultural products as raw materials. Example—A cotton textile industry uses cotton as the raw material, the jute textile industry uses jute as the raw material and the sugar industry uses sugarcane as the raw material.
2. Animal-based industries: These industries use animal products as raw materials. Examples are—Dairy industry, leather industry, meat and fish processing industries and fur industry.
3. Forest-based industries: These industries use products obtained from forests as raw materials. Examples are—Paper industry, furniture industry and silk industry.
4. Mineral-based industries: These industries use minerals as raw materials. Examples—are the iron and steel industry, the cement industry, aluminium industry.
Question 2. Mention briefly three problems associated with the cotton textile industry of India.
Answer:
The three problems associated with the cotton textile industry of India are as discussed below—
1. Lack of long-staple cotton: India does not grow an adequate amount of long-staple cotton, which is required for making the best quality cotton cloth. Hence, long-staple cotton is imported from other countries, which increases the overall cost of production.
2. Old and outdated machinery: The machinery used in most cotton textile industries in India are old and outdated. Thus, both the quality and quantity of fabric manufactured are low, which in turn, increases the cost of production.
3. Faulty management and labour disputes: Faulty management rules and labour disputes often lead to lockouts and strikes in the cotton textile mills. This hampers the process of production.
Question 3. What are the prospects for the cotton textile Industry in India?
Answer:
The cotton textile industry has a very bright prospect in India. The prospects are as follows—
1. India is a highly populated country located in a hot tropical region. So the demand for cotton clothes will always be high.
2. The neighbouring countries of India do not excel in the cotton textile industry. Thus, they import cotton from India.
3. The use of modern machinery and improved technology will help in producing better quality cotton fibre in a short span of time. This may ultimately help in reducing the cost of production and finally the price of the finished goods.
Question 4. Why is Mumbai called the ‘Cottonopolis of India’?
Answer:
The cotton textile industry was initiated in India in the year 1851, by the establishment of the Bombay Spinning and Weaving Company Limited.
Raw cotton cultivated in the black soil of the Deccan trap region, export-import of cotton through the Mumbai port, the Mumbai-Thane railway line providing a good transport network, high global demand for cotton, and cheap skilled labourers are some important factors which have facilitated the growth of cotton textile mills in and around Mumbai.
About 92 cotton textile mills were established by 1914. Presently, there are 57 running cotton textile mills in Mumbai. 30% of the total handlooms and 20% of the total spindles of the country are found here. So for all the above-mentioned reasons, Mumbai is called the ‘Cottonopolis of India’.
Question 5. Why Is the iron and steel industry Important for India’s economy?
Answer:
The iron and steel industry is known as the ‘backbone of all industries’. It is important for India’s economy due to the following reasons—
1. India is a highly populated country, there is a great demand for iron and steel for the construction of houses, railway tracks, bridges, motor vehicles, agricultural equipment, household goods and machinery for other industries. This huge demand for iron and steel makes it very important for India’s economy.
2. Being a large-scale industry, the iron and steel industry provides direct as well as indirect employment to a huge section of the population.
3. The finished products of the iron and steel industry help in earning a substantial amount of foreign currency which in turn, is beneficial for the country’s economy.
WBBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 6 exercises
Question 6. Name the important iron and steel plants in India.
Answer:
Important iron and steel plants in India
The iron and steel plants of India are mainly controlled by four organisations namely—the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), Tata Steel Limited and Jindal Power and Steel Limited. The main iron and steel plants under these organisations are enlisted below
Question 7. Mention the favourable conditions required for the development of the iron and steel industry.
Answer:
The favourable conditions required for the development of the iron and steel industry are as follows—
- Availability of raw materials like iron ore, coal and minerals such as limestone, dolomite, manganese etc. So iron and steel plants usually grow in the vicinity of mineral mines.
- Availability of huge amounts of water. A site located near a water body which is also close to a mine is ideal for an iron and steel plant.
- A continuous supply of power from a nearby power station is favourable for iron and steel plants.
- Availability of abundant cheap and skilled labourers from local regions is also required.
- A well-built transport system for the easy import and export of goods also help in the development of the iron and steel industry.
Question 8. Why is Durgapur called the ‘Ruhr of India’?
Answer:
Ruhr is a small tributary of the famous Rhine river in Germany. The Ruhr river valley has a huge coal reserve which led to the development of large-scale iron and steel industries, heavy engineering industries and chemical industries in this region. This region is called the Ruhr industrial region.
Similarly, in India, the Damodar river valley has huge deposits of coal which has led to the development of iron and steel industries, heavy engineering industries, and chemical fertilizer industries centring around the coal mines in Durgapur, Raniganj and Andal. Thus, Durgapur is called the ‘Ruhr of India’.
Question 9. Name three automobile manufacturing centres one each from three states of India.
Answer:
Three automobile manufacturing centres one each from three states of India are given below—
Question 10. What are the factors responsible for the growth of heavy engineering industries?
Answer:
The factors responsible for the growth of heavy engineering industries are as follows—
- iron and steel are an important raw materials required for most heavy engineering industries. Thus, these industries grow near the iron and steel plants.
- Heavy engineering industries can also grow in regions with cheap and efficient transport systems. This facilitates the acquisition of raw materials and distribution of the finished products to different parts of the country.
- These types of industries grow in regions where power resources are easily available
- The heavy engineering industries also grow in regions where advanced technologies can be easily implemented.
- The growth of heavy engineering industries also depends on the presence of a suitable market for finished goods.
Question 11. What do you mean by the petrochemical industry?
Answer:
Petrochemical industry
The type of industry which uses the by-products obtained during refining crude petroleum and natural gas to manufacture different compounds is called the petrochemical industry.
The important raw materials of this industry are—naphtha, propane, butane, ethane, methane, hexane, pentane, benzol, butadiene, ethanol, propylene etc. The finished products of this industry are—synthetic fibres (polyester, nylon), plastics, paints, synthetic rubber, pesticides, gums, medicines, perfumes etc.
Several subsidiary or downstream industries have developed depending on the products and by-products of the petrochemical industry. Thus, the petrochemical industry nowadays is also called the ‘giant industry of the modern world’.
Question 12. Explain briefly three reasons for the development of the petrochemical industry in western India
Answer:
Three reasons behind the development of petrochemical industries in India are as follows—
1. Availability of raw materials: Crude oil is extracted from oilfields at Mumbai High in Maharashtra and the Cambay-Ahmedabad region in Gujarat. This crude oil is then sent to the refineries located at Trombay, Koyali and Jamnagar.
The primary and secondary by-products obtained during the refining process form the major raw materials of the petrochemical industry.
2. Proximity to ports: The presence of large ports with modern amenities (like Mumbai port, Kandla port, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port) in this region help in importing raw materials and machinery required for this industry and also exporting the finished products.
3. High demand: Many ancillary industries have sprung up in this region which has led to high demand for the finished goods of the petrochemical industry.
Question 13. Briefly discuss the role of transport in the development of an industry.
Answer:
The role of transport in the development of an industry
Transport is an important factor behind the development of an industry. A cheap and efficient transport system is essential for bringing in raw materials, types of machinery, instruments, power resources and labourers.
Well-connected transport is also needed for the distribution and sale of finished products throughout the country.
A well-developed transport system helps industries to grow at locations that result in minimum cost of production such as near the source of raw materials, near the market or at a location intermediate between the source of raw materials and market
Question 14. List the regions where railway locomotive manufacturing units have grown in India.
Answer:
The regions where railway locomotives manufacturing units have grown in India are given in the following table—
| Region |
Place and important facts |
| Eastern |
1. Chittaranjan Locomotive Works [CLW] (Chittaranjan, West Bengal): Diesel and electric locomotives;
2. Jessop and Company (Dumdum, West Bengal): Manufacturer of Electric Multiple Units (EMU);
3. Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company (Jamshedpur, Jharkhand): Manufacturer of meter gauge electric locomotives. |
| Northern |
1. Diesel Locomotive Works [DLW] (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh): Manufacturer of diesel rail engines;
2. Diesel Loco Modernisation Works (Patiala, Punjab): Modernisation of diesel-electric locomotives;
3. Rail coach factory (Kapurthala, Punjab): Manufacturer of rail coach, DMU, EMU. |
| Central |
1. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited [BHEL] (Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh): Manufacturer of high-capacity electric and battery-operated locomotives;
2. Rail Spring Factory (Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh): Manufacturer of different types of springs. |
Chapter 6 India- Economic Environment Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1. What do you mean by industry?
Answer:
Industry:
‘Industry’ is the collective term for the activities involved in the conversion of forest-based agro-based and mineral-based raw materials into consumable commodities. For example—The cotton textile industry manufactures cotton fabric from raw cotton, iron and steel industry produces iron and steel goods from iron ore.
Question 2. What are pure raw materials?
Answer:
Pure raw materials
The raw materials which do not lose weight during their processing into finished products are called pure raw materials.
Example—1 metric tonne of raw cotton produces 1 metric tonne of cotton thread, which in turn, produces 1 metric tonne of fabric.
Question 3. What are impure raw materials?
Answer:
Impure raw materials
The raw materials which lose weight during their processing into finished products are called impure raw materials.
Iron ore, bauxite, copper ore, and sugarcane are some examples of impure raw materials. Example—In order to produce 1 tonne of pig iron, the number of materials required are, 1.7 tonnes of iron ore, 1 tonne of coal, 0.5 tonnes of limestone and dolomite and other materials totalling an amount of 5 tonnes of raw materials.
Question 4. What do you mean by basic industry?
Answer:
Basic industry
The industries on which the development of other industries depends or those industries whose output is used by other industries are called basic industries.
Example—Finished products from the iron and steel industries are used in engineering industries. So the iron and steel industry is an example of a basic industry.
Question 5. What are ancillary industries?
Answer:
Ancillary industries
When the finished product of one industry is used as a raw material for some other industries, the first one is known as the basic industry and the industries dependent on the basic industry are called ancillary industries.
Example—The petrochemical industry at Haldia is a basic industry and the industries which are dependent on this petrochemical industry for the raw materials are the ancillary industries.
Question 6. Why is the cotton textile industry known as a ‘footloose industry’?
Answer:
The main raw material of the cotton textile industry is raw cotton which is a pure raw material. It means that an equal amount of (1 tonne) raw cotton produces an equal amount of (1 tonne) cotton thread which in turn, produces an equal amount of (1 tonne) cotton fabric.
Thus, cotton textile industries can be established either close to the source of the raw material, near to the market or in any intermediate region.
It means that cotton textile industries do not show any particular affinity for growing up in a certain location. Thus, the cotton textile industry is called a ‘footloose industry’.
Question 7. State any two cotton textile industrial centres of West Bengal.
Answer:
Two cotton textile industrial centres of West Bengal are—
- Serampore and
- Shyamnagar.
Question 8. Name two agro-based and two mineral-based industries of India.
Answer:
- Agro-based industries: Sugar industry and cotton textile industry.
- Mineral-based industries: Iron-steel industry and cement industry.
Question 9. Name the raw materials which are required in the iron and steel industry.
Answer:
The important raw materials required in the iron and steel industry are iron ore, scrap iron, sponge iron, coal, oxygen and limestone.
Apart from these, dolomite, manganese, chromium, nickel, tungsten and vanadium are also needed along with an ample supply of clean water.
Question 10. Why is manganese required as a raw material in the iron and steel industry?
Answer:
Manganese is required as a raw material in the iron and steel industry to produce better quality steel called ferromanganese.
This type of steel is very hard, durable and resistant towards rusting and corrosion. Ferro-manganese steel can also withstand very high temperatures.
Question 11. Name two large-scale iron and steel plants in India.
Answer:
Two large-scale iron and steel plants in India are—
- Bhilai Steel Plant in Chhattisgarh and
- Bokaro Steel Plant, Jharkhand.
Question 12. In which places of India did iron and steel plants develop under the Five-Year Plan?
Answer:
The iron and steel plants which have grown in India under the Five-Year Plan are—
- Durgapur, West Bengal;
- Rourkela, Odisha;
- Bhilai, Chhattisgarh;
- Bokaro, Jharkhand;
- Vijaynagar, Karnataka;
- Salem, Tamil Nadu;
- Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Question 13. Name four important iron and steel plants of India.
Answer:
The four important iron and steel plants of India are—
- Bhilai, Chhattisgarh,
- Bokaro, Jharkhand,
- Durgapur, West Bengal and
- Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.
Question 14. Write a short note on TISCO.
Answer:
TISCO
TISCO stands for Tata Iron and Steel Company. It was founded by eminent industrialist Jamsetji Tata in the year 1907.
This iron and steel plant is located in the Singhbhum district of Jharkhand at the confluence of two rivers—Subarnarekha and Kharkai. This is the largest private iron and steel plant in India.
Question 15. Why is the iron and steel industry called the ‘backbone of all industries’?
Answer:
Almost all industries are either directly or indirectly dependent on iron and steel plants. Iron and steel are required to manufacture instruments, equipment and machinery which are used in other industries.
It is also required to set up the basic framework of different industries. So progress in the iron and steel industry will have a positive impact on other industries as well. Thus, the iron and steel industry is called the ‘backbone of all industries’.
Question 16. Name two iron and steel plants, one of which has developed centring a coal mine and the other near a seaport.
Answer:
An iron and steel plant which has developed centring around a coal mine is the Indian Iron and Steel Company (IISCO), Burnpur. An iron and steel industry which has developed near a seaport is Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited or Vizag Steel, Visakhapatnam.
Question 17. Write a short note on the alloy steel industry.
Answer:
Alloy steel industry
The industry which is involved in the manufacture of different types of steel by forming iron alloys using one or more than one kind of metal is called the alloy steel industry.
Steel produced in such a way is strong, hard, durable, resistant towards rust and corrosion and can withstand high temperatures and pressure. There are three large-scale alloy steel plants in India —
- Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant, Karnataka.
- Durgapur Alloy Steel Plant, West Bengal,
- Salem Iron and Steel Plant, Tamil Nadu.
Question 18. Name two iron and steel industrial centres of India—one under the public sector and one under the private sector.
Answer:
An iron and steel industrial centre of India under the public sector is the Bhilai Steel Plant in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh under the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
An iron and steel industrial centre of India under the private sector is Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO) at Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.
Question 19. What is SAIL?
Answer:
SAIL:
SAIL stands for Steel Authority of India Limited. It is a government enterprise that coordinates and controls the different iron and steel plants established by the initiative of the Indian government.
The large-scale iron and steel plants under this organisation are—Bhilai, Durgapur, Burnpur-Kulti, Rourkela and Bokaro. The alloy steel plants under this organisation are—Durgapur, Bhadravati and Salem. The headquarters of SAIL is in New Delhi.
Question 20. What do you mean by an industrial region?
Answer:
Industrial region
An industrial region is such a geographical region where several industries have developed simultaneously due to favourable physical, economic and cultural factors.
Availability of raw materials, market, demand, and cheap labour supply are some factors due to which there is an aggregation of industries in a particular location. Agricultural activities are seldom observed in such regions. Example— Hooghly industrial region in West Bengal.
Question 21. What do you mean by mini steel plants?
Answer:
Mini steel plants
Steel plants are usually of two types— integrated steel plants and mini steel plants. The steel plants that have a manufacturing capacity of less than 10 lakh tonnes annually and manufacture steel from scrap and sponge iron with the help of electric furnaces are known as mini steel plants. Presently, there are about 650 mini steel plants in India. Some of them are—
- National Iron and Steel Company, West Bengal;
- Andhra Steel Corporation Limited, Andhra Pradesh and
- Mukand Limited, Maharashtra.
Question 22. Name two railway engines and one automobile manufacturing industry in India.
Answer:
The railway engine manufacturing industry in India is at Chittaranjan in West Bengal and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
The automobile manufacturing industry in India is at Gurgaon in Haryana. fibres (such as polyester, and nylon), plastic, artificial rubber, gum, paints, pesticides and perfumes.
Question 24. Name one petrochemical industry in eastern and western India.
Answer:
One petrochemical industry in eastern India is at Haldia, West Bengal (Haldia Petrochemicals Limited) and one in western India is at Vadodara, Gujarat (Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited).
Question 25. Write a short note on the light engineering industry.
Answer:
Light engineering industry
The engineering industries which manufacture small machine parts for other industries and also manufacture small electronic devices are called light engineering industries. Cameras, radio, television, watch, typewriter, calculator, fans are the finished products of this type of industry.
Question 26. Name one petrochemical industry in northern and southern India.
Answer:
One petrochemical industry in northern India is at Panipat, Haryana (Panipat Petrochemical Plant) and one in southern India is at Mangalore, Karnataka (Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited).
Question 27. Name one automobile industry in northern and southern India.
Answer:
One automobile industry in northern India is at Gurgaon, Haryana (Maruti Suzuki India Limited) and one in southern India is at Chennai, Tamil Nadu (Ford India Private Limited).
Question 28. Write a short note on the petrochemical industrial complex.
Answer:
During the process of refining petroleum, a number of by-products are obtained such as propane, butane, ethane, methane, benzol, ethanol, propylene, butadiene etc.
Many industries, therefore, grow in the vicinity of the petroleum refinery which uses these by-products as their raw materials. Thus this conglomerate of industries collectively forms the petrochemical industrial complex.
Question 29. Why is the petrochemical industry regarded as the ‘giant industry of the modern world’?
Answer:
A number of by-products are obtained when crude petroleum is refined. This has led to the development of many ancillary industries near these refineries that are dependent on the by-products.
These ancillary industries use these by-products as raw materials. So the petrochemical industry is responsible for the functioning of many other allied industries. Thus, it is regarded as the ‘giant industry of the modern world’.
Question 30. What do you mean by the information and technology industry?
Answer:
Information and technology industry
The industry which is involved in the collection, recovery, modification, improvement, analysis and storage of data for commercial purposes with the help of computer and telecommunication services is called the information and technology industry.
This industry deals with the exchange of data digitally through electronic media. Proper infrastructure and production units are required for this type of industry such as computer hardware, software, semiconductor, internet, telecommunication devices, e-commerce etc.
Question 31. Write a short note on the heavy engineering industry.
Answer:
Heavy engineering industry
The industries which manufacture heavy types of machinery, bulky instruments and types of equipment needed for agriculture, mining, dredging, lifting etc. and automobiles, locomotive coaches and such other large appliances are called heavy engineering industries. Example- Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, West Bengal.
Question 32. Why do most of the petrochemical industrial centres grow in proximity to ports in India?
Answer:
India is not fully capable of extracting crude oil in such a quantity that it meets the demand of the huge population of India. Every year, about 83% of the total amount of petroleum required is imported from other countries.
The petrochemical industrial centres including the refineries have grown in proximity to the ports in order to save the cost in transporting crude petroleum to the refineries (from oil tankers that bring petroleum to our country from foreign lands) and sending the finished products to the port for export.
Question 33. What is meant by the engineering industry?
Answer:
Engineering industry
The industries which mainly use different metals as raw materials, especially iron and steel to manufacture various instruments, machinery and appliances are called engineering industries.
Engineering industries can be of two types—
- Heavy engineering industries (like the automobile industry) and
- Light engineering industries (like wrist watch industry).
Question 34. Why is the petrochemical industry known as the ‘sunrise industry’?
Answer:
The importance of the petrochemical industry is growing day by day as both refined petroleum (the major finished product) and other by-products of this industry have immense use in our lives.
The by-products are extensively used as raw materials in other industries. So, the petrochemical industry helps in the development of several other industries and is emerging as a fast-progressing industry.
Chapter 6 India- Economic Environment MCQs
Write The Correct Answer The Given Alternatives
Question 1. The largest cotton textile industry in south India is located in—
- Madurai
- Chennai
- Coimbatore
- Bengaluru
Answer: 3. Coimbatore
Question 2. Which of the following cities is famous for its cotton textile industries?
- Jamshedpur
- Visakhapatnam
- Ahmedabad
- Kolkata
Answer: 3. Ahmedabad
Question 3. The first cotton mill in India was
- Maharastra
- West Bengal
- Gujarat
- Tamil Nadu
Answer: 2. West Bengal
Question 4. The first cotton mill in West Bengal was established at—
- Serampore
- Dumdum
- Ghusuri
- Chandannagar
Answer: 3. Ghusuri
Question5. In which region of India do we find the maximum number of cotton textile industries?
- Northern region
- Southern region
- Eastern Region
- Western Region
Answer: 4. Western region
Question 6. Which of the following cities in India is known as the ‘Manchester of India’?
- Mumbai
- Bhavnagar
- Ahmedabad
- Pune
Answer: 3. Ahmedabad
Question 7. The city which is known as the ‘Manchester of South India’ is—
- Chennai
- Bengaluru
- Coimbatore
- Kochi
Answer: 3. Coimbatore
Question 8. Which of the following is an alloy?
- Iron
- Manganese
- Steel
- Aluminium
Answer: 3. Steel
Question 9. A large-scale iron and steel plant is located at
- Ranchi
- Bhilai
- Bastar
- Mysore
Answer: 2. Bhilai
Question 10. An important raw material of the iron and steel industry is—
- Hematite
- Limonite
- Bauxite
- Chalcopyrite
Answer: 1. Hematite
Question 11. Which steel plant was established after India attained independence?
- Durgapur
- Jamshedpur
- Bhadravati
- Burnpur
Answer: 1. Durgapur
Question 12. The iron and steel plant of Jamshedpur was established in the year—
- 1905
- 1907
- 1912
- 1915
Answer: 2. 1912
Question 13. The government-sponsored sponge iron plant is located at—
- Kothagudem, Telangana
- Durgapur, West Bengal
- Bokaro, Jharkhand
- Daitari, Odisha
Answer: 1. Kothagudem, Telangana
Question 14. TISCO is located at—
- Bhilai
- Rourkela
- Burnpur
- Jamshedpur
Answer: 4. Jamshedpur
Question 15. In which of the following places has the iron and steel plant developed near a coal mine?
- Rourkela
- Bhilai
- Durgapur
- Bhadravati
Answer: 3. Durgapur
Question 16. In India, the maximum amount of iron and steel is manufactured in —
- Jamshedpur
- Bhilai
- Rourkela
- Visakhapatnam
Answer: 2. Bhilai
Question 17. Which of the following is called the ‘Ruhr of India’?
- Durgapur
- Jamshedpur
- Raniganj
- Bokaro
Answer: 1. Durgapur
Question 18. SAIL is important—
- Coal mine
- Petroleum refinery
- Iron and steel plant
- Cotton textile mill
Answer: 3. Iron and steel plant
Question 19. Asia’s third-largest steel plant is located at—
- Jamshedpur
- Durgapur
- Bhilai
- Rourkela
Answer: 3. Bhilai
Question 20. The first iron and steel plant which was founded in the coastal region of India is located at—
- Paradeep
- Visakhapatnam
- Chennai
- Kochi
Answer: 2. Visakhapatnam
Question 21. The largest steel plant in India is located at—
- Salem
- Jamshedpur
- Durgapur
- Bhilai
Answer: 1. Salem
Question 22. The diesel rail engine factory of Uttar Pradesh is located in—
- Kanpur
- Allahabad
- Varanasi
- Lucknow
Answer: 3. Varanasi
Question 23. A petrochemical industry situated in northeastern India is—
- Bongaigaon
- Digboi
- Naharkatiya
- Haldia
Answer: 1. Bongaigaon
Question 24. The petrochemical industry has developed at—
- Tarapur
- Thane
- Trombay
Answer: 3. Trombay
Question 25. Which of the following is famous for its petrochemical industry?
- Kolkata
- Haldia
- Durgapur
- Siliguri
Answer: 2. Haldia
Question 26. Which of the following industry is called a ‘sunrise industry’?
- Information and technology
- Petrochemical
- Jute
- Iron and steel
Answer: 2. Petrochemical
Question 27. Which of the following industry is considered the ‘giant industry of the modern world’?
- Information and technology
- Cotton textile
- Iron and steel
- Petrochemical
Answer: 4. Petrochemical
Question 28. The first petrochemical industry in India was established at—
- Koyali
- Vadodara
- Trombay
- Haldia
Answer: 3. Trombay
Question 29. The only shipyard located in West Bengal is—
- Hindustan Shipyard
- Kolkata Shipyard
- Garden Reach Shipbuilders
- BCC Shipbuilders
Answer: 3. Garden Reach Shipbuilders
Question 30. The National Instruments Limited is located at—
- Burdwan
- Kolkata
- Krishnanagar
- Serampore
Answer: 2. Kolkata
Question 31. The largest automobile manufacturing company in India is—
- Ashok Leyland, Chennai
- Maruti Suzuki India Limited, Gurgaon
- Hindustan Motors, Kolkata
- Tata Motors, Jamshedpur
Answer: 2. Maruti Suzuki India Limited, Gurgaon
Question 32. The chief raw material required for the information and technology industry is
- Iron and steel
- Coal
- Man’s intellect
- Power resources
Answer: 3. Man’s intellect
Question 33. Which of the following cities is called the ‘Silicon Valley of India’?
- Kolkata
- Bengaluru
- Pune
- Chennai
Answer: 2. Bengaluru
Question 34. Which city is known as the ‘Detroit of
- Jamshedpur
- Chennai
- Mumbai
- Gurgaon
Answer: 2. Mumbai
Question 35. Railway coaches are manufactured in —
- Varanasi
- Kolkata
- Perambur
- Bengaluru
Answer: 3. Perambur
Chapter 6 India-Economic Environment If The Statement Is True, Write True, And If False Write False Against The Following
Question 1. Cotton textile is an important industry in Gujarat.
Answer: True
Question 2. The cotton textile industry is a type of agro-based industry.
Answer: True
Question 3. Tamil Nadu contains the maximum number of cotton textile mills.
Answer: True
Question 4. Bengaluru is known as the ‘Manchester of South India’.
Answer: False
Question 5. There are many cotton textile mills along both the banks of river Hooghly.
Answer: False
Question 6. In India, the cotton textile industry is known as the ‘Backbone of all Industries’.
Answer: False
Question 7. The iron and steel plant at Jamshedpur lies on the banks of the Damodar river.
Answer: False
Question 8. Weber’s theory regarding the location of industries and the effect of transportation cost is very important.
Answer: True
Question 9. The Durgapur Steel Plant is located along the banks of river Subarnarekha.
Answer: False
Question 10. The iron and steel plant at Jamshedpur has been built in collaboration with the government.
Answer: False
Question 11. The iron and steel plants at the Burnpur-Kulti region are dependent on the water of the Damodar river.
Answer: True
Question 12. Bhilai is known as the ‘Ruhr of India’.
Answer: False
Question 13. The only steel plant in India is in Salem.
Answer: False
Question 14. The chief raw material of the petrochemical industry is naphtha.
Answer: False
Question 15. Rail engines are manufactured in West Bengal at Chittaranjan in the Burdwan district.
Answer: True
Question 16. Diesel rail engines are manufactured in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
Answer: True
Question 17. The automobile manufacturing industry is an example of an ancillary industry.
Answer: True
Question 18. A petrochemical plant has been set up in Assam at Digboi.
Answer: True
Chapter 6 India-Economic Environment Fill In The Blanks With Suitable Words
Question 1. Cotton is best cultivated in________ climate.
Answer: Humid
Question 2. ________ is a leading state in the case of the cotton textile industry in India.
Answer: Gujarat
Question 3. ________ is known as the ‘Manchester of North India’.
Answer: Kanpur
Question 4. ________ is an example of pure raw material.
Answer: Cotton
Question 5. Dairy industry is________ an industry.
Answer: Animal-based
Question 6. The paper industry and furniture industry are________ examples of industries.
Answer: Forest-based
Question 7. A steel plant is located at________ in Tamil Nadu.
Answer: Salem
Question 8. Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Plant is located at ________
Answer: Bhadravathi
Question 9. An iron and steel plant in Odisha is located at ________
Answer: Rourkela
Question 10. ________ is used to make steel harder.
Answer: Manganese
Question 11. Dolomite for the iron and steel plants in the Burnpur-Kulti region is sourced from ________
Answer: Gangpur
Question 12. The iron and steel plant of Jamshedpur is ________ located at the confluence of the rivers Subarnarekha and ________
Answer: Kharkai
Question 13. The largest concentration of iron and steel plants is seen in the ________ region of India.
Answer: Eastern
Question 14. The steel plant in Rourkela lies on the________ banks of the river
Answer: Brahmani
Question 15. The iron and steel plant at ________ was built in collaboration with erstwhile Soviet Russia.
Answer: Bokaro
Question 16. An important raw material of the petrochemical industry is________
Answer: Naphtha
Question 17. Maruti Suzuki India is an automobile manufacturing company located at in ________India.
Answer: Gurgaon
Chapter 6 India-Economic Environment Answer In One Or Two Words
Question 1. Give an example of pure raw material.
Answer: Cotton.
Question 2. Write the names of some important cotton textile mills of India.
Answer: Ahmedabad, Surat (Gujarat); Mumbai, Nagpur (Maharashtra).
Question 3. From which reservoir does the steel plant at Bhilai draw its water?
Answer: Tandula.
Question 4. Which industry is known as the ‘backbone of all industries’?
Answer: Iron and steel industry.
Question 5. What is the full form of SEZ?
Answer: Special Economic Zone.
Question 6. From where is the iron ore sourced for the iron and steel plant at Bhadravati?
Answer: Bababudan Hills in Karnataka.
Question 7. Where is the headquarters of SAIL located?
Answer: New Delhi.
Question 8. Name the oldest iron and steel plant in India.
Answer: Kulti in Burdwan, West Bengal.
Question 9. Give an example of an impure raw material.
Answer: Iron ore
Question 10. Name some of the raw materials of the petrochemical industry.
Answer: Naphtha, propane, ethane.
Question 11. Name a petrochemical plant located in
Answer: Vadodara.
Question 12. Where has the petrochemical industry grown in Haryana?
Answer: Panipat.
Question 13. Where is the real Silicon Valley located?
Answer: Santa Clara Valley in the United States of America.
Question 14. Name two cities in India where the information and technology industry has thrived.
Answer: Bengaluru and Chennai.
Question 15. Name some heavy engineering industries of India.
Answer: Automobiles, railway engines, large machinery, and generators.
Question 16. Name some light engineering industries of India.
Answer: Wristwatch, sewing machine, home appliances manufacturing industry.
Question 17. Name some important raw materials of the automobile manufacturing industry.
Answer: Steel, glass, paints, plastic.
Question 18. Name some electrical engineering industries.
Answer: Refrigerator fan, air conditioner.
Question 19. Where has the major IT industrial park been set up in West Bengal?
Answer: Bidhan Nagar (Salt Lake) in Kolkata.
Chapter 6 India-Economic Environment Match The Left Column With The Right Column
1.
| Left column |
Right column |
| 1. Jamnagar |
A. 1964 |
| 2. Bhadravathi |
B. 1956 |
| 3. Bhilai |
C. 1982 |
| 4. Bokaro |
D. 1918 |
| 5. Visakhapatnam |
E. 1907 |
Answer: 1-E,2-D,3-B,4-A,5-C
2.
| Left column |
Right column |
| 1. Shipbuilding industry |
A. Jamnagar |
| 2. Cotton Textile Industry |
B. Vijayanagar |
| 3. Petrochemical Industry |
C. Gurgaon |
| 4. Auto Nobile Manufacturing |
D. Ahmedabad |
| 5. iron and steel industry |
5. Visakhapatnam |
Answer: 1-E,2-D,3-A,4-C,5-B
Chapter 6 India- Economic Environment Topic 3 Population of India Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1. Why distribution of population density not equal all over India? OR, Discuss the reasons for the uneven distribution of the population of different regions in India. OR, Discuss the geographical causes of unequal distribution of population density in India.
Answer: The distribution of population density is not equal throughout India. In some regions, there is a very high concentration of people while in some regions it is sparse. The main causes of this uneven distribution of population density in India are—
1. Physical causes
1. Topography: The mountainous regions of India in the north, northeast and southern states have very rugged and rough topography.
These areas have less population. On the other hand, the Northern Plains and the Coastal Plains have gentle topography that supports agriculture, industrial development, and other economic activities. These areas have a high density of population.
2. Climate: India broadly enjoys a tropical monsoon climate. Climatic conditions over the Northern Plains, coastal regions and the Peninsular Plateau is moderate and suitable for living.
These areas have high population densities. On the other hand, the dry and harsh climate in the Kutch region of Gujarat, the desert region of Rajasthan and the severe cold climate in the Himalayan mountainous region repel population concentration.
3. Rivers: High concentrations of population are found in the river valleys of the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra in the north and the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, etc., in the south.
This is because the rivers provide water for drinking, irrigation, navigation, pisciculture, hydroelectric power generation, etc. They also help to spread fertile alluvial soil for agriculture.
4. Soil: The regions having rich fertile soils densely populated than the infertile regions. E.g. Alluvial soil of the river valleys and the rich black soil of the Deccan plateau region attract huge concentrations of the population for agriculture.
5. Forests: The presence of dense forests in the foothills of the Himalayas and the western slope of the Western Ghats lead to a low density of population in these regions.
6. Mineral resources: The presence of mineral resources lead to the development of industries and provides employment to a huge population. Hence, the presence of huge reserves of mineral resources in the Chota Nagpur region and other adjoining regions have a huge density of population.
2. Economic causes
1. Transport and communication: The plains of northern India are suitable for the construction of roadways, railways and other means of transport. Thus, these regions are highly populated. The transport system has a remarkable impact on population movement and distribution.
2. Industries: The development of industries provides employment to a huge number of people. Hence, industrial areas like Durgapur, Asansol, Jamshedpur, etc., are densely populated.
3. Others: Population may concentrate in some regions for certain special reasons. E.g.
- Tourism: Darjeeling, Srinagar
- Medical treatment: Vellore, Chennai
- Historical places: Lucknow, Agra, Delhi, Mahabalipuram
- Education: Shantiniketan, Nalanda, Aligarh
- Religious centres: Ajmer, Varanasi, Puri
- Military bases: Gwalior
- Administrative centres: Delhi, Kolkata
- Temporary Migration: Kolkata, Delhi, Joshimath
- Communication centres: Nagpur
Question 2. Classify the different states and Union Territories of India according to their density of population.
Answer:
The states and Union Territories of India have different densities of populations depending on their geographical and economic conditions. They can be classified as follows—
| Type of region |
Population density |
States and Union Territories |
Causes |
| Very densely populated region |
more than 800 people per sq. km |
West Bengal, Bihar, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh. U.T—Delhi, Chandigarh, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu. |
Industrial and commercial development, business centres, administrative centres, transport, education, etc. |
| High densely populated region |
401-800 people per sq. km |
Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Jharkhand. U.T—Dadra and Nagar Haveli. |
Agricultural prosperity, industrial development, trade 8t business, transport development, etc. |
| Medium densely populated region |
201-400 people per sq. km |
Odisha, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tripura, Assam, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan. |
Agricultural and industrial development, mineral resources, job opportunities, etc. |
| Less densely populated region |
101-200 people per sq. km |
Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Chattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir. |
Hilly and rugged terrain, less fertile soil, harsh climate, lack of agricultural lands, inadequate transport and communication facilities. |
| Very less densely populated region |
with less than 100 people per sq. km. |
Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh. U.T—Andaman and Nicobar island. |
Rugged terrain, harsh climate, lack of economic activities. |
Question 3. Describe the different regions of India according to the distribution of population.
Answer:
The distribution of population in India is influenced by the topography, rivers, soil, climate, etc. of the different parts of the country. According to the distribution of population, India can be classified into four regions—
1. The riverine plains of north India: The Indus-Ganga-Brahmaputra plains of north India are the most populated region of India. The causes of high concentrations of population in this region are—gentle topography, rich fertile alluvial soil, perennial rivers, sufficient rainfall, moderate temperature, etc.
These help in the development of agriculture, and industries, and cause urbanisation. The states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal lie in this region.
2. The eastern and western coastal plains: The coastal plains along the eastern and western margins of the Indian peninsula are the second most highly populated region of India.
This is due to the presence of fertile soil, agricultural and industrial development, trade and commerce, development of transport facilities, etc. The Eastern Coastal Plains are gentler and wider than the Western Coastal Plains.
The density of the population is higher in the Eastern Coastal Plains than in the Western Coastal Plains. Many ports like Mumbai, Chennai, Visakhapatnam and Kochi have been built in this region.
3. Deccan plateau region: This region is mainly rich in mineral resources. But some ports are highly suitable for agriculture as well due to the presence of fertile black soil.
Medium density of population is found in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
4. Mountainous, desert and forest regions: The Himalayan mountainous region, the eastern mountainous region, the Meghalaya plateau, the Marusthali of Rajasthan, and forest regions of Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Odisha have very less density of populations.
Rugged terrain, infertile soil, very less rainfall, the presence of forest, and the absence of vegetation in these regions make them less densely populated.
Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and the states of northeast India fall under this category.
Question 4. Discuss the various favourable conditions that lead to the gradual development of towns and cities. Or, Discuss the causes of Urbanisation in India.
Answer:
The favourable conditions that gradually lead to the formation of towns and cities are—
1. Administrative centres: If a place is found suitable for administrative works, several educational, business and trade and other service centres develop around it.
This leads to the development of roads, buildings and the concentration of the population. Thus a town is formed, which may grow into a big city. E.g. Chandigarh, Bhopal, Gandhinagar, etc.
2. Mineral resources: The availability of mineral resources in certain regions attract the population due to the provision of employment in the mines and industries and related sectors.
These centres gradually grow into large towns and cities. E.g. Asansol, Dhanbad, etc.
3. Industrial centres: The regions where industries have developed, attract population due to the availability of employment. E.g. Jamshedpur, Bhilai, etc.
4. Business centres: The places where consumer goods are accumulated for business and trade, develop as business centres.
The buyers and sellers gather in the same place leading to a huge concentration of the population. E.g. Hisar in Haryana, Hapur in Uttar Pradesh, etc.
5. Communication centres: The places where the different modes of transport and communication are available, which help to develop big towns and cities as there is a large accumulation of population. E.g. Siliguri, Kharagpur, etc.
6. Pilgrimage centres: Pilgrimage centres like Haridwar, Varanasi, Gaya, Mathura and Brindavan have gradually developed into large towns and cities.
7. Educational and cultural centres: Places like Shantiniketan, Aligarh, and Varanasi have emerged as educational and cultural centres and have grown into big cities.
8. Historical places: The concentration of high population in the historical places lead to the development of towns and cities in those regions. E.g. Agra, Murshidabad, etc.
9. Tourist spots: The scenic beauty and marvellous landscapes of some regions lead them to develop into attractive tourist spots. Thus they grow into towns and cities. E.g. Darjeeling, Digha, etc.
10. Military centres: Some military centres have grown into towns and cities. E.g. Meerut, Barrackpore, etc.
11. Ports: Towns and cities have developed around important ports. E.g. Paradweep, Haldia, etc.
12. Junction of mountainous and plain lands: Places like Haridwar has developed as a town due to their physical location at the junction of the mountainous and plain lands.
In a nutshell, it can be said that in the long run, a combination of numerous factors leads to the formation of a town or a city.
Question 5. What are the problems of urbanisation in India?
Answer:
Urbanisation in India
Urbanisation is the process of conversion of rural regions into urban regions like towns and cities. The various problems of urbanisation in India are—
1. Unplanned urbanisation: The rapid increase in the population of India has led to rapid and unplanned urbanisation.
Agricultural fields, forest lands and fallow lands have been quickly converted into urban regions. Unplanned growth of towns leads to the construction of narrow streets, poor drainage systems, scarcity of drinking water and unhealthy conditions of living.
2. Preference of people to move from rural to urban centres: The smooth and luxurious lifestyle of towns and cities attracts a huge population from rural areas to come and settle in urban areas.
A huge number of rural people flow towards urban centres due to the attraction of employment, high standards of living and a fascinating lifestyle. Thus towns and cities develop.
3. Lack of space: The inflow of population in urban centres results in a lack of space for proper accommodation. Thus slums develop adjacent to railway lines, canal sides and along busy roads. E.g. Problems of slums are predominant in cities like Mumbai and Kolkata.
4. Traffic problems: Unplanned growth of towns leads to the formation of narrow streets and a shortage of footpaths. This leads to traffic congestion and frequent jams on the roads of towns and cities.
5. Degradation of the environment: The development of towns and cities leads to industrialisation and excessive use of motor vehicles. This leads to high levels of pollution and the spread of diseases due to the disposal of wastes in canals, fields and in street corners.
6. Lack of proper education medical and other facilities: Due to urbanisation there is overcrowding occurring in the educational institution and hospitals, which affects the quality of education and health together.
7. Power supply: Unplanned development of towns lead to unplanned use of power resources, which leads to a disbalance between production and demand for power supply in a town or city.
8. Drainage problems: Unplanned urbanisation leads to drainage problems in towns and cities. Disposal of wastes and plastics in drainage canals leads to blockages and water logging in towns and cities even after a little rain. Also, the rapid growth of insects and pests in the drainage lines results in the occurrence of diseases and health hazards.
Question 6. Why the density of the population is so high in West Bengal?
Answer:
The population density in West Bengal is 1029 persons per sq. km according to the census 2011. The causes of the such density of the population in West Bengal are as follows—
1. Plain lands: A large portion of West Bengal came under the lower Ganga plains and the Gangetic delta regions. This area supports agriculture, industrial growth and development of transport and communication, and thus attract
population.
2. Climate: West Bengal lies under the influence of a tropical monsoon climate. This is suitable for agricultural prosperity, and thus attracts people.
3. Soil: Most of the land in West Bengal is covered with fertile alluvial soil brought down by the river Ganga and its numerous tributaries. This soil is highly suitable for agriculture and hence attracts the population.
4. Transport system: The gentle slope of West Bengal supports the development of transport and communication system, which in turn supports population concentration.
5. Ports: Kolkata and Haldia ports help in the economic development of the region, and hence attract the population.
6. Mineral resources: The availability of coal in Raniganj, China clay in Bankura, and Limestone in Jhalda, make West Bengal attractive for people to come and settle down.
7. Power resources: West Bengal is quite rich in power resources. The thermal power centres at Durgapur, Bandel and Kolaghat, and the Hydel power stations at Jaldhaka help in the development of industries and the betterment of livelihood. Recently, solar cells have been installed in the Sundarban region to generate electricity.
8. Industrialisation: The gentle terrain, the developed transport system, availability of mineral and power resources help in the process of industrialisation in West Bengal.
9. Migration: In-migration from the neighbouring country Bangladesh and other neighbouring states caused a great increase in the density of the population of West Bengal.
| Rank |
State and Union Territory |
Population |
The density of the population (per sq. km) |
Sex ratio |
| 1 |
Uttar Pradesh |
199581477 |
828 |
908 |
| 2 |
Maharashtra |
112372972 |
365 |
925 |
| B. |
Bihar |
103804637 |
1102 |
916 |
| 4 |
West Bengal |
91.347.736 |
1029 |
947 |
| 5 |
Andhra Pradesh |
84665533 |
308 |
992 |
| 6 |
Madhya Pradesh |
72597565 |
236 |
930 |
| 7 |
Tamil Nadu |
72138958 |
555 |
995 |
| 8 |
Rajasthan |
68621012 |
201 |
926 |
| 9 |
Karnataka |
61130704 |
319 |
968 |
| 10 |
Gujarat |
60383628 |
308 |
918 |
| 11 |
Odisha |
41947358 |
269 |
978 |
| 12 |
Kerala |
33387677 |
859 |
1084 |
| 13 |
Jharkhand |
32966238 |
414 |
947 |
| 14 |
Assam |
31169272 |
397 |
954 |
| 15 |
Punjab |
27704236 |
550 |
893 |
| 16 |
Haryana |
25353081 |
573 |
877 |
| 17 |
Chhattisgarh |
25540196 |
189 |
991 |
| 18 |
Jammu and Kashmir |
12548926 |
124 |
883 |
| 19 |
Uttarakhand |
10116752 |
189 |
963 |
| 20 |
Himachal Pradesh |
6856509 |
123 |
974 |
| 21 |
Tripura |
3671032 |
350 |
961 |
| 22 |
Meghalaya |
2964007 |
132 |
986 |
| 23 |
Manipur |
2721756 |
122 |
987 |
| 24 |
Nagaland |
1980602 |
119 |
931 |
| 25 |
Goa |
1457723 |
394 |
968 |
| 26 |
Arunachal Pradesh |
1382611 |
17 |
920 |
| 27 |
Mizoram |
1091014 |
52 |
975 |
| 28 |
Sikkim |
607688 |
86 |
889 |
| UT1 |
Delhi |
16753235 |
11297 |
866 |
| UT2 |
Puducherry |
1244464 |
2598 |
1038 |
| UT3 |
Chandigarh |
1054686 |
9252 |
818 |
| UT4 |
Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
3,79,944 |
46 |
878 |
| UT5 |
Dadra and Nagar Haveli |
3,42,853 |
698 |
775 |
| UT6 |
Daman and Diu |
242911 |
2169 |
618 |
| UT7 |
Lakshwadeep |
64429 |
2013 |
946 |
| Total |
India |
1,210,193,422 |
382 |
940 |
Chapter 6 India- Economic Environment Short Answer Explanatory Type Questions
Question 1. What are the causes of the increase in the population of India? OR, Discuss the causes leading to the rapid increase of population in India.
Answer:
The population of India has increased rapidly over the last few decades.
The causes for this increase in population are—
1. High birth rate: The birth rate in India is very high. In 2011, the birth rate in India was 21.8 people per 1000 persons. Lack of education and consciousness, poverty, superstitions, religious beliefs, child marriage, etc., are responsible for this.
2. Low death rate: In the last few decades, death rates have minimised considerably due to major development in medical facilities and the general health of people.
Also, the development of transport and communication systems played a crucial role in this context. These facilitate in reaching the places affected by flood, drought or natural disasters as well as help in providing relief and rescuing the casualties. In 2011, the death rate in India was only 7.1 persons per 1000 persons.
3. Immigration: The rapid migration of refugees from neighbouring countries, especially after the partition of the country, has increased the total population of India rapidly all of a sudden.
4. Economic development: The increase in the production of agricultural and industrial goods over the last few decades helped to improve the economic conditions of the people. Thus total population has increased considerably.
5. Science and technology: Advancement in science and technology has made an overall improvement in the conditions of living. Moreover, forecast disasters and climatic hazards beforehand have made it possible to become alert and take necessary steps to save life and property. These also contribute to increasing the total population.
Question 2. Why does Himachal Pradesh lie in the category of a low population density zone?
Answer:
Himachal Pradesh is a state in India with a low population density. According to the 2011 Census, the total population of the state was only 68,56,509 people and the population density was only 123 persons per sq. km. The causes for the low density of the population in this state are listed below—
1. Rugged topography: The topography or landform of Himachal Pradesh is mostly rugged and hilly. This indicates a lack of availability of agricultural land and also a difficulty for people to build houses in the region.
2. Infertile soil: The land is rugged and hilly, and the soil is immature and not so fertile. This soil is not suitable for good agriculture.
3. Climate: The climate of Himachal Pradesh is generally cold, with chilling and harsh winters. This is not a suitable climate for the settlement of a large population.
4. Lack of raw materials for industries: Lack of mineral resources as raw materials for industries has left the place with very low growth of industries.
5. Lack of power resources: Lack of power resources has hindered the growth of mineral as well as agro-based industries.
6. Poor transport and communication system: Poor transport and communication system also keep the state devoid of high population concentrations.
Question 3. Discuss the population in India.
Answer:
The population in India
India is the second most populated country in the world. The rate of increase in the population of India was quite low in the pre-independence period, but it started rising rapidly in the post-independence period.
The total population increased from 23.84 crores in 1901 to about 36.11 crores in 1951. That means the total increase in the population of India in the first half of the 20th century was 12.27 crore.
The rate of increase in population or the growth rate of population was quite low during this time, the lowest being —0.31% (1911-1921) and the highest being 14.22% (1931-1941).
In the second half of the 20th century, the population increased from 36.11 crores in 1951 to 102.9 crores in 2001. The total increase in population was 66.79 crore. The growth rate of the population was also very high during this period, the lowest being 21.64% (1951-1961) and the highest being 24.79% (1961-1971).
Between 2001-2011, the population of India increased by 18.15 crore and counted to 121.02 crores in total. The rate of increase in population was 17.64%.
As a matter of fact, the increase in the population of India between 1991 and 2001, is higher than the total population of the neighbouring country of Pakistan (the world’s 7th largest populated country).
This shows very clearly that the total population of India is increasing very rapidly decade by decade.
Question 4. Discuss five reasons, responsible for the uneven distribution of population in India.
Answer:
The distribution of population density is not equal throughout India. In some regions, there is a very high concentration of people while in some regions it is sparse. The main causes of this uneven distribution of population density in India are—
1. Physical causes
1. Topography: The mountainous regions of India in the north, northeast and southern states have very rugged and rough topography.
These areas have less population. On the other hand, the Northern Plains and the Coastal Plains have gentle topography that supports agriculture, industrial development, and other economic activities. These areas have a high-density of population.
2. Climate: India broadly enjoys a tropical monsoon climate. Climatic conditions over the Northern Plains, coastal regions and the Peninsular Plateau are moderate and suitable for living.
These areas have high population densities. On the other hand, the dry and harsh climate in the Kutch region of Gujarat, the desert region of Rajasthan and the severe cold climate in the Himalayan mountainous region repel population concentration.
3. Rivers: High concentrations of population are found in the river valleys of the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra in the north and the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, etc., in the south.
This is because the rivers provide water for drinking, irrigation, navigation, pisciculture, hydroelectric power generation, etc. They also help to spread fertile alluvial soil for agriculture.
4. Soil: The regions having rich fertile soils densely populated than the infertile regions. E.g. Alluvial soil of the river valleys and the rich black soil of the Deccan plateau region attract huge concentrations of the population for agriculture.
5. Forests: The presence of dense forests in the foothills of the Himalayas and the western slope of the Western Ghats lead to a low density of population in these regions.
6. Mineral resources: The presence of mineral resources lead to the development of industries and provides employment to a huge population.
Hence, the presence of huge reserves of mineral resources in the Chota Nagpur region and other adjoining regions have a huge density of population.
2. Economic causes
1. Transport and communication: The plains of northern India are suitable for the construction of roadways, railways and other means of transport.
Thus, these regions are highly populated. The transport system has a remarkable impact on population movement and distribution.
2. Industries: The development of industries provides employment to a huge number of people. Hence, industrial areas like Durgapur, Asansol, Jamshedpur, etc., are densely populated.
3. Others: Population may concentrate in some regions for certain special reasons. E.g.
- Tourism: Darjeeling, Srinagar
- Medical treatment: Vellore, Chennai
- Historical places: Lucknow, Agra, Delhi, Mahabalipuram
- Education: Shantiniketan, Nalanda, Aligarh
- Religious centres: Ajmer, Varanasi, Puri
- Military bases: Gwalior
- Administrative centres: Delhi, Kolkata
- Temporary Migration: Kolkata, Delhi, Joshimath
- Communication centres: Nagpur
Question 5. What are the causes of the high density of population in India?
Answer:
India is the second most populated country in the world (after China). According to the census of 2011, the total population of India is about 121 crore 2 lacks. Population density is 382 people per sq. km.
The causes of the high density of population in India are—
1. Presence of plain lands: The northern plains and coastal plains of India are suitable for agriculture, transport, industrialisation, etc. Hence, these areas encourage a high density of population as compared to the mountain region.
2. Climate: Most of the regions of India are influenced by tropical monsoon climates. The hot and humid weather over the plains is suitable for agriculture, industrialisation and other economic activities. Hence, the high density of the population are seen here.
3. Fertile soil: The plain lands of India are mostly formed by the deposition of fertile alluvial soil brought down by numerous rivers. It helps in the development of agriculture and supports higher population density.
4. Availability of water: The rivers of India supply water for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, pisciculture, water transport, etc. Hence, the river valleys are densely populated.
5. Economic causes: The regions which are rich in mineral resources promote the growth of industries and provide employment to a huge number of people. Hence, these areas also are highly populated.
Question 6. Discuss the main characteristics of population distribution in India according to the Census of 2011.
Answer:
The main characteristics of population distribution in India according to the 2011 Census are—
- Uttar Pradesh is the most populated state in the country. (19 crores 96 lakh people)
- Sikkim is the least populated state in the country. (6 lakh 8 thousand people)
- The population of the national capital of Delhi is 1 crore 68 lacks and that of the Union Territory of Puducherry is 12 lakh 44 thousand.
- West Bengal is the fourth most populated state. (9 crores 13 lakh people)
- About l/3rd of the Indian population lived in the fertile Northern Plains or the Gangetic Plains. This area is about l/9th of the total area of the country.
- 31.2% of the total population of India resides in urban areas while about 68.8% reside in rural areas.
Question 7. Discuss the main characteristics of the density of the population of India according to the census 2011.
Answer:
The main characteristics of the density of the population of India according to the Census of 2011 are—
The population density of India in the year 2011 was 382 people per sq. km.
Bihar is the most densely populated state of India (1,102 persons per sq. km).
Arunachal Pradesh has the lowest density of population (17 people per sq. km)
Amongst the Union Territories, the highest density of population is noticed in Delhi
(11,297 persons per sq. km). Chandigarh has a population density of 9,252 persons per sq. km. The lowest density of population is noticed in Andaman and Nicobar Islands (46 persons per sq. km).
Question 8. Why does Arunachal Pradesh have the lowest-density population in India?
Answer:
Arunachal Pradesh has the lowest density of population amongst all the states and Union Territories of India. The reasons for this low density of population in this region are—
1. Topography: The general topography of Arunachal Pradesh is rugged and mountainous. It is difficult to carry out any economic activity over here.
2. Infertile soil: The mountainous and sloping land has immature and less fertile soil, which is not suitable for agriculture.
3. Climate: Climate here is both cold in the higher altitudes and humid in the lower altitudes with very cold winters. Such conditions are not suitable for economic activities and living.
4. Dense forests: The hill slopes of this region are covered with dense forests, which are filled with wild animals. This is not a suitable condition for dense populations.
5. Raw materials for industries: Industries have not developed here due to a lack of both minerals and agricultural raw materials. Few small-scale and cottage industries can be seen here.
6. Power resources: Non-availability of power resources has also hindered the growth of large industries in this region.
7. Transport and communication: The transport and communication system is not developed in this region due to the rugged terrain. Hence, the development of economic activities is hindered, which in turn fails to attract a large population.
Question 9. What do you mean by ‘density of population’?
Answer:
‘Density of population’
The ratio of the total population of a region and the total area of land is known as the density of the population of that region. It can be expressed as—
Population density= Total population/Total area of the region
E.g. In 2011, the total population of India was 121.02 crore. The total area of India is 32.87 lakh sq. km. Thus the density of the population of India is 121.02 crores/32.87 lacks sq. km. = 382 people per sq. km.
Question 10. ‘The Himalayan mountainous region of India is sparsely populated’—State the geographical reasons for this.
Answer:
‘The Himalayan mountainous region of India is sparsely populated’
The Himalayan mountainous region has a very low or sparse population. Here the average density of the population is around 100 people per sq. km. The causes of the such sparse population in the region are—
1. Rugged topography: The whole region is mountainous and has rugged topography. It is difficult to carry out any economic activity over here.
2. Infertile soil: The region has mountain soil which is less fertile and not quite suitable for agriculture.
3. Harsh climate: The Himalayan region experiences cold weather all through the year and very harsh winters. Such a climate is not suitable for the settlement of the population.
4. Dense forests: About 90% of the Himalayan region, especially the sloping lands are covered with dense forests, which have influenced the population densities in these areas.
5. Transport and communication systems: The rugged terrain and harsh cold climate prevented the development of good transport and communication system. Most of the forest regions are inaccessible. Hence, the density of the population has remained low.
6. Lack of raw materials: The Himalayan region lacks mineral resources that can be used as raw materials in industries. Whatever minerals are found here, are difficult to be excavated due to the rugged terrain. Lack of agriculture results in a lack of agro-based industries.
The forest-based raw materials are also difficult to be utilised. Hence, there is a lack of industrial development in this region.
7. Lack of power resources: Lack of power resources also hinders the development of industries. All these together hinder the settlement of a huge population in this region.
Question 11. Why Are the Gangetic Plains of India
Answer:
Gangetic Plains of India
The Gangetic Plains or the Northern Plains of India is the highest populated region of the country. The average population density here is more than 500 people per sq. km.
The causes for the high concentration of population in this region are—
1. Plain land: The topography of the region is plain land with almost no ruggedness. This is suitable for agriculture, industrialisation, development of transport and communication and other economic activities.
2. Climate: The moderate temperature and rainfall of the Gangetic Plains are highly suitable for agriculture in the region. This also provides suitable conditions for living.
3. Soil: The Northern Plains is covered with rich fertile alluvial soil brought down by the Ganga and its tributaries. This soil is highly suitable for the cultivation of crops, especially rice, wheat, jute, sugarcane and oilseeds.
4. Transport and communication: The plain nature of the land helps in the development of roadways, railways and other means of transport and communication. This results in high population density in the region.
5. Power resources: A number of thermal power and hydel power stations have been established here which provide the necessary power supply for industrialization, agriculture as well as livelihood.
All these factors together help to result in a high concentration of population in the Gangetic Plains.
Question 12. ‘Social and political stability of a region influence
Answer:
Social and political stability of a region are two important factors that influence the population density of a region.
1. Social conditions: The social conditions can be categorically viewed as religious and cultural conditions. Religious causes may lead to in-migration or out-migration of the population that influence the population density of the region.
Cultural developments like the spread of education, vocational training, scientific outlook and technological development help to discover new resources and hence attract the population.
2. Political conditions: People prefer to settle in places where there is political stability. E.g. during 1947, after India’s independence and partition of Bengal, a severe political disturbance was seen in the eastern part of Bengal, which later came to be known as Bangladesh.
On the other hand, political conditions were better in the western part of Bengal. Hence, a huge influx of refugees resulted in Bengal, Tripura and the nearby states. This resulted in a high density of population in the region.
Question 13. What are the causes of the reduction of death rates in India in the post-independence period?
Answer:
The average death rate in India in the pre-independence period was about 30 per 1000 persons, which reduced to about 7.1 per 1000 persons in 2011. The causes of the reduction in death rates are—
1. Medical facilities: The development of medical facilities in the post-independence period led to improve health conditions of people. Thus it influenced to the reduction of the death rates.
2. Standard of living: Availability of nutritious food and proper medical treatments helped to reduce death rates.
3. Education and health consciousness: Increase in the education of the people increased consciousness about health, which helped to control diseases and the rate of death.
4. Superstitions: Previously people used to take diseased people to witch doctors and other places for treatment due to superstitions and lack of knowledge. But nowadays, they became aware of the latest medical facilities and take diseased people to doctors and hospitals.
Question 14. Discuss the influence of rivers on the disparity in the distribution of population in India.
Answer:
Water is a basic requirement of living. It is noticed that all major civilizations of the world came up along the banks of large rivers. In India, large populations are seen in the valleys of the major rivers like Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.
The causes of the high density of population in the river valleys are—
- Rivers provide the water necessary for drinking, bathing, washing, cooking, etc.
- Rivers provide water for irrigation.
- Rivers carry and spread alluvial soil on the adjacent lands and make them fertile and highly suitable for agriculture.
- Rivers are used for water transport.
- Rivers help in the production of hydroelectric power.
- Fish cultivation or pisciculture can be done in rivers.
Rivers design the drainage system of an area and ensure the availability of water for various purposes.
Question 15. What are the causes of the high birth rate in India?
Answer:
The causes of the high birth rate in India
The birth rate in India is quite high compared to the other countries of the world. In 2011, the birth rate was high as 21.8 persons per 1000 persons. The causes of the high birth rate in India are—
1. Low literacy rate: In India, about 26% of the population is still illiterate. They have not understood the pros and cons of the increasing population of the country.
2. Child marriage: Early marriage is one of the major causes of the high birth rate. This generally leads to a larger number of children being born. Thus, resulting in a high birth rate.
3. Religious causes: Religious beliefs and superstitions stop people from using preventive measures of birth control. Also, many people believe that more children mean more blessings from God.
4. Social status of women: In a country like India, where patriarchy prevails, women have a low social status. Often they cannot even voice their wish for birth control due to pressures from family and society.
5. Lack of social awareness: There is a lack of consciousness and awareness among the people of India regarding the consequences of the huge increase in population and the need for birth control.
6. Lack of government policies: The government has not yet taken up enough initiatives to spread the consequences of the rapidly increasing population. Whatever policies have been taken up to date have not given satisfactory results due to lack of execution.
7. High death rates: In some cases, high death rates in some regions of the country indirectly initiate high birth rates.
8. Demand for a male child: Even in the 21st century, a male child in the family is seen as a boon.
Question 16. Is India a highly populated country? OR, Why is India designated as a highly populated country?
Answer:
India ranks second in the world with respect to the total population of the country (after China). By the census of 2011, the total population of India was 121 crore 1 lakh 93 thousand 422 people.
About 17.5% of the total population of the world resides in India. That means, there is an Indian in every 6 people in the world. But India occupies only 2.42% of the total land surface of the world.
This indicates that there is a high pressure of population on land in India. It can be mentioned that, although the population of China in 2011 was about 134 crores, i.e., 13 crore people more than that of India, it does not suffer from tremendous population pressure like India as the total area of China is about three times that of India.
Not only the total population, but the rate of increase in population in India per year is also very high. The rate of increase in population in India in 2011 was 17.64%, whereas in the case of China was only 5.6%.
During 2001-2011, the population of India increased by more than 18 crores, i.e., more than 1.80 crores per year. All these facts help to prove that India is definitely a highly populated country with tremendous pressure of population on land.
Question 17. What are the problems of the rapidly increasing population in India?
Answer:
The problems caused by the rapidly increasing population in India are—
1. High price of food crops: The rate of increase in population in India is much higher than the rate of increase in food crop production. Hence, due to excessive demand for food crops, the price of food crops goes up at a high rate.
2. Problems of settlement: The rate of increase in population in India gives rise to space problems. There is huge demand for space available for the construction of buildings, houses, etc. In fact, accommodations in large towns and cities have become too much costly.
3. Unemployment: An increase in population leads to an increase in the number of unskilled and uneducated people. This further leads to problems of unemployment.
4. Medical facilities: Medical facilities are inadequate for this rapidly increasing population. Many people die due to a lack of hospitals and health centers, lack of doctors, and medicines.
Question 18. What is the relation of sustainable development with an increase in population?
Answer:
The relation of sustainable development with an increase in population
Sustainable development refers to that kind of development where the basic needs of the population can be met and their welfare can be continued in the long run by the judicious use of available resources. The major factors of sustainable development are—
- Social welfare,
- Economic upliftment,
- Cultural prosperity,
- Ecological balance,
Improvement of geographical conditions. In a country like India, where the population is increasing in leaps and bounds, a persistent condition of poverty and distress will follow, if sustainable development is not given enough importance.
The rapid growth of the population exerts pressure on sustainable development. For example, an increase in population influences the quality and quantity of components like water, air, power resources, ecosystem, food crops, nutrition levels, mineral resources, etc.
The levels of pollution and waste are also high. In fact, it is estimated that if the population goes on increasing at this alarming rate, the mass of the whole population of the world will be equal to the mass of the earth itself by the next 5000 years.
Chapter 6 India- Economic Environment Short Answer Type Questions
Question 1. What do you mean by Census?
Answer:
Census:
Official Counting of the population and systematic data collection of various attributes of the population and its compiling and analyzing is known as Census.
In India, censuses are conducted every 10 years. The first census survey in India was conducted in 1872. After that, from 1881, regular surveys have been organised after 10 years interval. The very was conducted in 2011, and the next one will be held in 2021.
Question 2. Name the four most populated states of India.
Answer:
The four most populated states of India according to the 2011 census are— 1st — Uttar Pradesh (19 crores 96 lacks) 2nd — Maharashtra (11 crore 24 lacks) 3rd — Bihar (10 crores 38 lacks) 4th — West Bengal (9 crores 13 lahks)
Question 3. Name the four most densely populated states of India.
Answer:
The four most densely populated states of India according to the 2011 census are—
- 1st — Bihar (1,102 people per sq. km)
- 2nd—West Bengal (1,029 people per sq. km)
- 3rd —Kerala (859 people per sq. km)
- 4th — Uttar Pradesh (828 people per sq. km)
Question 4. Mention the reasons for the population explosion in India.
Answer:
The population explosion. In India, the various causes of population explosion are—
- High birth rate due to lack of education, poverty, superstitions, religious beliefs, child marriage, etc.
- Lowered death rates due to improvements in medical facilities, transport and .communication system, etc.
- In-migration from the neighboring countries in huge numbers.
- Increase in food production and industrial development due to the advancement of science and technology.
- Control of hazards and natural calamities.
- Improved conditions of life and improved standards of living.
Question 5. According to the latest Census, which state of India has the least density of population and why?
Answer:
According to the census 2011, amongst all the states of India, Arunachal Pradesh has the least density of population (only 17 people per sq. km). The reasons for this low density of population are—
- Highly mountainous and rough terrain.
- Harsh climatic conditions.
- Dense forests on the hill slopes and foothills.
- Poor transport and communication systems.
- Lack of economic development, etc.
Question 6. After how many years a census is carried out? What is the population density of India according to the 2011 census?
Answer:
Census are conducted every 10 years. According to the 2011 census, the population density of India is 382 people per sq. km.
Question 7. What do you mean by population growth?
Answer:
Population growth
The positive rate of change in the population of a place over a span of time is known as population growth. E.g.
Total population of India according to the 2011 Census shows a remarkable increase of population over the population reported in the 2001 census.
Question 8. What do you mean by sustainable development? Or, What is sustainable development?
Answer:
Sustainable development
The concept of betterment and development of the increasing population, management of resources to meet their demands and conservation of resources for the next generations, together is known as sustainable development.
The concept of sustainable development is related to the betterment and development of human resources all over the world over a long period of time.
The main idea is to make the present resources adequately and abundantly available to the whole population and future generations.
Question 9. How does an urban centre develop as an ‘administrative centre’?
Answer:
Some urban centres may be found to be at such a location that they help in carrying out administrative work. These centres grow into administrative centres by the virtue of their location.
These centres gradually attract people and grow into small towns. These small towns grow into large towns and then into big cities gradually. E.g. Delhi and Kolkata have grown as administrative centres for their locations.
Question 10. How do transport and communication help in developing an urban centre?
Answer:
The places with well-developed transport and communication systems are easily accessible and hence people are attracted to work and live there.
Thus large urban centres may develop. E.g. Siliguri has grown as a big town due to the good network of roadways and railways. It is the doorway to the north-eastern states of India as well as to Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Question 11. How does the growth of industries help in the development of towns?
Answer:
The development of industries provides employment to a huge population. This leads to the dense collection of a population in the surrounding areas.
This helps in the development of large towns in the industrial areas. E.g. Jamshedpur, Durgapur, Ahmedabad, etc.
Question 12. Mention two problems of urbanisation in India.
Answer:
Two problems of urbanisation in India are—
Health hazards: The pollution caused by industries, motor vehicles, etc., creates unhealthy conditions in urban areas which may cause health hazards in the long run.
Traffic jams: The huge number of vehicles plying in the cities, the encroaching of footpaths by shops and stalls, etc., all together lead to very slow traffic movement. This creates frequent traffic jams.
Question 13. What do you mean by the rapid increase in population?
Answer:
Rapid increase in population:
The positive increase of population in leaps and bounds over a small period of time is known as a rapid increase in population. This is also known as the ‘Population explosion’.
In India, a huge increase in the size of the population was noticed between 1951 and 1981 (2.16% to 2.47% every year).
This rapid increase led to the condition of population explosion. Development of education, medical facilities, agriculture, industries and standard of living, etc., are responsible for this condition.
Question 14. What do you mean by the ‘stagnation or stationary phase of population growth’?
Answer:
‘Stagnation or stationary phase of population growth’:
When the population of a region does not change but remains constant over a period of time, it is known as ‘stagnation of population growth’.
This may happen when the positive increase in population is balanced by the negative increase in population. E.g. Stagnation of population= Birth rate + In migration = Death rate + Out-migration. The stagnation of population can be seen in Sweden and Switzerland.
Chapter 6 India- Economic Environment MCQs
Write The Correct Answer The Given Alternatives
Question 1. The population density in India is highest in the state of—
- Bihar
- Kerala
- West Bengal
- Tamil Nadu
Answer: 1. Bihar
Question 2. Highest— population in India lies in the state
- Uttar Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- West Bengal
- Biha
Answer: 1. Uttar Pradesh
Question 3. Population Survey or ‘Census’ in India is done every—
- 9 years
- 10 years
- 11 years
- 12 years
Answer: 2. 10 years
Question 4. Which Union Territory of India is having the lowest total population?
- Delhi
- Lakshadweep
- Andaman and Nicobar islands
- Puducherry
Answer: 2. Lakshadweep
Question 5. The population density of West Bengal per sq. km is—
- 1010 people
- 1025 people
- 1029 people
- 1050 people
Answer: 3. 1029 people
Question 6. The rank of Kerala according to population density is—
- 1st
- 2nd
- 3rd
- 4th
Answer: 3. 3rd
Question 7. The rank of Rajasthan according to total population is—
- 6th
- 7th
- 8th
- 9th
Answer: 3. 8th
Question 8. The last census in India was done in the year—
- 2005
- 2010
- 2011
- 2014
Answer: 3. 2011
Question 9. The next census of India will be held in—
- 2010
- 2011
- 2021
- 2024
Answer: 3. 2021
Question 10. The most populated Union Territory of India is—
- Delhi
- Andaman and Nicobar islands
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli
- Puducherry
Answer: 1. Delhi
Question 11. According to the latest census, the most populous state of India is—
- Maharashtra
- Madhya Pradesh
- Uttar Pradesh
Answer: 3. Uttar Pradesh
Question 12. The Union Territory of India with the highest population density is—
- Delhi
- Lakshadweep
- Andaman and Nicobar island
- Puducherry
Answer: 1. Delhi
Question 13. The index of the geographical distribution of the population is—
- Birth rate
- Population density
- Death rate
- Total population
Answer: 2. Population density
Question 14. What percentage of the world population resides in India?
- 16%
- 17.5%
- 18%
- 20.5%
Answer: 2. 17.5%
Question 15. The population density of India per sq. km is—
- 312 persons
- 324 persons
- 382 persons
- 390 persons
Answer: 3. 382 persons
Question 16. The total male population of India is—
- 62.37 crore
- 60 crore
- 65 crore
- 70.25 crore
Answer: 1. 62.37 crore
Question 17. The total female population of India is—
- 62.37 crore
- 60 crore
- 58.65 crore
- 55.55 crore
Answer: 3. 58.65 crore
Question 18. The state of India with least population is—
- Sikkim
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Goa
- Mizoram
Answer: 1. Sikkim
Question 19. The number of females per 1000 males in India is—
- 900
- 930
- 940
- 950
Answer: 3. 940
Question 20. The highest number of females per 1000 males in India is found in the state of—
- West Bengal
- Haryana
- Kerala
- Uttar Pradesh
Answer: 3. Kerala
Question 21. The highest number of females per 1000 males in the Union Territories is found in—
- Daman and Diu
- Delhi
- Lakshadweep
- Puducherry
Answer: 4. Puducherry
Question 22. What is the rate of increase in population per year in India?
- 1.70%
- 1.76%
- 1.80%
- 1.85%
Answer: 2. 1.76%
Question 23. The child (0-14 years) population of India is—
- 35.10 crore
- 40.22 crore
- 40.15 crore
- 41.25 crore
Answer: 1. 35.10 crore
Question 24. The working (15-64 years) population of India is—
- 6.20 crore
- 36.04 crore
- 83.87 crore
- 55.88 crore
Answer: 3. 83.87 crore
Question 25. The highest literacy rate in the Union Territories of India can be seen in—
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli
- Lakshadweep
- Andaman and Nicobar
- Daman and Diu
Answer: 2. Lakshadweep
Question 26. The first census was conducted in India in—
- 1871
- 1872
- 1881
- 1891
Answer: 2. 1872
Question 27. The 2011 census of India was the—
- 10th census
- 12th census
- 14th census
- 15th census
Answer: 4. 15th census
Question 28. The country with the highest population density in the world is—
- India
- Bangladesh
- China
- Japan
Answer: 2. Bangladesh
Question 29. According to the 2011 census, the most densely populated state of India is—
- Kerala
- Bihar
- West Bengal
- Uttar Pradesh
Answer: 2. Bihar
Question 30. The position of India on the basis of the total population in the world is—
- 1st
- 2nd
- 3rd
- 4th
Answer: 2. 2nd
Chapter 6 India-Economic Environment If The Statement Is True, Write True, And If False Write False Against The Following
Question 1. The state of Rajasthan has the lowest population density in India.
Answer: False
Question 2. Sikkim is the least populated state in India.
Answer: True
Question 3. Delhi is the most densely populated Union Territory of India.
Answer: True
Question 4. According to 2011 Census, density of population in India is 382 persons per sq.km.
Answer: True
Question 5. Bihar is the second most populated state in India.
Answer: False
Question 6. According to the latest census, the population of India is about 121 crore 2 lahks.
Answer: True
Question 7. Presently, in the world, there is 1 Indian in every 6 people.
Answer: True
Question 8. Uttar Pradesh is the most densely populated state in India.
Answer: False
Question 9. India is the second most populated country in the world.
Answer: True
Question 10. The first census in India was held in 1872.
Answer: True
Question 11. About 3% of the total land surface of the world is present in India.
Answer: False
Question 12. At the time of independence, about 14% of the population of India was literate.
Answer: True
Question 13. Migration is the basic nature of man.
Answer: True
Question 14. In India, the maximum growth of population occurred in the period 1901-1931.
Answer: False
Question 15. Puducherry is the most densely populated Union Territory of India.
Answer: False
Question 16. The highest populated state of India is Bihar.
Answer: False
Question 17. About 73 crores of people of India belong to the age group of the working population.
Answer: False
Question 18. The least number of females per 1000 males is seen in Daman and Diu.
Answer: True
Question 19. The rate of population increase in India per year is almost equal to the total population of the USA.
Answer: False
Question 20. According to the human resource development report, the best conditions for human resource development is found in Norway.
Answer: True
Question 21. People who remain employed for at least 6 months in a year are counted as workers.
Answer: True
Question 22. The population density of an urban region must be at least 400 persons per sq. km.
Answer: True
Chapter 6 India-Economic Environment Fill In The Blanks With Suitable Words
Question 1. The population density of Arunachal Pradesh is______ people per sq. km.
Answer: 17
Question 2. India ranks______ on the basis of the total population of the countries in the world.
Answer: 2nd
Question 3. Out of the world’s population around______ % is Indian.
Answer: 17.5
Question 4. One of the reasons for the rapid increase in the population of India is______
Answer: High birth rate
Question 5. The second highest populated state of India is ______
Answer: Maharashtra
Question 6. The lowest population density amongst the states and Union Territories of India is in______
Answer: Arunachal Pradesh
Question 7. Enumeration of population and its attributes after a regular interval of time is called ______
Answer: Census
Question 8. The highest rate of increase in population amongst the states of India is noticed in______
Answer: Meghalaya
Question 9. About ______ % of India’s population is child population.
Answer: 29.04
Question 10. The average literacy rate in India is ______
Answer: 77.04%
Question 11. The literacy rate of West Bengal is ______
Answer: 77.08%
Question 12. The average life expectancy in India is ______ years.
Answer: 68.4
Question 13. The average infant mortality rate in India is ______ per 1000 live births.
Answer: 44
Question 14. The highest rate of increase in population in India occurred during the period______ in the post-independence period.
Answer: 1951-81
Question 15. At the end of 2015, the population of India was estimated about ______
Answer: 131 crores
Question 16. By the year______, India will be the most populated country in the world.
Answer: 2050
Question 17. India ranks ______ in the development of human resources in the world.
Answer: 131
Question 18. The development policy taken up for judicious use of resources by the current population is known as the ______
Answer: Sustainable development
Question 19. The towns like Bodh Gaya, Puri and Varanasi developed as______ centres.
Answer: Religious
Question 20. According to the 2011 Census, the number of metropolitan cities in India is _____
Answer: 53
Question 21. Slums develop due to______ urbanisation.
Answer: Unplanned
Question 22. The lowest population density in the world is in______
Answer: Australia
Question 23. According to the 2011 census, the percentage ______
Answer: 74.04
Chapter 6 India-Economic Environment Answer In One Or Two Words
Question 1. What is the position of India in the world in terms of population?
Answer: Second.
Question 2. What is the interval of census survey in India?
Answer: 10 years.
Question 3. When was the 1st census conducted in India?
Answer: 1872.
Question 4. What is the present population density of India?
Answer: 382 people per sq. km.
Question 5. What is the population of India according to the last census?
Answer: 1,21,01,93,422 persons.
Question 6. What is the rate of yearly increase in population in India?
Answer: 1.76%.
Question 7. Which is the most populated state of India?
Answer: Uttar Pradesh. (19,95,81,477 People)
Question 8. Which is the least populated state of India?
Answer: Sikkim. (6,07,688 people)
Question 9. Which is the most densely populated state of India?
Answer: Bihar. (1,102 people per sq. km)
Question 10. Which is the least densely populated state of India?
Answer: Arunachal Pradesh. (17 people per sq. km)
Question 11. Which is the most densely populated Union Territory of India?
Answer: Delhi. (11,297 people per sq. km)
Question 12. Which Union Territory of India has the lowest density of population?
Answer: Andaman and Nicobar islands. (46 people per sq. km)
Question 13. Which Union Territory has the highest population?
Answer: Delhi. (1.68 crores)
Question 14. Which Union Territory has the least population?
Answer: Lakshadweep. (64,429 people)
Question 15. On what does the population distribution map of India mostly depend?
Answer: Rainfall distribution map of India.
Question 16. What percentage of the Indian population presently lives in urban areas?
Answer: 31.16%.
Question 17. What population of India presently lives in urban areas?
Answer: 37.71 crore persons.
Question 18. Name a megacity in West Bengal.
Answer: Kolkata.
Question 19. What is the main reason for the settlement of people in Haldia?
Answer: The Haldia port.
Question 20. What is the cause of dense population settlements in Puri and Varanasi?
Answer: Both cities are religious centres.
Chapter 6 India-Economic Environment Match The Left Column With The Right Column
1.
| Left Column |
Right Column |
| 1. Bihar |
A. Least densely populated Union Territory |
| 2. Uttar Pradesh |
B. Highest populated state |
| 3. Lakshadweep |
C. Most densely populated Union Territory |
| 5. Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
D. Most densely populated state |
Answer: 1-D,2-B,3-A,4-C,
2.
| Left Column |
Right Column |
| 1. Nagaland |
A. Lowest population |
| 2. Sikkim |
B. Lowest population density |
| 3. Arunachal Pradesh |
C. Lowest literacy rate |
| 4. Bihar |
D. Lowest growth of population |
Answer: 1-D,2-A,3-B,4-C,
Chapter 6 India- Economic Environment Topic 4 Transport And Communication System In India Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1. Discuss the importance of the transportation system.
Answer:
The transportation system is very important for the socio-economic and political development of the country.
1. Economic Importance
1. Exchange of goods: The transportation system helps in the exchange of goods between countries. Example India exports tea, jute, spices and several other items to the world market and imports necessary goods from different countries.
2. Decentralisation of industries: The transportation system helps in the decentralisation of industries. Raw materials and finished products can be transported to the factory and market respectively and the industries can be located at locations that incur minimum costs.
3. Hazard management: The transportation system helps in the rescue of victims and the distribution of relief and medical aid in times of hazards like floods, droughts, earthquakes or tsunamis.
4. Development of agriculture: The transportation system helps to transport necessary seeds, fertilisers and agricultural equipment from towns to rural areas. It also helps to transport agricultural products to the markets and the agro-based industries in the urban areas.
5. Collection of natural resources: Collection of forest resources, mineral resources and animal resources largely depends upon the transportation system. E.g. Dense forests of the Amazon basin and northern Canada have yet remained unexplored due to the lack of development of transportation systems.
6. Balance in the price of goods and commodities: The transportation system helps to carry various commodities to markets all over India. Hence, the availability of the commodity can be ensured and the price can be kept at par all over the country.
2. Social Importance
1. Development of towns and cities: The development of transportation systems leads to the growth of industries and trade. This again leads to the development of rural centres into small towns and the towns into cities.
2. Development of education and culture: Transport helps people to travel from one place to another. Thus, an exchange of culture, skills and technologies occurs. This fosters the development of education and culture.
3. Political importance
1. Defence: The transportation system enables reaching out to the soldiers, carrying their ration and war equipment to the different remote and rugged regions. Thus, it helps in the defence of the country.
2. National integration: Transport helps to unite the people of different castes, creeds, colours, cultures, languages and religions living all over the country. Thus, it helps in developing a sense of national integration.
Question 2. Discuss the role of the railways in the economic development of India. OR, What is the role of railways in the internal transportation system of India?
Answer:
Railways are a very important mode of transport in India. It plays a vital role in the economic development of the country.
1. Transportation of goods and passengers: The railways transport a huge quantity of goods and passengers at a high speed and at a low cost. It is the most popular mode for transporting bulk goods and passengers throughout the country.
2. Development of agriculture: The agricultural development of India is also a result of the development of the transport system, especially the railways.
The seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and agricultural equipment can be transported to the fields easily from any corner of the country. The crops produced can also be transported to markets all over the country.
3. Industrial development: Railways help to transport minerals, power resources and equipment to industrial regions and transport the finished products to the markets. Thus industrial development owes much to the railways.
4. Thermal power generation: Railways help to transport coal from the mining regions to the thermal power stations in huge bulks. Thus, they help in the generation of thermal power indirectly.
5. Development of international trade: Railways help to collect various agricultural and industrial products from all corners of the country and transfer them to the ports for export. The imported items are also distributed throughout the country with the help of railways. Thus, railways help in fostering foreign trade.
6. Defence of the country: Railways help in the defence of the country by transporting soldiers, ration and war equipment to the necessary places.
7. Others: Railways help to connect different cultural, educational and trade centres. They help to transport relief to flood or drought-stricken areas. A huge number of labourers and workers commute daily by the railways.
Thus, railways play a very important role in the economic development of our country.
Question 3. what do you mean by communication system? Discuss the concepts of modern communication systems.
Answer:
Communication is the exchange of ideas, information, messages and feelings between people, without any physical movement of people concerned and the system that enables this is called a communication system. It can be divided into three parts
- Collection of information and messages to be communicated (input).
- The medium through which the messages will be communicated (through-put).
- Communicating or enabling the messages to reach successfully (output). Various media of modern communication system area
1. Postal system: Postal system is an ancient mode of communication which started in 900 B.C. in China. The postal system was started in India in 1766. Presently highly developed and advanced systems like speed post, satellite post, express post, business and media post are in use.
2. Telephone: The telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1875. It is a device connected through wires, which helps people to talk to each other even when there is a large physical distance between them.
3. Mobile phone: Mobile phone is a wireless device that helps in building communication among people placed anywhere in the world.
It can be used for calling, sending SMS and MMS. Presently, mobile phone is the most popular medium of communication all over the world.
4. Internet: The Internet is a global network, consisting of interconnected networks, that can be accessed through computers, laptops, mobile phones etc. Through this system, messages, ideas, news, information and letters can be exchanged very fast.
5. E-mail: E-mail is a mail or letter sent through electronic medium. It incurs a nominal cost and can be used to send mail all over the world in a few seconds.
6. Others: The other media of communication are telex, telefax, video conferencing, radio, newspaper, etc. The present-day communication system mostly depends on artificial satellites.
Question 4. Compare the different modes of transport.
Answer:
The comparison among different modes of transport is as follows
| Point of difference |
Roadways |
Railways |
Waterways |
Airways |
| Types of vehicles |
Trucks, buses, motor cars, bicycles, tricycles, etc. |
Passenger trains, goods trains, oil tankers. |
Passenger ships, cargo ships, launches, steamers, boats, etc. |
Aeroplanes, helicopters. |
| Distance |
Short to medium distances are suitable for roadways. |
Mediumtolong distances are suitable for railways. |
Suitable for inland and international transportation of goods and passengers. |
Suitable for very long distances. |
| Speed |
Medium to high 1 speed. |
Very high speed. |
Very slow speed. |
Highest speed. |
| Cost of construction |
Lesser than that of railways |
Higher than that of roadways |
No cost of construction as such. But the cost of constructing ports and harbours is very high. |
No cost of construction as such. But the cost of constructing airports is very high. |
| Nature of items transported |
Low-weight to medium-weight goods. |
Mediumweight to heavy and bulky goods. |
Heaviest and bulkiest goods. |
Lightest, most costly and perishable goods. |
| Trade |
Mostly used for inland trade and commerce. Sometimes used for international trade as well. |
Mostly used for inland trade and commerce. |
Mostly used for international trade and commerce. |
Used for both inland and international trade and commerce. |
| Loading and unloading |
Goods and passengers can be loaded and unloaded anywhere. |
Loading and unloading may occur only at proper platforms. |
Loading and unloading occur only at ports. |
Loading and unloading occur only at airports. |
| Extent |
Can be developed almost anywhere like rugged terrain, forests etc. |
Can be developed in plains and plateaus. |
Can be developed where ports can be constructed. |
Can be used to fly over rugged regions but can be developed only where airports can be built. |
Chapter 6 India- Economic Environment Short Explanatory Answer Type Questions
Questions 1. List the advantages of road transport.
Answer:
The advantages of road transport are
1. Speed: Light and less bulky commodities can be easily transported via roadways and at greater speed.
2. Anytime transportation: Road transport does not have to depend on a fixed schedule as rail and air transport. They can be availed at any time of the day as per need.
3. Security: Roadways are used to provide security in border regions of the country. They are also used for transporting food, medical aid, war equipment, etc., to the border areas.
4. Variety of vehicles: A number of vehicles can ply over the same roadway. E.g. Buses, trucks, cycles, auto rickshaws, etc., can use the same road and carry different types of commodities and varied volumes of passengers.
5. Easiest transport: Roadways provide the easiest mode of transport for the movement of raw materials to production areas and carry the finished products to markets.
6. Door-to-door transport: Roadways help in the door-to-door transportation of goods and passengers.
Question 2. What are the disadvantages of road transport?
Answer:
The disadvantages of road transport are
1. Cost of construction: The cost of construction of roads is quite high and the process is also time-consuming. Roadways cannot be developed properly unless the country has a stable and developed economic condition.
2. High maintenance cost: Roadways are prone to damage due to rainfall, flood, snowfall and even due to plying of heavily loaded vehicles on a regular basis. Hence, they require regular monitoring and maintenance. This incurs high costs.
3. Lack of bridges hamper roadways: India is a land of numerous rivers spreading like a network all over the land. The lack of bridges over these rivers hampers the spread of roadways in these regions.
4. High cost of transportation: Transportation of goods, as well as passengers by road, is comparatively costlier than transportation by rail and waterways. The high cost of transportation through roadways creates an impediment for sure.
5. Lack of comfort: A journey by road over long distances is tedious and less comfortable than a journey by rail. Hence, passengers tend to avoid roads for long-distance journeys.
Question 3. Write a short note on the Golden Quadrilateral, the East-West and North-South Corridors.
Answer:
Golden Quadrilateral: The Golden Quadrilateral is a National Highway project taken up with the aim of connecting the four metropolitan cities of India, namely, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.
This is the largest national highway project in India and the fifth largest in the world. Under this project, 5846 km of roadways have been built by the National Highway Development Project (NHDP).
- The length of roads between the metropolitan cities are
- Delhi to Kolkata 1453 km,
- Chennai to Mumbai 1290 km,
- Kolkata to Chennai 1684 km,
- Mumbai to Delhi-1419 km(Source: NHAI) These highways are of 4-6 lanes and form the backbone of the transportation system of India.
- The project has been executed with the help of modern technology and advanced equipment imported from Malaysia.
- North-South and East-West Corridors: The North-South Corridor of India extends from Srinagar of Jammu and Kashmir in the north to Kanyakumari of Tamil Nadu in the south.
This is an important highway spreading 4000 km, that connects the extreme northern and southern regions of the country. The East-West corridor extends from Silchar of Assam in the east to Porbandar of Gujarat in the west.
This 3300 km long highway connects the extreme eastern and western regions of India. Presently, these corridors are the largest among the running roadway projects in India. These are managed by the National Highways Authority of India.
Question 4. Discuss the importance of road transport in the economic development of India.
Answer:
The road transportation system plays a very important role in the economy of a developing country like India. The importance of roadways in the economic development of India is
1. Development of rural areas: About 69% of the population of India lives in rural areas. Roads help in the transportation of agricultural products from rural to urban areas and promote intra-regional trade and commerce.
Roads also help in transporting fertilisers, insecticides and modern agricultural equipment from towns and cities to rural areas for the development of agriculture.
2. Raw materials: Roadways help in acquiring raw materials, both agro-based and mineral-based from different regions for the development of industries.
E.g. Coal from Raniganj and Asansol regions is transported to the Hooghly industrial region through the National Highway NH-19.
3. Development of hilly areas: The hilly regions of northern India, north-eastern India and the Deccan plateau regions are not fit for the construction of railways. Hence, roadways are very important for the development of these regions.
Also, because of the rugged terrain and the absence of a proper railway network in this region, roadways help to establish communication between different parts of this region.
4. Low cost of construction: The construction of roads incurs a lower cost than the construction of railways. Hence, the development of roadways put less pressure on the economy of the country.
5. Border security: The border areas of India have rugged terrain and harsh climatic conditions. Construction of railways is impossible in those regions.
Hence, roadways are very important in these regions as they help to maintain and establish an environment of safety and security in the border regions of India.
6. Connection with small industrial centres: The large industrial regions of India are connected to the raw material regions as well as to the markets mostly through railways.
But there are numerous small industrial centres in India which are dependent only on roadways for the supply of their raw materials and for their business and trade.
Question 5. Name the different means of transport in India.
Answer:
The different means of transport in India are
- Surface transport or land transport,
- Waterways,
- Airways,
- Pipelines
- Ropeways.
- Surface transport is further sub-divided into
- Roadways and
- Railways.
- Waterways are further sub-divided into
- Inland waterways,
- Coastal waterways and
- International waterways.
- Airways is further sub-divided into
- Domestic airways and
- International airways.
Question 6. What is the importance of National Highways?
Answer:
The importance of National Highways
National Highways are very important for the transportation of goods across the lengths and breadths of India. Presently, the length of National Highways in India is about 96261 km.
- They spread through all the states like a network, providing road connectivity throughout the country. National Highways form only 2.91% of the total length of roadways in India.
- They help to transport about 40% of the total transport plying through roadways in the country. They are maintained by the central government of India. E.g.
- Delhi and Kolkata are connected via the National Highway NH-19.
- Kolkata and Mumbai are connected via the National Highway NH-6.
- The longest National Highway in India is NH-44, which connects Srinagar in the north to Kanyakumari in the south.
Question 7. Write a short note on the State Highways of India.
Answer:
The State Highways of India
The State Highways are spread within particular states and help to connect with the National Highways. They are constructed and maintained by the state government.
These roads generally connect the capitals of the states to the adjacent National Highways. They play an important role in the transportation of goods and commodities, trade and commerce within the state. The total length of state highways in India is about 131899 km. E.g. B.T. Road is a state highway in West Bengal.
Question 8. What are border roads?
Answer:
Border roads:
In the post-independence period, the ‘Border Roads Organisation’ was formed in 1960 for the construction of roads in the border regions of the country in order to provide security.
These roads are known as ‘Border roads’. Presently, the length of border roads in India is 32885 km. One of the biggest successes of the Border Road Organisation (BRO) is the construction of the highest border road in the world from Leh to the Tibet border.
The border road constructed from Mohali (Himachal Pradesh) to Leh (Ladakh) is the second-highest border road in the world.
Question 9. What are ‘International Roadways’? Discuss their importance.
Answer:
‘International Roadways’
The roadways that spread over two or more countries are known as ‘International Roadways’. In India, there are six international roadways which are known as Asian Highways or Great Asian Highways. They are
- AH-42 between Lanzhou of China and Barhi of India.
- AH-43 between Agra of India and Matara of Sri Lanka.
- AH-48 between Phuentsholing of Bhutan and Changrabandha of India.
Importance:
- The importance of ‘International Roadways’ is listed below
- The international roadways help in maintaining cordial relations between the countries through which they pass.
- These roads help in the exchange of culture and thoughts between the countries.
- These roads help in the transportation of goods and commodities between the countries and help in the development of trade and commerce.
- They play an important role in increasing the national income of the country.
- These roads may lead to overall industrial development and a rise in the standard of living of the countries thus connected.
Question 10. Classify the railways gauges in India.
Answer:
Railways in India can be classified on the basis of the distance between the two parallel rails of the railway line.
1. Broad gauge: The distance between the two rails is 1.68 m in the broad gauge railway. Most of the railway traffic in India runs through the broad gauge railway. Presently, about 56000 km of railway lines in India come under broad gauge.
2. Metre gauge: The distance between the two rails is lm in the meter gauge railway. Presently, about 4000 km of railway lines in India come under meter gauge.
The length of meter gauge lines is reducing day by day, as efforts are being taken to convert them into broad gauge lines.
3. Narrow gauge: The distance between the two rails in a narrow gauge line is either 0.76m or 0.61m. Presently, about 5000 km of railway lines in India come under the narrow gauge.
Question 11. List the different divisions of railways in India based on the regions they are spread over.
Answer:
The railways in India have been divided into 17 sections for providing the best service. They are listed as follows (with headquarters)
- Eastern Railway (Kolkata),
- South-Eastern Railway (Kolkata),
- North-Eastern Railway (Gorakhpur),
- North-East Frontier Railway (Guwahati),
- Western Railway (Mumbai),
- Northern Railway (New Delhi),
- Southern Railway (Chennai),
- Central Railway (Mumbai),
- South-Central Railway (Secunderabad),
- East-Central Railway (Hajipur),
- East Coast Railway (Bhubaneshwar),
- North-Central Railway (Allahabad),
- North-Western Railway (Jaipur),
- South-East-Central Railway (Bilaspur),
- South-Western Railway (Hubli),
- West-Central Railway (Jabalpur) and
- Metro Railway (Kolkata).
Question 12. What are the problems of railways in India?
Answer:
The problems of railways in India
Although the railways help in the economic development of India to a great extent, they have various problems
1. Time-consuming: Railways in India ply in different gauges in different regions. Loading and unloading of goods and boarding and onboarding of passengers into different train coaches consume too much time and become costly.
2. Lack of modern technology: Indian railways lack the use of modern and advanced technology in signalling systems and train coordination so that all kinds of signalling problems and accidents due to head-on collisions can be controlled and avoided.
3. Lack of railway wagons: Lack of the required numbers of wagons for transporting goods and commodities hamper trade and commerce activities. In many cases, people tend to depend more on road transportation than railways.
4. Journey without a ticket: A huge number of people have a tendency of travelling on trains without a ticket or paying less fare.
Thus, the income of the railways from passengers is lowered and the railways incur huge losses due to this. Also, several malpractices are seen in transporting goods and commodities, which significantly reduce the income of the railways.
5. Lack of security of life and property: Train robberies, thefts and accidents show that there is a lack of security of life and property in train journeys.
6. Lack of railway employees: Railways have been the organisation employing the highest number of employees in India. But recently, this organisation is facing a dearth in the number of employees due to irregular recruitments. Hence, the present employees are forced to work for longer hours.
This increases work pressure, and mental stress and reduces the quality of work, especially for drivers, technicians, signal operators and other people who hold responsible posts.
Question 13. What is the importance of waterways in India?
Answer:
The importance of waterways in India
Waterways are an important mode of transport in India because of the following reasons.
1. Low cost: Water transport incurs a very low cost as compared to railway or roadway transportation. Practically, there is no cost of construction and maintenance of waterways, except for constructing the ports, ferry ghats and water vessels like boats, launches, ships, etc.
2. Transportation of goods and passengers: Like roadways and railways, waterways carry a huge amount of goods and passengers. This is also a very important means of transport in India.
3. Security: India has a coastline as long as 7516 km. Waterways are very important to provide security to the country along the coast. Thus, the coastal waterways help to foster the security of the country.
4. National income: Transportation of goods, resources, commodities and passengers through waterways generates high levels of income and employment. This helps to increase the overall national income.
5. Distribution of relief: Waterways serve as an important means of transport in the distribution of relief in times of natural disasters. E.g. Relief was distributed to the cyclone-struck (Aila) areas of Sundarban through waterways (2007).
Question 14. Classify the waterways in India.
Answer:
Waterways in India can be classified into two categories
1. Inland waterways: India is a country with numerous rivers. Hence, water transportation through these rivers and canals is a common sight. In India, inland waterways are spread over 14500 km, of which, 5200 km is through rivers and 4000 km is through canals.
Different types of big and small boats and launches ply through these waterways. Some of these waterways are declared National Waterways and they come under the purview of the central government. In India, inland waterways can be of two types
- Riverways and
- Navigable canals.
2. Riverways: Rivers of India play an important role in inland water transport.
Ganga: The Ganga is the most important river in India. It is navigable from its mouth up to Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Steamers may run from its mouth up to Patna.
Brahmaputra: This is an important river providing water transport in Assam.
Others: The lower courses of the rivers Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Tungabhadra, etc., are navigable. They serve as important riverways in the Deccan plateau region. The rivers Juari and Mandvi of Goa are also important riverways.
3. Navigable canals: The Ganga canal between Haridwar and Kanpur, the Buckingham canal between rivers Krishna and Kaveri, the coastal canals of Odisha and Kerala and the eastern and circular canals of Sundarbans are important cans always of India.
2. International or Oceanic waterways:
The coastal water routes and the oceanic water routes between India and other countries fall under this category. They are important mostly for the security of the coastal regions and the development of foreign trade and commerce.
Question 15. Briefly Write About The National waterways of India.
Answer:
The National waterways of India
India is a country of numerous rivers, and there are a number of National Waterways.
1. National Waterway-1:
The riverway through the rivers Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hoogly is designated as the National Waterway-1, the most important inland waterway of India. It extends from Allahabad to Haldia. The length of this route is about 1620 km.
2. National Waterway-2:
It is the Sadiya- Dhubri stretch of the Brahmaputra river. The waterway is shared between India and Bangladesh. The length of this route is about 891 km.
3. National Waterway-3:
This waterway extends from Kottapuram to Kollam in Kerala for about 205 km. In 2015, the waterway was extended till Kozhikode, stretching up to a length of 365 km.
4. National Waterway-4:
This waterway spreads for about 1095 km from Kakinada to Puducherry.
5. National Waterway-5:
This waterway extends for about 623 km through the rivers Brahmani East Coast Canal, Matai and Mahanadi.
6. National Waterway-6:
This waterway extends from Lakhimpur to Bhanga of Assam through the river Barak. Its length is
121 km.
Question 16. Name some important canal routes of India.
Answer:
The important canal routes of India are
- Buckingham canal of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
- The Kurnool-Cuddapah canal of Andhra Pradesh.
- The Medinipur canal of West Bengal.
- The Triveni canal of the Damodar Valley.
- The Sone canal of Bihar.
- The Ganga canal in the Doab region between the Ganga and Yamuna.
- The Eastern and Circularcanals of Sundarban.
The Kayals and natural canals of the Malabar coast. E.g Steamers regularly ply through the Vembanad Kayal between Kochi and Alappuzha (Alleppey).
Question 17. Mention the oceanic waterways of India.
Answer:
The oceanic waterways of India can be divided into two parts
- ‘The coastal waterways,
- The international waterways.
1. The coastal waterways: The coastline of India is 7516 km long along the peninsular region in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Steamers, ships and boats ply through this long coastal waterway connecting the eastern and western coastal regions.
This is used for security services of the coastal regions and for trade and business. E.g. Ships and steamers carry passengers from Mumbai to Goa, salt comes to the West from the Kachchh region of Gujarat and coal from Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha goes to the southern states of India through, the coastal routes.
2. The international waterways: India is surrounded by oceans and bays on three sides. Hence, trade is conducted with various countries in Africa, Europe and Western Asia through the oceanic routes since ancient times.
Presently, these international waterways help to carry out the maximum of international trade in India. There are 13 major and 200 medium to small ports in India, which help in international trade. About 90% of India’s export trade occurs through the 13 major ports in a year.
About 16000 cargo ships ply through these ports in a year. In 2013-14 the total amount of cargo handled in the 13 major ports was about 55.54 crore tonnes.
Question 18. Write the advantages of waterways.
Answer:
The disadvantages of waterways are
1. Slow speed: Ships, steamers and other water vessels move at very slow speed. Hence, waterways cannot be used in case of emergencies or for goods which need to be transported fast.
2. Rough weather: Heavy rainfall, storms and cyclones cause difficulties in the movement of water vessels on waterbodies. Ships and steamers may get wrecked which may cause huge loss of both life and property.
3. Navigability: The rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra become unnavigable in some parts of their lower course due to heavy siltation. Big ships and steamers cannot sail through them as the rivers lose depth.
4. Security: The ships often sail in the oceans all alone. They are often prone to pirate attacks. Hence, they lack security.
Question 19. Write The disadvantages of waterways
Answer:
The disadvantages of air transport are
1. Slow speed: Ships, steamers and other water vessels move at very slow speed. Hence, waterways cannot be used in case of emergencies or for goods which need to be transported fast.
2. Rough weather: Heavy rainfall, storms and cyclones cause difficulties in the movement of water vessels on waterbodies. Ships and steamers may get wrecked which may cause huge loss of both life and property.
3. Navigability: The rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra become unnavigable in some parts of their lower course due to heavy siltation. Big ships and steamers cannot sail through them as the rivers lose depth.
4. Security: The ships often sail in the oceans all alone. They are often prone to pirate attacks. Hence, they lack security.
Class 10 Geography India Economic Environment questions
Question 20. What is the importance of airways in India?
Answer:
The importance of airways in India are
1. Fastest transport: Airways are the fastest mode of transport. A huge number of passengers fly from one place to another through airways every day.
2. Goods transport: Light and valuable commodities are usually transported by airways. But heavy and bulk goods are not transported by airways.
3. Foreign trade: Airways are very important for the export and import of light and valuable goods and perishable goods like meat, milk and milk products, flowers, vegetables, fruits, etc.
Thus, they play an important role 1 in foreign trade. Also, airways help in travelling from one country to another.
4. Distribution of relief: Airways are the most dependable modes in the case of distribution of relief and medical aids during natural calamities in rugged regions. They are also useful in rescue operations, land surveys etc.
5. Defence: Airways help to monitor the long borders of India. They help to transport ration and soldiers to borders and other remote locations in times of war and other emergencies. Hence, they play an important
Question 21. What are the disadvantages of air transport?
Answer:
The disadvantages of air transport are
1. High cost of transportation: Transportation by airways is very costly. It cannot be afforded by all people.
2. Difficulty in the transportation of heavy and bulk goods: Heavy and bulk goods or goods in large quantities cannot be transported by airways. It is only suitable for light and less bulky goods.
3. High risk: Transportation by airways is more prone to risks due to mechanical faults of aircraft, and rough weather conditions like heavy rainfall, cyclonic winds, clouds or fog, compared to other modes of transport.
4. Dependence on weather conditions: Transportation by airways is highly dependent on weather conditions. Flights may get delayed due to cyclonic winds, heavy rainfall, dense fog, or clouds. Even, ash sprays from volcanoes may reduce visibility to such an extent, that flights may not ply through those routes for a number of days.
Question 21. Name some of the important ports on the eastern coast of India. Mention their export and import items.
Answer:
Some of the important ports on the eastern coast of India are listed below
| Port |
Kolkata and Haldia |
Paradip |
Visakhapatnam |
Ennore |
Chennai |
New Tuticorin |
| State |
West Bengal |
Odisha |
Andhra Pradesh |
Tamil Nadu |
Tamil Nadu |
Tamil Nadu |
| Harbour |
Artificial |
Natural |
Natural |
Natural |
Artificial |
Artificial |
| Import items |
Paper, crude oil, machinery, sugar, chemical products, salt, wood, food grains |
Electric goods, machinery and equipment, fertilisers, steel |
Mineral oil, electrical equipment, long-staple cotton fibre, food grains, fertilisers |
Crude oil, fertilisers, paper |
Crude oil, food grains, newsprint |
Chemical products, crude oil |
| Export items |
Tea, jute products, iron and steel, iron ore, leather |
Iron ore, manganese, coal, wood |
Iron ore, cement, cotton clothes, oilseeds, spices |
Coffee, fish, manganese |
Coffee, tea, cotton, textile, leather goods, iron ore |
Cotton textiles, spices, fish, coffee |
Question 22. Name some of the important ports on the western coast of India. Mention their export and import items.
Answer:
Some of the important ports on the western coast of India are listed below
| Port |
Jawaharlal Nehru |
Kandla |
Mumbai |
Mormugao |
New Mangalore |
Kochi |
| State |
Maharashtra |
Gujarat |
Maharashtra |
Goa |
Karnataka |
Kerala |
| Harbour |
Natural |
Natural |
Natural |
Natural |
Natural |
Natural |
| Import items |
Crude oil, edible oil, long-staple cotton fibre, chemical products |
Crude oil, liquid ammonia, fertilisers, zinc, iron and steel |
Crude oil, long-staple cotton fibre, equipment, drugs, chemical products, newsprint |
Crude oil, chemical fertilisers, iron and steel, phosphoric acid |
Crude oil, chemical fertilisers, liquid ammonia etc. |
Crude oil, coal, chemical fertilisers, iron and steel, newsprint |
| Export items |
Cotton textile, manganese, spices, sugar |
Rice, barley, salt -. |
Cotton textiles, leather, spices |
Iron ore, sugar, salt, prawns |
Iron ore, coffee, granite, wood |
Tea, cashew nuts, coffee, spices, fish |
Question 24. Discuss airways transport in India.
Answer:
Airways transport in India
Airways are the fastest and most comfortable means of transport. In India, airway transportation was first started in 1911.
Two types of airways systems are operational in India Domestic airways and International airways. Presently there are about 450 small and big airports in India, out of which, 28 are international airports.
All domestic as well as international flights plying in India are under the aegis of the Airport Authority of India. In 2016-17 (April-March) 265 million passengers were transported by the airways in India.
Question 25. Write about international airways in India.
Answer:
International airways in India
India is connected to more than 100 countries through international airways. Regular flights ply between countries like Saudi Arabia, France, Netherlands, Canada, Brazil, USA, Germany, Egypt, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, etc.
Numerous types of aircraft carry passengers to and from India from different countries. Some of the airway companies whose flights fly in India
Question 25. Write about domestic airways in India.
Answer:
Domestic airways in India:
The domestic airways in India help to connect different parts of the country as well as some neighbouring countries.
Airway companies like Air India, Jet Airways, Spice Jet, Indigo, Go Air, and Blue Dart Aviation help to transport goods and passengers in India and its neighbouring countries. The organisation called ‘Pavan Hans’ renders helicopter services to different parts of the country.
Question 26. Write about the importance of ropeways in India.
Answer:
The importance of ropeways in India are
- Ropeways help to connect hilly regions and regions of rugged terrain.
- Coal is transported to factories directly from the mining regions through ropeways.
- Ropeways help to connect places and transport goods and passengers in regions where there are no roadways or railways.
milk.
- Once installed, the cost of maintenance of pipelines is very low compared to other means of transport. In India, the first pipeline was started in 1956 from Digboi to Tinsukia, running for about 28 km. The other important pipelines that are being actively used in India are
1. Naharkatiya-Nunmati-Barauni pipeline: This 1167 km long pipeline is used to transport crude mineral oil from Naharkatiya to Barauni in Bihar. This was the first pipeline of India which became operative in 1962. Presently, it has been extended to Kanpur and Haldia.
2. Bombay High-Mumbai-Ankleswar- Koyali pipeline: This pipeline is used to transport crude mineral oil from Bombay High to Mumbai and then from there to oil refineries at Ankleswar and Koyali.
3. Salaya-Koyali-Mathura pipeline: This 1256 km long pipeline is used to transport mineral oil from Salaya in Gujarat to Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. It supplies oil to refineries at Koyali and Mathura.
4. Hajira-Bijapur-Jagdishpur gas pipeline: This 1750 km long pipeline has been constructed by GAIL to transport gas to three powerhouses and six fertiliser plants every day.
5. Jamnagar-Loni LPG pipeline: This 1269 km long pipeline is used by GAIL to transport and distribute liquified petroleum gas.
Question 27. Write about the importance of ropeways in India.
Answer:
The importance of ropeways in India are
- Ropeways help to connect hilly regions and regions of rugged terrain.
- Coal is transported to factories directly from the mining regions through ropeways.
- Ropeways help to connect places and transport goods and passengers in regions where there are no roadways or railways.
- Ropeways in hilly regions are of great attraction to tourists.
- Ropeways help to transport relief and aid to hilly regions in case of natural calamities or disasters.
- Ropeways are used regularly to transport food, medicines, utility goods and other commodities to remote and isolated places in rugged hilly regions.
Question 28. Name some major ropeways in India.
Answer:
There are more than 100 ropeways running across India. Some of them are
- One of the fastest ropeways in the world lies in the Jharia coal mine region of Jharkhand. This is about 30 km long.
- The ropeway in Darjeeling was constructed in 1968 to carry both goods and passengers. This is about 8 km long.
- Ropeway running between Shillong and Cherrapunji in Meghalaya is a famous tourist attraction.
- Recently, a ropeway about 1.2 km long, has been started inTawanginArunachal Pradesh.
- Ropeways are also present in Rajgir, Mussourie, Shimla, Nainital, and Anaimalai of south India, Amarkantak of Madhya Pradesh and so on.
Question 29. Write a short note on transportation by pipelines in India.
Answer:
Transportation by pipelines in India
Transportation by pipelines is mainly applicable to liquid commodities like gas, oil or Milk. once installed, the cost of maintenance of pipelines is very low compared to other means of transport.
In India, the first pipeline was started in 1956 from Digboi to Tinsukia, running for about 28 km. The other important pipelines that are being actively used in India are
1. Naharkatiya-Nunmati-Barauni pipeline: This 1167 km long pipeline is used to transport crude mineral oil from Naharkatiya to Barauni in Bihar. This was the first pipeline of India which became operative in 1962. Presently, it has been extended to Kanpur and Haldia.
2. Bombay High-Mumbai-Ankleswar- Koyali pipeline: This pipeline is used to transport crude mineral oil from Bombay High to Mumbai and then from there to oil refineries at Ankleswar and Koyali.
3. Salaya-Koyali-Mathura pipeline: This 1256 km long pipeline is used to transport mineral oil from Salaya in Gujarat to Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. It supplies oil to refineries at Koyali and Mathura.
4. Hajira-Bijapur-Jagdishpur gas pipeline: This 1750 km long pipeline has been constructed by GAIL to transport gas to three powerhouses and six fertiliser plants every day.
Jamnagar-Loni LPG pipeline: This 1269 km long pipeline is used by GAILto transport and distribute liquified petroleum ga
Question 30. State the importance of the metro railway.
Answer:
The importance of the metro railway
The railway that runs mostly through the underground is known as the metro railway. It is a very important mode of transport in the metro cities of India.
1. No traffic jams: The metro railway plies mostly on its own underground track, which is not disturbed by other railway tracks or roadways. Hence, there are no chances of traffic jams.
2. No pollution: Metro rails run on electricity. Hence, the level of pollution caused is almost negligible.
3. Less encroachment of land: Metro rails run through the underground. Land use on the surface is usually not disturbed. Hence, there is very little need for encroachment of land.
4. Scheduled running of trains: Metro rails run at small intervals. Unlike roadways and surface railways, there are usually no delays and the train service is very frequent. This helps to maintain the work culture in metropolitan cities.
5. Comfortable journey: Metro trains run very fast and usually most of the trains are airconditioned. Hence, the journey by metro railway is very comfortable.
Question 31. Mention some metro railways running in India.
Answer:
Some of the metro railways running in India are
1. Kolkata Metro Rail: The first stretch of metro rail in India was completed in 1984 in Kolkata. Initially, the service was started between a few stations. Presently it runs between Noapara and Kavi Subhas (near Garia) covering 27 km and 24 stations. The Kolkata Metro rail transports about 6 lakh passengers daily.
2. Delhi Metro Rail: This metro rail service was started on 25 December 2002 when the first train ran between the stations Shahdara and Tis Hazari. It runs for 218.17 km, covering 164 stations. In 2014, on 8th September, the Delhi Metro rail transported a record 28.87 lakh passengers.
3. Bengaluru Metro Rail: This metro service is locally known as ‘Namma’. It was started in 2011 on 20 October. It stretches for about 42.30 km. It carries about 50,000 passengers daily on average. Metro railways have also been started in Jaipur, Gurgaon, Chennai and Mumbai also.
Question 32. Discuss the importance of the mobile phone as a modern medium of communication.
Answer:
Mobile phone is a very popular medium of communication in the modern world because
- It is a wireless device and hence can be carried to any place easily.
- It helps in communication between any region of the world and at any time of the day.
- Apart from communication, a mobile phone can be used for internet banking, booking railway and flight tickets, purchasing goods online, etc.
- The Internet can be easily accessed through a mobile phone.
- The GPS system in a mobile phone helps in finding the location of a place and tracking routes.
Question 34. Differentiate between roadways and railways.
Answer:
The differences between roadways and railways are
| Point of difference |
Roadways |
Railways |
| Cost of construction |
The cost of construction is lower than railways. |
The cost of construction is higher than roadways. |
| Speed |
Roadways have medium speeds. |
Railways have high speed. |
| Goods transported |
Roadways help to transport lightweight and medium-weight goods. |
Railways help to transport medium to heavy and bulky goods. |
| Quantity of goods |
Roadways help to transport small quantities of goods at a time. |
Railways help to transport huge quantities of goods at a time. |
| Cost of transportation |
Per unit cost of transportation is high in the case of roadways. |
The per unit cost of transportation is low in the case of railways. |
Question 35. Differentiate between waterways and airways.
Answer:
The differences between waterways and airways are
| Point of difference |
Waterways |
Airways |
| Cost of construction |
There is no cost of constructing waterways, but the cost of construction of ports and harbours is high. |
There is no cost of constructing airways, but the cost of construction of airports is very high. |
| Speed |
Waterways are the slowest means of transport. |
Airways are the fastest means of transport. |
| Goods transported |
Waterways are used to transport the heaviest and bulkiest goods throughout the world. |
Airways are used to transport precious, costly, light and perishable goods. |
| Cost of transportation |
Waterways are the cheapest means of transport. |
Airways are the costliest means of transport. |
Question 36. Differentiate between transport and communication.
Answer:
The differences between transport and communication are
| Point of difference |
Transport |
Communication |
| Nature |
Medium of physical movement of goods and passengers. |
Medium of exchange of news, information and messages with or without physical movement of people. |
| Media |
Railways, roadways, airways, ropeways, pipelines. |
Telephones, radio, internet, mobile phones, newspapers. |
| Time |
Transportation takes more time than communication. |
Communication can occur within a few seconds. |
| Expense |
Transportation incurs a greater expense. |
Communication incurs a small expense. |
Question 1. What do you understand by transportation?
Answer:
Transportation
The movement of goods or people or both from one place to another by means of a vehicle is called transportation.The development of a country is related to the large-scale development of transport systems.
Question 2. What are National Highways?
Answer:
National Highways:
The metalled roads built by the NHAI to connect the important cities in the different states all over the country, are called National Highways.
These roads are long and comprise 2-6 lanes. They are of good quality and are well maintained to ensure a greater flow of traffic.
Question 3. What are State Highways?
Answer:
State Highways
The metalled roads built and maintained by the state governments in the respective states of India are called State Highways. These roads help to connect different National Highways and the important cities of the states.
WBBSE Geography solutions for economic topics
Question 4. What is the Golden Quadrilateral?
Answer:
Golden Quadrilateral
The Golden Quadrilateral is a project taken up by the NHAI to build National Highways connecting the four metropolitan cities of India, namely, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai by 6-lane highways.
They serve as an important base in the construction of other National and State highways and other types of roads that spread like a net over the country. It is the largest highway project in India.
Question 5. What do you mean by ‘Shipping lanes’?
Answer:
Shipping lanes
The regular routes that ships follow on the oceans while travelling from one place to another, are called shipping lanes.
Question 6. What do you mean by ‘Shipping lines’?
Answer: The various companies that sail their ships in the oceans for transporting goods and passengers, are called shipping lines.
Question 7. What do you mean by waterways?
Answer:
Waterways
The routes through which water transportation vehicles like ships, vessels and boats ply through rivers, lakes and oceans, are known as waterways. It is the cheapest mode of transport.
Question 8. What do you mean by surface transport?
Answer:
Surface transport
The modes of transport that ply on the surface of the land, are called surface transport. Railways and roadways are the two forms of surface transport.
Question 9. What do you mean by airways?
Answer:
Airways
The recognised routes in the sky through which the air transport vehicles move, are called airways. As such, there is no cost of construction of airways, but the aircraft, and helicopters that move through the airways are the costliest means of transport.
Question 10. Write two advantages of road transport.
Answer:
Two advantages of road transport
- Roads can be constructed everywhere on the land surface, thus even remote and rugged regions can be connected.
- The cost of the construction of roads is comparatively lower and hence road transport is cheap.
Question 11. Write two disadvantages of road transport.
Answer:
Two disadvantages of road transport
- Frequent maintenance is required for roads which incurs a huge cost in the long run.
- Traffic jams may cause a delay in road transportation. This creates great problems in case of perishable goods or emergency situations.
Question 12. Write two advantages of railways as a means of transport.
Answer:
Two advantages of railways as a means of transport
- Railways as a medium of transport are suitable for the quick transportation of heavy and bulk goods.
- The cost of transporting goods by railways is much lower compared to the other means of transport.
Question 13. Write two disadvantages of railways as means of transport.
Answer:
Two disadvantages of railways as means of transport
- Railways cannot be constructed on all kinds of land surfaces, E.g. mountainous terrain, deserts or regions highly dissected by rivers.
- Railways can run only on specific tracks and cannot change routes if necessary.
Question 14. Write two advantages of the air transportation system.
Answer:
Two advantages of the air transportation system
- The air transportation system helps in the fast movement of passengers and goods, especially perishable goods.
- The air transportation system helps in the distribution of relief and medical aid during times of emergencies like floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, etc.
Question 15. Write two disadvantages of airways as a means of transport.
Answer:
Two disadvantages of airways as a means of transport
- The air transportation system is very costly and beyond the reach of poor people.
- The air transportation system is not suitable for travelling over very small distances.
Question 16. What is the proposed National Highway Grid?
Answer:
The proposed National Highway Grid
The proposed National Highway Grid is a plan taken up to build a four-lane highway grid, connecting 12 major ports, 45 major cities and 26 state capitals of India.
Question 17. Name the different types of surface transport.
Answer:
Surface transport can be broadly divided into two types”
- Roadways and
- Railways.
- Railways can be further subdivided into-
- Surface railways and
- Sub-surface or Metro railways.
Question 18. Classify waterways.
Answer:
Waterways can be broadly classified into two types
- International waterways and
- Inland waterways.
- Inland waterways can be further classified into—
- Riverways and
- Canalways.
Question 19. What are pipelines?
Answer:
Pipelines
A pipeline is a modern mode of transportation used for transporting liquid or fluid commodities like mineral oil, natural gas or water from one place to another. This reduces the cost of transportation and helps to prevent wastage to a large extent.
Question 20. What is cable transport?
Answer:
Cable transport
The mode of transport constructed with the help of cables to connect different places is called cable transport. They are of great importance in hilly areas and in mining regions.
They can be used for transporting people, mineral resources, food, water, etc. Cable transport is a wider term related to ropeways.
Cable transports may be passive or they may be driven and passengers or items can be moved by pulling, sliding, sailing or by drivers operating the vehicles along the cableways.
Using pulleys and balancing loads moving up and down the cableways are common elements associated with cable transportation.
Question 21. What is an ‘entrepot’?
Answer:
‘Entrepot’
The ports which basically import, store or trade goods mostly as part of re-exporting activities without any additional processing or repackaging charges are called entrepot.
At the report, goods do not face any import or export duties upon shipment from the port. E.g. Kollam port of Kerala.
Question 22. What is the difference between transport and communication?
Answer:
The difference between transport and communication
Transport refers to the movement of people or goods from one place to the other by means of a vehicle. Communication refers to contact and exchange of information between people or between places. It may or may not include the physical displacement of goods or people.
Question 23. How does road transport influence industrial growth?
Answer:
Road transport helps to carry raw materials to factories and finished products to the markets for industries which do not need a long-distance movement of goods. Road transport is cheaper and more profitable for regional transportation. They influence the growth of industries in a region to a great extent.
Question 24. How does water transport influence industrial growth?
Answer:
Water transport is cheap and profitable and plays a very important role in international trade. Many industries tend to grow near port areas so that they can easily trade with foreign countries by exporting their goods through the waterways. Hence, the presence of ports and waterways promotes the industrial growth of a country to a great extent.
Question 25. What are rural roads?
Answer:
Rural roads
The roads spread over in the rural areas are called rural roads. Generally, they are unmetalled or semi-metalled, narrow and run in undefined zigzag patterns. They are mainly constructed to enable to and fro movement of people and resources. They may be owned by the government or by private parties.
Question 26. Why are waterways also known as ‘life-lines of development’?
Answer:
Waterways are also known as ‘lifelines of development’, as they are the chief means of transport used for trade and commerce.
- External trade or export-import trade mostly depends on waterways.
- The cost of transportation is the cheapest through waterways.
- The trade and commerce of countries surrounded by oceans mostly depend on waterways.
Question 27. What is an Ocean Liner?
Answer:
Ocean Liner
The ships that move through specific waterways and transport goods and passengers are called Ocean Liners. Cargo vessels are at times called Ocean liners. But, these exclude short-distance trading vessels or cruise ships. These move at a comparatively high speed and through specific routes. Transportation by Ocean Liners is a little costlier than those by other water vessels.
Question 28. What is a ‘Tramp’?
Answer:
‘Tramp’
A ‘Tramp’ is a ship or water vessel that does not have a fixed schedule of journey or fixed ports to visit. They are slow-moving ships that trade on spot markets as and when necessary. Usually, the commodities traded on Tramp ships are- coal, timber, bulky minerals, raw materials for industrial use, etc.
Question 29. What are cargo ships?
Answer:
Cargo ships
Cargo ships are those that transport goods to specific countries through specific routes within a specific period of time. Commodities mostly traded with the help of cargo ships are mineral oil, iron and steel, valuable timber, etc.
Question 30. What is ‘Vayudoot’?
Answer:
‘Vayudoot’
The domestic air transport provided by a joint venture between Indian Airlines and Air India is known as ‘Vayudoot’. The aircraft that are used in Vayudoot are usually small, have a lesser number of seats and ply over short distances.
Question 31. What is ‘Pavan Hans’?
Answer:
‘Pavan Hans’
The helicopter service provided by the central government is known as ‘Pavan Hans’. This service is generally provided in regions having off-shore mineral oil mines. This is also available in some hilly regions for transportation over short distances.
Question 32. What do you know about the ‘Circular Rail’ in Kolkata?
Answer:
‘Circular Rail’ in Kolkata
The ‘Circular Rail’ service has been arranged encircling the entire city of Kolkata for easy and comfortable transportation of passengers and vendors. It runs on a circular rail route that starts from and terminates at Dumdum junction and connects numerous stations like Baghbazar, Princep Ghat, Patipukur, Kidderpore, etc. It is operated by the Eastern Railway Zone of the Indian Railways.
Question 33. What is the role of railways in the development of agriculture in India?
Answer:
The role of railways in the development of agriculture in India
Railways play a very important role in the development of agriculture in India. Railways help in transporting seeds, fertilisers, insecticides, agricultural equipment, etc., to the farmers in bulk amounts and also carry the agricultural produce to the markets all over the country.
Question 34. What do you mean by communication?
Answer:
Communication
The process of exchange of information, news and feelings between two persons or between a group of persons is known as communication. Communication can occur with the physical displacement of the people or from a distance. Telephone, fax and the internet are modern means of communication.
Question 35. Mention two uses of mobile phones.
Answer:
Two uses of mobile phones
- Mobile phones help in communication between people from anywhere in the world.
- Mobile phones are also used for taking photographs, sending SMS and MMS and accessing the internet.
Question 36. What is the function of the internet?
Answer:
The function of the internet
The Internet enables access to data and information about any topic from anywhere in the world. It is also used to send messages, e-mails, and information, download cinemas, songs and much other important information.
Question 37. What do you mean by teledensity?
Answer:
Teledensity
The number of people using a telephone connection in an area per 100 individuals is called teledensity. Teledensity is an indicator of the usage of advanced communication systems. This was first introduced in the British Isles.
Question 38. What do you mean by the modern communication system?
Answer:
Modern communication system
The exchange of information, data, messages or knowledge with the help of computers and mobile phones through satellites is known as a modern communication system. Information can be transmitted or conveyed at lightening fast speed.
Question 39. What do you mean by an e-mail?
Answer:
E-mail
An e-mail or an electronic mail is a letter, information, data, photograph or message sent by one person to another via the internet within a few minutes from anywhere in the world.
Question 40. What is a cell phone?
Answer:
Cell phone
A small device that is portable and handy, used for telecommunication through satellite networks, is called a cell phone or a mobile phone.
Chapter 6 India- Economic Environment MCQs
Write The Correct Answer The Given Alternatives
Question 1. Position of India in the world with respect to the length of the metalled roads is
- 2nd
- 3rd
- 4th
- 5th
Answer: 1. 2nd
Question 2. Which country in the world ranks 1st in the transportation of goods and passengers through airways?
- USA
- India
- China
- Japan
Answer: 1. USA
Question 3. The suitable mode of transport for a short distance is
- Roadways
- Railways
- Airways
- Waterways
Answer: 1. Roadways
Question 4. The longest railway line in the world is
- Kolkata-Delhi railways
- Trans-Siberian railways
- Trans-Caucasian railways
- Trans-Caspian railways
Answer: 2. Trans-Siberian railways
Question 5. Its position of India in the world with respect to the transportation of goods and passengers through railways is
- 1st
- 2nd
- 3rd
- 4th
Answer: 3. 3rd
Question 6. The longest railway line in India is
- Northern Railway
- Southern Railway
- Eastern Railway
- Western Railway
Answer: 1. Northern Railway
Question 7. The position of India in Asia with respect to the spread of the railway network is
- 1st
- 2nd
- 3rd
- 4th
Answer: 2. 2nd
Question 8. The number of international airports in India is
- 10
- 12
- 20
- 33
Answer: 4. 20
Question 9. An advantage of goods transported through roadways is
- Low cost of transportation
- Fast transportation
- Transportation to remote places
- Increased Security
Answer: 3. Transportation to remote places
Question 10. The Golden Quadrilateral is associated with
- Airways
- Waterways
- Roadways
- Railways
Answer: 3. Roadways
Question 11. The mode of transport suitable for international trade is
- Airways
- Roadways
- Waterways
- Railways
Answer: 3. Waterways
Question 12. The mode of transport suitable for perishable and costly goods is
- Airways
- Roadways
- Waterways
- Railways
Answer: 1. Airways
Question 13. Railways were first started in India in
- 1853
- 1850
- 1901
- 1910
Answer: 1. 1853
Question 14. The distance between the two rail lines in a metre-gauge railway is
- 1.68m
- lm
- 0.76m
- 0.61m
Answer: 2. lm
Question 15. The distance between the two rail lines in a broad gauge railway is
- 1.68m
- lm
- 0.76m
- 0.61m
Answer: 1. 1.68m
Question 16. The airway service was first started in India in
- 1991
- 1911
- 1921
- 1901
Answer: 2. 1911
Question 17. The length of the first railway line in India was
- 30km
- 33.6km
- 50km
- 55.3km
Answer: 2. 33.6km
Question 18. The headquarters of Eastern Railways is located in
- Kolkata
- Patna
- Bhubaneshwar
- Delhi
Answer: 1. Kolkata
Question 19. In Germany, what are controlled-access highways known as?
- Expressways
- Motorways
- Autobahn
- NH
Answer: 3. Autobahn
Question 20. The longest National Highway in India is
- NH-2
- NH-7
- NH-34
- NH-1
Answer: 2. NH-7
Question 21. The Grand Trunk Road runs from Kolkata via
- Varanasi
- Delhi
- Chennai
- Mumbai
Answer: 2. Delhi
Question 22. The most well-equipped port of India is
- Kolkata
- Kandla
- Mumbai
- Kochi
Answer: 2. Kandla
Question 23. The deepest port in India is
- Mumbai
- Kolkata
- Kandla
- Krishnapatnam
Answer: 4. Krishnapatnam
Question 24. The maximum amount of iron ore in India is exported through the port of
- Pradeep
- Kolkata
- Mormugao
- Navseva
Answer: 3. Mormugao
Question 25. The first metro railway in India was started in
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Kolkata
Answer: 4. Kolkata
Question 26. Transportation through pipelines was started in India in
- 1900
- 1906
- 1947
- 1956
Answer: 4. 1947
Question 27. The length of National Highways among all types of roadways in India is
- 2%
- 2.91%
- 2.5%
- 2.8%
Answer: 2. 2.91%
Question 28. The headquarters of the metro railway is located at
- Mumbai
- Delhi
- Bengaluru
- Kolkata
Answer: 4. Bengaluru
Question 29. The technology used to find the location of any place on the earth is known as
- Remote sensing
- GPS
- Internet
- Telephone
Answer: GPS
Question 30. The type of message sent through a telegraph machine is called
- Remote sensing
- E-mail
- Telegram
- Internet
Answer: 3. Telegram
Question 31. In 1876, the telephone was invented by
- Meghnad Saha
- Jagadish Chandra Bose
- Alexander Graham Bell
- Guglielmo Marconi
Answer: 3. Alexander Graham Bell
32. The first computer that was run with the help of electricity
- Eniac
- Lenovo
- HP
- Sony
Answer: 1. Eniac
Question 33. A modern means of communication is
- Mobile phone
- Airways
- Railways
- Telegram
Answer: 1. Mobile phone
Question 34. The telecommunication issues are looked after by
- BSNL
- VSNL
- TRAI
- WBTA
Answer: 3. TRAI
Question 35. The term ‘virus’ in a communication system is associated with
- Computer
- Telephone
- Fax
- Satellite
Answer: 1. Computer
Question 36. Internet was first launched in India for educational and research purposes in
- 1960
- 1970
- 1980
- 1990
Answer: 2. 1970
Question 37. What is India’s global rank in terms of the total number of mobile phone users?
- 1st
- 2nd
- 3rd
- 4th
Answer: 2. 2nd
Question 38. India’s rank in the world among the largest wireless networking countries is
- 4th
- 5th
- 3rd
- 2nd
Answer: 4. 2nd
Question 39. The proposed fastest National Highway, which will connect Srinagar in the North with Kanyakumari in the South is called as
- The East-West Corridor
- The Golden Quadrilateral
- The North-South Corridor
- The North Central Corridor
Answer: 3. The North-South Corridor
Chapter 6 India-Economic Environment If The Statement Is True, Write True, And If False Write False Against The Following
Question 1. In present days, trade is possible even without the transport system.
Answer: True
Question 2. The development of the transportation system indicates the economic development of the country.
Answer: True
Question 3. Water transportation is the oldest transportation system in the world.
Answer: False
Question 4. In Italy, the main highways are known as autostrada.
Answer: True
Question 5. Roadways is the most suitable mode of transport in hilly and rugged areas.
Answer: False
Question 6. Most of the international trade is carried on highways.
Answer: False
Question 7. Malaysia assisted India in the execution of the Golden Quadrilateral project.
Answer: True
Question 8. The most popular method of the land transport system is the roadways.
Answer: False
Question 9. The first railway system in the world was built between Stockton and Darlington in North England.
Answer: False
Question 10. The largest railway line in the world and the 3rd largest railway line in Asia lie in India.
Answer: False
Question 11. Presently, there are more than 17 railway sections in India.
Answer: True
Question 12. The headquarters of South-Eastern Railways is located in Cuttack.
Answer: False
Question 13. The position of India in international waterways is not quite remarkable.
Answer: True
Question 14. Railways are the costliest mode of transport.
Answer: False
Question 15. Indigo Airlines is a domestic airways company of India.
Answer: False
Question 16. The ropeway between Darjeeling and Bijanbari is very popular for tourist interest.
Answer: False
Question 17. The National Highway (NH-35) connecting Kolkata and Dhaka has been designated as an international roadway.
Answer: True
Question 18. Railways have not developed in the northeastern states of India due to its rugged terrain.
Answer: True
Question 19. Railways are the cheapest mode of transport.
Answer: False
Question 20. The longest national highway in India lie between Sadia and Dhubri.
Answer: False
Question 21. The largest highway project taken up in India is the Golden Quadrilateral.
Answer: True
Question 22. About 2.4 crore passengers fly by railways every day in India.
Answer: True
Question 23. Water transport is the best mode of transport for perishable goods.
Answer: False
Chapter 6 India-Economic Environment Fill In The Blanks With Suitable Words
Question 1. The headquarters of Central Railway is located at_______
Answer: Mumbai CST
Question 2. Railways were first started in West Bengal in the year _______
Answer: 1854
Question 3. Asian Highway is an _______ roadway.
Answer: International
Question 4. The cheapest mode of transport is _______
Answer: Railways
Question 5. The Sealdah-Bongaon section of railways fall under the _______ railways.
Answer: Eastern
Question 6. If the distance between two rail lines is 1.68m, it is called a _______ railway line.
Answer: Board gauge
Question 7. The headquarters of North-East Frontier Railways in located at _______
Answer: Guwahati
Question 8. Rivers and canals are examples of _______ waterways.
Answer: Inland
Question 9. The movement of goods and passengers from one place to another by means of a vehicle is known as _______
Answer: Transport
Question 10. The length of the first railway line in India was________
Answer: 33.6km
Question 11. The busiest National Highway in India is ________
Answer: NH-19
Question 12. There are________ types of roadways present in India.
Answer: 7
Question 13. The length of State Highways in India is ________ km.
Answer: 131899km
Question 14. The number of lanes in the Golden Quadrilateral is ________
Answer: 4-6
Question 15.________transport does not require maintenance of the path.
Answer: Waterways
Question 16. Goods transport by inland waterways is looked after by the________
Answer: Central inland water transport corporation
Question 17. Visakhapatnam is a________ harbour.
Answer: Natural
Question 18. The port of Mumbai is known as the________ to India.
Answer: Gateway
Question 19. The place where the ships rest near a port is called a ________
Answer: Harbour
Question 20. The mode of transport suitable in hilly and remote areas is________
Answer: Roadways
Question 21. The satellite named ________ is used for telecommunication in India.
Answer: INSAT-3E
Question 22. The email was first started in ________
Answer: 1972
Question 23. The ________ helps in finding the location of a place on the earth’s surface.
Answer: GPS
Question 24. ________ may or may not involve the physical movement of people.
Answer: Communication
Chapter 6 India-Economic Environment Answer In One Or Two Words
Question 1. What is the method of moving goods and people from one place to another called?
Answer: Transportation.
Question 2. What is the political importance of the transportation system?
Answer: National integration and security.
Question 3. What are highways known as in England?
Answer: Motorways.
Question 4. How many types of roadways are present in India?
Answer: 7 types.
Question 5. Which is the best mode of transport on land?
Answer: Railways.
Question 6. Name the 3rd largest railway in the world.
Answer: Indian Railways.
Question 7. Name the international airport in West Bengal.
Answer: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Dumdum.
Question 8. Name an airways company in India that runs both domestic and international flights.
Answer: Air India.
Question 9. When was ‘Pavan Hans Limited’ formed?
Answer: 1985.
Question 10. To which category of economic activities does the transport and communication system belong?
Answer: Tertiary Sector.
Question 11. Which factor is the most important one to maintain a balance between demand and supply of commodities in a market?
Answer: Transportation System.
Question 12. Which is the most widespread mode of transport used in the whole world?
Answer: Roadways.
Question 13. Why have frontier roadways been built?
Answer: To ensure security in the border regions.
Question 14. Between which two places does the NH-1 lie?
Answer: Leh and Uri in Jammu and Kashmir.
Question 15. Name the highest frontier roadway in the world. Also, mention its height.
Answer: Leh to the Tibetan border. Height is 5639m.
Question 16. Name a tax-free port in India.
Answer: Kandla port of Gujarat.
Question 17. What is the main medium mostly used in communication from a distance, in the present world?
Answer: Satellites.
Question 18. Name the government organization providing telecommunication services in India.
Answer: BSNL.
Question 19. Name the organization that helps in telecommunication between India and foreign countries.
Answer: VSNL.
Question 20. Name the largest news agency in India.
Answer: PTI (Press Trust of India).
Question 21. When and where was the first postal service in the world started?
Answer: China in 900 B.C.
Question 22. Which country has the largest postal system in the world?
Answer: India.
Question 23. When was the usage of computers first started in India?
Answer: 1955.
Question 24. Where was the computer first used in India?
Answer: ISI (Indian Statistical Institute), Kolkata.
Question 25. In which city was the use of computers first started in Asia?
Answer: Kolkata (1955).
Question 26. To which economic sector do transport and communication belong?
Answer: Tertiary sector.
Question 27. What is the full form of the Internet?
Answer: Interconnected Network.
Chapter 6 India-Economic Environment Match The Left Column With The Right Column
1.
| Left Column |
Right column |
| 1. Kolkata-Dhaka |
A. Expressway |
| 2. Barrackpore Trunk Road |
B. International roadway |
| 3. G.T. Road |
C. National Highway; |
| 4. Manali to Leh |
D. State Highway |
| 5. Kolkata-Durgapur |
E. Frontier roadway |
Answer: 1-B,2-D,3-C,4-E,5-A
2.
| Left Column |
Right column |
| 1. Eastern Railways |
A. New Delhi |
| 2. Nothern Railways |
B. Secundrabad |
| 3. Southern Railways |
C. Kolkata |
| 4. Western Railways |
D. Chennai |
| 5. South central railway |
E. Mumbai |
Answer: 1-C,2-A,3-D,4-E,5-B
WBBSE Solutions for Class 10 Geography and Environment
