UPSC Prelims 2006 Q90: Geography – World Political Geography & Borders
Consider the following statements:
1. Assam shares a border with Bhutan and Bangladesh.
2. West Bengal shares a border with Bhutan and Nepal.
3. Mizoram shares a border with Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- (a) 1, 2 and 3
- (b) 1 and 2, only
- (c) 2 and 3, only
- (d) 1 and 3, only
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
International borders of Indian States
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Assam shares a border with Bhutan and Bangladesh | True | Assam touches both countries |
| 2. West Bengal shares a border with Bhutan and Nepal | True | West Bengal borders Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh |
| 3. Mizoram shares a border with Bangladesh and Myanmar | True | Mizoram lies between Bangladesh and Myanmar |
All three statements are correct.
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. All three States share the borders named in the statements.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also true, since Mizoram borders Bangladesh and Myanmar.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is also true, since Assam borders Bhutan and Bangladesh.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also true, since West Bengal borders Bhutan and Nepal.
Key point
Assam, West Bengal and Mizoram all share the international borders listed, so all three statements are correct.
Remember
All three border statements are true.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting that West Bengal borders Bhutan and Nepal as well as Bangladesh.
- Placing Mizoram's Myanmar border in Manipur.
- Assuming Assam borders only Bangladesh.
Exam tip
West Bengal borders three countries: Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Sources
- NCERT Class IX Geography — Contemporary India I — India: Size and Location
- Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India — Annual Report 2005–06 (Border Management)