With reference to the Indian Desert, consider the following statements: 1. It is believed that this region was never under the sea. 2. It is located to the northwest of the Aravali hills. 3. The underlying rock structure of the desert is distinct and separate from the Peninsular plateau. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 only Explanation The Great Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert, is a distinct physiographic region in the northwest of India, characterized by arid conditions and specific geological features. - Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Great Indian Desert lies to the northwest of the Aravali hills. It covers a significant portion of Western Rajasthan and extends into Pakistan. It is a land of undulating topography dotted with longitudinal dunes and barchans. - Statement 2 is Correct: Geological evidence suggests that this region was under the sea during the Mesozoic era. This is substantiated by the discovery of marine fossils in the region. For instance, the fossil beds at the Aakal Wood Fossil Park near Jaisalmer and marine deposits around Brahmsar indicate past marine transgression. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: The underlying rock structure of the desert is not distinct from the Peninsular Plateau; rather, it is an extension of the Peninsular Plateau. Although the surface features have been modified by weathering and wind action (aeolian processes), the bedrock beneath the sands consists of the same gneiss and granite structures found in the Peninsular block. Key Takeaway: The Indian Desert is geologically an extension of the Peninsular Plateau that was submerged under the sea during the Mesozoic era, located northwest of the Aravali range.

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 2: Structure and Physiography

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With reference to the Indian Desert, consider the following statements:

It is believed that this region was never under the sea.
It is located to the northwest of the Aravali hills.
The underlying rock structure of the desert is distinct and separate from the Peninsular plateau.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

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

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

The Great Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert, is a distinct physiographic region in the northwest of India, characterized by arid conditions and specific geological features.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Great Indian Desert lies to the northwest of the Aravali hills. It covers a significant portion of Western Rajasthan and extends into Pakistan. It is a land of undulating topography dotted with longitudinal dunes and barchans.
Statement 2 is Correct: Geological evidence suggests that this region was under the sea during the Mesozoic era. This is substantiated by the discovery of marine fossils in the region. For instance, the fossil beds at the Aakal Wood Fossil Park near Jaisalmer and marine deposits around Brahmsar indicate past marine transgression.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The underlying rock structure of the desert is not distinct from the Peninsular Plateau; rather, it is an extension of the Peninsular Plateau. Although the surface features have been modified by weathering and wind action (aeolian processes), the bedrock beneath the sands consists of the same gneiss and granite structures found in the Peninsular block.

Key Takeaway: The Indian Desert is geologically an extension of the Peninsular Plateau that was submerged under the sea during the Mesozoic era, located northwest of the Aravali range.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Structure and Physiography

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The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

The Great Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert, is a distinct physiographic region in the northwest of India, characterized by arid conditions and specific geological features.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Great Indian Desert lies to the northwest of the Aravali hills. It covers a significant portion of Western Rajasthan and extends into Pakistan. It is a land of undulating topography dotted with longitudinal dunes and barchans.
Statement 2 is Correct: Geological evidence suggests that this region was under the sea during the Mesozoic era. This is substantiated by the discovery of marine fossils in the region. For instance, the fossil beds at the Aakal Wood Fossil Park near Jaisalmer and marine deposits around Brahmsar indicate past marine transgression.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The underlying rock structure of the desert is not distinct from the Peninsular Plateau; rather, it is an extension of the Peninsular Plateau. Although the surface features have been modified by weathering and wind action (aeolian processes), the bedrock beneath the sands consists of the same gneiss and granite structures found in the Peninsular block.

Key Takeaway: The Indian Desert is geologically an extension of the Peninsular Plateau that was submerged under the sea during the Mesozoic era, located northwest of the Aravali range.