RAS question
The Digboi oil field, India's oldest, is located in which state?
Correct answer: (C) Assam.
The Digboi oil field, India's oldest oil-producing region, is located in Assam.
Explanation
Digboi is in Assam, and that is why Assam is the correct answer. The PPAC Ready Reckoner notes that India's exploration and crude-oil production industry began with the first oil discovery in 1889 near the town of Digboi in Assam. Digboi is in Tinsukia district and is India's oldest oil-producing region. Its historical importance is reinforced by the fact that the Assam Oil Company, now part of Indian Oil Corporation, set up India's first refinery there in 1901. Other Assam oil fields such as Naharkatiya and Moran also make the state a standard reference point in questions on India's petroleum geography.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Gujarat is associated with the Ankleshwar oil field, but the Digboi field named in the question is in Assam.
- (B) Rajasthan's oil fields were discovered much later, in 2004, so they cannot match India's oldest Digboi field.
- (D) Maharashtra is linked with Mumbai High offshore, whereas Digboi is an onshore oil field in Assam.
Concept
This tests the geography of India's mineral and energy resources, especially the location of major petroleum fields. RAS often repeats such questions because they connect physical geography, economic resources, and historically important industrial locations.