RAS question
Which type of camel is associated with Rajasthan?
Correct answer: (A) Dromedary Camel.
The dromedary camel, the single-humped camel, is the type of camel associated with Rajasthan.
Explanation
Rajasthan is associated with the dromedary camel, the single-humped camel. The dromedary is native to Rajasthan, and the camel is Rajasthan's state animal. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, ICAR states that India mainly possesses dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius), that these camels are confined to the north-western part of the country, and that Rajasthan is home to most of India's camels. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, ICAR also lists registered indigenous camel breeds such as Jaisalmeri, Jalori, Bikaneri, Marwari and Mewari, several of which are Rajasthan-linked breeds. Rajasthan's camel association is therefore with the dromedary, not a two-humped or wild camel.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Saying that no camel type is associated with Rajasthan conflicts with Rajasthan's indigenous dromedary camel populations and the ICAR-published account of that association.
- (C) The Bactrian camel is the two-humped Central Asian type, whereas Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, ICAR identifies India's camels as mainly dromedary, not Bactrian.
- (D) Wild camel is not the Rajasthan-associated type; the supported Rajasthan link is with indigenous dromedary camel breeds.
Concept
Rajasthan geography links desert ecology, livestock and state identity. RAS repeatedly asks such region-specific facts because they connect physical environment with Rajasthan's economy and culture.