JKSSB JK Geography MCQs

Explanation

• Assertion – True: Papier-mâché is a well-known traditional handicraft of Kashmir.

• Reason – True: The craft involves making objects from paper pulp and decorating them with fine hand-painted designs.

• The reason clearly explains why this craft is distinctive and famous.

✔️ Hence, both statements are correct and R correctly explains A.

Explanation

• Deo-Tibba and Indrasan are prominent peaks located at the eastern end of the Pir Panjal Range in Himachal Pradesh.

• These peaks lie in the Lahaul–Spiti region and mark the transition of the Pir Panjal towards the Greater Himalayas.

Explanation

• Haji Pir Pass → Located in the western part (near LOC in J&K).

• Banihal Pass → Lies east of Haji Pir, in the Pir Panjal range (J&K).

• Sach Pass → Located further east in Himachal Pradesh (Chamba region).

Explanation

The Jhelum River originates from the Verinag Spring, situated at the foot of the Pir Panjal range in the south-eastern part of the Kashmir Valley. It is the main waterway of the valley and is a major tributary of the Indus River system.

Explanation

Neither I nor II. Both statements are correct as per official Key

Explanation

The correct pairs are I, II, and III.

• I. Uri-II — Jhelum (Correct): This is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric project located on the Jhelum River in the Baramulla district.

• II. Salal Dam — Chenab (Correct): Located in the Reasi district, this was the first hydroelectric project built by India in Jammu and Kashmir under the Indus Waters Treaty.

• III. Pakal Dul Dam — Marusudar (Correct): Marusudar is the largest tributary of the Chenab River. This dam is a major under-construction project in the Kishtwar district.

• IV. Dulhasti Dam — Ravi (Incorrect): The Dulhasti Dam is actually built on the Chenab River in the Kishtwar district, not the Ravi.

Explanation

• Hirapora Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Located in Shopian district.

  • Known for species like the Markhor and dense conifer forests.

  • Match: i → b

• Rajparian Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Also called Rajparian (Daksum) Sanctuary.

  • Located in Anantnag district.

  • Match: ii → c

• Trikuta Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Located in Reasi district, near the Trikuta hills around the Vaishno Devi region.

  • Match: iii → a

Explanation

The correct answer is C) Tropical thorns- Sub-tropical pine- Himalayan moist temperate-Alpine Meadows.

As altitude increases, the decrease in temperature and change in rainfall patterns create distinct altitudinal zones of vegetation:

• Tropical Thorn Forests (300m - 600m): Found in the lower plains and foothills of Jammu, characterized by semi-arid vegetation like Acacia (Kikar) and Ber.

• Sub-tropical Pine Forests (600m - 1500m): Dominated by Chir Pine (Pinus roxburghii), these forests appear as you move into the lower Shivalik ranges.

• Himalayan Moist Temperate Forests (1500m - 3000m): These consist of coniferous species like Deodar, Oak, and Fir, thriving in the cooler, higher reaches of the middle Himalayas.

• Alpine Meadows (Above 3000m - 4000m+): Beyond the tree line, the vegetation shifts to stunted shrubs and lush seasonal grasses known locally as Margs (like Gulmarg or Sonamarg).

Explanation

1. “Indian Railway's first cable-stayed bridge has been constructed over the Anji Khad in this project.” ✅

   • Correct. The Anji Khad Bridge near Reasi (J&K) is India’s first railway cable-stayed bridge and a key part of the USBRL.

2. “The iconic 1315 m long Chenab bridge is the World's highest railway arch bridge, standing 359 m above the river bed.” ✅

   • Correct. The Chenab Bridge is the world’s highest railway arch bridge, with a height of 359 m above the river and a total length of 1315 m.

✅ Both statements I and II are correct.

Explanation

According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, the correct answer is C) 39.15%.

The report indicates that the total forest cover in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is approximately 21,346.4 square kilometers, which accounts for 39.15% of its total geographical area.

Key Forest Statistics for J&K (ISFR 2023):

• Total Forest Cover: 21,346.4 sq km.

• Percentage of GA: 39.15%.

• Growth: The forest cover in J&K has seen an increase of about 83.55 sq km compared to the 2021 assessment.

• Diversity: J&K is noted for having the highest number of forest types in India (43 types).

Explanation

II. Marusudar river: This is the largest river tributary of the Chenab, joining it at Bhandarkoot in the Kishtwar district.

III. Niru river: Also known as Neeru, this river originates from the Sonbain Ashapati Glacier in Bhaderwah and joins the Chenab at Pul Doda.

IV. Ans river: This is a tributary that originates in the Poonch region and joins the Chenab in the Reasi district.

V. Tawi river: A major left-bank tributary of the Chenab that flows through Jammu and eventually merges with the Chenab in Pakistan.

The I. Ujh river is a major tributary of the Ravi River, not the Chenab.

Explanation

As per Land Use Statistics (2022‑23) published by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, the Net Sown Area in Jammu and Kashmir was about 19.1 % of the Total Reported Area in 2022‑23.

Explanation

Evaluate the statements about Dumhal:

I. It is a folk dance of the Wattal tribe.
✔ Correct

II. Only males perform this dance on specific occasions and at fixed locations.
✔ Correct

III. Dancers wear long colourful robes and tall conical caps decorated with beads and shells.
✔ Correct

IV. Performers move in a ritual manner and first dig a banner/flag into the ground before dancing.
✔ Correct

✅ Correct Answer: I, II, III and IV (All statements are correct).

Explanation

Evaluate the statements about Manasbal Lake:

I. It is the deepest freshwater lake located in Poonch district.
❌ Incorrect – Manasbal Lake is indeed the deepest freshwater lake in the Kashmir Valley, but it is located in Ganderbal district, not Poonch.

II. The growth of lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) around the lake during July–August enhances its beauty.
✔ Correct.

III. It is a good site for aquatic birds and is called the “supreme gem of all Kashmir Lakes.”
✔ Correct – The title was given by Mughal Emperor Jahangir.

✅ Incorrect Statement: I only.

Explanation

Evaluate each statement about glaciers in Jammu and Kashmir:

I. Kolahoi Glacier is the largest glacier in the Kashmir Valley and is the main source of the Lidder River.
✔ Correct – Kolahoi Glacier is often called the “Goddess of Light” and is the principal source of the Lidder River.

II. Thajiwas Glacier in the Sonamarg region is a well-known hanging glacier accessible to tourists.
✔ Correct – It is one of the most visited glaciers by tourists in the area.

III. Machoi Glacier feeds the Sind River and Dras River.
✔ Correct – The glacier contributes meltwater to these river systems.

✅ Correct Answer: I, II and III.

Explanation

The correct answer is:

✅ D) Kupwar (Kupwara)

Explanation:
Sadhna Pass is located in the Kupwara district of Jammu & Kashmir and connects the Karnah (Tangdhar) region with the Kashmir Valley.

✔️ So, the correct option is Kupwar (Kupwara).

Explanation

The correct answer is:

✅ Pir Panjal range and Great Himalayas range, respectively

Explanation:
The Kashmir Valley is:

• Bounded on the southwest by the Pir Panjal Range

• Bounded on the northeast by the Great Himalayan (Greater Himalaya/Zanskar) Range

✔️ So, the correct option is Pir Panjal range and Great Himalayas range, respectively.

Explanation

I. Hangul (Kashmir Stag) — Critically Endangered

The Hangul is the state animal of Jammu & Kashmir and is the only surviving Asiatic subspecies of the red deer family. Its population is almost entirely restricted to Dachigam National Park near Srinagar. Despite conservation efforts, its numbers remain dangerously low (estimated between 250–300 individuals) due to habitat fragmentation, predation, and low fawn-to-female ratios.

II. Snow Leopard: Classified as Vulnerable. While its population is small and under threat from climate change and human-wildlife conflict, it was downlisted from "Endangered" to "Vulnerable" in 2017.

III. Himalayan Tahr: Generally classified as Near Threatened. It is widely distributed across the Himalayas, though local populations in Kashmir face pressure from hunting and habitat loss.

IV. Markhor: Classified as Near Threatened (globally). Some specific subspecies in the past were listed as Endangered, but overall populations have seen a slow recovery in parts of their range, leading to a downlisting from Endangered to Near Threatened in 2015.

Explanation

The correct answer is:

✅ Persian Rugs

Explanation:
Kashan, Kirman, Tabriz, and Isfahan are famous Persian rug styles, and Kashmir is renowned for producing these varieties with exceptional craftsmanship and artistry.

They are not:

• Basholi paintings (a painting style of Jammu region)

• Music forms

✔️ Hence, these are subtypes of Persian Rugs.

Explanation

The correct answer is:

✅ Both I and II

Explanation:

• Statement I ✔️ Correct — Purmandal Mela is celebrated on Shivaratri (February–March) at the Purmandal shrine near Jammu.

• Statement II ✔️ Correct — Jhiri Mela, held in October–November, is associated with the legend of Baba Jitu, a revered folk hero of Jammu.

✔️ Therefore, both statements are correct.

Explanation

Explanation

Correct Answer: Budgam

Explanation:

• Location: Doodhpathri is located in the Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir.

• Why "Valley of Milk": The name "Doodhpathri" (Doodh = Milk, Pathri = Path/Valley) comes from the belief that the water flowing through the meadows is as white as milk, or as per local folklore, a famous saint (Sheikh-ul-Aalam) once pricked the ground with his stick and milk came out.

  • Geography: It is situated at an altitude of about 2,730 meters and is characterized by lush green meadows and the Shaliganga River flowing through it.

Explanation

Correct Option: Statements 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is Correct: Hemis National Park is located in the Leh district of Ladakh and is indeed the largest national park in India.

• Statement 2 is Correct: It covers an area of approximately 4,400 sq km. It is globally famous for having the highest density of Snow Leopards in the world and offers high-altitude trekking routes.

• Statement 3 is Incorrect: The name "Hemis" is derived from the famous Hemis Monastery located nearby. The definition "ten villages" (Ten = Dachi, Village = Gam) actually refers to Dachigam National Park in Srinagar, which was formed by relocating ten villages.

Explanation

Explanation

Explanation

Explanation

Nubra valley is best visited between July to September.

Explanation

Chutak Hydroelectric Project is on Suru river.

Explanation

Ujh river, a major Ravi tributary, originates near Kailash Mountains close to Bhaderwah.

Explanation

Dolomite is mainly used for refractory bricks.