NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 3: Climate

mcqeasy

Mawsynram receives the highest average annual rainfall in the world. It is located on the crest of which hills?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AGaro Hills
BMikir Hills
CJaintia Hills
DKhasi Hills

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Solution

The correct option is Khasi Hills.

Explanation

Mawsynram is recognized as the wettest place on Earth, holding the record for the highest average annual rainfall. Its specific physiographic location on the Meghalaya Plateau is the primary factor for this extreme precipitation due to the orographic effect.

Geographical Analysis:

Khasi Hills: Mawsynram is situated on the crest of the southern range of the Khasi Hills (specifically in the East Khasi Hills district). The hills here form a funnel-shaped depression that traps moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal, forcing them to rise abruptly and cause heavy rainfall.
Garo Hills: These hills constitute the western part of the Meghalaya Plateau. While they receive significant rainfall, they are not the location of Mawsynram.
Jaintia Hills: These hills form the eastern part of the Meghalaya Plateau.
Mikir Hills: These are located in Assam (Karbi Anglong), separated from the Meghalaya Plateau, and are not associated with Mawsynram.

Key Takeaway: Mawsynram is located in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, where the funnel-shaped topography maximizes orographic rainfall from the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Climate

Agra and Darjeeling are located on the same latitude, yet the temperature of January in Agra is 16°C whereas it is only 4°C in Darjeeling. This variation is primarily due to:

easy

Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I (Traditional Indian Season) | List II (Gregorian Months) A. Vasanta | 1. March-April B. Grishma | 2. May-June C. Varsha | 3. September-October D. Sharada | 4. July-August

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the factors determining the climate of India: 1. Places south of the Tropic of Cancer experience a tropical climate with small daily and annual ranges of temperature. 2. The Himalayas facilitate the entry of cold northern winds originating near the Arctic Circle into the subcontinent. 3. The differential heating of land and sea creates different air pressure zones causing the reversal of monsoon winds. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the difference between weather and climate: 1. Weather changes quickly within a day, whereas climate refers to conditions over a period of five to ten years. 2. Weather refers to the momentary state of the atmosphere, while climate refers to average weather conditions over a long period. 3. The elements of weather and climate are different and unrelated to each other. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

Which of the following factors is responsible for the decrease in temperature with an increase in altitude?

easy

Keep practising Chapter 3: Climate

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The correct option is Khasi Hills.

Explanation

Geographical Analysis:

Khasi Hills: Mawsynram is situated on the crest of the southern range of the Khasi Hills (specifically in the East Khasi Hills district). The hills here form a funnel-shaped depression that traps moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal, forcing them to rise abruptly and cause heavy rainfall.
Garo Hills: These hills constitute the western part of the Meghalaya Plateau. While they receive significant rainfall, they are not the location of Mawsynram.
Jaintia Hills: These hills form the eastern part of the Meghalaya Plateau.
Mikir Hills: These are located in Assam (Karbi Anglong), separated from the Meghalaya Plateau, and are not associated with Mawsynram.

Key Takeaway: Mawsynram is located in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, where the funnel-shaped topography maximizes orographic rainfall from the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon.