RAS question
Which island group of India lies in the Bay of Bengal?
Correct answer: (B) Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the Indian island group located in the Bay of Bengal.
Explanation
India has two major island groups, and their sea location is the key distinction. NCERT places the Lakshadweep Islands close to the Malabar coast of Kerala, while the elongated chain of islands in the Bay of Bengal is the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This group extends from north to south, is divided into the Andaman Islands in the north and the Nicobar Islands in the south, and is understood as an elevated portion of submarine mountains. Andaman and Nicobar alone matches the Bay of Bengal location; Lakshadweep, Aminidivi, and Minicoy belong to, or form part of, the Lakshadweep group associated with the Arabian Sea side.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Lakshadweep is not the Bay of Bengal group; NCERT places it close to the Malabar coast of Kerala and identifies it with the Arabian Sea.
- (C) Aminidivi is part of Lakshadweep, which lies on the Arabian Sea side, not in the Bay of Bengal.
- (D) Minicoy is part of Lakshadweep, whereas the Bay of Bengal island group is Andaman and Nicobar.
Concept
Indian physiography covers the location and classification of India's island groups. RAS map-based preparation often separates Arabian Sea features from Bay of Bengal features.