1. The Sabarmati River, which was recently in the news, originates from which mountain range?
[A] Vindhya Range
[B] Satpura Range
[C] Western Ghats
[D] Aravalli Range
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Aravalli Range]
Notes:
On 1 August 2025, the Union Government informed Lok Sabha that 13 river stretches in Gujarat are officially classified as polluted. Sabarmati River, especially the stretch between Raysan to Vautha, is the worst affected with a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) level of 292 mg/litre. Sabarmati River is a monsoon-fed, west-flowing river. It originates from the Aravalli Mountain Range in Udaipur district, Rajasthan. The river is called Wakal in its early course and flows southwest through Rajasthan and Gujarat. It empties into the Gulf of Khambhat in the Arabian Sea.
2. Bhor Ghat, a mountain pass in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats, connects which two major cities?
[A] Nashik and Pune
[B] Mumbai and Nashik
[C] Kolhapur and Pune
[D] Mumbai and Pune
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Mumbai and Pune]
Notes:
Bhor Ghat connects Mumbai and Pune via road (Khopoli-Khandala) and rail (Palasdari-Khandala). Historically vital during the British era for trade, Bhor Ghat remains an important route through the Western Ghats, enhancing connectivity in Maharashtra.
3. Consider the following statements:
- Bhoom was granted as a jagir to Shrimant Senakhaskhel Yashwantrao Thorat by Sambhaji II of Kolhapur in 1717.
- Bhoom is strategically located in the Banashankar hill ranges of the Sahyadri mountains.
- The River Banaganga flows through Bhoom.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 1 and 3
[C] Only 2 and 3
[D] All of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 1 and 3]
Notes:
Statement 1 is correct: Bhoom was indeed granted as a jagir to Shrimant Senakhaskhel Yashwantrao Thorat by Sambhaji II of Kolhapur in 1717. Statement 2 is incorrect; Bhoom is in the Balaghat ranges of the Sahyadris, not Banashankar hill ranges. Statement 3 is correct; the Banaganga river flows through Bhoom. Thus, only 1 and 3 are correct.
4. Loni Kalbhor is located close to which mountain range in Maharashtra?
[A] Satpura Range
[B] Ajanta Range
[C] Sinhagad-Bhuleshwar Range
[D] Harischandragad Range
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sinhagad-Bhuleshwar Range]
Notes:
The Sinhagad-Bhuleshwar range, part of the Sahyadri mountains, is near Loni Kalbhor. The area is renowned for Sinhagad Fort, significant in Maratha history, popular for trekking, and hosts cultural events, offering scenic views of the Pune region.
5. Sinhagad-Bhuleshwar are part of which mountain ranges in Maharashtra?
[A] Satpura Range
[B] Harishchandragad Range
[C] Ajanta Range
[D] Sahyadri Range
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Sahyadri Range]
Notes:
Sinhagad-Bhuleshwar belong to the Sahyadri Range (Western Ghats) in Maharashtra. This region is noted for its forts, historical significance, biodiversity, and trekking routes. Sinhagad Fort played an important role in Maratha history and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Sahyadris.
6. In which mountain ranges is the Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary located?
[A] Sahyadri Range
[B] Satmala and Ajanta Hills
[C] Nilgiri Hills
[D] Harishchandragad Range
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Satmala and Ajanta Hills]
Notes:
The Gautala Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Satmala and Ajanta hill ranges near Soegaon, Maharashtra. It covers approximately 200 sq km and is a biodiversity hotspot known for Indian bison, leopards, and unique landscapes in the state.
7. In which mountain range is the Torna Fort, the first fort captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1646, located?
[A] Satpura Range
[B] Ajanta Range
[C] Sahyadri Range
[D] Harishchandragad Range
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Sahyadri Range]
Notes:
Torna Fort, also known as Prachandagad, is situated in the Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra. It was the first fort captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1646, signifying the start of the Maratha Empire. The Sahyadri range is also known as the Western Ghats.
8. Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary is situated in which mountain range in Maharashtra?
[A] Satpura Range
[B] Sahyadri Range
[C] Western Ghats
[D] Ajanta Range
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ajanta Range]
Notes:
Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary is located in the Ajanta Range in Maharashtra. Established in 1987, it covers over 300 sq km and is home to species like the Indian leopard and sloth bear. The sanctuary features a hilly landscape and significant biodiversity.
9. Which mountain pass serves as a key connection between Ratnagiri and Kolhapur districts in Maharashtra?
[A] Amba Ghat
[B] Kasara Ghat
[C] Bhor Ghat
[D] Malshej Ghat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Amba Ghat]
Notes:
Amba Ghat, near Shahuwadi, connects Ratnagiri and Kolhapur in Maharashtra. It features scenic landscapes and dense forests, is home to rich biodiversity, and is popular among trekkers and nature lovers. Other options are mountain passes located in different parts of Maharashtra.
10. Which mountain range in Maharashtra forms the water divide between the Godavari and Krishna river basins?
[A] Harishchandra Range
[B] Sahyadri Range
[C] Satpura Range
[D] Ajanta Range
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Harishchandra Range]
Notes:
The Harishchandra Range is a basaltic spur of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, forming the watershed between the Godavari and Krishna basins. It extends from Pune through Ahmednagar, Beed, to Osmanabad, with Harischandragarh as its highest point.
