Correct Option
The correct option isLeh in Jammu and Kashmir
Explanation
The distribution of rainfall in India is highly uneven and is primarily dictated by the direction of the monsoon winds and the presence of relief features (orography). Regions situated on the windward side of mountains receive heavy precipitation, while those on the leeward side (rain shadow area) receive scanty rainfall.
Option Analysis
- Meghalaya: This region is located in the path of the Bay of Bengal branch of the Southwest Monsoon. The funnel-shaped hills (Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia) trap moisture-laden winds, causing extremely heavy rainfall. Mawsynram, located here, records the highest rainfall in the world.
- Western Ghats Western Ghats: The windward slopes of the Western Ghats obstruct the Arabian Sea branch of the Southwest Monsoon, resulting in heavy orographic rainfall (200–250 cm or more).
- Leh in Jammu and Kashmir Leh in Jammu and Kashmir: Leh is located in the Ladakh region (now a Union Territory), which lies to the north of the Great Himalayas. It is situated in the rain shadow zone of the Himalayas. The high mountain ranges block the moisture-carrying monsoon winds, making it a cold desert with extremely low annual precipitation, often less than 10 cm.
- West Bengal West Bengal: This state receives significant rainfall from the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon as the winds move inland towards the Himalayas.
Key Takeaway
Leh receives the lowest rainfall in India because it is a cold desert located in the rain shadow region of the Great Himalayas, which prevents the penetration of monsoon moisture.