Consider the following statements regarding the history of oil drilling: 1. The world’s first oil well was drilled in Pennsylvania, USA. 2. In India, oil was first struck at Bombay High. 3. Oil is found in India in the river basins of Godavari and Krishna. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c). Explanation Petroleum (crude oil) is a naturally occurring fossil fuel found in geological formations beneath the Earth's surface. The history of its exploration marks the beginning of the modern industrial energy sector. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1: Correct The world’s first commercial oil well was drilled by Colonel Edwin L. Drake in Titusville, Pennsylvania, USA, in 1859. This event is widely recognized as the birth of the modern petroleum industry. - Statement 2: Incorrect In India, oil was first struck at Makum (Assam) in 1867, and the first commercial refinery was established at Digboi, Assam, in 1901. Bombay High is an offshore oilfield discovered much later by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in 1974. - Statement 3: Correct The Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin is a proven petroliferous basin located along the east coast of India. It contains significant reserves of both crude oil (e.g., Rava field) and natural gas. Key Takeaway The first oil well in the world was drilled in Pennsylvania (1859). In India, the oldest oil-producing region is Assam (Digboi), whereas Bombay High was discovered in the 1970s.

NCERT Class 8 Science — Chapter 1: Coal and petroleum

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the history of oil drilling:

The world’s first oil well was drilled in Pennsylvania, USA.
In India, oil was first struck at Bombay High.
Oil is found in India in the river basins of Godavari and Krishna.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Petroleum (crude oil) is a naturally occurring fossil fuel found in geological formations beneath the Earth's surface. The history of its exploration marks the beginning of the modern industrial energy sector.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1: Correct
The world’s first commercial oil well was drilled by Colonel Edwin L. Drake in Titusville, Pennsylvania, USA, in 1859. This event is widely recognized as the birth of the modern petroleum industry.
Statement 2: Incorrect
In India, oil was first struck at Makum (Assam) in 1867, and the first commercial refinery was established at Digboi, Assam, in 1901. Bombay High is an offshore oilfield discovered much later by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in 1974.
Statement 3: Correct
The Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin is a proven petroliferous basin located along the east coast of India. It contains significant reserves of both crude oil (e.g., Rava field) and natural gas.

Key Takeaway

The first oil well in the world was drilled in Pennsylvania (1859). In India, the oldest oil-producing region is Assam (Digboi), whereas Bombay High was discovered in the 1970s.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Coal and petroleum

Which of the following is NOT a constituent of petroleum?

easy

Consider the following statements about Coal Gas: 1. It was used for street lighting for the first time in London in 1950. 2. Nowadays, it is primarily used as a source of heat rather than light. 3. It is used as a fuel in industries situated near coal processing plants. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the constituents of petroleum, consider the following statements: 1. Kerosene is primarily used as a fuel for heavy motor vehicles. 2. Lubricating oil is used for lubrication. 3. Paraffin wax is used in ointments and candles. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the formation of petroleum: 1. It is formed from the remains of vegetation on land. 2. It is formed from organisms living in the sea. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

What is the primary reason petroleum is often referred to as ‘black gold’?

easy

Keep practising Chapter 1: Coal and petroleum

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 8 Science chapters

Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1: Correct
The world’s first commercial oil well was drilled by Colonel Edwin L. Drake in Titusville, Pennsylvania, USA, in 1859. This event is widely recognized as the birth of the modern petroleum industry.
Statement 2: Incorrect
In India, oil was first struck at Makum (Assam) in 1867, and the first commercial refinery was established at Digboi, Assam, in 1901. Bombay High is an offshore oilfield discovered much later by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in 1974.
Statement 3: Correct
The Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin is a proven petroliferous basin located along the east coast of India. It contains significant reserves of both crude oil (e.g., Rava field) and natural gas.

Key Takeaway

The first oil well in the world was drilled in Pennsylvania (1859). In India, the oldest oil-producing region is Assam (Digboi), whereas Bombay High was discovered in the 1970s.