RAS question
Jodhpur is called the 'Sandstone City of India' because of its extensive deposits of which type of sandstone?
Correct answer: (D) Both red and yellow sandstone.
Jodhpur is called the Sandstone City of India because it has abundant deposits of both red and yellow, or Chittar, sandstone.
Explanation
The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board action plan places Jodhpur Sandstone among the district's geological formations and identifies sandstone as one of its major minerals. Fawn and red coloured sandstone in the district is popular and found in abundance. Jodhpur is known not for one shade alone, but for the paired red and yellow, or Chittar, sandstone tradition. Jodhpur sandstone is used in construction, is a major export commodity, and is visible in Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace. Option D is therefore the best answer because the city's sandstone identity rests on both red and yellow varieties.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Yellow, or Chittar, sandstone is important, but choosing only it leaves out the red sandstone also associated with Jodhpur.
- (B) Red sandstone is part of Jodhpur's sandstone profile, but it is incomplete because Jodhpur is also identified with yellow, or Chittar, sandstone.
- (C) White sandstone is not the variety supported here; the relevant varieties for Jodhpur are red and yellow, with fawn and red coloured sandstone abundant.
Concept
This tests Rajasthan's mineral geography, especially the link between local rocks and regional place identity. RAS repeats such facts because forts, palaces, industries and mineral belts often converge in Rajasthan geography questions.