GEOGRAPHY

H.C.G. - Paper-2
(Two Hours)

Attempt seven questions in all.

Part I is compulsory. All questions from Part I are to be attempted.
A total of five questions are to be attempted from Part II.
The intended marks for questions or parts of questions are given in brackets.

PART I (30 Marks)

Attempt all questions from this Part

Question 1
Study the extract of Survey of India Map Sheet No. 45D/10 and answer the following questions:
a) Name and give the four figure reference of a settlement where the people of the region
meet at least once a year. (1)
Ans. Malgaon in grid square 1520 &1620 or Pamera in grid square 1622.
(Annual fair in a settlement indicates the probability of trading.)
b) What does the conventional symbol in grid square 145132 mean? (1)
Ans. Permanent Hut or Tree.
c) If a man were to walk from Gulabganj (1820) to Harmatiya (1916) (3)
(i) In which direction would he be walking ?
Ans. SSE/SE
(ii) Which are the two different kinds of roads that he would be using?
Ans. Metalled Road and Cart Tracks.
d) What do the following numbers in grid square 1718 and 1818 mean? (2)
(i) 280 in 1718
Ans. Contour Height of 280m above sea level
(ii) 281 in 1818
Ans. Spot height of 281m above sea level
e) What are the differences between the settlement Bamba in 1914 and those in 1813?(2)
Ans. Bamba - Shows a clustered settlement pattern with temporary huts and no civic
facility.
In 1813 – The settlement is nameless showing a scattered settlement pattern with
permanent huts and a PWD Dak Bungalow.
f) Name four facilities that Anadra has which makes it an important settlement. (2)
Ans. Post & Telegraph Office, Dak Bungalow, Police Chowki, Dispensary and Metalled
Road.
g) What is the quickest means of communication for the people of Dabani (1313)? (1)
Ans. Telephone Line is the quickest means of communication for the people of Dabani
h) What do the following mean (3)
(i) Brackish in 1915.
Ans. Brackish water is saline and unfit for irrigation and drinking but can be used for
domestic purpose and extracting salt.
 (ii) Causeway in 1715.
Ans. Causeway is the raised platform or a stretch of a metalled road over a seasonal
stream, or canal.
(iii) 6r in 1218.
Ans. 6r is the relative height of the Sipu Nadi’s river bank.
i) Mention two factors which support the following (4)
(i) The river Sipu is in its middle course.
Ans. It has sediments stones and pebbles.
It is meandering through a rolling plain.
It is braided in stretches with islands on its bed.
A number of tributaries join it with broken ground along their banks.
(ii) The rainfall in the region shown in the map extract is seasonal.
Ans. Presence of seasonal tanks and streams, broken ground along rivers, causeways and
cart tracks crossing streams or motorable in the dry season indicate seasonal rainfall.
j) What is the distance in kilometers between the distance stone 20 in 1818 and the
causeway in 1715 along the metalled road? (1)
Ans. 3 kms.

Question 2
On an outline map of India provided:
a) Draw, name and number the Tropic of Cancer (1)
b) Label the river Narmada (1)
c) Shade and name Lake Chilka (1)
d) Mark and Name the Aravali Mountains. (1)
e) Mark and name the Karakoram Pass (1)
f) Shade and name a densely populated state in South India (1)
g) Shade and name a region with black soil (1)
h) Mark with a dot and name Srinagar (1)
i) Mark and name the winds which bring rain in winter to the Coromandel Coast (1)
j) Name and print O on an oilfield in north east India (1)
 PART II (50 Marks)
Question 3
a) (i) Name the type of climate prevalent over India. (2)
Ans. The type of climate prevalent over India is ‘Tropical Monsoonal climate’.
(ii) Name any two factors responsible for it.
Ans. Vast Size; Distance from the sea(peninsula shape); Large latitudinal extent (8 degrees
N to 37 degrees N); Western Disturbances; Alignment of mountain ranges; Jet Streams;
Altitude; Impact of prevailing winds. (Any two options)
b) What is the direction of the summer monsoons? Why? (2)
Ans. The direction of summer monsoons in India is from the south west.
High temperature experienced in summer creates an intense low pressure over land,
specially over the northern plains of India. Winds blow from high pressure over the Arabian
Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean towards the low pressure over land ie. from sea to
land. As they are onshore winds they provide bulk of rainfall of the orographic type in India.
c) Give geographical reasons for the following:- (3)
(i) Even in summer Shimla is cooler than Delhi.
Ans. Shimla is located at a higher altitude than Delhi. Shimla is in the hills and Delhi is
in the plains.
(ii) The northern plains in India do not freeze in winter.
Ans. The northern plains do not freeze in winter as the west to east alignment of the
Himalayas prevent the cold northern winds from entering India.
(iii) Kochi has a lesser annual range of temperature than Agra.
Ans. Kochi has a maritime location which is influenced by the moderating effect of the
sea and hence experiences a lower range of temperature compared to agra which has a
continental location.
d) Study the climatic data given below and answer the questions that follow: (3)

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Temperatur 23.8 25.0 27.7 28.3 30.2 30.3 30.4 30.3 30.0 30.3 25.5 24.2
e
°C
Rainfall 0 0 1.1 1.5 2.1 45.3 46.5 45.4 43.3 20.1 3.0 0.1
cms
(i) Calculate the mean annual temperature.
Ans. 28° C (336°/12)
(ii) What is the total rainfall during the monsoon season?
Ans. 180.5 cms. (June to September)
(iii) Does the station have a maritime or a continental climate? Give a reason for your
answer.
Ans. It has a maritime climate since the range of temperature is low (30.4-23.8=6.6° C)
and rainfall is concentrated in the rainy season ie. from June to September.

Question 4
 a) State two methods of controlling the erosion of soil caused by running water. (2)
Ans. Afforestation plugging gullies, deepening of river beds and widening of river banks
contour ploughing, terrace farming and construction of dams and barrages across rivers.
b) Mention two differences in the alluvial soil of the northern plains and the alluvial soil on
the coastal plains of India. (2)

Ans.
Soils of Northern Plains of India Soils of Coastal Plains of India
Porous, sandy and coarse textured Non Porous, clayey and fine textured
Lighter in colour Darker in colour
c) Mention any three characteristics of black soil which makes the soil fertile. (3)
Ans. Moisture retentive, self ploughing, fertile as it is rich in lime, alumina, iron, potash,
magnesium, calcium and carbonates. (Any two)
d) Give geographical reasons for the following:- (3)
(i) Laterite soil is not suitable for cultivation.
Ans. Laterite soil is not suitable for cultivation as it is a leached and thus acidic. It is also
poor in nitrogen, humus, lime, potash and phosphoric acid and cannot retain moisture.
(ii) Red soil is red in colour.
Ans. Red soil is red in colour as it is rich in iron oxide.
(iii) Khadar soils are preferred to Bangar soils.
Ans. Khader soil is fertile as it is new alluvium, fine textured and replenished every year.

Question 5
a) Mention two reasons why Tropical Evergreen Forests are difficult to exploit for
commercial purposes. (2)
Ans. Tropical Evergreen Forests are difficult to exploit for commercial purposes as they
dense, inaccessible, and multi layered with mixed stands and thick undergrowth. The
wood is hard and heavy and difficult to cut and transport.
b) Give two characteristics of tidal forests. (2)
Ans. Tidal forests are dense, impenetrable and evergreen, with stilt roots and
(pneumatophores) breathing roots. The trees can survive in both fresh and saline water.
Epiphytes are commonly found here.
c) Mention three reasons why forests must be conserved. (3)
Ans. Forests must be conserved to check soil erosion, conserve wild life habitat, sustain
forest resources like gum, resin, rubber, medicinal plants and herbs, material for tanning
leather etc.for future generations, check pollution, maintain ecological balance, provide
timber for domestic and commercial purpose, provide raw material to industries and
employment to people involved in various forest related activities and prevent the
extinction of flora and fauna. (any three)

d) Name three trees found in monsoon deciduous forests and state one use. (3)
Ans. i. Teak - Used in making furniture ship building, railway carriages and bridges.
ii. Sandalwood - Used in making handicrafts, incense, soap, cosmetics and carvings.
iii.Semul - Used in making matchboxes, toys and packing cases.
 iv.Myrobalan – Used for tanning leather and dyeing cotton, wool and silk.
v. Sal – Railway sleepers, boats, beams, doors and windows.
vi.Shisham – Furniture, bullock carts, farm implements, and musical instruments.

Question 6
a) Mention two advantages of rainwater harvesting. (2)
Ans. i. Recharging Groundwater ii. Checking floods iii. Checking soil erosion. (any two)
iv. Checking pollution of rainwater. v. Supplying water during the dry season.
b) Why are inundation canals being converted to perennial canals? (2)
Ans. Since inundation canals provide water during floods and in the lower reaches only,
they are being converted to perennial canals so that water can be provided all year round
and at all levels along the course of the river making agriculture possible all year round.
c) Give two advantages and one disadvantage that tube wells have over surface wells.(3)
Ans. Advantages : i. Useful during droughts when surface wells dry up.
ii. Water can be drawn easily using power.
iii.Water does not get polluted.
vi.Occupy less surface area but irrigate a larger area than surface wells.
Disadvantage : i. Not suitable where the ground water is brackish.(any one)
ii. Use of electricity or diesel make it expensive in comparison to surface wells.
iii. Irrigate lesser area than canals
iv. Prolonged use lowers the ground water level.
d) Where are tanks most widely used in India? Why? (3)
Ans. Tanks are most widely used in peninsula India (Deccan Plateau) ie. Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa as the land is uneven with underlying hard
impervious rocks and natural depressions where rainwater collects.

Question 7
a) i. Name two leading states producing manganese. (2)
Ans. Two leading states producing manganese are Orissa (40%) and Karnataka (30%).
ii. Name one use of the mineral.
Ans. Manganese is used to impart strength and durability to steel. Manufacture bleaching
powder, insecticides, black enamel, medicines, ferro alloys, used in chemical, electrical
and glass industries.(any one)
b) i. Name two varieties of iron ore used in India. (2)
Ans. Two varieties of iron ore used in India are Magnetite and Hematite
ii. How is low grade ore utilized.
Ans. Low grade ore is used to manufacture sponge iron. It is compacted and converted into
pellets for export. It is also blended with high grade ore.
c) Give geographical reasons why (3)
i. Anthracite is used for domestic purpose.
Ans. Anthracite is used for domestic purpose as it does not leave any residue or cause
smoke on burning.
ii. Oil refineries are located close to oil refineries or near ports.
Ans. Oil refineries are located close to oil refineries or near ports to reduce transportation
 costs plus facilitate the import of crude oil.
iii. The is location of coalfields an important factor in industrial development.
Ans. Coal is a bulky commodity and its transportation involves high costs. Besides it has
low specific value and is used to generate thermal power. Thus industries which use a lot
of coal are located near coalfields
d) Name the mineral :
i. which is converted to aluminium Ans. Bauxite
ii. which is used in the manufacture of cement. Ans. Limestone.
iii.largest deposits of which are found in Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh Ans. Manganese

Question 8
a) What is the importance of agriculture in India? Mention any two factors. (2)
Ans. Exports of agricultural products help earn foreign exchange; provides employment
to millions; two thirds of Indian population depends on agriculture directly and indirectly;
provides raw material to agro based industries thereby promoting industrialization; feeds
the large population; adds to the national income.(any two)
b) Name a state which produces long staple cotton. Which climatic condition and soil
conditions favour the cultivation of cotton in the state mentioned? (2)
Ans. Maharashtra produces long staple cotton.
i. Climatic conditions which favour the cultivation of cotton in Maharashtra are :
Temperature - 21°C to 32°C; Rainfall – 50 to 120 cms; 200 frost free days.
ii. Soil condition which favours the cultivation of cotton in Maharashtra is : Black Soil
c) Give geographical reasons for the following : - (3)
i. Jute has to be rhetted.
Ans. Jute has to be rhetted to separate the fiber from the stalk.
ii. Tea is grown on hill slopes.
Ans. Tea is grown on hill slopes to prevent water from stagnating at the roots.
iii.Silver oak and banana trees are grown on coffee plantations.
Ans. Silver Oak and banana trees provide shade to the coffee saplings from bright
sunlight and high velocity winds. They also provide an additional income to the farmer
in the long gestation period.
d) Explain the following:- (3)
i. The propagation of rubber by bud grafting method.
Ans. A strip of bark containing a bud is taken from a high yielding rubber tree and
inserted in an incision made in the bark of a young seedling. The fusion takes place
in three to four weeks and a new shoot emerges from the grafted bud with all the high
yielding qualities of the mother plant.
ii. The propagation of sugarcane by ratooning.
Ans. Ratooning is a process whereby the mature cane is cut close to the ground where
the sucrose content is concentrated. A new crop (Ratoon) begins to grow from the
original root stalk saving time effort and money.
iii. The propagation of paddy by transplantation.
Ans. Rice seeds are planted in nurseries. After 5 to 6 weeks when they are 15 to 20
cms tall they are uprooted and transplanted in rows in flooded fields.
Question 9
a) Give two reasons why the woollen industry is not as well developed as the cotton
industry in India. (2)
Ans. The woollen industry is not well developed as :
i. Woollen garments are expensive.
ii..India being a tropical country demand for woolen garments is less.
iii.Winter season is short and confined to the north mainly.
iv. Marketing of cotton goods is better organized than that of woollen goods.
b) State two factors that favour the silk industry in Karnataka. (2)
Ans. Factors that favour the silk industry in Karnataka are :
i. Favourable climate (16°C to 31°C temperature) for rearing silkworms.
ii Presence of mulberry plantations for rearing silkworms.
iii.New technology for handling Bombyxmori silkworms.
iv. Availability of soft, iron and alkaline free water.
c) Mention three problems of the sugar textile industry. (3)
i. Irregular supply of raw material due to erratic monsoons.
ii. Short crushing season (4 to 7 months) so the mills remain idle for some time.
iii.Fluctuation in output.
iv.Small uneconomic sugar mills.
v. Old obsolete machinery.
vi.Little use of byproducts.
d) In what way does the cotton industry contribute to the economy of India?
Mention any three relevant factors. (3)
i. Employs the largest number of people.
ii Exports earn valuable foreign exchange.
iii.Supports a large number of industries. Example chemical, dyeing, packaging etc.

Question 10
a)What are petrochemicals? Name any two products made from petrochemicals. (2)
Ans. Petrochemicals are organic chemicals derived from petroleum LPG and coal.
Products made from petrochemicals :synthetic fibres, synthetic rubber, plastics, paints
dyestuffs, drugs, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, pesticides, adhesives, printing ink etc.
b) Why has the electronic industry grown in importance? (2)
Ans. The electronic industry provides employment to a large sector of the population.
It is also important for the growth and development in the following spheres: medical
diagnosis, entertainment, space exploration, defence equipment, information technology.
c) Mention three advantages that a mini steel plant has over an integrated steel plant.(3)
Ans. i. Mini steel plants recycle waste and use scrap which is easily available.
ii. Mini steel plants do not require a large capital investment.
iii. It is a decentralized industry which does not require a large infrastructure.
iv. Mini steel plants use electric furnaces which do not cause any pollution and at
the same time reduce the consumption of coal.
 v. They are located close to industrial areas cutting down on transportation costs.
d) Name the following: (3)
Ans. i. A city on the east coast of India which has a shipbuilding yard.
Ans. Vishakhapatnam / Kolkata
ii. The iron and steel plant set up with German collaboration
. Ans. Rourkela
iii. A city which has a plant manufacturing Maruti cars.
Ans. Gurgaon, Manesar.

Question 11
a) Why has the importance of inland waterways declined? Give two reasons. (2)
Ans. The importance of inland waterways declined as :
i.It is the slowest means of transport and is not as developed as road/ rail transport.
ii.Seasonal variation in the volume of water in rivers as well as silting of the rivers
due to deforestation affect their navigability adversely.
iii.Diversion of river water for irrigation reduces the volume of water in rivers.
b) Name two areas where helicopter services may be used.
Ans. Helicopter services may be used :
i. For relief operations in areas of natural calamities.
ii. For defence at international borders.
iii. For campaigning in political constituencies.
iv. For offshore installations by ONGC.
v. In inaccessible mountainous areas.
c) Mention any three problems being faced by the Indian Railways. (3)
Ans. The problems being faced by the Indian Railways are :
i. Railways cannot provide door to door services which roadways provide.
ii. They cannot be laid in inaccessible, mountainous, remote and forested regions.
iii.The different gauges make smooth, uninterrupted movement impossible.
iv. Obsolete trains, tracks and equipment make railways unsafe.
v. Lack of facilities and cleanliness discourage passengers.
vi. Electrification of railways has resulted in increased tariff rates.
d) What is the Golden Quadrilateral? Mention any two ways in which it will help in
economic development of the country. (3)
Ans. The Golden Quadrilateral is a project undertaken by National Highway
Authority of India to connect Delhi- Mumbai-Kolkata-Chennai by a six lane
super highway in three phases to :
i. Reduce time and distance between mega cities and ports.
ii. Help industrial growth of smaller towns through which it passes.
iii.Facilitate truck transport which will promote trading throughout India.
iv.Transport agricultural produce from the hinterland to major ports for export.
v. Help provide employment to many.