UPSC Prelims 2003 Q41: Geography – Astronomy & Earth - Sun System
Among the following cities, which one is nearest to the Tropic of Cancer?
- (a) Delhi
- (b) Kolkata
- (c) Jodhpur
- (d) Nagpur
Answer: (b) Kolkata
Explanation
City nearest to the Tropic of Cancer
| City | Latitude and distance from 23.5 N |
|---|---|
| Kolkata | 22.6 N, about 0.9 degree south — nearest |
| Nagpur | 21.1 N, about 2.4 degrees away |
| Jodhpur | 26.3 N, about 2.8 degrees away |
| Delhi | 28.6 N, about 5 degrees away |
The Tropic of Cancer (23.5 N) passes close to Kolkata (22.6 N), which is the nearest of the cities listed.
Answer: (b) Kolkata.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Delhi is about 5 degrees north of the Tropic.
- (b) CORRECT. Kolkata is about 0.9 degree from the Tropic.
- (c) Incorrect. Jodhpur is about 2.8 degrees north of it.
- (d) Incorrect. Nagpur is about 2.4 degrees south of it.
Key point
Tropic of Cancer crosses 8 States: Gujarat, Rajasthan, MP, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, Mizoram.
Remember
Kolkata is the nearest of these cities to the Tropic of Cancer.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Nagpur because it is at the 'centre' of India.
- Forgetting that the Tropic crosses West Bengal.
- Mixing 23.5 N with the 20 N parallel.
Exam tip
Kolkata is just south of the Tropic; Ranchi and Bhopal are close too.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI Geography — India: Physical Environment — India: Location
- NCERT Class IX Geography — Contemporary India I — India: Size and Location