UPSC Prelims 2005 Q122: Geography – World Political Geography & Borders
Which one of the following states border Uttar Pradesh?
1. Punjab
2. Rajasthan
3. Chhattisgarh
4. Jharkhand
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
- (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
- (b) 2, 3 and 4
- (c) 1 and 4
- (d) 1 and 3
Answer: (b) 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
States bordering Uttar Pradesh
| State | Borders Uttar Pradesh? |
|---|---|
| Punjab | No |
| Rajasthan | Yes |
| Chhattisgarh | Yes |
| Jharkhand | Yes |
Uttar Pradesh borders Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, but not Punjab, because Haryana, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh lie in between them on the north-west side of the State.
Answer: (b) 2, 3 and 4.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Punjab does not border Uttar Pradesh.
- (b) CORRECT. Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand border UP.
- (c) Incorrect. Punjab is not a neighbour, and Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh are.
- (d) Incorrect. Punjab is not a neighbour.
Key point
UP neighbours: Uttarakhand, Himachal, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, MP, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar (and Nepal).
Remember
Uttar Pradesh borders Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, not Punjab.
Common mistakes
- Adding Punjab because of the Ganga plain.
- Forgetting Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
- Confusing the border with Haryana and Delhi.
Exam tip
UP touches 8 States and the Delhi UT, plus Nepal.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Uttar Pradesh
- NCERT Class IX Geography — Contemporary India I — India: Size and Location