RAS question
How many states share a boundary with Rajasthan?
Correct answer: (B) 5.
Rajasthan shares its boundary with five Indian states: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
Explanation
Rajasthan has an international border with Pakistan, while five Indian states share its boundary. The official Rajasthan profile states that, apart from Pakistan to the northwest and west, Rajasthan is bordered by five Indian states: Punjab to the north, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to the northeast, Madhya Pradesh to the southeast, and Gujarat to the southwest. Therefore the count is five, not merely the number of states on one side or in one direction. Remember the answer through the state-wise chain around Rajasthan: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Four leaves out one of Rajasthan's five neighbouring Indian states.
- (C) Three is too low because Rajasthan borders Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
- (D) Six overcounts the Indian state boundaries; the official profile names five Indian states.
Concept
This tests Rajasthan's locational geography, especially neighbouring states and boundary orientation. It recurs in RAS because map-based facts form the base for questions on regions, districts, transport and strategic location.