1. Karnataka is divided into how many major physiographic divisions?
A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5
Answer: B) 3
Explanation: Karnataka has three major physiographic divisions — Karavali (Coastal Plains), Malnad (Western Ghats), and Bayaluseeme (Maidan region).
2. The Coastal Plain of Karnataka is locally known as —
A) Malnad
B) Karavali
C) Bayaluseeme
D) Konkan
Answer: B) Karavali
Explanation: The narrow coastal strip of Karnataka along the Arabian Sea is called Karavali.
3. The Karavali region extends from —
A) Karwar to Mangalore
B) Udupi to Kodagu
C) Karwar to Chamarajanagar
D) Karwar to Hassan
Answer: A) Karwar to Mangalore
Explanation: The Karavali coastal belt extends from Karwar (north) to Mangalore (south), about 267 km long.
4. The width of Karnataka’s coastal plain varies between —
A) 10–15 km
B) 20–80 km
C) 30–50 km
D) 50–100 km
Answer: B) 20–80 km
Explanation: The Karavali coast is narrow in the north (20 km) and broad in the south (80 km) near Mangalore.
5. How many districts form the Karavali region?
A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5
Answer: B) 3
Explanation: The Karavali region includes Uttara Kannada, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada districts.
6. The main rivers draining the Karavali region flow —
A) Eastward
B) Northward
C) Westward
D) Southward
Answer: C) Westward
Explanation: Short rivers like Kali, Sharavathi, Gangavali, Netravati, and Sita flow westward into the Arabian Sea.
7. The highest rainfall in Karnataka is recorded in which part of Karavali?
A) Karwar
B) Bhatkal
C) Agumbe
D) Mangalore
Answer: C) Agumbe
Explanation: Agumbe (in Shivamogga–Udupi border) receives over 7000 mm rainfall annually, one of the highest in India.
8. The major crops grown in Karavali include —
A) Cotton and Jowar
B) Arecanut and Coconut
C) Maize and Ragi
D) Wheat and Barley
Answer: B) Arecanut and Coconut
Explanation: Due to humid climate and laterite soil, arecanut, coconut, and paddy are main crops.
9. The soil type most common in Karavali region is —
A) Red soil
B) Black soil
C) Laterite soil
D) Alluvial soil
Answer: C) Laterite soil
Explanation: Laterite soil formed due to high rainfall is ideal for plantation crops.
10. The main port in the Karavali region is —
A) Karwar
B) Honnavar
C) Mangalore
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Major ports include Mangalore (New Mangalore Port), Karwar, and Honnavar.
11. Which river forms the Jog Falls before entering the Karavali plain?
A) Sharavathi
B) Kali
C) Netravati
D) Varahi
Answer: A) Sharavathi
Explanation: Sharavathi River creates Jog Falls (Gerosoppa) before descending to the Karavali plains.
12. The coastline of Karnataka forms part of which coastal division of India?
A) Malabar Coast
B) Konkan Coast
C) Coromandel Coast
D) Gujarat Coast
Answer: B) Konkan Coast
Explanation: Karnataka’s Karavali is part of the Konkan–Malabar coast of the western seaboard.
13. Which is the largest coastal district of Karnataka?
A) Dakshina Kannada
B) Udupi
C) Uttara Kannada
D) Kodagu
Answer: C) Uttara Kannada
Explanation: Uttara Kannada district covers over 10,000 sq. km, forming 60% of the coastline.
14. Which famous estuary is found in Uttara Kannada district?
A) Kali River Estuary
B) Netravati Estuary
C) Gangavali Estuary
D) Varahi Estuary
Answer: A) Kali River Estuary
Explanation: Kali River forms a large estuary near Karwar, important for fishing and mangroves.
15. The New Mangalore Port is located at —
A) Karwar
B) Bhatkal
C) Panambur
D) Kundapura
Answer: C) Panambur
Explanation: New Mangalore Port (Panambur) is Karnataka’s only major port, handling petroleum, fertilizers, and coffee exports.
16. The coastal plains of Karnataka are formed mainly by —
A) Erosion
B) Deposition
C) Faulting
D) Glaciation
Answer: B) Deposition
Explanation: The Karavali plains were formed by deposition of sediments by west-flowing rivers.
17. Which hill range separates the coastal plains from the interior plateau?
A) Nilgiri Hills
B) Sahyadri Hills
C) Eastern Ghats
D) Nallamalas
Answer: B) Sahyadri Hills
Explanation: The Sahyadri Hills (Western Ghats) run parallel to the coast, dividing Karavali and Malnad.
18. The Karavali region experiences which type of climate?
A) Tropical Monsoon
B) Semi-arid
C) Arid
D) Temperate
Answer: A) Tropical Monsoon
Explanation: The Karavali experiences a hot and humid tropical monsoon climate with heavy rainfall.
19. Which mangrove forests are located in Karavali?
A) Aghanashini Estuary
B) Sharavathi Estuary
C) Kali River Estuary
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Mangroves occur along estuaries of Kali, Aghanashini, and Sharavathi rivers in Uttara Kannada.
20. The main fishing centers in Karavali include —
A) Bhatkal and Karwar
B) Malpe and Mangalore
C) Honnavar and Kundapura
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: The Karavali belt has many fishing harbors — Mangalore, Malpe, Karwar, and Bhatkal are major centers.
21. The major industry of the Karavali region is —
A) Iron and steel
B) Ship building and fishing
C) Textile
D) Cement
Answer: B) Ship building and fishing
Explanation: Fishing, shipbuilding, and seafood processing are the main industries in Karavali.
22. The coastal plains of Karnataka are wider in the —
A) North
B) South
C) Central part
D) Same throughout
Answer: B) South
Explanation: The plains are narrow near Karwar and wider near Mangalore, due to river deposition.
23. The backwaters and lagoons in the Karavali region are locally known as —
A) Beyas
B) Kudrus
C) Kadu
D) Kallu
Answer: B) Kudrus
Explanation: Kudrus are islands or backwater tracts formed by river deposition along the coast.
24. Which ancient port in Karavali was famous for Roman trade?
A) Honnavar
B) Barkur
C) Mangalore
D) Bhatkal
Answer: A) Honnavar
Explanation: Honnavar in Uttara Kannada was an ancient trading port linked with the Roman Empire.
25. Which national highway runs along the Karavali coast?
A) NH-44
B) NH-48
C) NH-66
D) NH-75
Answer: C) NH-66
Explanation: National Highway 66 (formerly NH-17) runs along the Arabian Sea coast from Karwar to Mangalore.
26. The term “Malnad” in Kannada literally means —
A) Dry land
B) Hilly country
C) Fertile plain
D) River valley
Answer: B) Hilly country
Explanation: “Malnad” comes from ‘Malenadu’, meaning hill country, representing the Western Ghats of Karnataka.
27. The Malnad region lies between —
A) Karavali and Bayaluseeme
B) Karavali and Eastern Ghats
C) Bayaluseeme and Coastal plains
D) Deccan Plateau and Nilgiris
Answer: A) Karavali and Bayaluseeme
Explanation: Malnad is the hilly transition zone between the coastal plains (Karavali) and the inland plains (Bayaluseeme).
28. The Malnad region forms part of which mountain range?
A) Himalayas
B) Eastern Ghats
C) Western Ghats (Sahyadri)
D) Vindhyas
Answer: C) Western Ghats (Sahyadri)
Explanation: Western Ghats, also called Sahyadri Hills, run parallel to the coast forming the Malnad region.
29. The Western Ghats of Karnataka extend from —
A) Karwar to Mangalore
B) Karwar to Kodagu
C) Karwar to Chamarajanagar
D) Honnavar to Shivamogga
Answer: B) Karwar to Kodagu
Explanation: Karnataka’s Western Ghats extend from Karwar (Uttara Kannada) in the north to Kodagu in the south.
30. The average elevation of the Malnad hills is —
A) 200–400 m
B) 600–900 m
C) 1000–1500 m
D) 1600–1900 m
Answer: B) 600–900 m
Explanation: The Malnad region generally rises between 600–900 meters, with peaks above 1,500 m in parts.
31. The highest peak of Karnataka, Mullayanagiri, is located in —
A) Kodagu
B) Chikkamagaluru
C) Shivamogga
D) Hassan
Answer: B) Chikkamagaluru
Explanation: Mullayanagiri (1,930 m) in Chikkamagaluru is the highest peak in Karnataka and part of the Bababudan range.
32. The major hill ranges in the Malnad region include —
A) Bababudan Hills
B) Pushpagiri Hills
C) Tadiandamol Hills
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Major hill ranges include Bababudan (Chikkamagaluru), Pushpagiri (Kodagu), and Tadiandamol (Kodagu).
33. The Malnad region covers approximately how much of Karnataka’s total area?
A) 15%
B) 20%
C) 25%
D) 30%
Answer: B) 20%
Explanation: The Malnad belt covers around 20% of Karnataka’s total area, extending through nine districts.
34. The Western Ghats in Karnataka are highest in —
A) Uttara Kannada
B) Shivamogga
C) Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu
D) Hassan
Answer: C) Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu
Explanation: The southern Malnad (Kodagu & Chikkamagaluru) has the highest elevations in the Western Ghats.
35. The Western Ghats of Karnataka are known for which type of rainfall?
A) Cyclonic
B) Orographic
C) Convectional
D) Frontal
Answer: B) Orographic
Explanation: The southwest monsoon winds rise over the Western Ghats, causing orographic rainfall.
36. The Western Ghats act as a major divide between —
A) Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea drainage
B) Krishna and Kaveri basins
C) Coastal and inland regions
D) Both A and C
Answer: D) Both A and C
Explanation: The Ghats form a watershed separating west-flowing coastal rivers and east-flowing plateau rivers.
37. The major rivers originating in the Malnad region are —
A) Tunga, Bhadra, and Netravati
B) Krishna, Godavari, and Pennar
C) Bhima, Malaprabha, and Hemavathi
D) Ghataprabha and Vedavathi
Answer: A) Tunga, Bhadra, and Netravati
Explanation: Several major rivers like Tunga, Bhadra, Sharavathi, Varahi, and Netravati originate in Malnad.
38. The Sharavathi River creates which famous waterfall?
A) Jog Falls
B) Shivanasamudra Falls
C) Magod Falls
D) Hebbe Falls
Answer: A) Jog Falls
Explanation: Jog Falls, India’s highest unbroken waterfall (253 m), is on the Sharavathi River in Shivamogga.
39. The major soil type in the Malnad region is —
A) Black soil
B) Laterite soil
C) Alluvial soil
D) Red soil
Answer: B) Laterite soil
Explanation: Laterite soil, formed under heavy rainfall, supports coffee, arecanut, and spices.
40. The Malnad region receives an average annual rainfall of —
A) 300–500 mm
B) 600–900 mm
C) 1500–2500 mm
D) 3000–5000 mm
Answer: D) 3000–5000 mm
Explanation: The Malnad region is one of the wettest areas in India, receiving up to 5000 mm rainfall.
41. The dominant natural vegetation in Malnad is —
A) Tropical dry deciduous forest
B) Tropical moist deciduous forest
C) Tropical evergreen forest
D) Mangrove forest
Answer: C) Tropical evergreen forest
Explanation: The Western Ghats (Malnad) are covered with dense evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.
42. The district known as the “Coffee Land of Karnataka” is —
A) Kodagu
B) Chikkamagaluru
C) Hassan
D) Shivamogga
Answer: B) Chikkamagaluru
Explanation: Chikkamagaluru is the main coffee-growing district, with favorable altitude and rainfall.
43. The Malnad region is famous for which mineral resource?
A) Iron ore
B) Gold
C) Limestone
D) Manganese
Answer: A) Iron ore
Explanation: Kudremukh (Chikkamagaluru) is rich in magnetite iron ore deposits.
44. Which district in Malnad region has both evergreen forests and paddy cultivation?
A) Shivamogga
B) Kodagu
C) Chikkamagaluru
D) Hassan
Answer: A) Shivamogga
Explanation: Shivamogga district has rain-fed forests and paddy in valley basins, blending both natural and agricultural landscapes.
45. The Malnad region is rich in —
A) Forest and hydroelectric potential
B) Minerals and industries
C) Desert soil and sand dunes
D) Arid and dry vegetation
Answer: A) Forest and hydroelectric potential
Explanation: Rivers like Sharavathi and Varahi make Malnad ideal for hydroelectric projects (e.g., Linganamakki Dam).
46. The term “Malnad Ghat Roads” refers to —
A) Roads on the coastal plains
B) Roads crossing Western Ghats
C) Urban highways
D) Forest tracks
Answer: B) Roads crossing Western Ghats
Explanation: “Ghat roads” like Charmadi, Shiradi, Agumbe connect Karavali and Malnad, cutting across steep slopes.
47. The famous Agumbe Ghat connects —
A) Shivamogga and Udupi
B) Hassan and Kodagu
C) Tumakuru and Chikkamagaluru
D) Ballari and Raichur
Answer: A) Shivamogga and Udupi
Explanation: Agumbe Ghat Road links Thirthahalli (Shivamogga) to Udupi, known for heavy rainfall and scenic beauty.
48. The highest peak in Kodagu district is —
A) Mullayanagiri
B) Pushpagiri
C) Tadiandamol
D) Brahmagiri
Answer: C) Tadiandamol
Explanation: Tadiandamol (1,748 m) is the highest peak of Kodagu district, second highest in Karnataka.
49. Which wildlife sanctuary lies in the Malnad region?
A) Dandeli
B) Bhadra
C) Bannerghatta
D) Ranganathittu
Answer: B) Bhadra
Explanation: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, spread across Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga, is home to tigers and elephants.
50. The economy of the Malnad region mainly depends on —
A) Industries and trade
B) Plantation and forestry
C) Mining and quarrying
D) Animal husbandry only
Answer: B) Plantation and forestry
Explanation: The Malnad economy is based on plantations (coffee, arecanut, pepper) and forest products.
51. The term “Bayaluseeme” literally means —
A) Hilly region
B) Open plains
C) Coastal belt
D) Forested land
Answer: B) Open plains
Explanation: “Bayalu” means open and “Seeme” means region in Kannada — referring to the open plains of interior Karnataka.
52. The Bayaluseeme region covers approximately what percentage of Karnataka’s total area?
A) 30%
B) 45%
C) 60%
D) 75%
Answer: C) 60%
Explanation: The Bayaluseeme region (Deccan Plateau) occupies about 60% of the state’s total area — the largest physiographic zone.
53. The Bayaluseeme region is geographically part of the —
A) Gangetic Plain
B) Deccan Plateau
C) Western Ghats
D) Eastern Coastal Plain
Answer: B) Deccan Plateau
Explanation: The Bayaluseeme forms a part of the Deccan Plateau, characterized by flat-topped hills and black soils.
54. The Bayaluseeme region is divided into how many natural sub-regions?
A) Two
B) Three
C) Four
D) Five
Answer: A) Two
Explanation: The Bayaluseeme is divided into:
1️⃣ Northern Maidan (dry plateau)
2️⃣ Southern Maidan (fertile and irrigated plains)
55. The Northern Bayaluseeme covers districts like —
A) Ballari, Raichur, Kalaburagi
B) Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar
C) Shivamogga, Kodagu, Udupi
D) Hassan, Dakshina Kannada, Kolar
Answer: A) Ballari, Raichur, Kalaburagi
Explanation: Northern Bayaluseeme includes semi-arid plateau districts like Ballari, Raichur, Koppal, Vijayapura, and Kalaburagi.
56. The Southern Bayaluseeme covers —
A) Mysuru, Mandya, Tumakuru, Kolar
B) Raichur, Ballari, Bagalkot
C) Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru
D) Uttara Kannada, Udupi
Answer: A) Mysuru, Mandya, Tumakuru, Kolar
Explanation: The Southern Maidan (Bayaluseeme) covers Mysuru, Mandya, Chitradurga, Tumakuru, Kolar, and Bengaluru rural areas.
57. The average elevation of the Bayaluseeme plateau is about —
A) 200–400 m
B) 400–600 m
C) 600–900 m
D) 1000–1200 m
Answer: B) 400–600 m
Explanation: The Deccan Plateau (Bayaluseeme) lies between 400–600 meters above sea level, sloping eastward.
58. The main geological rock found in Bayaluseeme is —
A) Limestone
B) Granite and Gneiss
C) Basalt
D) Laterite
Answer: C) Basalt
Explanation: The Northern Bayaluseeme lies on Deccan Trap basaltic rocks, while the south has granite–gneiss formations.
59. The Bayaluseeme region mainly drains toward —
A) Arabian Sea
B) Bay of Bengal
C) Both seas
D) Inland basins only
Answer: B) Bay of Bengal
Explanation: Rivers like Krishna, Tungabhadra, Bhima, and Kaveri flow eastward, draining into the Bay of Bengal.
60. The rainfall in the Bayaluseeme region is —
A) Very heavy
B) Moderate
C) Very low
D) Uniform throughout
Answer: C) Very low
Explanation: The Bayaluseeme lies in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats, receiving only 400–800 mm rainfall annually.
61. The Northern Maidan (Bayaluseeme) is also called —
A) Malenadu
B) Drought Zone
C) Paddy Zone
D) Coffee Belt
Answer: B) Drought Zone
Explanation: Due to low and irregular rainfall, the Northern Bayaluseeme is known as Karnataka’s Drought Zone.
62. The major soil type found in Northern Bayaluseeme is —
A) Red soil
B) Laterite soil
C) Black cotton soil
D) Sandy soil
Answer: C) Black cotton soil
Explanation: The northern plateau has regur (black cotton) soil, ideal for cotton, jowar, and sunflower.
63. The Southern Bayaluseeme is dominated by —
A) Black soil
B) Red soil
C) Alluvial soil
D) Laterite soil
Answer: B) Red soil
Explanation: Red loamy soil is predominant in the Southern Bayaluseeme, suitable for ragi, sugarcane, and groundnut.
64. The main river of Northern Bayaluseeme is —
A) Kaveri
B) Krishna
C) Sharavathi
D) Kali
Answer: B) Krishna
Explanation: The Krishna River and its tributaries — Bhima, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, Tungabhadra — flow through Northern Bayaluseeme.
65. The main river of Southern Bayaluseeme is —
A) Krishna
B) Kaveri
C) Tungabhadra
D) Netravati
Answer: B) Kaveri
Explanation: The Kaveri River and its tributaries (Hemavathi, Arkavati, Kabini) irrigate the Southern Bayaluseeme.
66. Which area of Bayaluseeme is famous for black cotton soil and cotton cultivation?
A) Mandya
B) Kalaburagi
C) Tumakuru
D) Kolar
Answer: B) Kalaburagi
Explanation: Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) is known for deep black soil, ideal for cotton and pigeon pea.
67. The chief crops of Northern Bayaluseeme are —
A) Coffee and Pepper
B) Paddy and Arecanut
C) Jowar, Cotton, Sunflower
D) Sugarcane and Banana
Answer: C) Jowar, Cotton, Sunflower
Explanation: The dry northern plains grow jowar, pulses, cotton, and oilseeds under rainfed conditions.
68. The main irrigation project in Northern Bayaluseeme is —
A) Tungabhadra Project
B) Kabini Project
C) Hemavathi Project
D) Harangi Project
Answer: A) Tungabhadra Project
Explanation: The Tungabhadra Project irrigates Raichur, Ballari, and Koppal, boosting agriculture in the northern plateau.
69. The Bayaluseeme region’s natural vegetation mainly consists of —
A) Evergreen forests
B) Thorny scrub and dry deciduous forests
C) Dense mangroves
D) Alpine grasslands
Answer: B) Thorny scrub and dry deciduous forests
Explanation: Due to low rainfall, thorny and dry deciduous vegetation dominate the Bayaluseeme.
70. Which district in Bayaluseeme is known as the “Rice Bowl of Karnataka”?
A) Mandya
B) Raichur
C) Davanagere
D) Ballari
Answer: B) Raichur
Explanation: Raichur, with irrigation from the Tungabhadra Dam, is famous for paddy cultivation.
71. Which plateau feature is common in Bayaluseeme?
A) Deep valleys
B) Step-like terraces
C) Flat-topped hills and mesas
D) Volcanic cones
Answer: C) Flat-topped hills and mesas
Explanation: The Deccan Plateau in Bayaluseeme has flat-topped hills (mesas) due to ancient lava flows.
72. Which mineral resource is abundant in Bayaluseeme?
A) Iron ore
B) Gold
C) Limestone
D) Copper
Answer: C) Limestone
Explanation: Limestone deposits are found in Bagalkot, Kalaburagi, and Belagavi, supporting cement industries.
73. The Southern Bayaluseeme is better developed agriculturally due to —
A) High rainfall
B) River irrigation
C) Fertile black soil
D) Desert-like climate
Answer: B) River irrigation
Explanation: Southern Maidan benefits from Kaveri, Hemavathi, and Kabini irrigation, unlike the dry north.
74. The major urban centers located in Bayaluseeme are —
A) Bengaluru, Mysuru, Davanagere
B) Karwar, Udupi, Mangalore
C) Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru
D) Sirsi, Bhatkal
Answer: A) Bengaluru, Mysuru, Davanagere
Explanation: The Bayaluseeme includes the southern industrial cities like Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Davanagere.
75. Which of the following best describes the Bayaluseeme’s topography?
A) Steep mountain slopes
B) Undulating plateau with isolated hills
C) Low-lying deltaic plain
D) Coastal sand dunes
Answer: B) Undulating plateau with isolated hills
Explanation: The Bayaluseeme has a gently undulating terrain with occasional granite hills, typical of the Deccan Plateau.
76. Which of the following regions of Karnataka receives the highest rainfall?
A) Karavali
B) Malnad
C) Bayaluseeme
D) Northern Maidan
Answer: B) Malnad
Explanation: The Malnad (Western Ghats) receives 2500–5000 mm rainfall annually due to orographic effects of monsoon winds.
77. Which region of Karnataka is most prone to drought?
A) Karavali
B) Malnad
C) Northern Bayaluseeme
D) Kodagu region
Answer: C) Northern Bayaluseeme
Explanation: The Northern Bayaluseeme lies in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats and receives <700 mm rainfall.
78. The most densely forested region of Karnataka is —
A) Karavali
B) Malnad
C) Bayaluseeme
D) Kodagu and Hassan
Answer: B) Malnad
Explanation: Over 60% of Karnataka’s forest cover is in the Malnad region with dense evergreen forests.
79. Which region of Karnataka is most densely populated?
A) Karavali
B) Malnad
C) Bayaluseeme
D) All equal
Answer: C) Bayaluseeme
Explanation: Bayaluseeme, especially Bengaluru and Mysuru, has high population density due to industrial and urban growth.
80. Which region has the maximum hydroelectric potential?
A) Malnad
B) Karavali
C) Bayaluseeme
D) Northern Plains
Answer: A) Malnad
Explanation: Rivers like Sharavathi, Varahi, and Kali in Malnad provide abundant hydroelectric potential (e.g., Jog Falls, Linganamakki).
81. Which region is called the “Rice Bowl” of Karnataka?
A) Karavali
B) Northern Maidan
C) Raichur region of Bayaluseeme
D) Malnad
Answer: C) Raichur region of Bayaluseeme
Explanation: Due to Tungabhadra irrigation, Raichur district in Bayaluseeme produces large quantities of rice.
82. Coffee cultivation is mainly found in —
A) Bayaluseeme
B) Malnad
C) Karavali
D) Northern dry zone
Answer: B) Malnad
Explanation: Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan in the Malnad region are famous for coffee cultivation due to altitude and rainfall.
83. The Karavali region’s economy is mainly dependent on —
A) Mining and industries
B) Agriculture and forestry
C) Fishing and trade
D) Handicrafts
Answer: C) Fishing and trade
Explanation: The Karavali coast is known for fishing, seafood processing, and port-based trade.
84. Which region of Karnataka is least urbanized?
A) Karavali
B) Malnad
C) Bayaluseeme
D) Northern Plateau
Answer: B) Malnad
Explanation: The Malnad has hilly terrain and limited towns, leading to low urbanization.
85. The Western Ghats (Malnad) act as a climatic barrier by —
A) Stopping cold winds
B) Diverting river flow
C) Blocking monsoon winds
D) Causing desertification
Answer: C) Blocking monsoon winds
Explanation: The Western Ghats intercept the southwest monsoon winds, causing heavy rain on windward and dryness on leeward sides.
86. Which region has the most fertile alluvial and red loamy soils?
A) Bayaluseeme
B) Karavali
C) Malnad
D) None
Answer: A) Bayaluseeme
Explanation: The southern Bayaluseeme has fertile red loam and alluvial soils, especially in Mandya and Mysuru.
87. The shortest rivers of Karnataka are found in —
A) Karavali
B) Malnad
C) Bayaluseeme
D) Northern Plateau
Answer: A) Karavali
Explanation: The west-flowing coastal rivers like Kali, Varahi, and Netravati are short but swift, flowing directly into the Arabian Sea.
88. The major rivers flowing eastward from Karnataka include —
A) Sharavathi and Kali
B) Krishna and Kaveri
C) Netravati and Varahi
D) Aghanashini and Gangavali
Answer: B) Krishna and Kaveri
Explanation: Krishna and Kaveri originate in Karnataka and flow eastward into the Bay of Bengal.
89. The longest river in Karnataka is —
A) Kaveri
B) Krishna
C) Tungabhadra
D) Bhima
Answer: B) Krishna
Explanation: The Krishna River flows about 480 km within Karnataka — the longest in the state.
90. The Jog Falls is located in which physiographic division?
A) Karavali
B) Malnad
C) Bayaluseeme
D) Coastal estuary
Answer: B) Malnad
Explanation: Jog Falls, India’s highest waterfall, lies in Malnad (Shivamogga district) on the Sharavathi River.
91. Which physiographic region is rich in mineral resources like iron and gold?
A) Malnad and Bayaluseeme
B) Karavali and Malnad
C) Bayaluseeme and Karavali
D) Coastal plains only
Answer: A) Malnad and Bayaluseeme
Explanation: Iron ore (Kudremukh) and gold (Hutti, Kolar) are found in Malnad and northern Bayaluseeme regions.
92. Which region of Karnataka supports major irrigation projects?
A) Malnad
B) Bayaluseeme
C) Karavali
D) Kodagu
Answer: B) Bayaluseeme
Explanation: The Bayaluseeme has major irrigation dams — Tungabhadra, KRS, Kabini, and Almatti — supporting agriculture.
93. The Karavali’s economy is more oriented towards —
A) Agriculture
B) Fisheries and shipping
C) Mining
D) Forestry
Answer: B) Fisheries and shipping
Explanation: The coastal belt depends on fishing, ship repair, ports, and tourism.
94. The district of Kodagu belongs to which physiographic division?
A) Bayaluseeme
B) Malnad
C) Karavali
D) Plateau
Answer: B) Malnad
Explanation: Kodagu forms part of the southern Western Ghats (Malnad region) — mountainous and forested.
95. Which region is called the “Heartland of Karnataka”?
A) Bayaluseeme
B) Malnad
C) Karavali
D) Kodagu
Answer: A) Bayaluseeme
Explanation: The Bayaluseeme forms the central core of Karnataka — politically, economically, and demographically dominant.
96. The economy of the Bayaluseeme region is primarily based on —
A) Heavy industries
B) Rainfed agriculture
C) Mining
D) Fishing
Answer: B) Rainfed agriculture
Explanation: A majority of Bayaluseeme farmers depend on monsoon rainfall for crops like ragi, jowar, and pulses.
97. The “rain shadow effect” is mainly seen in —
A) Karavali
B) Malnad
C) Eastern Bayaluseeme
D) Kodagu
Answer: C) Eastern Bayaluseeme
Explanation: The Eastern Plateau (Chitradurga, Tumakuru, Kolar) lies leeward of the Western Ghats, receiving little rainfall.
98. The New Mangalore Port is mainly used for exporting —
A) Iron ore and fertilizers
B) Coffee and cashew
C) Petroleum
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: New Mangalore Port (Panambur) exports iron ore, fertilizers, coffee, and petroleum products, supporting coastal trade.
99. Which physiographic region of Karnataka is most industrially developed?
A) Karavali
B) Malnad
C) Bayaluseeme
D) Western Ghats
Answer: C) Bayaluseeme
Explanation: Bayaluseeme, particularly Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Davanagere, is the hub of industry, technology, and trade.
100. The overall slope of Karnataka’s land surface is from —
A) East to West
B) West to East
C) North to South
D) South to North
Answer: B) West to East
Explanation: The Western Ghats are the highest region, and the land gently slopes eastward towards the Bay of Bengal drainage basin.