Essential Geography Study Materials for Competitive Exams

Geography

Origin and Development of Geography

The Beginning of Geography The word Geography was first used by the Greek scholar Eratosthenes (276–194 B.C.). The word Geography has been derived from two Greek words – Geo and Graphos, which jointly mean the descrip

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The Solar System & Universe

The Solar System Overview The solar system consists of the Sun, the eight planets and their satellites (or moons), and thousands of other smaller heavenly bodies such as asteroids, comets, and meteors. The Sun is at the centre

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All 7 Continents of the World - Geography

Asia Origin of the Name The word 'Asia' is derived from the word 'Asu' (of Hibru language), which means "the rising sun". Geographical Importance Asia is the largest of the seven continents o

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Oceans of the World and Their Currents

  Oceans of the World There are four oceans. In order of their size, they are: 1. Pacific Ocean 2. Atlantic Ocean 3. Indian Ocean 4. Arctic Ocean Pacific Ocean The explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who circumnavigate

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Time Zones, Latitude & Longitude in Geography

Latitude and Longitude Any location on Earth is described by two numbers- its latitude and its longitude. Latitude Any location on Earth is described by two numbers—its latitude and its longitude. On a globe of the Ea

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Understanding Earth’s Atmosphere

Overview The envelope of air that surrounds the Earth is known as the atmosphere. The atmosphere extends to about 1000 km from the surface of the Earth. But 99% of the total mass of the atmosphere is found within 32 km. T

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Earthquakes and Volcanoes

Earthquakes The sudden tremors or shaking of the Earth's crust are called an earthquake. When a part of the earth's surface moves backward and forward or up and down, the earth's surface 'quakes', and these are called 

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Various Landforms – Mountains, Plateaus, Plains, Glaciers, Rivers, Groundwater etc. / India Physical Features

Mainly there are three types of landforms - Mountains, Plateaus, Plains. Mountains The height of mountains is over 600 m and haveconical peaks. On the basis of origin there are four types of mountains: Block Mountains, Residual Mountains, A

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Soil Resources of the Indian Sub-continent

Soil Soil forms the upper layer of the Earth's crust, capable of supporting life. It is made up of loose rock materials and humus. The soil-forming processes are mainly influenced by the parent rock, climate, vegetation, a

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Agriculture in India

According to the 2011 census, nearly 55% of the total population of the country is engaged in agriculture and allied activities. Sikkim is the first organic state of India. It provides food to the second-biggest population and th

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Minerals in India

Mineral Survey & Research Bodies Geological Survey of India (HQ: Kolkata) Indian Bureau of Mines (HQ; Nagpur) Oil and Natural Gas Commission-ONGC (HQ: Dehradun) Mineral Research Corporation Limited-MRCL (HQ: N

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Major Industries of India

Iron & Steel Industry The Ministry of Steel is responsible for planning and development of the iron and steel industry, development of essential inputs such as iron ore, limestone, dolomite, manganese ore, chromites, ferro-alloys, sponge iron,

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India State of Forest Report 2019

On December 31, 2019, the biennial "India State of Forest Report (ISFR)", published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), was released. Starting from 1987, 16 assessments have been completed so far. ISFR 2019 is the 16th report in the se

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The Drainage System of India

Definition The flow of water through well-defined channels is known as 'drainage', and the network of such channels is called a 'drainage system'. The drainage pattern of an area is the outcome of the geological period, nature

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Transport in India (Road, Rail, Air)

The present transport system of the country comprises several modes of transport including rail, road, coastal shipping, air transport etc. The share of transport sector in the GVA for 2017-18 was about 4.77% of which the share of road transport

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India Facts and Figures on State Capitals

State and Union Territory Capitals of India Overview of Capitals The state and union territory capitals are sorted according to the administrative, legislative, and judicial capitals. The administrative capital is where the ex

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India Census 2011 - Population, Literacy, Sex Ratio

Introduction Census 2011 was the 15th census of its kind since 1872. It was held in two phases: House listing and Housing Census (April to September, 2010) and Population Enumeration (February 9 to 28, 2011, with a Revisional round during 1st

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National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in India

India's Major National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries This table highlights key wildlife sanctuaries and national parks across India, organized by state and location. It includes the most important animal species found in each area&md

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Ramsar Wetland Sites in India

RAMSAR Wetland Sites The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands, recognizing the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific, and

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Important Irrigation and Power Projects

Major Water and Power Projects in India India’s development is strongly supported by its vast network of major multipurpose projects, spanning rivers and regions across the country. These projects are critical for irrigation, hydro and t

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Mount Everest Facts & Records

Introduction to Mt. Everest Mt. Everest was named after Sir George Everest, the then Surveyor General of India (from 1830 to 1843 A.D.). Sir G. Everest discovered the location of Mt. Everest, earlier known as Peak 15 Location of Mt. Ev

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India's Borders & Subcontinent Geography

Indian Subcontinent India Pakistan Bangladesh Nepal Bhutan Myanmar Sri Lanka These six countries collectively constitute the Indian subcontinent. These six countries are In

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Project Tiger & Tiger Reserves

Project Tiger Project Tiger was launched by the Government of India in the year 1973 to save the endangered species of tiger in the country. Starting from nine (9) reserves in 1973-74, the number has grown to fifty-five (55). A total area

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Top Cities at the Bank of River

Overview Rivers have played a vital role in the development of human civilization. Many of the world’s major cities are situated on or near riverbanks, benefiting from access to fresh water, fertile soil, transportation routes, and tra

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All Wonders of the World

Wonders of the World Through the Ages Human history is filled with monumental achievements that reflect the creativity, engineering brilliance, and cultural richness of different civilizations. Over the centuries, various lists have been com

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World’s Manufacturing Industries

The world’s economy is powered by diverse manufacturing industries that are often concentrated in specific regions and towns known for their expertise. From textiles and automobiles to metallurgy, fertilizers, and film, each industry has it

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Famous Sites of India & World

Famous Sites of India Site Location Ajanta Maharashtra Akabar's Tomb Agra (UP.) Amarnath Cave Kashmir

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Major Straits of the World that Connect & Separate

Straits are narrow waterways that connect two larger bodies of water and often separate two landmasses. They play a crucial role in international maritime trade, naval strategy, and oceanic circulation. Many of the world’s most importan

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Top Canals, Deserts, Islands, and Dams

Understanding major geographical features like canals, islands, deserts, and dams is essential to grasp the broader structure of our planet. These features influence everything from climate and trade to biodiversity and human development. Can

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World’s Largest Coastlines & Aquatic Zones

Geography is more than maps—it's the story of how nations are shaped by water, borders, and culture. From the longest coastlines to the largest aquatic areas, countries around the world hold unique geographical records. Add to that

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Important Tribes and their Homeland

Important Tribes and their Homeland (World) Tribes Areas Homeland Areas Eskimos: Greenland, North Canada, Alaska, N. Siberia Koryaks:

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Important Places in the World

Understanding the important places in the world is essential for anyone preparing for competitive exams, global awareness, or general knowledge enhancement. These landmarks, both natural and man-made, carry historical, political, cultural, or s

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Major Waterfalls and Lakes of India & World

Waterfalls and lakes are among the most fascinating geographical features that shape the natural beauty and ecosystem of our planet. From the majestic Jog Falls in India to the towering Angel Falls in Venezuela, and from Asia’s expansive Ca

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Capitals and Currencies of 190+ Countries

This list provides accurate and updated information about countries, their capitals, and currencies from around the world. It is designed to help learners, especially students, build a strong foundation in world geography. Knowing the capital and

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Glossary of Geographical Terms 2025

This glossary presents a comprehensive collection of geographical and environmental terms essential for understanding Earth's physical features, natural phenomena, and climatic processes. From landforms and weather patterns to instruments and

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Top 50+ General Knowledge Points - Indian Geography

Miscellaneous Astrophysics and Space Science Pulsars are rapidly rotating neutron stars that blast out pulses of radiation at regular intervals ranging from seconds to milliseconds. Plate Tectonics and Geological Concepts

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Planets and Moons Facts

Mercury Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun. It is an extremely hot planet. It is visible two hours before sunrise. Its special feature is the presence of a magnetic field in it. It is the smallest and lighte

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India’s Chandrayaan Missions

Chandrayaan-1 Launch Date & Location On 22nd October, 2008, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully established CHANDRAYAAN-1 in the Moon's orbit from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota of Andhra Pradesh

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Facts & Figures About Asteroids and Comets

Some Facts and Figures about the Planets (As on August 17, 2022) Name of Planet Distance from the Sun Orbital Period (time taken for one revolution around the sun) Rotation Period (Tim

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Facts About Earth’s Shape and Size

The Earth: Shape and Size Shape of the Earth Pythagoras (572–500 B.C.), a Greek philosopher and mathematician, was among the first to suggest that the Earth was shaped like a globe. The Earth is not flat: If

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Understanding Winds - Geography

Winds Wind is the movement of air caused by the uneven heating of the Earth by the Sun. Sometimes the wind blows gently, refreshing us. At other times, it blows strongly, creating storms that cause widespread damage. We

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Cloud Formation, Rain Types & Island

Clouds  Clouds are defined as aggregates of innumerable tiny water droplets, ice particles, or a mixture of both in the air, generally much above the ground surface. They play a vital role in the heat budget of the Earth. Based on the

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Internal Structure of Earth and Rocks

Internal Structure of the Earth Crust The Earth's Crust, the outermost solid cover or shell of the Earth, is known as the Earth's crust. The thickness of the crust is about 30-100 km. It is thicker in the regio

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Mountains, Plateaus and Plains – Geography Basics

Mountains The height of the mountains is over 600 m, and they have conical peaks. Based on origin, there are four types of mountains: Block Mountains, Residual Mountains, Accumulated Mountains, and Fold Mountains. Block Mountains T

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Landforms Created by River System

V-shaped Valley A river flows with a greater velocity in the mountainous region, and big, pointed fragments of rock also flow with a great speed along with the water. The river bed is scoured and down-cutting starts, ultimately giving

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Landforms by Wind, Groundwater & Waves

Land Forms Created by the Action of Wind Mushroom Rock The wind blowing in desert regions erodes the rock near the ground surface to a great extent. At the same time, the upper part of the rock gets eroded to a lesser extent. As th

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Geography of Indian Subcontinent

Location of the Subcontinent The mainland of the Indian subcontinent, comprising India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan, extends between 8°4'N and 37°6'N latitudes and between 68°7'E and 97°25'E lo

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India’s Coastal Plains, Plateaus and Deserts

The Great Northern Plains The northern plains are divided into three subdivisions. These are the Punjab and Haryana plains, the Ganga plains, and the Brahmaputra valley. The Ganga plains form the largest lowland drained by th

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The Peninsular Drainage System

The Peninsular drainage system is older than the Himalayan one. This is evident from the broad, largely graded shallow valleys and the maturity of the rivers. The Western Ghats running close to the western coast act as the water divide betwe

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Road Transport System in India

Overview The present transport system of the country comprises several modes of transport, including rail, road, coastal shipping, air transport, etc. The share of the transport sector in the GVA for 2017-18 was about 4.77%

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Rail Transport System in India

Overview of Indian Railways The Indian Railways have been a great integrating force for more than 171 years. From a modest beginning in 1853, Indian Railways has grown into a vast network of 7,308 stations spread over a route length of 68,043

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Airport Transport System in India

Civil Aviation in India India’s Domestic Market Rank India is the third-largest domestic market for civil aviation in the world. Airports in India India has 136 commercially managed airports 

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Maritime Transport System in India

Maritime Transport Central Water Tribunal The Central Water Tribunal was established in 1887. Its headquarters are in Kolkata. Classification of Waterways The waterways of the country have been divided into In

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