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UPSC Prelims 2004 · Indian Geography · India’s Land and Borders
Consider the following statements: Among the Indian States Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- Andhra Pradesh has the longest coastline.
- Gujarat has the highest number of airports.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Both claims are wrong.
Statement by statement
1. ✗ WRONG Gujarat has the longest coastline (~1,600 km); Andhra is second.
2. ✗ WRONG Gujarat did not have the most airports.
The idea
Geographical comparisons need a fixed date and a clear measure. Coastline length changes with the scale and method of measurement; airport totals change with the category counted and the facilities operating. Use the 2004 setting here rather than turning either claim into a permanent ranking.
Why the others are wrong
(a) Gives Andhra the longest coast.
(b) Accepts Gujarat’s airport claim.
(c) Accepts both.
The trap
Andhra is second in coastline — close enough to tempt.
Also know
The Gulfs of Kachchh and Khambhat indent Gujarat’s coast. The Konkan, Kanara and Malabar are western coastal sections; the Northern Circars and Coromandel are on the east. A civilian airport, a military airfield and an international airport are different categories, so their totals cannot be compared without definitions.
🔒 Coastline: Gujarat > Andhra/Tamil Nadu (by new 2023 method: Gujarat > TN).
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