RAS question
Rajasthan is the largest producer of gypsum in India. Which district has the most significant gypsum deposits?
Correct answer: (B) Bikaner.
Bikaner district, especially the Jamsar area, has Rajasthan's most significant gypsum deposits.
Explanation
Bikaner is the right answer because the official Industrial Potential Survey for Bikaner places the major gypsum concentration there. The survey lists gypsum among Bikaner's important minerals and says the district's gypsum deposits are well known for supplying cement and fertiliser industries; it also identifies Jamsar as the largest gypsum deposit area in the district. Rajasthan contributes over 80% of India's gypsum production, and Bikaner, particularly Jamsar, holds the state's largest reserves. The industrial uses also explain why this is a recurring economy question: gypsum links mineral geography with cement, fertiliser and plaster of Paris manufacturing.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Jaipur is not identified in the Government of Rajasthan, District Industries Centre, Bikaner, Industrial Potential Survey 2018-19 as a significant gypsum-deposit district.
- (C) Pali is not presented as a major gypsum centre; the leading reserves are in Bikaner instead.
- (D) Nagaur is named as another gypsum-producing district, but Jamsar in Bikaner is the largest deposit area.
Concept
This tests Rajasthan mineral geography within the state economy syllabus. RAS repeats such questions because minerals are tied to district specialisation and resource-based industries.