Wednesday, June 18, 2008

ABOUT INDIAN RIVIRS

Ganges River
The Ganges has been a symbol of India's age-long culture and civilization, ever changing, ever flowing, and yet ever the same Ganga. Jawaharlal Nehru, First Prime Minister of India, born in Allahabad on the Ganges. Background: The river known as the Ganges is officially and popularly known by its Hindu name, Ganga. The river Ganges is very sacred to the Hindus. The river has its source in the Himalayas, at Gaumakh in the southern Himalayas on the Indian side of the Tibetan border. It is 1 560 miles (2 510 km) long and flows through China, India, Nepal and Bangladesh. The Ganges river basin is one of the most fertile and densely populated in the world and covers an area of 400 000 sq miles (1 000 000 sq km). The river flows through 29 cities with population over 100,000, 23 cities with population between 50,000 and 100,000, and about 48 towns. Ganga in The Hindu Myth: According to Hindu mythology, Ganga flowed in the heavens but then was ordered to go down to earth. Fearing that her forceful descent might wash away the earth, the gods sought the help of Shiva. Shiva broke the fall of Ganga-Ganges by capturing her in his mighty locks. Since then, Ganga-Ganges resides on top of Shiva's head as his second wife, the first being Parvati.

Religious Significance: Hindus regard the Ganges as the holiest of rivers. It was named after the goddess Ganga, the daughter of the mountain god Himalaya. Pilgrimage sites are particularly significant along the river. At the confluence of the Ganges and and the Tamuna tributory near Allahabad a bathing festival in January and February attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. Other holy pilgrimage sites along the river include Haridwar, the place where the Ganges leaves the Himalayas, and Allahabad, where the mythical Saraswati river is believed to enter the Ganges. It is believed that bathing in Ganga washes away one's sins and the water cleanses you of all the evil. The Ganges water is considered to be holy and Hindus cast the ashes of their dead in the river in the belief that this will guide the souls of the deceased straight to paradise.

Cleaning The Ganges:Along with the glory of Ganga, comes the pollution as well. The pious river has become an agent of the worst waterborn diseases like dysentery, hepatits, and cholera. Money is being raised by the government and other groups such as the Swatcha Ganga to clean the Ganges. The Ganga Action Plan was also initiated with the objective of purifying the holy river. None the less, the Ganges is still the purifying waters for the Hindus of India.
Brahamputra River
Background: Brahmaputra is the biggest of the Indian rivers, even bigger than the Ganga. Brahmaputra is regarded as one of the great rivers of southern Asia (1,800 mi) long. In Sanskrit, it means "son of Brahma". The Journey: The Brahmaputra River flows 2,900 km from its source in the Kailas range of the Himalayas to its massive delta and the Bay of Bengal in Bangladesh. It flows through China, India, and Bangladesh, but its watershed includes Nepal, Bhutan, and Burma as well.The river drops steeply from high on the Tibetan Plateau through the world's deepest valley (5,075m) into northeast India where the river eventually merges with the Ganges and Meghna rivers to form the largest river delta in the world (60,000km2). The plains watered by the stream yield abundant crops of rice, jute, and mustard.

Legend Behind Brahmaputra:In the ancient Indian tradition, two rivers are known to originate from Manasarovar Lake, in Mt. Kailas; one flowing to the east is called Brahmaputra and the other flowing to the west was called Shatadru, a tributary of the Sarasvati (joining the latter at Shatrana, Punjab) in Rigvedic times. Both these major rivers, Brahmaputra and Sarasvati are related to the God of creation, Brahma. The lower portion of the river is sacred to Hindus.Overview:The river's three names, the Brahmaputra (India), Yarlung Zangbo (Tibet), and Jamuna (Bangladesh), reflect the social fabric of ethnic groups and international communities living along its banks. The river is considered to be a symbol of synthesis of people of all religions, castes and creeds.

The river Brahmaputra drains a vast area of nearly 9,36,800 sq. kms. It is a river of immense importance and navigable from the Bay of Bengal to Assam, a distance of nearly 1,280 kms. It is a splendid waterway for commerce and travel.

The Course:After entering the hills of Assam Brahmaputra flows to Guwahati. Here lies a very ancient place of pilgrimage, the temple of goddess Kamakhya on a hill. The river then passes through Umananda Bhairab, with its granite foundations rising from the lap of the river. The river then reaches Pandughat, close to which lies the hill station of Shillong. The river flows through various towns til it reaches Goalundo. It is here that the river Ganga joins it to form the river Padma.The river then flows towards Calcutta and then finally empties itself in the Bay of Bengal.
Narmada River
Narmada undoubtedly is India's most breathtakingly beautiful river. She is also the most feminine in her movements, as she slithers through thousands of kilometers of hostile terrain.Mythological overview: The river Narmada descended from the sky as by the order of Lord Shiva. The origin is situated at the mountain series of 'Maikal'in Madhya Pradesh. Believed to have originated from the body of Shiva, the river is also known as Jata Shankari. The worship of Shiva is common in these areas, and each stone or pebble found in the bed of the Narmada is believed to be a Shivalinga. All the places along the banks like Omkareshwar, Maheshwar, and Mahadeo are all named after Shiva. Among the sacred rivers Narmada holds a significant place. The river is considered the mother and giver of peace. The Course: It rises on the summit of Amarkantak Hill in the Madhya Pradesh state, and for the first 200 m of its course winds among the Mandla Hills, which form the head of the Satpura range; then at Jabalpur, passing through the 'Marble Rocks', it enters its proper valley between the Vindhyan and Satpura ranges, and pursues a direct westerly course to the Gulf of Khambhat. Its total course through the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat and it amounts to about 800 m, and it falls into the sea in the Bharuch district of Gujarat. It flows between high mountain ranges, through thick jungles and narrow gorges. It has many waterfalls along its length and at one place, its waters cut through marble rocks, sandstone hills and coal deposits.

Kaveri River
Background: The Kaveri river is the smallest of the five major rivers of the Indian peninsula, the others being the Mahanadi, Godavari, Narmada, and Krishna. However, it forms perhaps the most important watershed of the South.Known as "Dakshin Ganga" (the Ganges of the South), it serves as a lifeline to the people of Southern Karnataka, and the Cauvery basin of Tamil Nadu. Legendry Saga: According to mythology, There was a childless king named Kaverna and Brahma gifted him a beautiful girl Kaveri. She was married to Agastya muni on the condition that he would never leave her alone. One day, Agastya muni began teaching his disciples a difficult lesson in philosophy. Assuming that something unfortunate had happened to him and not wanting to live alone she jumped into a tank. But she did not die. She became a river, flowed up the Brahmagiri Mountain and reappeared as a spring.
The Journey: The River Kaveri flows through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Its source is a spring in the Brahmagiri Mountains in Mysore at a height of 1320 metres above sea level. The Kaveri is not the same throughput its length of 765 kilometres. As the Kaveri flows down the Brahmagiri mountain and enters the plain, two small rivers, the Kanaka and the Gajoti, join it.They meey at the town of Bahamandalam till here it is a small river. two more rivers, Hemavati and Lakshman Theertham join it, that it becomes a large river, broad and deep. It is here that the water of the three rivers is collected in the Krishnaraj Sagar reservoir, on the banks of which is laid one of the most beautiful gardens of Mysore - Brindavan.

In Spotlight- 'Flood of the Eighteenth' This river runs through some of the richest south Indian lands, watering the fields and blessing the people on its course.The people of Tamil Nadu celebrate the flood in the in a special way with a festival. This festival is called the 'Flood of the Eighteenth'. On the eighteenth day of the month of Aadi (July-August), people come to worship the river. They light special lamps and express their gratitude by throwing offerings of fruits, sweetmeats and flowers. It is a day of rejoicing for the people as they thank the river goddess for her blessings and prosperity.

Battle of Water:The Kaveri river is the locus of a water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. That dispute is complicated by political issues of resentment and one-up-manship between the people of the two states. The past two decades have seen increasing friction between the two states.

Yamuna River
"Simply by bathing in the Yamuna, anyone can diminish the reactions of his sinful activities." (Krishna Book, Chap 38) Origin:The holy Yamuna River begins from Yamunotri, which is north of Haridwar in the Himalayas Mountains. Yamunotri, which is north of Haridwar in the Himalayas Mountains . Technically the source of the Yamuna is Saptarishi Kund, a glacial lake. Mythological History: According to legend, the Yamuna is the daughter of Surya and Sharanyu and the twin sister of yama, the god of Death. It is said that Sharanyu, unable to bear the lustre of the quivering Surya, closed her eyes upon which he cursed her. It was then that Yamuna was born. The Yamuna is thus also known as the quivering river. Dip in the Yamuna: Yamuna is considered more pious than Ganga because it was here that Krishna played and swam. One who takes bath in the river Yamuna is freed from all past sins and contamination of this material world. That person will also gradually become a pure devotee and achieve liberation

Its Journey: The river Yamuna, a major tributary of river Ganges, originates from the Yamunotri glacier near Banderpoonch peaks (38o 59' N 78o 27' E) in the Mussourie at an elevation of about 6387 meters above mean sea level in district Uttarkashi (Uttranchal). It flows through a number of important towns, Delhi, Mathura-Brindaban, and Agra to name some. Since ancient times, the Doab region, where the Ganga and the Yamuna flow, has been considered one of the most fertile areas in the subcontinent. The Tons, largest tributary of the Yamuna, has some magical spots in it's upper reaches. Forests of Alder and Blue pine lead to the famous Har-ki-Dun catchment area, source of another tributary, the Rupin.

Dump Ground For Pollution:Today however, this majestic river is polluted with domestic waste, silt, and industrial waste. The 22-km stretch between Wazirabad and the Okhla barrage in Delhi is only 2% of the catchment area, but it contributes about 80% of the river's total pollution load. The Hindon Canal also discharges waste from Uttar Pradesh in this stretch. Among the many casualties are birds and fish. There was a time when bird watchers had identified as many as 30 species of birds near the Yamuna, many of them exotic, such as the red-crested pochard and the godwit.

Yamuna Action Plan(Yap):In recent years the river has become grossly polluted due to various causes affecting human health and bio-diversity of the eco-system. One of the main causes of pollution of the river is discharge of untreated domestic wastewater and other wastes into the river from the towns located along its banks. To arrest river pollution, certain measures of cleaning river have been taken by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, of the Government of India
Sangam River
Sacred Sangam: Sangam is the confluence of three of the holiest rivers in Hindu mythology - Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. At the Sangam, the waters of the Ganges and the Yamuna can be distinctly seen to merge into one. At Allahabad, the meeting point of the rivers is believed to have great soul cleansing powers and is a major pilgrimage site. It is even more holy because the invisible Saraswati river is supposed to the join the Ganga and Yamuna at this point.Legendry Saga: According to mythology, the gods and demons once churned the oceans to retrieve a pitcher containing the nectar of immortality - amrit -- after which a struggle ensued between the two to wrest control of this pitcher. It is said that during the scuffle, a few drops of amrit were spilled at places, making them hallowed and sacred. The waters at the Sangam are believed to have received the amrit too and a dip in these holy waters during the Kumbh is believed to cleanse and purify the soul.
Religious Importance: Brahma is said to have called this spot Tirth Raj, or 'King of Pilgrimage sites'. The holy confluence draws pilgrims at all times, specially during the Kumbh Mela time when loyal pilgrims gather here to offer their penances and seek blessings.It is believed that it is at the Sangam, that a few drops of the nectar 'Amrit Bindu' fell making its waters truly spiritual and replete with soul-cleansing powers.

Festival Highlight:During the month of Magha (Mid Jan to Mid Feb) hundreds of thousands of pilgrims come to the bath at this holy confluence for the festival known as Magh Mela.

The most propitious time of all happens every 12 years when the massive Kumbh Mela takes place. At this time the Sangam truly comes alive and attracts the devout/tourists from all over the world. Millions of devotees bathe ritually in the waters to break the eternal cycle of reincarnation.
GODAVRI
Godavri There are seven main/ sacred rivers in India – Ganga, Yamuna, Sindhu, Saraswati, Godavari, Narmada and Kaveri. All of them have their own significance. But there is one thing which is common to all - they all come from the melted Ice of Himalayas.In a Religious Country like India, the water of Rivers is not only used for irrigation purposes, but they are also revered as Goddesses. They are often prayed, fasts are kept to keep them happy and temples are built in their respect. There are also a number of festivals held in their respect. Various religious and cultural festivals are held on the banks of rivers and people feel blessed by taking a dip in the holy waters of these rivers. Godavri, out of all the seven rivers have a special significance.
Fast Facts
· Place of Origin : Trimbak in Nasik of Maharashtra
· Compliance : Comes under the Seven River of Sindhus (Indus Valley Civilization)
· Place of Pilgrimage : Trimbakeshwar, Nasik, Nanded, Basar

Godavri RiverGodavri also known as Dakshina Ganga, is the longest river of South India. Godavri means the river which has the largest flow of water. As per the legend – the river was brought down to earth by Sage Gautama to expiate the sin of Killing a Cow. Lord Shiva was too happy to give some of his Jata/hair containing water. When the Sage Gautama sprinkled this water along with the Godavari water on the dead cow, she came alive, gave blessings to the Sage and disappeared. To this day Godavari is called as the birth giver of Cows. For the same reason, it is called as Goda or Godavari. It is believed that the water of Godavari when drank gives off spring to childless mothers.Originating from Arabian Sea and ending towards Bay Of Bengal, Godavri is supposed to be divided into seven small rivers named after seven sages before it merges into the sea. The Seven Sage are Kasyapa, Atri, Gautama, Bhaaradwaja, Viswamitra, Jamdagni and Vashishtha. All the devotees of Godavri take a dip in all these rivers to complete one cycle of Pilgrime. If any one of the seven rivers are left out, the pilgrim is supposed to be incomplete. One of the major Pilgrimage of River Godavri is the Trymbak Village in Nasik of Maharashtra. Tribmbekashwar, Jyotirlinga, Panchwati, Rajahmundri, Bhadrachalam, Nanded and Kotapalli are the sacred places and cities situated on the banks of Godavari.With a drainage area of 313,000 sq kms in seven states – Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Orissa it has Sabari, Indravati, Pranahita and Manijra river s as it main contributors.Savour of Ailments : Drinking the water of Godavri river is supposed to cure major diseases like leprosy, tuberculosis, blood pressure. It is also supposed to be good in treating stomach related ailments like digestion and gastric problems.


Suggestions
· Places of Pilgrims especially Sacred Rivers of India are filled with Sages/Sadhus, beggars and all class of people. People mostly come here for the purpose of going to a Pilgrime rather than an excursion. So maintain the decorum of a Pilgrim.
· Nicely clad cotton clothes with wraps are preffered and admired in these places. Do not wear short clothes as they may attract discripencies.
· River banks are a favorite place of Astrologers and Street Hawkers. Try ti be away from them as much as possible. However if you wish to seek some advice from these astrologers or buy from Hawkers, keep an strict eye on your belongings. Your belongings are your responsibility and nobody else's.
· NON – VEGETARIAN IS STRICTLY NOT ALLOWED IN SUCH SACRED PLACES. Be prepared to eat totally vegetarian, typically Indian and greasy (heavily loaded with ghee and oil) food. Sweets are a must have s in such places.
· Book your hotel much earlier as in the festive season, there is no way you will find a hotel here. Even if find one in festive season, be ready to pay exhobirant price.
· For you own good, go to such places either in a group or at least two people should be there. Avoid travelling alone.
· Keep your passport, travel cards, travelers cheques, along with you. Don't give it to anyone else.
· Take a guided tour, contact us for the same.

Krishna River
KrishnaKrishnaveni or River Krishna meaning dark in Sanskrit, is one of the largest and longest Rivers of India. Originating in the Western Ghats at an altitude of 1300 ft above the sea level in Mahabaleshwar it ends at Bay of Bengal.Flowing through the three states Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh it covers an approximate area of 1300 kms. In India, the river waters are transparent, light, stimulating, light , appetizing and sweet. They are dranked, prayed, poured and used for various purposes. However the properties of river waters differ according to the areas in which they flow. The waters of the rivers nearing the sands and stone are pure; those coming from Himalayas are sweet as nectar; those flowing east from the Vindhyas are supposed to produce rheumatism, those flowing towards are supposed to cure phlegm; those flowing though north cure digestive problems and those flowing towards west tend to excite bile.
Fast Facts
· Place of Origin : Western Ghats of Mahabaleshwar
· Compliance : Comes Under Sangameshwar
· Place of Pilgrimage : Audumber and Narsobawadi near Sangli of Maharashtra
Krishna RiverJust opposite to the name, River Krishna is supposed to be one of the most ferious rivers of India. Contributing to its feriousness is the River Tungbhadra, which is supposed to be full of high tides. The Krishna River becomes ferious especially between the months of June and August. Other Rivers which contribute to the feriousness are Koyna, Bhima, Kundali, Malaprabha, Ghataprabha, Yelra, Warna, Dindi, Musi, and Dudhganga River. The River Krishna comes out of a spout from the mouth of a statue of a cow in the ancient temple of Mahadev in Mahabaleshwar. As per the legend Krisha River is the Avtar of Lord Vishnu. This condition of Lord Vishnu is because of curse of Savitri whom he enchantised by transforming himself as her husband. The two rivers Veena and Koyana are supposed to be Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati. The four other rivers, viz: Koyana, Venna, Savitri and Gayatri, come out from the bull's mouth apart from Krishna and they all travel some distance before merging into Krishna.

Savour of Ailments – Most of the soil found around the banks of Krishna River are black soils, red soils, laterite and lateritic soils, alluvium, mixed soils, red and black soils and saline and alkaline soils. Out of these the black soil is especially used in various Ayurvedic Medications to treat various skin diseases.

Suggestions
· Wether you are on a Pilgrimage to India or as a tourist, if you are visiting any of the banks of Sacred rivers of India, be clad in fully covered clothes. Avoid dark and attractive colors. Be as simple as possible.
· NON – VEGETARIAN Food is strictly prohibited in Indian Pilgrims. Do not ask for it.
· River banks are a favorite place of Astrologers and Street Hawkers. Try ti be away from them as much as possible. However if you wish to seek some advice from these astrologers or buy from Hawkers, keep an strict eye on your belongings. Your belongings are your responsibility and nobody else's.
· Keep your passport, travelers cheque, currency along with you; its your responsibility. Don't give it to anyone.
· Convert your currency only from Standard Banks or Government Banks. Do not rely on strangers.
· For you own good, go to such places either in a group or at least two people should be there. Avoid travelling alone.
· For any other information contact us.



Mahanadi River
MahanadiMahananadi river is the river which is the life line of Chattisgarh. Flowing from the Eastern Ghats to the Bay of Bengal through Cuttack, in the eastern Orissa State. Rising from the highlands of Chattisgarh, it flows through Orissa to reach The Bay Of Bengal.Like all other rivers, the Mahanadi too is revered one. It plays a major role in peoples life and is part of all the major religious functions and festivals. The water of Mahananadi is considered to be auspicious for any occasion - be it good or bad. It is thought that the water of Mahananadi has the power of converting bad into good.
Fast Facts
· Place of Origin : Highlands of Chattisgarh
· Compliance : Doesn't come under any of the Compliance
· Place of Pilgrimage : None
Mahanadi RiverMahanadi River is about 885 kms long, running through Central India. Rising from Central Chattisgarh, it passes through Eastern Ghats Mountains and ends at Bay Of Bengal, near Cuttack, Orissa. It forms a Delta at the Bay of Bengal. The Mahanadi's catchment area is estimated at 113,440 square kilometers. In the rainy season it carries an immense amount of water, up to 51,000 cubic meters per second especially at at the Naraj gorge.As the river flows at high speed, the Rivers Tel and Hasdo contribute as the main tributaries to the Mahanadi River. The Hirakund Dam, the Worlds Highest Dam is constructed on Mahanadi. There is a high Gandhi Tower for the introspection of the Dam. As this Dam is the lifeline of Orissa, Mahanadi contributes a lot in fertilizing the chief crops – oilseed, rice and sugarcane. The Hirakund Dam is also the main source of running Hydroelectric Plant at Sambalpur. Though the river flows at high speed, still in the months July to February, one can navigate the river on boat.( In any case one should not go very near Bay of Bengal, the point where Mahanadi merges in the Sea).The drainage of the Mahanadi is shared by the Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand and Orissa.

Suggestions
· The river Mahanadi has a religious significance, but in the smaller sense. It has a lot of devotees in Cuttack.
· Mahanadi does not have any Ghats in particular, however one can go to see it in Hirakund Dam. Hirakund Dam is in itself an attraction.
· Most of the eateries around Mahanadi are not very clean. It is advisable to have the food in your hotel. In religious places there are very less options of food. Non – Vegetarian Food in particular is not allowed.
· While travelling, keep your important documents like driving license, address proof, passport with you. Do not share these information with any stranger.
· Convert your currency only from Standard Banks or Government Banks. Do not rely on strangers.
· For you own good, go to such places either in a group or at least two people should be there. Avoid travelling alone.
· For any other information contact us.

Satluj River
SatlujAlso known as the Red River, Satluj /Satlej river is the longest river amongst the five rivers flowing through the cross river of Pakistan and Northern India. Satluj is one of the three Trans Himalayan Rivers originating in the high Tibetan Plateau which cuts across the Himalayan Ranges. Satluj crosses the three main mountain ranges – the Zanzkar Range, the Great Himalayan Range and the Dauladhar Range. However the source of Satluj river in India is the Mansarovar lake at 18500ft in Tibetan Range.
Fast Facts
· Place of Origin : Mansarovar Lake - China
· Compliance : One of the major three rivers which flow through the cross river of Pakistan and India.
· Place of Pilgrimage : The point where it meets River Ganges. The water here is supposed to be auspicious.
Satluj RiverThe Mighty Satluj River lies in the Ngari region of the Tibet, the Dauladhar range forms its Southern Range – the Uttarkashi Range making a part of Uttar Pradesh and the Shimla of Himachal Pradesh. Satluj River enters India through Shipki La – as high as 6, 608 mts from sea. The major tributaries to the Satluj River is the Indus Valley River – the main river of Pakistan. In India Satluj River makes an important source to cultivate various fruits and plants in the North Eastern Part. On both the sides of the river can be found crops of orchids , apricots, apples and grapes. It is the major source of providing life to many ornamental plants which are grown in Indian Hill Stations – especially in the Northern India. Satluj crosses some of the major cities of India. Its course includes crossing - Kinnaur, Shimla, Kullu, Solan, Mandi and Bilaspur districts. Some of the major tributeries of Satluj are viz. the Spiti, the Ropa, the Taiti, the Kashang, the Mulgaon, the Yula, the Wanger, the Throng and the Rupi as right bank tributaries, whereas the Tirung, the Gayathing, the Baspa, the Duling and the Soldang are left bank tributaries. Out of all these Baspa River, Spiti River, Nogli Khad and Soan River are the major Tributaries of Satluj River. In the Himalayan Ranges too, the Satluj River has a large deep area. This area is known as Pshong – Tong. Pshong Tong is a called as the fruit Valley for the variety of fruits it bears. Apples, apricots, grapes, cherries – all of them fill the lush green grounds making them colorful.Though there isin't much of Religious aspects related to Satluj River, still it is considered to have the waters of Satluj River in any of the Religious Functions.

Adventures : Satluj is very famous for a exciting and thrilling adventure. Popular as it is, Rafting is one of the most sought after adventures of India. All the three places which the river crosses – Zanzkar Valley, the Dauladhar Range and the Uttarkashi Range are famous for rafting. People from all over the country and also from outside countries come to enjoy this thrill. It s a thing one must go for.

Suggestions
· Satluj River crosses places which are at quite a height. These places are Snow cladded in the Winters (November – January end) and require a lot of woolens to be taken along. However the summers (February to May end) are the best months to be here. (Sometimes there can be snowfall in February too, so check out before planning a tour).
· Ranges like Dauladher and Zanzkar are not considered as Hill Stations. So you can expect more of open places and easy Hotel Reservations. Not less than any other Hill Stations, these are beautiful places to go to in the Spring Season. Shimla and Uttarkashi however can be quite crowded in the springs and winters as these are very famous Hill Stations of India. Ask us for all the details.
· Except Uttarkashi, there are no restrictions on the kind of food you eat. Uttarkashi being a religious Hill Stations, abets its travellers from having Non – Vegetarian Food.
· If you intend to take a trip to Mansarovar, then it is easy to reach from Zanzkar Range. Contact us for further details.
· Keep all your belongings with you. Take minimum luggage while on excursion. Keep your important documents in the Hotel Locker.
· Do not pass out any information about your Passport and Travelers Cheque with anyone.
· The path of Satluj River is the best place to go for Rafting. If you are here, do not leave it out.
· For any other information contact us.

Sindhu River
SindhuIn Sanskrit, the river Sindhu means Ocean. This river goes back to the Age when Jayadratha, son of Vriddhakshatra was the ruler of the Sindu Kingdom. It was the time of famous Hindu Epic Mahabharata. And from here, the lands of Sindh came the name of the River Sindhu. Indus Valley Civilization came into existence only after the river Sindhu paved way for them.
Fast Facts
· Place of Origin : Kailash Mountain near Mansarovar in Tibet.
· Compliance : One of the rivers of Sapta Sindhus
· Place of Pilgrimage : Leh - Ladakh
Sindhu RiverOriginating from Kailash mountain, it covers 550 kms in Jammu and Kashmir. From there it enters Leh, and gets mingled with Zanzkar river. In Punjab it is met with five major rivers of Punjab – Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Satluj.The word Sindhu originates from the word sidh meaning to keep off . The river Sindhu has been mentioned 176 times in Rigveda, 95 times in plural, used in the generic meaning. In Rigveda – the Ancient Indian Scripture( 1500 B.C.), is the earliest chronicle of Aryans. Aryans were the people from whom the name of the country evolved and came to be known as Hindustan to the entire world.There is a lot of political significance to the River Sindhu due to its geographical location. It runs along the Indo – China Border. Entering India from the south eastern Ladakh near the river Gutang at an altitude of 4,200 ft from sea; it follows the northwest course in the Ladakh Range and Zanzkar Range in the South. The main tributeries of the Sindhu River in the Ladakh Region of Jammu and Kashmir are Hanle River, Gurtang River, Shigar River, Shigar (South) River, Shyok River, Gilgit River, And Astor. In India it mingles with Ganges in the end. Nubra and Drass Rivers too act as tributaries to Sindhu River.

Things to See
· Sindhu Darshan Festival : This Festival, also known as Indus (according to the Indus River which originated the Sindhu River), is held every year in the month of June in Leh and Ladakh. The Sindhu Darshan Festival projects Sindhu as a symbol of multi-dimensional cultural identity, communal harmony and peaceful co-existence in India. This festival is also a salute to the brave soldiers of Kargil, Siachin and other High Altitude places. Filled with colors of harmony, its a must watch festival for those who land in Leh and Ladakh in June. This festival is held on Guru Poornima Day.
· Monasteries : The places from where Sindhu Passes - Leh and Ladakh are famous for its Buddhist Monasteries. These Monasteries are a symbol of Buddhist Culture. A must see for anyone visiting Leh and Ladakh.

Suggestions
· Leh and Ladakh are a high Cold Zones. November to Mid March are cold – freeze months. Until and unless you can tolerate minus temperatures, you should avoid being here in these months. If you enter Leh and Ladakh in these months, it is impossible to move out before March.
· Reaching Leh and Ladakh is only by Road. Trains can take you upto Jammu, after that one has to go by Road. The Indian Airlines go up to Srinagar Airport. After that, one has to take a Taxi or go by bus.
· Food is not easily available in peak winter seasons. In rest of the seasons, both Vegetarian and Non – Vegetarian Food is easily available.
· March to June are the best months to be in Leh Ladakh. September – November too are good months to be here.
· Take a large number of warm clothes, if you are going in winter season. In other months, Leh and Ladakh are beautiful places to be in.
· Keep all your belongings with you. Take minimum luggage while on excursion. Keep your important documents in the Hotel Locker.
· Do not pass out any information about your Passport and Travelers Cheque with anyone.
· For further queries, contact us.

Tapti River
Tapti Tapti River/ Tapi River is a river of Central India. Tapati, Tapti, Tapee, Taapi are the various names used to denote Tapti River. Also known as the daughter of Sun God, its basin extends over an area of 65, 145 km sq. - a whooping area which totals to 2% of the total area of India. In India, Tapti River originates at Multani of Betul District. The Basin of Tapti River lies in three Indian States, namely, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Tapti River plays a major role in all the religious festivals and ceremonies. The waters of Tapti river are considered to be holy.
Fast Facts
· Place of Origin : Betul District (Multani) - Satpura Forest Range.
· Compliance : One of the major rivers which run from East to West.
· Place of Pilgrimage : Burhanpur, South West of Madhya Pradesh
Tapti RiverAlong with the Narmada and Mahi Rivers, runs the Tapti River covering an area of 724 kms. Rising from the Satpura Range Of Southern Madhya Pradesh it flows towards the Maharashtra's Kandesh and East Vidharbha regions of Deccan Plateau. In the Western side is the Gulf of Cambay and the Arabian Sea, thats is Gujarat. The last destination of Tapti River is the Gulf of Khambhat (Surat – Gujarat).The main Tributaries of the Tapti River are Purna, Gima, Panzara, Waghur, Bori, and Aner River. Apart from these there are about 40 other small river which make of the most of Tributaries to the Tapi River.The major towns which the river covers along its path are Betul, Burhanpur (Madhya Pradesh), Bhusawal (Maharashtra), and Surat (Gujarat). A number of dams have been constructed on the water of Tapti River. These include – Hatnur Dam of Jalgaon, Maharashtra and Ukai Dam of Songadh in Gujarat. Several Tiger Reserve have been opened seeing the nearness of the River Tapti. These Reserves are Melghat Tiger Reserve, Amravati, Madhya Pradesh. This Project extends to the boundary of Maharashtra.

Places to See
· Melghat Tiger Reserve : If you are adventure freak, then this Tiger Reserve, part of Tiger Project, is the one to go for. Tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild dog, jackal, sambar, gaur, barking deer, nilgai, chital, chausingha, ratel, flying squirrel, wild boar, langur, Rhesus monkey, porcupine, pangolin, mouse deer, python, otter, caracal, blacknaped hare are the wild animals which have made a niche of their own in this Tiger Reserve - one of the Indias famous Wildlife Sancturies for Tigers.
· Asigarh : This Fortess, situated in Satpura Jungle is about 20 kms north of Bhuranpur District of Madhya Pradesh. The fortress houses a tenth century Lord Shiva Temple which is worth a watch.

Suggestions
· The locations and places near Tapti River have a high temperature in the Summers ( April – June end). These months should be avoided for traveling in all the three States Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat.
· Gujarat is a Vegetarian State, there are very less restaurants which serve non – vegetarian food is served. Even the best ones avoid serving non – vegetarian food.
· The banks of River are considered to be holy places. Avoid wearing skinny and bright clothes at these places. Fully covered clothes with light colors are more welcome at such places.
· Avoid eating non – vegetarian food at the banks of Rivers. It is considered unholy.
· Early morning hours are considered to be the hours of prayers. If you want to see the method of prayers, then you should reach the banks before the sun rises or at the time of sun rising.
· Book your hotel room months back, as in the peak season the booking is overflowed. Even if you get a place in the Hotel, you will paying more than the actual price.
· Do not pass out any information about your Passport and Travelers Cheque with anyone.Keep your belongings with you and do not share your important details with anyone.
· For any other information contact us.

HISTORICAL PLACE

Taj Mahal
Let the splendor of the diamond, pearl and ruby vanish like the magic shimmer of the rainbow. Only let this one teardrop, the Taj Mahal, glisten spotlessly bright on the cheek of time... Rabindranath Tagore Location:Taj Mahal is located in the city of Agra, one of the most powerful cities in the medieval world. Agra is a part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, in the northern region of India. It is a part of the great northern plains and is situated on the west bank of river the Yamuna. Agra is 204 km south of Delhi. Legendary Saga: An immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, Arjumand Banu. The Taj Mahal is one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world's heritage and the jewel of Muslim art in India. Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing twenty thousand workers. It was completed at a cost of 32 Million Rupees. Elegy in Marble- Taj Mahal: Taj Mahal means "Crown Palace" and is in fact the most well preserved and architecturally beautiful tomb in the world. The architecture is stunning and the unique mughal style combines elements of Persian, Central Asian, and Islamic architecture. Most impressive are the black and white chessboard marble floor, the four tall minarets (40 m high) at the corners of the structure, and the majestic dome in the middle. If observed minutely around the archways, the lettering of the Quran verses appears to be uniform, regardless of their height. The impressive pietra dura artwork includes geometric elements, plants and flowers, mostly common in Islamic architecture. There is a high level of intricacy involved in artwork when one realizes that a 3 cm decorative element contains more than 50 inlaid gemstones. the Taj Mahal is inspired by love and shaped to perfection, it immortalizes one man's love for his wife and the splendor of an era.

» Agra Fort :-The Agra Fort was bulit by Akbar in Red Sandstone. The fort worked both as a military strategic point as well as the royal residence. The Diwan - i - Am, the Diwan - i - Khas, the Khas Mahal, the Palace of Mirrors, the Pearl mosque, the Nagina Masjid, the Garden of Grapes, and the Fish Pavilion are the other monuments in the fort complex.
» Akbar's Tomb:Sikandra/ Akbar's tomb, 10 km north of Agra lies Akbar's tomb, in Sikandra. Named after the Afghan ruler Sikander Lodi, Sikandra is the final resting place of Emperor Akbar.
Plan Your Trip:The wide range of travel options in this region can also be used to travel to some wonderful locations around Agra. These can be visited in a span of 2-3 days. Climate of Agra: The climate of Agra is extreme and tropical. Summers are extremely hot and the maximum temperature can be as high as 45 degree Celsius, while winters are cold and foggy. Heavy rains and high humidity mark the monsoon season. Agra can be visited throughout the year, but one must avoid the extreme hot summers (April-June) and rainy season (July-Sept). The most suitable time to visit Agra is in winters. Visiting Taj- Transportation: » Airway: Agra airport is 7 km from the city center and 3 km from Idgah bus stand. Indian airlines operate daily tourist shuttle flights to Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi and back. It only takes 40 minutes from Delhi to Agra. » Railway: Agra is well connected by railroad. The main railway station is the Agra Cantonment station. Agra is well connected by rail to Delhi, Varanasi and cities of Rajasthan. Trains like Palace on Wheel, Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and Taj Express are the best choices if you want to reach Agra from Delhi.
» Roadway: Idgah bus stand is the main bus stand of Agra, from where one can catch buses for Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Fatehpur-Sikri, etc. Buses for Mathura also leave from Agra Fort bus stand.

The Ajanta Caves India
Location:Located In Maharashtra, 100 kilometers from the city of Aurangabad. The Ajanta Caves were discovered accidentally by a British Captain, John Smith in 1819, while on a hunting expedition. Aurangabad can be reached by flight or train, or even by motored down to from Manmad , the nearest railhead being 55 km north at Jalgaon city of Maharashtra, India. Ajanta and Ellora: » Ajanta: These 3rd-century caves are fine achievements by Buddhist monks and are considered the finest masterpiece of Buddhist art and architecture.The caves are cut from the volcanic lava of the Deccan and are set in beautiful blooming surroundings. These historical manmade caves comprise of beautiful paintings on the walls and ceilings that depict the life of the Buddha. At Ajanta, the paintings on the walls, illustrate the events in the life of Gautama Buddha. » Ellora The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are the finest specimens of cave temple architecture. These structures reflect the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, and were carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain. . The interiors of the cave are exquisitely adorned
Ajanta: The Ajanta caves are dedicated solely to Buddhism. The caves including unfinished are thirty in number of which five (9, 10, 19, 26 and 29) are "Chaitya-Grihas" and the rest are "Sangharamas" or Viharas (monasteries). Cave 26 by far is most magnificent and has some ornate sculptures. The Ajanta Caves are well known for their fresco paintings. The 30 Chaityas and Viharas have paintings, which illustrate the life and incarnations of Buddha. The interiors are enhanced by a variety of paintings on the ceiling that include geometric patterns, floral and ornamental motifs, a variety of animals, birds and plants.
Ellora: Ellora has 34 caves with intricate interiors and ornamental facades. The 12 Buddhist Caves depict Lord Buddha in various poses. The 17 Hindu Caves embody carvings of the Hindu Gods- Siva, Vishnu, Durga, Parvati and animals. The 5 Jain caves include figures of the Jain saints. The most fascinating structure is the magnificient Kailash Temple hewn out of a single rock and is three storeys high. The grand sculpture of Ravana attempting to lift Mount Kailasa, the abode of Lord Shiva, with his full might is a landmark in Indian art.
Ajanta provides a unique platform to study the early phases of Buddhist sculpture, painting and architecture.
Plan Your Trip:One can easily spend 2 days at this impressive cave complex and for a suspended moment in time, lose all track of time. Climate: The best time to visit the caves is during the monsoons- the river is swollen and the ravine is surrounded by gushing waterfalls. The cooler winter months- between October and March- are also a comfortable time to travel to Ajanta. The summers are quite gruelling, especially as you have to walk around quite a bit.
How to Reach Ajanta: » By Air : Aurangabad can be reached from New Delhi and Mumbai (Bombay), international airport. Govt. run Indian airlines flight to Aurangabad daily from New Delhi and Mumbai. » By Rail : Two express trains with an accommodation run between Mumbai an Aurangabad, daily. If travelling from New Delhi to Mumbai, alight at Jalgoan from where the caves can be reached in one hour.
» By Road: Ajanta- 106 kms, Bombay- 392 kms, Ellora- 30 kms, Nanded- 272 kms, Nasik- 221 kms, Pune- 229 kms, Shirdi- 136 kms.

Hawa Mahal Jaipur
Location: The grandeur and magnificence of Hawa Mahal can captivate any onlloker who passes by the main streets of Jaipur. Also known as 'The Palace of the Winds', it is Jaipur's most acclaimed attraction. This five-storey majestic palace is built in pink sandstone and possess hundreds of screened windows and small balconies. Conception: Hawa Mahal was built with some specific purpose in mind. Maharaja Sawraj Pratap Singh, in 1799, built the Palace of Wind. It was built for women in the royal family to view the ceremonial processions on the street, behind delicate stone-carved jali, while seated behind the small windows. The windows were built in such a way that the women were not visible to anybody.

# The world famous landmark of Jaipur, the best known specimen of fanciful architecture. Built in 1799, it is the most stunning sight in the city of Jaipur. The Hawa Mahal stands witness to the architectural opulence of the Rajputs.
#Hawa Mahal was built with the pink & red sandstone, beautifully carved and outlined with white border and motif. Carvings and motifs designed on the walls of the Hawa Mahal are proof of the efforts, dedication and skillfulness of the artists of that period.
» The main entrance of the Mahal is from eastern side. Under the bright rays of the sun the Mahal appears like a shining star. Hawa Mahal is a five storey building, that recalls the era of the royal Rajputs. The building is accentuated with unique pink semioctagonal and delicately honeycombed sandstone windows. The architecture is a stellar specimen of Rajput artistry. » This 150 years old monument still in the same status: its age-old architecture is matchless one.
Time Your Trip:The grandeur of Hawa Mahal can be witnessed in a day long trip. Jaipur has some other magnificent places to offer that are worth a visit. Your trip can be extended for a few more days if desired. Climate: Summer (Mar. to Jun.): WarmWinter (Nov. to Feb.): PleasantMonsoon (Jul. to Aug.): WarmBest time to visit: October and March
Transport Connectivity: » Air: Jaipur is connected to Delhi (300Km), Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, Calcutta and Varanasi by domestic flights. » Rail: The train service to Jaipur is available from all the major parts of the country. » Road: Jaipur can be accessed from all the major places in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Mumbai by

Mysore Palace
Location: Mysore Palace or the Maharajah's Palace located in the heart of the city at Mirza Road, about one km from the bus Stand, about 3 kms from city railway station. It is the most attractive monument in Mysore. History unfolded:One of the largest palaces in the country, also known as Amba Vilas, was the residence of the Wodeyar Mahararaja's of the Mysore state. The original palace built of wood, got burnt down in 1897 and was rebuilt for the twenty fourth Wodeyar Raja in 1912. Designed in Indo-Saracenic style by the well-known British architect, Henry Irwin, the palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world.
Architecture: The architecture of the palace boasts of the Indo-Saracenic style with arches and colonnades. The royal structure is an aesthetic blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. The three storeyed building, 245 feet in length and 156 in breadth has a series of square towers with arches covered by domes. Spread across the palace are a series of galleries which contain a vast and impressive array of memorabilia- from huge paintings to imposing sculptures, weaponry to old costumes and jewellery. On Sundays, government holidays and festivals, the entire palace is illuminated with all of 50,000 light bulbs- a spectacle which is truly magnificent. The entry to the palace is through the Gombe Thotti or the Doll's Pavilion, a gallery of Indian and European sculpture and ceremonial objects. The Kalyan Mandapa or the royal wedding hall, are lined with elaborately detailed oil paintings, illustrating the great Mysore Dussehra Festival of 1930.

Trip Time: Mysore should preferably be visited at the time of Dussehra, a festival which comes in the month of September or October. Mysore is beautifully decorated during this time. Once can spend 3-4 days and discover the other beautiful places in Mysore.
Weather:Mysore enjoys a wonderful climate all year round. The highest temperatures are from May to June. The summers are warm and winters are cool. One can visit the city any time of the year but it is advisable to avoid the rainy seasons.
Wheels to mysore:» Air: The nearest Airport is the Bangalore airport. Bangalore (130km) is connected to all the major cites of the country by air. » Train: Trains 6210 Express, 6222 Kaveri Express and the Shatabdi Express run between Mysore and Bangalore regularly. Bangalore is also connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Hyderabad, Madras and Mangalore by Express trains. » Bus: There are regular bus services from Bangalore to Mysore. Bangalore is well connected to Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Kanyakumari, Mangalore and Madras by bus. There are direct bus services from Mysore to Kerala and other major cities in the state.

Qutub Minar Delhi
Background:The Qutab Minar is the pride of Delhi. This located at a small village called Mehrauli in South Delhi. Started in 1192 by the slave king, Qutab-ud-Din Aibak, the tower was built in three stages. Qutab-ud-Din completed the first storey while the other three were built by Iltutmish in 1230. The Minar was damaged in 1322 and then repaired by Mohammad Bin Tughlak and again in 1368 by Firoz Shah Tughlak. Qutab Minar - Spearing its way into the skyThe word 'Qutab Minar' means 'axis minaret'. Qutab Minar with a height of 72.5m (239ft), is the highest stone tower in India and can be ascended by a circular stairway for a view that is breathtaking. The monument tapers from a 15-meter diameter base to just 2½ metres at the top. This majestic tower in the capital city is a prime attraction for tourists world over. The Qutab Minar, the first monument of Muslim rule in India, heralded the beginning of a new style of art and architecture that came to be known as the Indo-Islamic style. The tower comprises of five different storeys, with a prominent balcony. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone, the fourth and fifth of marble and sandstone. The decoration of the Qutab Minar is consistently Islamic in character from base to top.The Qutab Minar is covered with intricate carvings and deeply inscribed verses from the Koran. Beautiful calligraphy adorns the adjacent edifices. The minar has survived a series of lightening bolts and earthquakes during the past centuries.

» Alai Darwaza:This gate was built on entirely Islamic principles and is considered as one of the precious gems of Islamic architecture. lt is the first building employing whole Islamic principles of accurate construction and geometric ornamentation. » Iron Pillar:The Qutab complex houses an iron pillar. The inscription on the pillar indicates that it was built in the honor of Vishnu, A Hindu God and in the memory of the Gupta king Chandragupta II. The pillar is made of 98 per cent wrought iron and has stood 1,600 years without rusting or decomposing.
Climate : The city has an extreme climate. December and January are chilly with night times lows of 4 °C. The city has spring months in February and March. The summer months of May & June are scorchingly hot with mercury soaring to a high of 46 °C. The city does not have much of rainy season. The monsoon lasts from July to September.
How to Get there: » Air : All major international airlines in the world fly through Delhi. Indira Gandhi International Airport is located at Central Delhi and the domestic terminal at Palam is 5km away from the international terminal.
» Rail : The city has two major railway stations in New Delhi and Old Delhi. New Delhi station is within walking distance of Connaught Place and Main Delhi station is about 7km from Connaught Place. Delhi offers Express trains to all parts of the country. » Bus : Buses from all the major places in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are available for getting to Delhi. Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) operates special services from railway stations to different parts of the city.

#Quwwat-Ul-Islam Masjid- To mark his victory over Rai Pithora, Qutub-ud-Din Aibak built the Quwwat-ul-Islam Masjid (Might of Islam) in 1192.
#Iltutmish Tomb-Also located in the complex is the Iltutmish Tomb. Iltutmish had his tomb built a year earlier than his death. This is a landmark in Indo- Islamic architecture.



Red Fort Delhi
Through the pages of history.....The Red Fort stands as the result of the decision of Shahjahan in 1639, to shift his capital to New Delhi from Agra. Within eight years, Shahjahanabad was completed with the Red Fort-Qila-i-Mubarak (fortunate citadel)-New Delhi's seventh fort. Specimen of artisitic brilliance- red fort: The Red Fort stands witness to the glorious Indian history and architecture. This fort built behind red sandstone walls gives the fort its name. The Red Fort or Lal Qila reiterates the period of Moghul magnificence. This famous citadel comprises of massive audience halls and marble palaces. The architecture was accentuated with precious stones when constructed. The two main gateways are the Lahore Gate and the Delhi Gate. The Red Fort is to be entered by the Delhi Gate, that leads to the Hathi Pol or Elephant Gate. The Diwan-e-am and the Diwan-e-khas are pavilions from where the king addressed the common people and the elite respectively. The Rang Mahal is a water-cooled apartment for the royal ladies and in the basement of the fort there is a market where one can buy traditional Indian goods at very competitive rates. The Khas Mahal and Sheesh Mahal are exquisitely decorated halls, that radiate the brilliance and splendor of Mughal royalty. The Lahore Gate opens to Chatta Chowk which as once a royal market . The arcade was also known as Meena bazar. Moti Masjid (pearl mosque) was a private mosque built by by Aurangzeb (Shahjahan's son) for his personal use.

» Every evening a sound and light show recreates the Red fort's history. There are shows in English and Hindi, and tickets are available from the Fort. The show is highly recommended.
Trip Time:One day is convenient to look around Red Fort. If desired, the trip can be extended to discover other monuments of Delhi.
Delhi Weather: Summer: During summer temperature shoot to about 47 C once in a while, though the average maximum temperature is about 42 C.The days are extremely hot and often accompanied by dust storms. Winter: Winters are very pleasant. The mornings are very foggy, the nights cold. The maximum temperature on a very cold Delhi afternoon would be about 12 C and the minimum would fall to about 2 C.
Transport Accessibility: » Air : All the major National and International Air Lines have their flights operating from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.
» Rail : The Indian Railway with their modern and organised network connects Delhi to all major and minor destinations in India. There are three important Railway Stations in Delhi namely New Delhi Rly. Station, Old Delhi Rly. Station and Hazarat Nizamuddin Rly. Station.
» Bus :Delhi is well connected by road to all major destinations in North India. The Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) are located at Kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale-Khan and Anand Vihar. Delhi Transport Corporations of the neighbouring states provide frequent bus services

Amber Fort
Just 11kms northeast of Jaipur, stands this magnificent pink fort palace of Amber, once the capital of Jaipur state. It can be easily reached from Jaipur by road with half an hour drive. FlashbackBuilt by RAJPUTS hailing from Gwalior, where they reigned for 800 years. It was the marraige between a Kachhwaha Prince Taj Karan and a Rajput Princess which resulted in in the hranting of the region of Dausa to the prince by the Princes father. It were the descandents of Prince Taj Karan who later on thought of building a fort on the hill top and then realised this dream into reality. The original makers of the Amber fort were the Susawat Minas, the Minas were given a grant of guardian ship of the Kachhwahas Treasury. The todays Amber Fort was made on the ruins of the old structure on the hilltop. The Kachawas with war booty financed construction of fort palace at Amber, which began in 1592 by the King Man Singh. It was later on extended and completed by the Jai Singh.
Fast FactsLanguage - Rajasthani, English, Hindi
Clothings - Semi - cottons and cottons all year round. Very light woolens in the winter season. Best time -October to Feburary

The FortIts from the Jaleb Chowk that you began your journey uphill the fort. Entry is through Suraj pol (Sun Gate). Jaleb Chowk which is the main courtyard is the place where the armies would display their war booties. (Our tour guide will provide you details as you move along the fort). From the Jaleb Chowk move on to Kali Temple which is the revered one of Maharaja Man Singh. Above the image of the Goddess Kali is the image of Lord Ganesha carved out of a single piece of CORAL From here just up the staircase lies the Diwan-i-Am(Hall of Public Audience) where the King used to listen to the audience and their petitions. Around the third courtyard are the Kings Residences. There is the Jai Mandir (Hall of Victory) with its mosiacs and sculptures. It has patterns made of glass which would illuminate in the darkness of light (the convex mirrors) just like the stars. Just opposite the Jai Mandir is the Sukh Niwas (Hall of Pleasure) with a sandalwood door and a channel running down the room (to cool down the temperature of the hall in the summers). From here the view of the Maota Lake is clear as one can see the ducks swimmimg down the lake.The Zenana (Ladies House) make a good part of the fort. The unique thing is that all the rooms have a common entrance but has seperate chambers.
In an Around Hall of Mirrors Deep inside the Mahal is the hall of mirriors. Its unique in the sense that so many nirrors have been installed to lighten up the path. It is said that only one candle was enough to ward away the darkness of the night as those thousand mirrors would lighten up as soon as that single candle entered the premises of the hall of miror. Armory or the Museum It has all that takes to win a battle - a collection of war weapons and some royal images like the dress worn by the kings and the knights during the battle. It also includes the Shubhat NIWAS (Hall of Wrriors) which has some old drums and carvings to look out for. Blue PotterAround the fort you will find shops filled with Blue Pottery. These make for a part and parcel of Jaipur. Don't forget to take some of them along with you.
Our Suggestions
The summers can be really hot and the monsoons too watery so its best to take a trip in the winter season when the temperature is temperate.
Food is easily available - if you move out towards JAIPUR, the nearest destination than all types of food is avialbale. Try out the Rajasthani Thali to savour the delicacies of Rajasthan.
Pack your stuff with cottons and semi cottons as they work best here.
Make a trip of at least 3-4 days to have a relaxed tour.
Pre book your hotel to have a comfortable jouney. Contact us for the same.
For any queries, even the smallest one, contact us. We are there to help you out.
Before commencing the trip ask your tour operator for the must have things which need to be accompanied

Agra Fort
Overview: » Agra Fort occupies a significant place on the map of Agra. The foundation of this majestic citadel was laid by Emperor Akbar , the fort is surrounded by a 70-foot high wall. The fort comprises of several buildings inside. The wall has 2 gates, the Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gateof which only the Amar Singh gate is now open to the public. The original and grandest entrance was through the Delhi Gate, which leads to the inner portal called the Hathi Pol or Elephant Gate.
Other Attractions : The Agra Fort houses the Royal Pavilions, which were designed to catch the cool breeze across the river. Other attractions comprise of the Macchi Bhawan or the Fish Palace, the Hammam-i-Shahi or the Royal Bath, the Nagina Masjid or the Gem Mosque, and the Zenana Meena Bazaar, where the ladies of the court would browse through goods like silk, jewellery and brocade.
Plan Your Trip:It will take one full day or maximum two days for you to visit the Agra Fort and the surrounding places.
Climate of Agra: The climate of Agra is extreme and tropical. Summers are extremely hot and the maximum temperature can be as high as 45 degree Celsius, while winters are cold and foggy. Heavy rains and high humidity mark the monsoon season. Agra can be visited throughout the year, but one must avoid the extreme hot summers (April-June) and rainy season (July-Sept). The most suitable time to visit Agra is in winters.
Reaching agra:» Agra by Air: Agra airport is 7 km from the city center and 3 km from Idgah bus stand. Major Indian airlines operate daily tourist shuttle flights to Agra, Khajuraho, Varanasi and back. It only takes 40 minutes from Delhi to Agra.
» Agra by Road: Idgah bus stand is the main bus stand of Agra, from where one can catch buses for Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, Fatehpur-Sikri, etc. Buses for Mathura also leave from Agra Fort bus stand. » Agra by Rail : Agra is well connected by railroad. The main railway station is the Agra Cantonment station. Agra is well connected by rail to Delhi, Varanasi and cities of Rajasthan. Trains like Palace on Wheel, Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and Taj Express are the best choices if you want to reach Agra from Delhi in luxury.

Chittoragarh Fort
Chittor a city which finds its place in the Great Indian Epic Mahabharta has the Fort known as the Chittorgardh Fort. Famously known for the beautiful Queen Rani PADMAVATI, it can be reached either from Delhi (14hrs), Udaipur (3 hrs), Or Jaipur (8 hrs) by road. Luxury buses/ Tourist buses and cabs which are easily avialable from all these places. FlashbackIt is one fort among other fortresses filled with legends of bravery, love and romance. It dates back to 7th century to the kingdom of Mayuras who first built this fort. Chittorgarh was captured in 1303 by Ala-ud-din Khilji who was then the King of Delhi. In the 16th century Mewar bacame the leading Rajput dynasty. Mewar is also known for two famous personalities Meera - the famous Indian Spiritual poetess who sang in worship of Lord Krishna and Maharana Pratap - the valiant King. Fast Facts
» Language - Rajasthani, English, Hindi » Clothings - Semi - cottons and cottons all year round. Very light woolens in the winter season. » Best time - September to Feburary» Visit Timings- 06 am to 06 pm.

The Fort Formed in the shape of a fish, it stands on a top hill that is 180m high with a 28 sq km site. Some of its Stupas (pillars) were made by the Mayuras in the 7th century. It has three main gates called as Padal Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol and Ram Pol (Gate). The fort stands its attraction due to the sculpture and the architecture it has. A river seperates the Fort from the rest of the city. This fort is also famous for the beautiful Queen Padmini whose beauty from the word of mouth attracted Ala-ul-din to have a glimpse of her and then later on a wrong intention to possess her. However his evil plans were laid off when the Queen went on to do Jauhar (a mass suicide by the woman in a pyre of the lost warriors of a war). In and Around» Padminis Palace : On the southern side of the Fort, there lies the Padminis Fort with a Lotus Pond with central pavillion - the summer palace of the King. The story goes by that it is the same pond where the Glimpse of the Queen Padmini prompted Ala-ud-din to possess her. Near this palace is the prison where the captives were kept. » Tower of Fame : This Kirti Stambha dates from the 12th century and is smaller in height than the Tower of Victoty. It not made by any King but a Jain (one who followed Jainism), is dedicated to Adinath , the first Tirthankar (one of the 24 revered Jain teachers). It has the sculptures of various Tirthankaras. It is seven storied; though no one is allowed to move inside the tower.
Not to be Missed » Mewar Festival : It is celebrated to welcome the coming of the spring. The women folk gather dressed in local Rajasthani dress and then carry out processions in various parts of the city with pomp and show. Dances of Rajasthani style and local songs fill the air on this occassion. The procession usually finds its end in the Pichola lake in Udaipur. Fireworks mark the end of the festival.
Our Suggestions
The summers can be really hot and the monsoons too watery so its best to take a trip in the winter season when the temperature is temperate.
Pre book your hotel room to avoid any inconvenience. We would be happy to book one for you.
Less number of clothes would make for a good travelling, keep them light.
Its Rajasthan, the world of fun, flavour and color. Go for a trip around the town and get accquinted to the colors of Rajasthan.
Make a trip of at least 3-4 days to have a relaxed tour.
Go for Chowk Dhani - a make over Rajasthani Village and enjoy the Rajasthani Culture among the delicacies of Rajasthan, various entics and shows.
Rajasthan is famous for its namkeen, take a pick of yours.
Udaipur , the City of Lakes is a beautiful place to visit with charms like the Lake Palace which looks like as if floating on the lake and the majestic City Palace. Children will love this tour, bring them along.
For any queries, contact us.
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MERI DUNIYA@RAKESH CHAUHAN: GENRAL DTUDIER 1

GENRAL STUDIES

G.S.1

(C.S.E.) GENERAL STUDIES
Time Allowed: Two.Hours Maximum Marks: 150
1. According to Census 2001, which one of the following Indian States has the
maximum population in India after Uttar Pradesh?
(a) West Bengal (b) Maharashtra
(c) Bihar (d) Tamil Nadu
2. Itaipu Dam built art the River Parana is one of the largest dams in the
world. Which one of the following two countries have this as a joint project?
(a) Brazil and Peru (b) Paraguay and Ecuador
(c) Brazil and Paraguay (d) Colombia and Paraguay
3. Consider the following statements:
1. There are 25 High Courts in India
2. Punjab, Haryana and the' Union Territory of Chandigarh have a common
High Court.
3. National Capital Territory of Delhi has a High Court of its own.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2
(c) 1, 2 and 3 (p) 3 only
4. Which one of the following cities is not a former capital of the given country
(Country given in the brackets)?
(a) Karachi (Pakistan) (b) Auckland (New Zealand)
(c) Kyoto Japan) (d) Brisbane (Australia)
5. Consider the following statements:
1. Total land area of Earth is approximately 1475 lakh square kilometres.
2. Ratio of land area to water area of Earth is approximately 1 : 4.
3. Maximum percentage of Earth's water is in the Pacific Ocean.
Which of the stateinentsgiven above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 ai1d 3 (b) 2 and 3 .
(c) 1 only (d) 3 only
6. Consider the following statements:
1. Kyoto Protocol came into force in the year 2005.
2. Kyoto Protocol deals primarily with the depletion of the Ozone layer.
3. Methane as a greenhouse gas is more harmful than carbon dioxide.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3
(e) 1 only (d) 3 only
7. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
(a) Seikan Rail Tunnel: China
(b) Petronas Towers: Malaysia
(c) Appalachian Trail : United States of America
(d) Rogun Dam : Tajikistan
8. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of the given Continents in
the decreasing order of their percentage of Earth's land?
(a) North America - Africa - South America – Europe
(b) Africa - North America - South America – Europe
(c) North America - Africa - Europe - South America
(d) Africa - North America - Europe - South America
9. Match items in the List - I with List-II and select the correct answer using
the codes given below the lists:
List-I (Country) List-II (Name of Parliament)
A. Netherlands 1. Diet
B. Ukraine 2. States General
C. Poland 3. Supreme Council
D. Japan 4. Sejm
A B C D A B C D
(a) 4 1 2 3 (b) 2 3 4 1
(c) 4 3 2 1 (d) 2 1 4 3
10. For which one of the following countries, is Spanish not an official language?
(a) Chile (b) Colombia
(c) Republic of Congo (d) Cuba
11. Who along the following is not a recipient of the Bharat Ratna Award? .
(a) Us tad Bismillah Khan (b) Satyajit Ray
(c) Lata Mangeshkar (d) Raj Kapoor
12. Match List-l with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given
below the lists:
List-I (National Park/
Wild-life Sanctuary)
A. Sondla Wildlife Sanctuary
B. Kangerghat National Park
C. Orang Sanctuary
D. Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary
List-II (State)
1. Orissa
2. Assam
3. Chhqttisgarh
4. Goa
5. Tripura
A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 1 5 3 (b) 4 3 2 1
(c) 2 3 5 1 (d) 4 1 2 3
13. Which party was founded by Subhash Chandra' Bose in the year 1939 after
he broke away from the Congress?
(a) Indian Freedom Party (b) Azad Hind Fauj
(c) Revolutionary Front (d) Forward Block
14. Who among the following is the President of the FICCI?
(a) Sunil Mittal (b) Brijmohan Lal !vhinjal
(c) Onkar S. Kunwar (d) Vivek Burman .
15. Consider the following statements:
1. During the year 2004, India's foreign exchange reserves did not exceed the
125 billion U.s. Dollar mark.
2. The series of index numbers of wholesale prices introduced from April, 2000
has the year 1993-94 as base year.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
16. Consider the following statements:
1. Anhydrous sodiun carbonate is commonly known as baking soda.
2. Baking soda is used in fire extinguishers.
3. Bleaching powder is manufactured in Hasenclever plant.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct 7
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 only (d) I and 2
17. Consider the following statements:
1. A geQstationary satellite is at an approximate height of 10,000 km.
2. FM transmission of music is of very good quality because the atmospheric or
man-made noises which are generally frequency variations can do 'little
harm.
Which of the statemeents given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
18. What is the order of magnitude of electric resistance of the human body
(dry)?
(a) 102 ohm (b) 104 ohm
(c) 106 ohm (d) 108 ohm
19. Consider the following statements:
1. The axis of the earth's magnetic field is inclined at 231/2° to the geographic
axis of the earth.
2. The earth's magnetic pole in the northern hemisphere is located on a
peninsula in northern Canada.
3. Earth's magnetiC equator passes through Thumba in South lridia. Which of
the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 2 only (d) 3 only
20. Which one of the following is the landmark performance of Dr. V. Mohan
Reddy, an Indian born doctor working in U.S.A., during February, 2005? .
(a) Research on human stem cell which is likely to revolutionise treatment of
deadly disease like cancer
(b) Successful open heart procedure called arterial switch performed on an infant
(c) Research on genetic engineering which can help in treatment of deadly
disease like AIDS
(d) Successful brain surgery to revive the function of nearly dead brain of a
premature born infant
21. Pneumoconiosis afflicts the workers who work mainly in:
(a) Tanneries (b) Coal mining industry
(c) Distilleries (d) Glass industry
22. Who among the following was not a contemporary of the other three?
(a) Bimbsara (b) Gautama Buddha
(c) Milinda (d) Prasenjit
23. Consider the following statements:
The Government of India Act, 1935 provided for
1. the provincial autonomy.
2. the establishment of Federal Court.
3. All India Federation at the ceph'e.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 aVId 3
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
24. Consider the' following statements:
1. Warren Hastings was the first Governor General who established a regular
police force in India on the British pattern.
2. A Supreme Court was established at Calcutta by the Regulating Act, 1773. .
3. The Indian Penal Code came into effect in the year 1860.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
25. Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the battle
fought in India in the 18th Century?
(a) Battle of Wandiwash - Battle of Buxar - Battle of Ambur - Battle of Plassey
(b) Battle of Ambur - Battle of Plassey - Battle of Wandiwash - Battle of Buxar
(c) Battle of Wandiwash - Battle of Plassey - Battle of Ambur - Battle of Buxar
(d) Battle of Ambur - Battle of Buxar - Battle of Wandiwash - Battle of Plassey
26. Which countries played in the Lawn Tennis Davis Cup Final in the year
2004?
(a) Switzerland and United States of America
(b) Spain and United States of America
(c) Australia and Argentina
(d) Sweden and Belgium
27. Where do the Sahariya tribals, who were recently in the news, live?'
(a) Andhra Pradesh (b) Assam
(c) Rajasthan (d) Orissa
28. Whose autobiography is the book "My Music, My Life"?
(a) Pandit Shiv Kun~ar Sharma (b) Ustad Amjad Ali Khan
(c) Pandit Ravi S.harlkar (d) Ustad Zakir Hussain
29. Consider the following statements:
1. India is the onl1 country in the world producing all the five known
commercial varieties of silk.
2. India is the largest producer ot sugar in the world. Which of the stateJt\ents
given above is/ are correct?
(a) I only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
30. Which one of the following pairs is not.correctly matched?
(a) Arjul1 : Indigenously produced Main Battle Tank (MBT)
(b) Phalcon : Cruise missile supplied by Russia to India .
(c) Saras : Indigenously developed civilian passenger aircraft
(d) Operation Seabird: New Indian Naval Base at Karwar
31. Match items in the List- I with List-II and select the correct answer using
the codes given below the lists:
List-I (Power Station) List-II (State)
A. Kothagudem 1. Andhra Pradesh
B. Raichur 2. Gujarat
C. Mettur 3. Karnataka
D. Wanakbori 4. Tamil Nadu.
A B C D AB CD
(a) 4 2 1 3 (b) 1 3 4 2
(c) 4 3 1 2 (d) 1 2 4 3
32. For which one of the following, is Satara well-known?
(a) Thermal power plant (b) Wind energy plant
(c) Hydro-electric plant (d) Nuclear power plant
33. Which one of the following companies has started a rural marketing
network called 'e-chaupals'?
(a) ITC (b) Dabur
(c) Proctor and Gamble (d) Hindustan Lever
34. Which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) Rourkela Steel Plant, the first integrated steel plant in the Public Sector of
India was set up with the Soviet Union collaboration
(b) Salem Steel Plant is a premier producer of stainless steel in India
(c) Maharashtra Elektrosmelt Ltd. is a subsidiary of the Steel Authority of India
Ltd.
(d) Visakhapatnam Steel Plant is a unit of the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd.
35. Match List- I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given
below the lists:
List-I (Person) List-II (Organization)
A.. V. R. S. Natrajan 1. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
B. A. K. Puri 2. Air India
C. V. Thulasidas 3. Maruti Udyog Limited
D. Jagdish Khattar 4. Bharat Earth Movers Limited
5. Indian Space Research Organization
A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 3 5 1 (b) 4 1 2 3
(c) 2 1 5 3 (d) 4 3 2 1
36. Which one of the following is the correct statement?
(a) The modern Kochi was a Dutch colony till India's Independence
(b) The Dutch defeated the Portuguese and built Fort Williams in the modern
Kochi
(c) The modern Kochi was first a Dutch colony before the Portuguese took over
from them
(d) The modern Kochi never became a part of the British colony
37. Which one of the following was probed by the Liberhan Commission?
(a) Test Cricket match fixing (b) Best Bakery Case
(c) Tehelka tapes Case
(d) Demolition of the disputed structure at Ayodhya
38. Which one of the following airports in India is the first to be owned by a
public limited company?
(a) Dabolim Airport, Goa (b) Cochin airport
(c) Hyderabad airport (d) Bangalore airport
39. Consider the following sites/monuments :
1. Champaner - Pavagadh Archaeological Park
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station, Mumbai
3. MamalIapuram
4. Sun Temple (Konark Temple)
Which of the above are included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 2 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
40. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
(a) Bahamas Nassau
(b) Costa Rica San Jose
(c) Nicaragua Belmopan
(d) Dominican Republic Santo Domingo
41. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of the given towns of
Pakistan while moving from the North towards the South?
(a) Islamabad - Gujranwala - Peshawar – Multan
(b) Peshawar - Gujranwala - Multan – Islamabad
(c) Peshawar - Islamabad - Gujranwala - Multan
(d) Islamabad - Multan - Peshawar - Gujranwala
42. Where are the Balearic Islands located?
(a) Mediterranean Sea (b) Black Sea
(c) Baltic Sea (d) North Sea
43. Which one of the following countries does not border Lithuania?
(a) Poland (b) Ukraine
(c) Belarus (d) Latvia
44. Match List - I (Distinguished Person) with List-II (Achievement/Known as)
and select the correct answer using the codes given below the lists:
List-II
A. Guenter Grass 1. First woman Prime Minister of Canada
B. Trevor Huddleston 2. Nobel Prize Winner for literature
C. Dicky Dolma 3. Leading campaigner against apartheid in
South Africa
D. Kim Campell 4. Youngest woman to climb the Mt. Everest
5. American violinist
A B C D A B C D
(a) 5 3 2 1 (b) 2 3 4 1
(c) 5 3 4 2 (d) 2 4 1 3
45. Consider the following statements:
1. The Charter ofthe United Nations Organization was adopted at Geneva,
Switzerland in June, 1945.
2. India was admitted to the United Nations Organization in the year 1945.
3. The Trusteeship Council of the United Nations Organization was established
to manage the affairs of territories detached from Japan and Italy after the
Second World War or such territories not under the control of a country at
that time. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only
46. Match List - I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes
given below the lists:
List-I (Distinguished Person) List-II (Area, of Work)
A B. V. Rao 1. Automobiles Manufacture
B. C.K. Prahalad 2. Fisheries Economy
C. John Kurien 3. Information Technology and Software
D. Kiran Karnik 4. Poultry Farming
5. Management Science
A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 5 1 3 (b) 4 3 2 5
(c) 2 3 1 5 (d) 4 5 2 3
47. Consider the following statements:
1. The Parliament cannot enlaf!~e the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of India
as its jurisdiction is limited to that conferred by the Constitution.
2. The officers and servants of the Supreme Court and High If Courts are
appointed by the concerned Chief Justice and the administrative expenses are
charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
48. Consider the following statements:
1. Article 301 pertains to the Right to Property.
2. Right to Property is a legal right but not a Fundamental Right.
3. Article 300 A was inserted in the Constitution of India by the Congress
Government at the Centre by the 44th Constitutional Amendment.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 2 only (b) 2 and 3 .
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
49. Who among the following invented Lasers?
(a) Theodore Maiman (b) Denis Papin
(c) William Moton (d) Francis Crick
50. Consider the following statements:
1. Article 371 A to 371 I were inserted in the Constitution of India to meet
regional demands of Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim,
Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Goa.
2, Constitutions of India and the United States of America can envisage a dual
policy (The Union and the States) but a single citizenship.
3. A naturalized citizen of India can never be deprived of his citizenship.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 3
(c) 3 only (d) 1 only
51. Consider the following statements:
I, Part IX of the Constitution of India contains provisions for Panchayats and was
inserted by the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992.
2. Part IX A of the Constitution of India contains provisions for municipalities
and the Article 243 Q envisages two types of municipalities - a Municipal
Council and a Municipal Corporation for every State.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
52. Consider the following statements:
1. Lord Mountbatten was the Viceroy when Simla Conference took place.
2. Indian Navy Revok 1946 took place when the Indian sailors in the Royal
Indian Navy at Bombay and Karachi rose against the Government.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
53. Which one of the following territories was not affected by the Revolt of
1857? '
(a) Jhansi (b) Chittor
(c) ]agdishpur (d) Lucknow
54. Which one of the following places did Kunwar Singh, a prominent leader of
the Revolt of 1857 belong to?
(a) Bihar (b) Madhya Pradesh
(c) Rajasthan (d) Uttar Pradesh
55. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
Mpcementt/Satyagraha Person Actively Associated With
1. Champaran Rajendra Prasad
2. Ahmedabad Mill Workers Morarji Desai
3. Kheda Vallabhbhai Patel
select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 .(d) 1, 2 and 3
56. Who among the following was 110t associated with the formation of V.P.
Kisan Sabha in February 1918?
(a) Indra Narain Dwivedi (b) Gauri Shankar Misra
(c) Jawaharlal Nehru (d) Madan Mohan Malviya
57. Who among the following drafted the resolution on fundamental rights for
the Karachi Session of Congress in 1931?
(a) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (b) PanditJawaharlal Nehru
(c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad (d) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
58. In October 1920, who of the following headed a group of Indians gathered at
Tashkent to set up a Communist Party of India?
(a) H. K. Sarkar (b) P. C. Joshi
(c) M. C. Chagla (d) M. N. Roy
59. At which Congress Session was the Working Committee authorised to
launch a programme of Civil Disobedience?
(a) Bombay (b) Lahore
(c) Lucknow (d) Tripuri
60. In which one of the following provinces was a Congress ministry not formed
under the Act of 1935?
(a) Bihar (b) Madras
(c) Orissa (d) Punjab
61. Consider the following statements: On the eve of the launch of Quit India
Movement, Mahatma Gandhi
1. asked the government servants to resign.
2. asked the soldiers to leave their posts.
3. asked the Princes of the Princely States to accept the sovereignty of their own
people.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2. (b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
62. Where were the Ghadar revolutionaties, who became active during the
outbreak of the World War I based?
(a) Central America (b) North America'
(c) West America (d) South America
63. What was Komagata Maru?
(a) A political party based in Taiwan (b) Peasant communist lead.er of China
(c) A naval ship on voyage to China
(d) A Chinese village where Mao Tse Tung began his Long march
64. Who among the following was a proponent of Fabianism as a movement?
(a) Annie Beasant (b) A. O. Hume
(c) Michael Madhusudan Dutt (d) R. Palme Dutt
65. Recently, to which of the following countries did India offer to built a
BuddhaTemple?
(a) China (b) Myanmar
(c) Thailand (d) Vietnam
66. Which one of the following is not an ASEAN member?
(a) Cambodia (b) China'
(c) Laos (d) Philippines
67. Consider the following:
1. Disputes with mobile cellular companies
2. Motor accident cases 3. Pension cases
For which of the above are Lok Adalats held?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 only (d) I, 2 and 3
68. Consider the following statements:
1. Second World Buddhist Summit was held in Bangkok in November-
December, 2004.
2. World Punjabi Conference was held in Jalandhar in December, 2004.
3. 4th Meeting of the SAARC Trade Ministers was held in Islamabad in
November, 2004.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 3 only (b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
69. Consider the following statements:
1. The Parliament of Russia is called Federal Assembly.
2. The Council of the Federation in the Russian Parliament is the lower house.
3. The name of the upper house in the Russian Parliament is State Duma.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct 7
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1 only
70. Consider the following statements:
1. Great Britain comprises England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
2. England covers less than 60% of the total area of the United Kingdom:
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
71. Consider the following statements:
1. During the process of osmosis, the solvent travels from the concentrated
solution to the dilute solution.
2. In the reverse osmosis, external pressure is applied to the dilute solution.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct 7
(a) I only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
72. Consider the following statements:
1. Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) has been established by the
International Development Association (IDA) to provide further assistance to
low-income countries facing high level of indebtedness.
2. Singapore Regional Training Institute (STI) is one of the institutes that
provides training in macroeconomicanalysis and policy, and related subjects
as a part of programme of the IMF Institute.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 Only (b) 2 Only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
73. Consider the following statements:
1. Sensex is based on 50 of the most important stocksavailable on the Bombay
Stock Exchange (BSE).
2. For calculating the Sensex, all the Sensex stocks are assigned proportional
weightage.
3. New York Stock Exchange- is the oldest stock exchange in the world.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 2 only- (b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3 (d) None
74. Consider the following statements:
1. The Headquarters of the International Organization for Standardization are
located in Rome.
2. ISO 9000 relates to the quality management system and standards.
3. ISO 14000 relates to environmental management system standards.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 (d) None
75. Consider the following statements:
1. In the First Round Table Conference Dr. Ambedkar demanded separate
electorates for the depressed classes.
2. In the Poona Act, special provisions for representation of the depressed
people in the local bodies and civil services were made.
3. The Indian National Congress did not take part in the Third Round Table
Conference.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
76. Consider the following statements:
1. lshwar Chandra Vidyasagar founded the Bethune School, at Calcutta with the
main aim of encouraging education for women.
2. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was the first graduate of the Calcutta
University.
3. Keshav Chandra Sen's campaign against Sati led to the enactment of a law to
ban Sati by the then Governor General.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct 7
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
77. Who among the following repealed the Vernacular Press Act?
(a) Lord Dufferin (b) Lord Ripon
(c) Lord Curzon (d) Lord Hardinge
78. Where is the volcanic mountain, Mount St. Helens located?
(a) Chile (b) Japan
(c) Philippines (d) United States of America
79. Which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) The Western Ghats are relatively higher in their northern region
(b) The Anai Mudi is the highest peak in the Western Ghats
(c) Tapi river lies to the south of Satpura
(d) The Narmada and the Tapi river valleys are said to be old rift valleys
80. Gandhi Sagar Dam is a part of which one of the following?
(a) Chambal Project (b) Kosi Project
(c) Damodar Valley Project (d) Bhakra Nangal Project
81. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of the given hills starting
from the north and going towards the south?
(a) Nllamalai Hills - Nilgiri Hills - Javadi Hills – Anaimalai Hills
(b) Anaimalai Hills - Javadi Hills - Nilgiri Hills – Nallamalai Hills
(c) Nallamalai Hills - Javadi Hills - Nilgiri Hills – Anaimalai Hills.
(d) Anaimalai Hills - Nilgiri Hills - Javadi Hills – Nallamalai Hills
82. Which one of the following is not a Biosphere Reserve?
(a) Agasthyamalai (b) Nallamalai
(c) Nilgiri (d) Panchmarhi
Directions; The following 7 (seven) items consist of two state ments; one labelled
as the' Assertion (A)' and the other as 'Reason (R)'. You are to examine these
two statements carefully and select the answer to these items using the codes
given below:
(a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both.A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true but R is false (d) A is false but R b true
83. Assertion (A) The same face of the Moon is always presented to the Earth.
Reason (R) The Moon rotates about its own axis in 23 1/2 days which is
about the same time that it takes to orbit the Earth.
84. Assertion (A) Existence of human'life on Venus is h:ghly improbable.
Reason (R) Venus has extremely high level 9f carbon dioxide in its
atmosphere.
85. Assertion (A) All the proteins in our food are digested in sinall intestine
only.
Reason (R) The protein-digesting enzymes from pancreas are released into
small intestine.
86. Assertion (A) Amoeba reproduces by fission.
Reason (R) All unicellular organisms reproduce by asexual methods.
87. Assertion (A) WiIid patterns are clockwise in the norhtern hemisphere and
anti-clockwise in the southern hemisphere.
Reason (R) The directions of wind patterns in the northern and the
southern hemisphere are governed by the Coriolis effect.
88. Assertion (A) The main constituent of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas is
methane.
Reason (R) Methane can be used directly for burning in homes and
factories where it can be supplied through pipelines.
89. Assertion (A) The-person with diabetes inslpidtis feels thirsty.
Reason (R) A person with diabetes insipidus suffers from excess secretion
of vasopressin.
90. Consider the following statements:
1. Vigyan Raif is a Science Exhibition on wheels organized bv the Council of
Scientific and Industrial Research.
2. Vigyan Prasar is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Human Resource
Development.
3. EDUSA T, the lSRO's educational satellite was launched from French
Guyana in 2004.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3 (d) None
91. Consider the following statements:
1. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is liquefied under extremely cold temperatures
and high pressure to facilitate storage or transportation in specially designed
vessels.
2. First LNG terminal in India was built in Hassan.
3. Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) are separated from LPG and these include
ethane, propane, butane and natural gasoline.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and3
Directions (For the next FOUR items): Ba1iedon the information given below,
answer the four items which follow it : Gopal, Harsh, Inder, Jai and Krislman
have Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Cuttack, Delhi and Ernakulam as their hometowns
(Not necessarily in that order). They' are studying in Engineering, Medical,
Commerce, Economics and History Colleges (Not necessarily in that order).
None of the five boys is studying in his hometown, buteach of them studies in
one of the cities given above.
Further, it is given that:
(i) Gopal's hometown is Ernakulam. .
(ii) Harsh is not studying in Ahmedabad or Bhopal. .
(iii) Economic College is in Bhopal.
(iv) lnder's hometown is Cuttack.
(v) Krishnan is studying in Delhi
(vi) Jai is studying in Ernakulam and the History College is in his hometown
Ahmedabad.
(vii) Engineering College is situated in Ernakulam.
Based on the information given above answer the next FOUR items:
92. Which is Krishnan's hometown?
(a) Ahmedabad (b) Cuttack
(c) Bhopal (d) Cannot be determined
93. Which College is situated in Inder's hometown?
(a) Commerce (b) Medical
(c) Economics (d) Commerce or Medical
94. Who studies in Bhopal?
(a) Gopal (b) Harsh
(c) Gopal or lnder (d) Inder or Harsh
95. If Inder studies in Ahmedabad, then which one of the following is the correct
combination of Person – Hometown Place of Study?
(a) Gopal - Ernakulam- Delhi
(b) Jai.- Ahmedabad - Ernakulam
(c) Krishnan - Delhi - Ernakulam
(d) Harsh - Bhopal- Delhi - '
96. Left pan of a faulty balance weighs 100 gram more than its right pan. A
shopkeeper keeps the weight measure in the left pan while buying goods but
keeps it in the right pan while selling his goods. He uses only 1 kg weight
measure. If he sells his goods at the listed cost price, what is his gain?
(a) 200/11% (b) 100/11 %
(c) 100/9% (d) 200/9%
97. On a railway route between two places A and B, there are 10 stations on the
way. If 4 new stations are to be added, how many types of new tickets will be
required if each ticket is issued for a one-way journey?
(a) 14 (b) 48
(c) 96 (d) 108
98. Aryan runs at a speed of 40 metre/minute. Rahul follows him after an
interval of 5 minutes and runs at a speed of 50 metre/minute. Rahul's dog
runs at a speed of 60 metre/ minute and starts along with Rahul. The dog
reaches Aryan and then comes back to Rahul, and continues to do so till
Rahul reaches Aryan. What is the total distance covered by the dog?
(a) 600 metres (b) 750 metres
(c) 980 metres (d) 1200 metres
99. A big rectangular p-Iot. of area 4320 m 2 is divided into 3 square-shaped
smaller plots by fencing parallel to the smaller side of the plot. However
some area of land Was still left as a square could not be formed. So, 3 more
square-shaped plots were formed ~y fencing parallel to the longer side of the
original plot such that no area of the plot was left surplus. What are the
dimensions of the original plot?
(a) 160 m x 27 111 (b) 240 m x 18 m
(c) 120 m x 36 m (d) 135 m x 32 m
100. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given
below the lists:
List - I (Atomic Power Plants/ List - II (State)
Heavy Waterater Plants)
A. Thal
B. Manuguru
C. Kakrapar
D. Kaiga
1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Gujarat
3. Maharashtra
4. Rajasthan
5. Karnataka
A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 1 4 5 (b) 3 5 2 1
(c) 2 5 4 1 (d) 3 1 2 5
101. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of the given substances in
the decreasing order of their densities?
(a) Steel> Mercury> Gold (b) Gold> Mercury> Steel
(c) Steel> Gold> Mercury (d) Gold:> Steel> Mercury
102. Of which one of the following games is Shanmugham Venkatesh an
outstanding player?
(a) Table tennis (b) Hockey
(c) Football (d) Basketball
103. 2 men and 1 woman board a bus in which 5 seats, are vacant.
One of these five seats is reserved for ladies. A woman may or may not sit on the
seat reserved for ladies but a man can not sit on the seat reserved for ladies. In
how, many different ways can the five seats be occupied by these three
passengers?
(a) 15 (b) 36 (c) 48 (d) 60
104. Consider the following statements:
1. The Constitution of India has 20 parts.
2. There are 390 Articles in the Constitution of India in all.
3. Ninth, Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth Schedules were added to the Constitution
of India by the Constitution (Amendment) Acts. "
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only
(c) 3 only (d) 1,2 and 3
105. Who among the following was the Chairman of the Union Constitution
Committee of the Constituent Assembly?
(a) B. R. Ambedkar (b) J. B. Kripalani
(c) Jawaharlal Nehru (d) Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar
106. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
(a) Southern Air Command: Thiruvananthapuram
(b) Eastern Naval Command: Visakhapatnam
(c) Armoured Corps Centre and School : Jabalpur
(d) Army Medical Corps Centre and School : Lucknow
107. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
Publication Group
1. Sportstar The Hindu publication group
2. Business-world ABP group
3. The Week Malayala Manorama publication group
4. Reader's Digest Indian Express publication group
109. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 2 and 4 (d) 1 and 3
108. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
Enterprise lndustrial Group
1. VSNL Bharati Group
2. Mundra Special Economic Zone Ltd Adani Group
3. CMC Ltd. Tata Grou
4. lPCL Reliance Group
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1,2and3 (b) 3and4
(c) I, 2 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4
109. In which country is Bandung, where the Conference of Mrican and Asian
nations was held which led to establishing Non-Aligned Movement (NAM),
situated?
(a) Thailand (b) Egypt
(c) Indonesia (d) Philippines
110. Match items in the List-I (Businesswoman) with those in the List-II
(Company) and select the correct answer using the codes given below the
lists:
List-I
A. Zia Mody
B. AnuradhaJ. Desai
C. Villoo Morawala Patell
D. Meena Kaushik
List-II
1. Venkateshwara Hatcheries
2. AZB & Partners
3. Quantum Market Research
4. A vestha Gengraine Technologies
5. Biocon India
A B C D A B C D
(a) 4 1 5 3 (b) 2 3 4 1
(c) 4 3 5 1 (d) 2 1 4 3
111. A square is divided into 9 identical smaller squares. Six identical balls are to
be placed in these smaller squares such that each of the three rows gets at
least one ball (one ballin one square only). In how many different ways can
this be done?
(a) 27 (b) 36
(c) 54 (d) 81
112. There are 6 persons - A, B, C, D, E and F. They are to be seated in a row
such that B never sits anywhere ahead of A, and Cinever sits anywhere
ahead of B. In how many different ways can this be done?
(a) 60 (b) 72
(c) 120 (d) None of the above
113. For which one of the following items, is Tirupur well C.S.E. General Studies
(Pm.) – 2005 known as a huge exporter to many parts of the world?
(a) Gems and Jewellery (b) Leather goods.
(c) Knitted gannants (d) Handicrafts .
114. Which one of the following pairs is Hot correctly matched?
Project Company
(a) Integrated Steel Plant at Jajpur (Orissa): Steel Authodty of India
(b) Power Plant at Jamnagar(Gujarat): Essar Power
(c) Nabinagar Power Plant (Bihar): Indian railways
(d) Kayamkulom Power Plant (Kerala): National Thermal Power Corporation
115. Virtual water trade is being looked at by experts as a solution to the world's
water crisis. What does virtual water (VW) imply?
(a) Volume of heavy wah~r required to replace ordinary water.
(b) Volume of water required to produce a commodity or service
(c) V olume of water saved by using rainwater harvesting
(d) Volume of ~ater utilized by an effective flood control
116. Consider the following statements concerning the Indian Railways:
1. The Head Quarters of the North Western Railway are located at Jodhpur.
2. ‘lndrail pass' - a travel-as-you-please ticket has been created especially for
freedom fighters and sports persons who have represented India in any game/
sport.
3. Fairy Queen is a train using the world's oldest working engine and the Indian
Railways conduct a journey of wildlife and heritage sites on it.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 2 only (b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 (d) None
117. 300 persons are participating in a meeting, out of which 120 are foreigners,
and the rest are Indians. Out of the Indians, there are 110 men who are not
judges; 160 are men or judges, and 35 are women judges. There are no
foreign judges. How.many Indian women attended the meeting?
(a) 35 (b) 45 (c)
55 (d) 60
118. There are 6 persons: A, B, C, D, E and F.
A has 3 items more than C D has 4 items less than B
E has 6 items less than F C has 2 items more than E
F has 3 items more than D
Which one of the following figures can not be equal to the total number of items
possessed by all the 6 persons?
(a) 41 (b) 47
(c) 53 (d) 58
119. Ten identical particles are moving randomly inside a closed box. What is the
probability that at any given point of time all the ten particles will be lying
in the same half of the box?
(a) 1/2 (b) 1/5
(c) 2/9 (d) 2/11
120. An equilateral triangular plate is to be cut into n number of identical small
equilateral triangular plates. Which one of the following can be possible
value of n?
(a) 196 (b) 216
(c) 256 (d) 296
121. There are 10 identical coins and each one of them has 'H' engraved on its
one face and 'T' engraved on its other face. These 10 coins are lying on a
table and each one of them has 'H' face as the upper face. In one attempt,
exactly four (neither more nor less) coins can be turned upside down. What
is the minimum total number of attempts in which the 'T' faces of all the 10
coins can be brought to be the upper faces?
(a) 4 (b) 7
(c) 8 (d) Not possible
122. Which of the following States border Uttar Pradesh?
1. Punjab 2. Rajasthan
3. Chhattisgarh 4. Jharkhand
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 4 (d) 1 and 3
123. Which one of the following cities is the seat of Parliament of South Africa?
(a) Pretoria (b) Durban
(c) Johannesburg (d) Cape Town
124. Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched?
British Prime Minister . Political Party
(a) John Major Conservative Partv
(b) James Callaghan Labour Party ~
(c) Harold Wilson Conservative Party
(d) Margaret Thatcher Conservative Party
125. Match items in List-I with those in the List-II and select the correct answer
using the code given below the lists:
List - I (Location) List - 1I (Known For/1n News for)
A. Kakinada 1. Skybus Metro rail test-run
B. Dundigal 2. ITC paper board unit
C. Margao 3. Bio-diesel plant
D. Bhadrachalam 4. Indian Air Force Academy
A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 1 4 3 (b) 3 4 1 2
(c) 2 4 1 3 (d) 3 1 4 2
126. In which one of the following countries, is Tamil a major language?
(a) Myanmar (b) Indonesia
(c) Mauritius (d) Singapore
127. Which one of the following is the correct sequence of the given Indian cities
in the decreasing order of their normal annual rainfall?
(a) Kochi - Kolkata - Delhi - Patna
(b) Kolkata - Kochi - Patna – Delhi
(c) Kochi - Kolkata - Patna - Delhi
(d) Kolkata - Kochi - Delhi - Patna
128. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given
below the lists:
List - I (City) List - II (River)
A. Washington D.C. 1. River Manzanares
B. Berlin 2. River Seine
C. Paris 3. River Spree
D. Madrid 4. River Potomac
A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 3 4 1 (b) 4 1 2 3
(c) 2 1 4 3 (d) 4 3 1 2
129. Consider the following statements:
1. The Constitution of the United States of America came into force in the year
1810.
2. All revenue bills must originate in the House of Representatives of the US
Congress.
3. George W.Bush is the only President in the history of the United States of
America whose father was also the President of the United States of America
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 2 (d) 2 and 3
130. Which of the following diseases of mil ching animals are infectious?
1. Foot and Mouth disease 2. Anthrax
3. Black Quarter 4. Cowpox
Select the correct answer using the codes given below;
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
131. Under which one of the Ministries of the Government of India does the Food
and Nutrition Board work?
(a) Ministry of Agriculture
(b) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
(c) Ministry of Human Resource Development
(d) Ministry of Rural Development
132. Consider the following statements:
1. Dengue is a protozoan' disease transmitted by mosquitoes.
2. Retro-orbital pain is not a symptom of Dengue.
3. Skin rash and bleeding from nose and gums are some of the symptoms of the
Dengue.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 only
(c) 2 only (d) 1 and 3
133. Who among the following is not a member of the Investment Commission
fornled in December, 2004?
(a) Ratan Tata (b) Deepak Parekh
(c) Ashok Ganguly (d) Kumaramangalam Birla
134. Consider the following statements:
1. Silent Valley National Park is in the Nallamalai range.
2. Pathrakkadavu Hydroelectric Project is proposed to be built near the Silent
Valley National Park.
3. The Kunthi river originates in Silent Valley's rainforests.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 (b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
135. In which one of the following countries did hundreds of people die in year
2004 as a result of flooding and mudslides triggered by Tropical Storm
Jeanne?
(a) Colombia (b) Haiti
(c) Sudan (d) Ghana
136. Consider the following statements:
1. Areawise, Chhattisgarh is larger than West Bengal.
2. According to the Population '2001 Census, population of West Bengal is
larger than that of Chhattisgarh.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
137. Which one ofthe following pairs is not correctly matched?
Current Name Old Name
(a) Harare Salisbury
(b) Ethiopia Abyssinia.
(c) Ghana Dutch Guiana
(d) Kinshasa Leopoldville
138. Which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) The First Meeting of the Parties (MOP 1) to the Cartagena Protocol on
Biosafety was held in Philippines in the year 2004
(b) India is not a signatory to the Biosafety Protocol/Convention on Biological
Diversity
(c) The Biosafety protocol deals with genetically modified organisms
(d) The United States of America is member of the Biosafety
Protocol/Convention on Biological Diversity
139. Where was world's largest ever Meet on HIV AIDS held in July, 2004?
(a) Bangkok (b) Singapore
(c) New York (d) Rome
140. Consider the following statements:
1. Global Trust Bank has been amalgamated with the Punjab National Bank.
2. The second report of the Kelkar Committee dealing with direct and indirect
taxes has maintained its original recommendations including the abolition of
exemptions relating to housing loans. .
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
141. Which one of the following is the correct statement on the basis of Census-
200l?
(a) Bihar has the highest percentage of the Scheduled Castes of its population
(b) The decadal growth of population of India (1991-2001) has been below 20%
(c) Mizoram is the Indian State with the least population
(d) Pondicherry has the highest sex ratio among the Union Territories
142. The Constitution (98th Amendment) Act is related to :
(a) Empowering the Centre to levy and appropriate service tax
(b) The constitution of the National Judicial Commission
(c) Readjustment of electoral constituencies on the basis of the Population
Census 2001
(d) The demarcation of new boundaries between States
143. Consider the following statements:
1. India is the second country in the world to adopt a National Family Planning
Programme.
2. The National Population Policy of India 2000 seeks to achieve replacement
level of fertility by 201 0 with a population of 111 crores.
3. Kerala is the first State in India to achieve replacement level of fertility.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct 7
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
144. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given
below the lists:
List - I (Lawn Tennis Tournament) List - II (Winner of Women Si/lgles)
A. French Open-2004 1. Svetlana Kuznetsova
B. Wimbledon-2004 2. Anastasia Myskina
C. US Open-2004 3. Maria Sharapova
D. Australian Open-2004 4. Serena Williams
5. Justine Henin-Hardene
A B C D A B C D
(a) 5 1 4 2 (b) 2 3 1 5
(c) 5 3 1 2 (d) 2 1 4 5
145. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given
below the lists:
List - I (Famolls Former Sportsperson) List - II (Game/Sport)
A. Wally Grout 1. Swimming
B. Eusebio 2. Lawn Tennis
C. Rod Laver 3. Cricket
D. Mark Spitz 4. Football
5. Basketball
A B C D A B C D
(a) 3 5 2 4 (b) 2 4 3 1
(c) 3 4 2 1 (d) 2 5 3 4
146. Which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) There is no definition of the Scheduled Tribe in the Constitution of India
(b) North-East India accounts for a little over half of the country's tribal
population
(c) The people known as Todas live in the Nilgiri area
(d) Lotha is a language spoken in Nagaland
147. Consider the following statements:
1. The forest cover in India constitutes around 20% of its geographical area. Out
of the total forest cover, dense forest constitutes around 40%.
2. The National Fores-try Action Programme aims at bringing one-third of the
area of India under tree/ forest cover.
Whith of the statements given above is/are correct)
(a) 1 orily (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2
148. Consider the following statements:
1. The Man Booker Prize is awarded to citizen of any of the countries of the
British Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland.
2. A leading London-based software company underwrites the Man Booker
Prize presently.
3. The winner of the Man Booker Prize in year 2004 is a South Asian.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct)
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3
149. Consider the following statements:
1. The number of post offices in India is in excess of 1.5 lakhs.
2. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) was formed in the year 1997.
3. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was established in the year
2000.
Which of the staten1ents given above is/are correct)
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2
(c) 1 only (d) 3 only
150. Which of the following pairs are correctIy matched?
Person Award
1. Champadevi Shukla : Goldman Environmental Prize
2. Dr. P. Sri Ramaehanrudu: Vaehaspati Puraskar
3. Ela Ramesh Bhatt: Lal Bahadur Shastri National A ward for
Excellence in Public Administration,
Academics and Management
4. Upamanyu Chatterjee: Lalit Kala Ratna Award
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 (b) 1, 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
ANSWERS
1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (a) 4. (d) 5. (a) 6. (b)
7. (a) 8. (b) 9. (b) 10. (c) 11. (d) 12. (b)
13. (d) 14. (c) 15. (b) 16. (b) 17. (b) 18. (a)
19. (b) 20. (b) 21. (b) 22. (c) 23. (d) 24. (b)
25. (b) 26. (b) 27. (c) 28. (c) 29. (a) 30. (b)
31. (b) 32. (b) 33. (a) 34. (a) 35. (b) 36. (d)
37. (d) 38. (b) 39. (d) 40. (c) 41. (c) 42. (a)
43. (b) 44. (b) 45. (c) 46. (d) 47. (b) 48. (a)
49. (a) 50. (d) 51. (c) 52. (b) 53. (b) 54. (a)
55. (c) 56. (d) 57. (b) 58. (d) 59. (b) 60. (d)
61. (c) 62. (b) 63. (c) 64. (a) 65. (a) 66. (b)
67. (c) 68. (a) 69. (d) 70. (b) 71. (b) 72. (b)
73. (a) 74. (c) 75. (c) 76. (b) 77. (b) 78. (d)
79. (a) 80. (a) 81. (c) 82. (b) 83. (c) 84. (a)
85. (d) 86. (a) 87. (a) 88. (d) 89. (c) 90. (d)
91. (b) 92. (c) 93. (d) 94. (c) 95. (b) 96. (a)
97. (d) 98. (d) 99. (c) 100.(d) 101.(b) 102.(c)
103.(b) 104. (c) 105. (c) 106. (c) 107. (b) 108. (d)
109.(c) 110. (d) 111. (d) 112. (d) 113. (c) 114. (a)
115.(b) 116. (b) 117. (c) 118. (d) 119. (d) 120. (c)
121.(a) 122. (b) 123. (d) 124. (c) 125. (b) 126. (d)
127.(c) 128. (d) 129. (b) 130. (c) 131. (c) 132. (b)
133.(d) 134. (c) 135. (b) 136. (c) 137. (c) 138. (c)
139.(a) 140. (b) 141. (d) 142. (b) 143. (c) 144. (b)
145.(c) 146. (b) 147. (c) 148. (a) 149. (c) 150. (b)