UPSC Prelims 2007 Q85: Geography – Indian Political Geography & Borders
Out of the Southern States - Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu - which
shares boundaries with the maximum number of Indian States?
- (a) Andhra Pradesh only
- (b) Karnataka only
- (c) Each of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
- (d) Each of Tamil Nadu and Kerala
Answer: (c) Each of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
Explanation
Southern States and their neighbours (position in 2007)
| State | Bordering States (2007) | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh (undivided) | Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu | 5 |
| Karnataka | Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala | 5 |
| Tamil Nadu | Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh | 3 |
| Kerala | Karnataka, Tamil Nadu | 2 |
AP and Karnataka tie at five each.
After Telangana (2014): Karnataka also borders Telangana, so it now touches 6 States.
The question must be answered as it stood in 2007.
Answer: (c) Each of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Karnataka also had five neighbours — a tie with AP.
- (b) Incorrect. Andhra Pradesh also had five neighbours — a tie with Karnataka.
- (c) CORRECT. In 2007, AP and Karnataka each bordered five States.
- (d) Incorrect. Tamil Nadu had 3 neighbours and Kerala only 2.
Key point
2007: AP and Karnataka tied at 5 neighbours each. Today Karnataka borders 6 (incl. Telangana).
Remember
In 2007, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka each bordered five States.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting Goa as Karnataka's neighbour.
- Using today's map (with Telangana) for a 2007 question.
- Missing Chhattisgarh as a neighbour of undivided AP.
Exam tip
For border-count questions, note the exam year — new States (Telangana 2014, Chhattisgarh 2000) change counts.
Sources
- Survey of India — Political Map of India
- NCERT Class IX — Contemporary India I, Ch 1
- Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014