UPSC Prelims 2001 Q63: Geography – Economic & Mineral Geography
In the above map, the black marks show the distribution of
- (a) Asbestos
- (b) Gypsum
- (c) Limestone
- (d) Mica
Answer: (d) Mica
Explanation
Mineral whose distribution is shown by the black marks on the map
| Mineral | Main producing areas in India |
|---|---|
| Mica | Koderma–Gaya–Hazaribagh belt (Jharkhand–Bihar), Nellore (Andhra Pradesh), Bhilwara–Ajmer (Rajasthan) |
| Gypsum | Mainly Rajasthan (Bikaner, Nagaur, Barmer) |
| Asbestos | Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh (Cuddapah) |
| Limestone | Widespread — Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and others |
The map in the paper is not reproduced here. The key is mica, whose deposits form a typical pattern: a belt in Jharkhand–Bihar, a cluster around Nellore and a belt in Rajasthan. Gypsum would sit almost wholly in Rajasthan, and limestone would be spread across the country.
Answer: (d) Mica.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Asbestos would show only small spots in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh.
- (b) Incorrect. Gypsum would be shown almost only in Rajasthan.
- (c) Incorrect. Limestone would appear in many States across India.
- (d) CORRECT. The marks show the mica belts of Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Key point
Mica: excellent electrical insulator; Koderma is called the 'mica capital of India'.
Remember
Mica: Koderma (Jharkhand), Nellore (Andhra Pradesh), Bhilwara (Rajasthan).
Common mistakes
- Choosing limestone, which is found almost everywhere.
- Forgetting the Nellore mica belt in Andhra Pradesh.
- Mixing mica and gypsum, both linked to Rajasthan.
Exam tip
For mineral maps, match the pattern: Jharkhand + Nellore + Rajasthan = mica.
Sources
- NCERT Class X — Contemporary India II, chapter 'Minerals and Energy Resources'
- Indian Bureau of Mines — Indian Minerals Yearbook: Mica