Economy & Agriculture — Set 7

Correct Answer: B. Marble and limestone (stone quarrying)

The Aravalli hill range in southern Haryana (Mahendragarh, Rewari, and Gurgaon districts) contains quartzite, marble, and limestone deposits that support a stone quarrying industry. The Aravallis are among the world's oldest mountain ranges and their mineral deposits are commercially exploited for construction materials. Stone quarrying in the Aravallis has, however, caused significant environmental damage, leading to SC bans and restrictions on mining. The Aravallis also contain some chromite and iron ore deposits.

Correct Answer: B. Predominantly small and marginal farmers (below 2 hectares) but with high productivity

Like the rest of India, Haryana has a predominance of small and marginal farmers (holdings below 2 hectares) in terms of number, though medium and large farmers dominate in terms of area. Despite small holdings, Haryana's farmers achieve high productivity through intensive cultivation, canal irrigation, mechanization, and use of HYV seeds. The fragmentation of farm land through inheritance has increased over decades. Government policies like consolidation of holdings (chakbandi) have helped somewhat maintain farm viability.

Correct Answer: B. Thanesar

Thanesar (Sthaneshwar), part of Kurukshetra district, is known as the 'City of Saints' due to its association with King Harsha (7th century AD) who ruled from here, and its religious significance as a sacred pilgrimage site. Thanesar was the capital of King Harshavardhana's empire. The Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple here is an ancient Shiva temple of great religious significance. Economically, Thanesar's proximity to Kurukshetra makes it part of the religious tourism circuit.

Correct Answer: D. About 30-35%

The correct answer is 'About 30-35%'. Gurugram (formerly Gurgaon) district alone contributes approximately 30-35% of Haryana's total GSDP, making it the economic powerhouse of the state. This is driven by the presence of hundreds of MNCs, financial services companies, real estate developments, and the automobile cluster at Manesar. Gurugram's per capita income is among the highest in any district in India. The stark economic contrast between Gurugram and rural districts like Mahendragarh represents Haryana's development challenge.

Correct Answer: A. Rewari

Rewari is historically known for its brass and copper handicraft industry, producing utensils, artistic items, and traditional brassware. Rewari's brassware industry has a history of several centuries and contributes to the district's traditional economy. The area has also gained modern importance as an industrial hub with Hero MotoCorp (Dharuhera) and railway workshops in Rewari. Rewari is also the hometown of national hero Rao Tula Ram who fought in the 1857 revolt.

Correct Answer: B. Rewari

Rewari has a major Railway Locomotive Workshop (Haryana Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation) and is historically an important railway junction. Ambala is also a major railway junction and Ambala Cantonment is one of the oldest and largest railway stations in northern India. Both cities are important railway centers for northern India. The Ambala-Rewari railway line is one of the oldest in India, built during British rule.

Correct Answer: B. Consolidation of fragmented small agricultural plots into viable single holdings for efficient farming

Chakbandi (Consolidation of Holdings) is the process of amalgamating multiple fragmented small agricultural plots owned by a farmer into a single consolidated holding for efficient farming. Haryana completed consolidation of most of its agricultural land earlier than most Indian states, which is one reason for its high agricultural productivity. Consolidated holdings allow for mechanized farming, better irrigation management, and efficient use of inputs. The Haryana Consolidation of Holdings Act enables this process.

Correct Answer: A. Sonipat

Sonipat district, being closest to Delhi, is one of Haryana's most important vegetable-producing districts supplying the Delhi-NCR market. Azadpur Mandi in Delhi is the largest vegetable and fruit market in Asia, and Sonipat, Karnal, and Panipat farmers supply large quantities to this market. Sonipat also houses SAI's National Training Centre for wrestling. The proximity to Delhi makes vegetable farming extremely profitable for Sonipat farmers.

Correct Answer: B. Major scientific instrument and surgical goods manufacturing hub

Ambala is famous as India's largest manufacturing hub for scientific instruments (microscopes, telescopes, laboratory equipment) and surgical goods (scissors, forceps, surgical instruments). Ambala's scientific instrument cluster supplies to hospitals, laboratories, and educational institutions across India and exports globally. The city is also an important military cantonment and Air Force station. Ambala instruments and surgical goods are a niche but historically significant industrial cluster.

Correct Answer: B. Gurugram

Sultanpur National Park (Bird Sanctuary) is located in Gurugram district and is a protected wetland and eco-tourism destination famous for migratory birds from Siberia, Central Asia, and Europe. It is included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Sultanpur attracts birdwatchers and nature tourists, contributing to eco-tourism in Haryana. The park is about 15 km from Gurugram city in the Farrukhnagar area.