UPSC Prelims 2008 Q142: Geography – Indian Physical Geography
In India, how many States share the coastline?
- (a) 7
- (b) 8
- (c) 9
- (d) 10
Answer: (c) 9
Explanation
How many Indian States share a coastline
A specific number of India's states border the sea, distinct from Union Territories with coastlines.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) 7 | Incorrect | Undercounts the actual number of coastal states |
| (b) 8 | Incorrect | Also undercounts |
| (c) 9 | Correct | Nine Indian States share a coastline: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal |
| (d) 10 | Incorrect | Overcounts the actual number of coastal states |
India's coastal states:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number | 9 States |
| States | Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal |
Answer: (c) 9.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. 7 undercounts the actual number of coastal states.
- (b) Incorrect. 8 also undercounts.
- (c) CORRECT. 9 States share India's coastline.
- (d) Incorrect. 10 overcounts the actual number.
Key point
Nine Indian States share a coastline: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal.
Remember
9 Indian States share a coastline.
Common mistakes
- Including or excluding Union Territories (like Puducherry) when counting only States specifically.
- Miscounting the exact list of nine coastal states.
- Confusing this with the total number of states/UTs touching the coast, a slightly different figure.
Exam tip
9 coastal States of India: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal. A frequently tested geography fact.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII Geography — India: People and Economy — Transport and Communication (ports and coastline)
- Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India — Annual Report 2007–08 (coastal security: coastal States and Union Territories)