UPSC Prelims 2007 Q91: Geography – Indian Physical Geography
In which State is the Guru Shikhar Peak located?
- (a) Rajasthan
- (b) Gujarat
- (c) Madhya Pradesh
- (d) Maharashtra
Answer: (a) Rajasthan
Explanation
Guru Shikhar — highest peak of the Aravallis
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Height | 1,722 m |
| Location | Mount Abu, Sirohi district, Rajasthan |
| Range | Aravalli — one of the oldest fold mountains in the world |
| Named after | Guru Dattatreya (temple at the top) |
| Nearby | Dilwara Jain Temples, Nakki Lake |
Highest points of other options:
| State | Peak |
|---|---|
| Gujarat | Girnar (~1,069 m) |
| Madhya Pradesh | Dhupgarh (1,350 m, Pachmarhi) |
| Maharashtra | Kalsubai (1,646 m) |
Answer: (a) Rajasthan.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Guru Shikhar (1,722 m) is at Mount Abu, Rajasthan.
- (b) Incorrect. Gujarat's highest point is Girnar. Mount Abu is close to the Gujarat border, which makes this a trap.
- (c) Incorrect. MP's highest point is Dhupgarh in the Satpura range.
- (d) Incorrect. Maharashtra's highest point is Kalsubai in the Western Ghats.
Key point
Guru Shikhar (1,722 m), Mount Abu, Rajasthan = highest point of the Aravallis.
Remember
Guru Shikhar is at Mount Abu, Rajasthan.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Gujarat because Mount Abu is close to the Gujarat border.
- Confusing Guru Shikhar (Aravalli) with Dhupgarh (Satpura).
- Forgetting that the Aravallis run south-west to north-east, from Gujarat to Delhi.
Exam tip
State highest points: Rajasthan-Guru Shikhar; MP-Dhupgarh; Maharashtra-Kalsubai; Gujarat-Girnar; Karnataka-Mullayanagiri.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI — India Physical Environment, Ch 2
- NCERT Class IX — Contemporary India I, Ch 2
- Survey of India