NCERT Class 7 Geography — Chapter 2: Life in the Deserts

mcqeasy

In the context of the cultural landscape of Ladakh, what does the term 'Gompa' refer to?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AA type of traditional dress in Ladakh
BA glacial lake
CA variety of goat
DA Buddhist monastery

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

A Buddhist monastery

Explanation

In the Himalayan cultural region, particularly within Ladakh, Tibet, and Bhutan, the term 'Gompa' (or Gönpa) denotes a specific type of religious institution central to Tibetan Buddhism.

Detailed Analysis:

Gompa refers to a Buddhist monastery or vihara. These structures serve as centers for learning, spiritual lineage, and sadhana (practice).
They function as universities for Buddhist monks and nuns, housing prayer halls, libraries of sacred manuscripts, and living quarters.
Prominent examples in Ladakh include the Hemis Gompa, Thiksey Gompa, and Diskit Gompa.
A type of traditional dress in Ladakh is incorrect; the traditional dress of Ladakh is known as 'Goncha'.
A variety of goat is incorrect; the famous goat variety in the region is the Changthangi (Pashmina) goat.

Key Takeaway: A Gompa is a fortified Buddhist monastery found in the Himalayan regions, acting as a hub for religious education and community worship.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Life in the Deserts

Consider the following statements regarding the general characteristics of deserts: 1. They are characterized by low rainfall and scanty vegetation. 2. They are always associated with extremely high temperatures. 3. Agriculture is impossible in desert areas even if water is available. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Sahara Desert, consider the following statements: 1. It covers a large part of North Africa. 2. It touches exactly three countries. 3. Its total area is more than double the area of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the physical landscape of the Sahara Desert: 1. It consists solely of vast stretches of sand dunes. 2. It includes gravel plains and elevated plateaus with bare rocky surfaces. 3. Some rocky surfaces in the desert can be more than 2500m high. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which of the following evidence suggests that the Sahara Desert was once a lush green plain?

easy

With reference to the climate of the Sahara Desert, consider the following statements: 1. The moisture evaporates faster than it accumulates. 2. The sky is typically overcast with heavy clouds. 3. Nights remain hot with temperatures staying above 30°C. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 2: Life in the Deserts

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The correct option is

A Buddhist monastery

Explanation

In the Himalayan cultural region, particularly within Ladakh, Tibet, and Bhutan, the term 'Gompa' (or Gönpa) denotes a specific type of religious institution central to Tibetan Buddhism.

Detailed Analysis:

Gompa refers to a Buddhist monastery or vihara. These structures serve as centers for learning, spiritual lineage, and sadhana (practice).
They function as universities for Buddhist monks and nuns, housing prayer halls, libraries of sacred manuscripts, and living quarters.
Prominent examples in Ladakh include the Hemis Gompa, Thiksey Gompa, and Diskit Gompa.
A type of traditional dress in Ladakh is incorrect; the traditional dress of Ladakh is known as 'Goncha'.
A variety of goat is incorrect; the famous goat variety in the region is the Changthangi (Pashmina) goat.

Key Takeaway: A Gompa is a fortified Buddhist monastery found in the Himalayan regions, acting as a hub for religious education and community worship.