CAPF AC 2022 Q87: Geography – Indian Political Geography & Borders
- (a) Puducherry
- (b) Ladakh
- (c) Lakshadweep
- (d) Jammu and Kashmir
Answer: (c) Lakshadweep
Explanation
Dhivehi language
How to think: Dhivehi is the national language of the Maldives.
The island of Minicoy in Lakshadweep lies closest to the Maldives.
Its people speak a form of Dhivehi called Mahl.
| Island group of Lakshadweep | Main language |
|---|---|
| Minicoy | Mahl (Dhivehi) |
| All other islands | Malayalam (Jeseri dialect) |
Geography to remember: the Eight Degree Channel separates Minicoy from the Maldives.
The Nine Degree Channel separates Minicoy from the rest of Lakshadweep.
About Lakshadweep: capital Kavaratti; 36 coral islands; India's smallest Union Territory.
Answer: (c) Lakshadweep.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Puducherry speaks Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and French.
- (b) Incorrect. Ladakh speaks Ladakhi (Bhoti) and Purgi.
- (c) CORRECT. Dhivehi (Mahl) is spoken on Minicoy island in Lakshadweep.
- (d) Incorrect. Jammu and Kashmir speaks Kashmiri, Dogri and Urdu.
Key point
Lakshadweep: capital Kavaratti; Malayalam on most islands, Mahl (Dhivehi) on Minicoy. Eight Degree Channel: Minicoy and Maldives. Nine Degree Channel: Minicoy and the main Lakshadweep group. Ten Degree Channel: Andaman and Nicobar.
Remember
Dhivehi (Mahl): Minicoy, Lakshadweep.
Common mistakes
- Not linking Dhivehi with the Maldives and its nearest Indian island.
- Mixing up the Eight, Nine and Ten Degree Channels.
- Assuming all of Lakshadweep speaks only Malayalam.
Exam tip
Educated guess: Dhivehi shares its root with dweep (island) and with the name Maldives. An island language points to an island territory.
Sources
- Lakshadweep Administration, Government of India — People and culture (languages: Malayalam and Mahl)
- NCERT Class XI Geography — India: Physical Environment, Chapter 2: Structure and Physiography (the islands)