Class 10 Social Geography Chapter 4 Geography of Assam
Are you looking for SEBA Class 10 Social Geography Chapter 4 Geography of Assam? You have come to the right place. This article provides complete notes, textbook solutions, important questions and answers, and exam-oriented study materials for Class 10 students.
This chapter focuses on the geographical features of Assam, including its location, boundaries, climate, rivers, mountains, natural resources, vegetation, wildlife, agriculture, and population. Students will learn about the unique physical and economic characteristics of Assam and understand how geography influences the state’s culture, economy, and way of life. The chapter also highlights the importance of Assam’s natural resources and environmental conservation.
All notes and answers are written in simple and easy-to-understand English, making it easier for students to learn the chapter and prepare effectively for examinations. These study materials are useful for revision, class tests, annual examinations, and the HSLC board examination.
Part-II: Geography
Geography of Assam
Selected Questions &Answers
Very Short Answer Type Questions (Mark-1)
1. Write the name of an agriculture-based industry developed in Assam.
Ans: Silk industry.
2. Write the name of one service sector industry.
Ans: Tourism industry.
3. In which place of Assam has a software park been constructed?
Ans: Borjhar.
4. Which is the most populous town among the second category townsof Assam?
Ans: Dhubri.
5. Which is considered the second largest tribe of Assam in terms of population?
Ans: Mising tribe.
6. The tea tribe people belong to which group?
Ans: Austric group.
7. Which railway zone is responsible for railway transport in Assam?
Ans: Northeast Frontier Railway zone.
8. What is the name of the first group of people who came to Assam?
Ans: Austric group.
9. What is the name of the organization that controls water transport in Assam?
Ans: Directorate of Inland Water Transport.
10. What is the name of the international airport of Assam?
Ans: The international airport of Assam is “Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.”
11. What is the name of the first oilfield in India?
Ans: Digboi.
12. Which is considered the largest tribe of Assam in terms of population?
Ans: Bodo tribe.
13. What is the national highway connecting Guwahati and Shillong? HSLC ’17
Ans: National Highway No. 40.
Note: The numbering has changed. It is now part of NH-6.
14. What is the total number of national parks in Assam at present?HSLC ’18
Ans: 10.
Note: The number has increased.
15. How many administrative districts are there in Assam? HSLC ’14
Ans: 33.
Note: The number has increased in recent years.
Short Answer Type Questions (Marks-2)
1. What is meant by resources? What are the main natural resources of Assam?
Ans: Resources are those materials or things which have utility, that is, they can satisfy human needs. The main resources of Assam can be divided into four categories: (a) Land resources (b) Mineral resources (c) Forest resources and (d) Water resources.
2. Mention the main oilfields of Assam.
Ans: The main oilfields of Assam are Digboi, Naharkatiya, Moran, Hugrijan, Rudrasagar, Lakwa, Geleki, Borholla and Amguri.
3. Write the names of four mineral resources of Assam. HSLC ’20
Ans: Coal, mineral oil, natural gas and limestone.
4. Mention two plains tribes and two hill tribes of Assam. HSLC ’20Ans: Two plains tribes of Assam are Bodo and Moran. On the other hand, two hill tribes are Karbi and Dimasa.
Essay-type Question-Answers
1. Write a note on the distribution of population in Assam. HSLC ’20
Ans: The distribution of population in Assam varies from region to region. Areas where the natural environment is unfavorable have sparse population. On the other hand, areas with favorable natural environment and good transport facilities have dense population. About 85 percent of the total population of Assam lives in the Brahmaputra Valley. According to the 2001 census, the population density of the Brahmaputra Valley was 1220 persons persq km and in 2011 it increased to 1502 persons per sq km. In the Barak Valley also, due to the presence of plains, transport facilities and economic conditions, population is dense. According to 2011 data, its population density was545 persons per sq km. The districts of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao, located between the Brahmaputra and Barak Valleys, have low population due to unfavorable physical conditions. Thus, population distribution in Assam varies according to geographical regions.
2. Briefly discuss the causes of variation in population distribution of Assam with examples. HSLC ’18
Ans: There are several causes of variation in population distribution in Assam, such as:
(a) Variation in natural environment: In some regions of Assam, the land is fertile, while in others it is less fertile. For example, the Brahmaputra and Barak Valleys have fertile soil, so population density is high. In contrast, Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao have low population density due to lack offertile land and transport facilities.
(b) Variation in transport system: Regions with better transport facilities have higher population density. For example, districts like Nagaon, Barpeta and Goalpara in the Brahmaputra Valley have dense population. But the hill districts have low density due to lack of transport facilities.
(c) Agriculture: Regions with more fertile agricultural land have higher population density. For example, the Brahmaputra Valley. According to the 2011 census, its density was 1502 persons per sq km.
(d) Urbanization: Urban areas generally have better facilities like transport, education, and trade compared to rural areas, so population density is higher in towns than in villages.
3. Mention in chronological order the waves of migration into Assam from ancient to present times. HSLC ’18
Ans: The waves of migration into Assam from ancient to present times are: Austric group, Mongoloid group, Caucasoid group, Aryan-origin Muslim people, Ahoms, tea tribes and people coming from Bangladesh.
4. Mention five major obstacles to the development of transport in Assam. HSLC ’19
Ans: The five major obstacles are:
(a) Assam is connected to the rest of India by a narrow corridor in the west, creating transport difficulties.
(b) Heavy rainfall in the rainy season damages roads easily, causing disruption in transport.
(c) The varied physical features like hills, plateaus, plains and water bodies create difficulties in expanding transport systems.
(d) Industrial development is still lagging compared to other states, mainlydue to poor transport system. Better industrial growth would improve transport.
(e) Adequate measures for tourism development have not been taken, which also affects transport development.
5. Briefly discuss the role of agriculture in the economy of Assam. HSLC’20
Ans: Agriculture is the backbone of Assam’s economy. About 75 percent of the population depends on agriculture. According to surveys, in 2010–2011, cultivation was carried out on 28.11 lakh hectares of land, which is about 88percent of the total land. Mainly three types of paddy are cultivated: Sali, Ahu, and Bao. Besides rice, crops like wheat, maize and various pulses are alsogrown. A large portion of the state’s revenue comes from agriculture.
6. Write the causes of slow industrial development in Assam. HSLC’18, ’22
Or
Discuss the problems of industrialization in Assam. HSLC ’17
Ans: The reasons are:
(a) Poor transport and communication system.
(b) Lack of sufficient capital for industrial development.
(c) Lack of strong industrial policy.
(d) Lack of proper planning.
(e) Limited and slow development of agro-based industries despite high potential.
(f) Lack of necessary infrastructure for industrialization.
7. Mention the problems of tourism industry in Assam. HSLC ’18
Ans: The problems are:
(a) Lack of adequate government initiatives.
(b) Lack of modern facilities to attract foreign tourists.
(c) Occasional insurgency creates fear among tourists.
(d) Transport system is not well developed.
(e) Lack of awareness among the people about tourism.
8. Mention the advantages of water transport in Assam. HSLC ’19, ’23
Ans: The advantages are:
(a) No air pollution problem.
(b) No cost of constructing and maintaining routes.
(c) More convenient during floods.
(d) Lower fuel cost.
(e) Suitable for transporting heavy goods.
9. Briefly discuss agricultural practices in the hilly regions of Assam. HSLC ’16
Ans: In the hilly regions of Assam, shifting cultivation (jhum cultivation)is commonly practiced. It is practiced in Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao and the foothills of Khasi and Jaintia Hills. According to estimates, about 70,000 hectares of forest land are cleared annually for jhum cultivation. After cultivating for a few years, when soil fertility declines, the land is abandoned and new land is cleared. This shifting practice is a tradition among tribal communities. About 66 percent of Karbi Anglong and 85 percent of Dima Hasao are covered with hills. Crops like rice, vegetables, sugarcane and pineapple are grown through this method. However, jhum cultivation causes environmental problems like deforestation and soil erosion.
10. Briefly write about the potential of the tourism industry in Assam. HSLC ’16
Ans: Assam is a state of immense natural beauty. It has many attractive natural scenic spots, along with several historical places, sacred religious sites, rare wildlife, rich vegetation and green forests that can attract tourists. Therefore, Assam has great potential for the tourism industry and there is scope for its commercialization. The Charaideo Maidams, and the monuments of Ahom kings at Rangpur in Sivasagar district are important attractions. Both domestic and foreign tourists can visit these places and feel delighted. In addition, there are many religious tourist spots such as Hajo, Kamakhya, Charaguri Chapori, Barpeta Satra, Majuli, Basistha Ashram, Tarakeswar Temple, Navagraha Temple, etc. However, despite having immense potential, the tourism industry in Assam has not been properly commercialized. The reasons are:
(a) The government has not taken adequate measures for the development of tourism.
(b) Lack of modern facilities to attract foreign tourists.
(c) Occasional insurgency creates fear among foreign tourists.
(d) The transport system is not well developed, which hinders tourism growth.
(e) Lack of awareness among the people about tourism.
11. Write the names of the main mineral resources of Assam. Briefly write about the oilfields. HSLC ’17
Ans: Assam is rich in petroleum resources. The main mineral resources of Assam are mineral oil, coal, natural gas and limestone. Oil refineries are located at Digboi, Numaligarh, Bongaigaon and Barauni in Bihar. Limestone is collected from the hills, especially from Karbi Anglong district. Similarly, coal and natural gas are found in Upper Assam and the hills of Meghalaya. Oil production in Assam began in 1889 at Digboi, which is the first oilfield in India. After Digboi, oil production started at Noonmati. Besides these, oilfields are located at Rudrasagar, Lakwa, Geleki, Borholla and Amguri.
12. What are the main agro-based industries of Assam? Briefly write about the tea industry of Assam. HSLC ’17
Ans: Assam is a rich state in the agricultural sector. The main agro-basedindustries are fisheries, paper industry, animal husbandry, rubber industry, food processing industry and tea industry. Among these, the tea industry is the largest. The British introduced the tea industry in Assam. At present, there are765 large tea gardens and 78,091 small tea gardens in Assam. On average, more than 6.86 lakh people are employed daily in the tea industry. About 51percent of the tea produced in India comes from Assam. The government earns substantial revenue from this industry.
13. Describe the main causes of degradation of natural resources in Assam. HSLC ’19
Ans: Assam is rich in natural resources, but due to lack of proper conservation and utilization, these resources are degrading rapidly. The main causes are:
(a) Soil erosion: Every year, Assam faces devastating floods which damage forests and cause soil erosion.
(b) House construction: Cutting hills for settlement and unplanned extraction of soil reduce hill areas and destroy natural resources.
(c) Mining: Extraction of coal, limestone and natural gas from hills leads to depletion of resources.
(d) Population growth: Due to illiteracy, superstition and migration, population is increasing rapidly. To meet the needs of the growing population, forests are cleared every year for cultivation, reducing forest cover.
(e) Decline in soil fertility: Excessive use of chemical fertilizers reduces the natural fertility of soil.
14. Give a brief description of the main agro-based industries of Assam. HSLC ’19, ’20
Ans: The main agro-based industries of Assam are fisheries, paper, animal husbandry, rubber, food processing and tea industry.
(a) Tea industry: At present, there are 765 large tea gardens and 78,091small tea gardens in Assam. More than 6.86 lakh people are engaged in this industry. About 51 percent of India’s tea is produced in Assam, and the government earns large revenue from it.
(b) Silk industry: Traditionally, three types of silk are produced in Assam—Eri, Muga and Pat. About 65 percent of Eri silk of India is produced in Assam. At present, more than 13 lakh people are directly and indirectly associated with this industry.
(c) Rubber industry: Rubber is cultivated in about 2 lakh hectares of land in Assam. Rubber plantations have developed in places like Budha Pahar, Borgang, Rongagara, Dalamara, Baithalangso, Heninggeri and Kohora.
(d) Paper industry: Although raw materials are available, Assam is still backward in the paper industry. There is a paper mill in Nagaon district. Apaper mill existed at Jogighopa but is currently closed.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Q. According to the 2011 Census, what is the male population of Assam?
(a) 150.39 lakh
(b) 158.39 lakh
(c) 159.39 lakh
(d) 159.40 lakh
Ans: (c)
Q. Which is the largest tribe of Assam in terms of population?
(a) Kachari
(b) Deori
(c) Bodo
(d) Sonowal Kachari
Ans: (c)
Q. How many causes of population growth are there in Assam?
(a) 5
(b) 3
(c) 2
(d) 4
Ans: (c)
Q. According to the 2011 Census, what percentage of Assam’s population lives in villages?
(a) 85.90%
(b) 87.10%
(c) 72.19%
(d) 90.90%
Ans: (a)
Q. What is the percentage of Scheduled Tribe population in Assam(2011)?
(a) 12.41
(b) 7.40
(c) 12.42
(d) 12.45
Ans: (d)
Q. According to 2011 data, what is the population density of Kamrup(Metro)?
(a) 2020 persons
(b) 2010 persons
(c) 2011 persons
(d) 2021 persons
Ans: (b)
Q. Which district has the lowest population density in Assam?
(a) Darrang
(b) Barpeta
(c) Dima Hasao
(d) Nagaon
Ans: (c)
Q. Mention one mineral resource of Assam.
(a) Coal
(b) Stone
(c) Sand
(d) None
Ans: (a)
Q. What type of climate does Assam have?
(a) Monsoon type
(b) Subtropical monsoon type
(c) Temperate type
(d) None
Ans: (b)
Q. According to the 2011 Census, what is the population of Assam?
(a) 3 crore 10 lakh
(b) 3 crore 12 lakh
(c) 3 crore 11 lakh
(d) 2 crore 13 lakh
Ans: (b)
Q. The tribes of Assam mainly belong to which racial group?
(a) Mongoloid
(b) Austric
(c) Ahom
(d) None
Ans: (a)
Q. Which religion has the highest number of followers in Assam?
(a) Christianity
(b) Hinduism
(c) Islam
(d) Buddhism
Ans: (b)
Q. The Nath-Yogi community belongs to which group?
(a) Mongoloid
(b) Austric
(c) Caucasoid
(d) Tibeto-Burman
Ans: (c)
Q. According to the 2011 Census, what is the literacy rate of Assam?
(a) 72.16
(b) 72.17
(c) 72.19
(d) 72.21
Ans: (c)
Q. How many districts are there in Assam at present?
(a) 26
(b) 27
(c) 30
(d) 35
Ans: (d)
Note: The number of districts has changed over time; the answer depends on the period referred to.
Q. According to the 2011 Census, what is the population of Assam?
(a) 3 crore 10 lakh
(b) 3 crore 12 lakh
(c) 3 crore 11 lakh
(d) 2 crore 13 lakh
Ans: (b)
Q. According to the 2011 Census, what is the male population of Assam?
(a) 150.39 lakh
(b) 158.39 lakh
(c) 159.39 lakh
(d) 159.40 lakh
Ans: (c)
Q. What percentage of India’s population lives in Assam?
(a) 2.5%
(b) 2.7%
(c) 2.6%
(d) 2.2%
Ans: (b)
