RAS question
Sambhar Lake is famous for being:
Correct answer: (B) India largest inland salt lake.
Sambhar Lake is famous for being India's largest inland salt lake near Jaipur and a Ramsar wetland of international importance.
Explanation
Jaipur Development Authority, Government of Rajasthan identifies Sambhar Lake as Sambhar Salt Lake, India's largest inland salt lake, located southwest of Jaipur. This directly supports option B: the lake is known primarily for its saline, inland character rather than for tourism, hydel power or freshwater use. Sambhar also has Ramsar status, making it a recognised wetland of international importance and a key wintering area for large numbers of pink flamingos and other migratory birds. Its exam significance comes from both its physical geography as a major inland salt lake and its ecological importance as a Ramsar wetland habitat.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Cruise tourism is not the defining feature given in the question; Sambhar is India's largest inland salt lake.
- (C) Hydel power does not fit a shallow saline wetland; Sambhar is a salt lake and Ramsar wetland, not a hydroelectric source.
- (D) Freshwater fishing is inconsistent with Sambhar's saline character as India's largest inland salt lake.
Concept
This tests Rajasthan's lake geography, especially the classification and significance of saline inland lakes. It recurs in RAS because Sambhar links physical geography with Ramsar wetland conservation and migratory-bird habitat.