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UPSC Prelims 2007 · Indian Geography · India’s Land and Borders
Out of the four southern States: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, which shares boundaries with the maximum number of Indian States?
- (a) Andhra Pradesh only
- (b) Karnataka only
- (c) Each of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
- (d) Each of Tamil Nadu and Kerala
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (c) Each of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
In 2007 both Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka bordered five States each.
The idea
Neighbour counts change when a State is divided. Use the boundaries that existed when the question was set, rather than today’s map. In 2007, Telangana was still part of undivided Andhra Pradesh.
Why the others are wrong
(a) Karnataka also had five neighbours.
(b) True only after Telangana was created in 2014 — Karnataka now has six neighbours, Andhra Pradesh four.
(d) Tamil Nadu had three neighbours and Kerala two.
The trap
A State split changes border counts — always read the year.
Also know
As of the 2007 map, Tamil Nadu bordered Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, while Kerala bordered Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Telangana’s creation in 2014 changed the neighbour lists of both Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. A coastline is not a boundary with another State.
🔒 Today: Karnataka borders 6 States (Goa, Maharashtra, Telangana, AP, TN, Kerala). Most neighbours overall: UP (8 + Delhi).
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