Question 64 from UPSC CSE 2016 - Geography

Question

Consider the following pairs:
1. Bodhgaya : Baghelkhand
2. Khajuraho : Bundelkhand
3. Shirdi : Vidarbha
4. Nasik (Nashik) : Malwa
5. Tirupati : Rayalaseema
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. 2 and 5 only

Strategy: The approach involves direct factual recall for each pair. Identify the geographical location of each famous site and then verify if it falls within the specified region. For instance, **Bodhgaya** is known to be in Bihar, making its pairing with **Baghelkhand** (Madhya Pradesh/Uttar Pradesh) immediately incorrect. **Khajuraho** is famously located in **Bundelkhand**, making this a correct match. **Shirdi** is in western Maharashtra (Ahmednagar district), not in the **Vidarbha** region of eastern Maharashtra. **Nashik** is in Maharashtra, whereas **Malwa** is predominantly in Madhya Pradesh. Finally, **Tirupati** is well-known to be in the **Rayalaseema** region of Andhra Pradesh, confirming this pair as correct. With two correct pairs (2 and 5) and three incorrect, the correct option emerges.

Key Info: **Bodhgaya**
- A religious site and place of pilgrimage associated with the Mahabodhi Temple Complex in Gaya district, Bihar, India.
- It is famous as the place where Gautama Buddha is said to have attained Enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.
- The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

**Baghelkhand**
- A geographical and historical region in central India, covering the northeastern part of Madhya Pradesh and a small area of western Uttar Pradesh.
- Major cities include Rewa, Satna, and Sidhi in Madhya Pradesh, and Chitrakoot in Uttar Pradesh.
- It is distinct from Bihar, where Bodhgaya is located.

**Khajuraho**
- A group of monuments and Hindu and Jain temples located in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, India.
- These temples are famous for their Nagara-style architecture and erotic sculptures.
- They were built by the Chandela dynasty between 950 and 1050 CE.
- The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

**Bundelkhand**
- A historical region in central India, split between the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
- It was the seat of power for several dynasties, including the Chandelas who built Khajuraho.
- The region is characterized by rugged terrain and a distinct cultural identity.

**Shirdi**
- A town located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India.
- It is a major pilgrimage site, known for the shrine of Sai Baba, a spiritual master revered by both Hindu and Muslim devotees.
- Shirdi is situated in Western Maharashtra/Marathwada region, not Vidarbha.

**Vidarbha**
- The easternmost region of the Indian state of Maharashtra, comprising Nagpur Division and Amravati Division.
- It is culturally and geographically distinct from the rest of Maharashtra.
- Major cities include Nagpur and Amravati.

**Nasik (Nashik)**
- An ancient holy city in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, India.
- It is located on the banks of the Godavari River and is one of the four sites of the Kumbh Mela.
- Nashik is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and is also known as the 'Wine Capital of India'.

**Malwa**
- A historical region of west-central India, occupying a plateau in western Madhya Pradesh and parts of southeastern Rajasthan.
- Ujjain and Indore are important cities in this region.
- It has been historically significant for various empires, including the Mauryas, Guptas, and Marathas.

**Tirupati**
- A pilgrimage city in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
- It is home to the Venkateswara Temple, one of the most visited Hindu temples in the world, located on Tirumala Hill.
- The city is a major economic and religious hub in the state.

**Rayalaseema**
- A geographical region in the south-western part of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
- It comprises the districts of Kurnool, Anantapur, Kadapa, and Chittoor (which includes Tirupati).
- The region has a distinct cultural and historical identity, often associated with the Vijayanagara Empire.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1, 2, and 4

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2, 3, 4, and 5

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: 1, 3, 4, and 5

Consider the following pairs: Bodhgaya : Baghelkhand Khajuraho : Bundelkhand Shirdi : Vidarbha Nasik (Nashik) : Malwa Tirupati : Rayalaseema Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Consider the following pairs:

Bodhgaya : Baghelkhand

Khajuraho : Bundelkhand

Shirdi : Vidarbha

Nasik (Nashik) : Malwa

Tirupati : Rayalaseema
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?