UPSC Prelims 2003 Q21: Geography – Indian Physical Geography
Among the following cities, which one is at the highest altitude above mean sea level?
- (a) Bangalore
- (b) Delhi
- (c) Jodhpur
- (d) Nagpur
Answer: (a) Bangalore
Explanation
Altitude of Indian cities
| City | Approximate altitude |
|---|---|
| Bangalore | About 920 m |
| Nagpur | About 310 m |
| Delhi | About 216 m |
| Jodhpur | About 230 m |
Bangalore, on the Mysore plateau of the Deccan, is at the highest altitude of these cities, about 920 m above mean sea level, while Delhi, Jodhpur and Nagpur lie at 200 to 310 m.
Answer: (a) Bangalore.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Bangalore is at about 920 m.
- (b) Incorrect. Delhi is at about 216 m.
- (c) Incorrect. Jodhpur is at about 230 m.
- (d) Incorrect. Nagpur is at about 310 m.
Key point
High cities: Bangalore 920 m, Shimla 2,200 m, Ooty 2,240 m.
Remember
Bangalore stands at about 920 m above sea level.
Common mistakes
- Picking Delhi because it is in the north.
- Ignoring the Deccan plateau's height.
- Mixing the height of Nagpur with Bangalore's.
Exam tip
The Mysore plateau stands at about 600 to 900 m.
Sources
- India Meteorological Department — Climatological Tables of Observatories in India (1951–1980)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Bengaluru