UPSC Prelims 2010 Q92: Geography – Economic & Mineral Geography
- (a) More than 90% of limestone reserves of India are found in them
- (b) More than 90% of India's coal reserves are found in them
- (c) More than 90% of fertile black cotton soils are spread over them
- (d) None of the reasons given above is appropriate in this context
Answer: (b) More than 90% of India's coal reserves are found in them
Explanation
Why Gondwana rocks matter most in India
The Gondwana rock system holds a specific economic significance distinct from other Indian rock formations.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) 90%+ of India's limestone reserves | Incorrect | Limestone is mainly associated with other geological formations (like the Vindhyan system), not predominantly Gondwana |
| (b) 90%+ of India's coal reserves | Correct | The Gondwana rock system hosts the overwhelming majority of India's coal deposits (e.g., Damodar valley coalfields), making it economically vital |
| (c) 90%+ of fertile black cotton soils | Incorrect | Black cotton soil (regur) is associated with the Deccan Trap basalt, not Gondwana rocks |
| (d) None of the reasons given is appropriate | Incorrect | Option (b) is appropriate, so this is wrong |
Gondwana rocks' significance:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Key resource | Coal — over 90% of India's reserves |
| Major coalfields | Damodar Valley (Jharkhand, West Bengal), etc. |
| Age | Carboniferous-Permian period rocks |
Answer: (b) More than 90% of India's coal reserves are found in them.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Limestone is mainly linked to other rock systems, not predominantly Gondwana.
- (b) CORRECT. Gondwana rocks host the overwhelming majority of India's coal reserves, making them economically crucial.
- (c) Incorrect. Black cotton soil comes from Deccan Trap basalt weathering, not Gondwana rocks.
- (d) Incorrect. Option (b) is an appropriate reason, so 'none of the above' is wrong.
Key point
The Gondwana rock system is India's most economically important rock formation mainly because it holds over 90% of the country's COAL RESERVES — not limestone or black cotton soil, which come from other formations.
Remember
Gondwana rock system's key importance: holds over 90% of India's coal reserves (e.g., Damodar Valley coalfields).
Common mistakes
- Confusing Gondwana's coal significance with limestone (Vindhyan system) or black cotton soil (Deccan Trap basalt).
- Not knowing the Damodar Valley coalfields as a prime Gondwana-system example.
- Underestimating how dominant Gondwana rocks are specifically for India's coal economy.
Exam tip
Gondwana rocks = coal (90%+ of India's reserves). Limestone and black cotton soil come from entirely different rock systems.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI Geography — India: Physical Environment — Structure and Physiography
- Geological Survey of India — Geology and Mineral Resources of India