1.
The South Asian wet Monsoon originates over the _____ and moves _____ .
Correct Answer
B. Indian Ocean/northeast
Explanation
The South Asian wet Monsoon originates over the Indian Ocean and moves northeast. This is because the Indian Ocean is the main source of moisture and heat for the monsoon system. The monsoon winds blow from the southwest to the northeast, bringing heavy rainfall to the Indian subcontinent and other parts of South Asia. The northeast movement of the monsoon is influenced by the rotation of the Earth and the presence of the Himalayan mountain range, which deflects the winds towards the northeast direction.
2.
What is the geologic origin of the Himalayas?
Correct Answer
D. Uplift of marine sediments
Explanation
The geologic origin of the Himalayas is the uplift of marine sediments. This means that over millions of years, layers of sediment that were originally deposited in a marine environment were gradually uplifted and pushed upwards to form the towering mountain range that we see today. This uplift was caused by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which resulted in the compression and folding of the sedimentary layers, leading to the formation of the Himalayas.
3.
The Khmer Rouge is associated with communist revolutionaries in this country.
Correct Answer
A. Cambodia
Explanation
The Khmer Rouge was a communist revolutionary group that gained control of Cambodia in the late 1970s. Led by Pol Pot, they implemented radical and brutal policies, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million people through executions, forced labor, and starvation. The Khmer Rouge's regime lasted from 1975 to 1979, during which they aimed to create an agrarian socialist society by forcibly evacuating cities and implementing strict agricultural policies. Therefore, the correct answer is Cambodia.
4.
This country's government policy of Bumiputra explicitly discriminated against ethnic Chinese populations.
Correct Answer
E. Malaysia
Explanation
The correct answer is Malaysia. The government policy of Bumiputra in Malaysia explicitly discriminated against ethnic Chinese populations. Bumiputra, which means "sons of the soil," aimed to give preferential treatment to the indigenous Malay population. This policy included quotas for education, employment, and business ownership that disadvantaged ethnic Chinese communities. It was implemented as a way to address historical economic and social disparities between different ethnic groups in the country.
5.
The Raj refers to the rule of the _____ in India.
Correct Answer
C. British
Explanation
The Raj refers to the rule of the British in India. The British East India Company established its presence in India in the 17th century and gradually gained control over large parts of the country. The period of British rule in India, known as the British Raj, lasted from 1858 to 1947. During this time, the British exerted political, economic, and cultural influence over India, ultimately leading to India's independence in 1947.
6.
This is a country made up of many island groups.
Correct Answer
D. Indonesia
Explanation
Indonesia is the correct answer because it is a country made up of many island groups. It is an archipelago consisting of more than 17,000 islands, making it the world's largest island country.
7.
Who was India’s major trading partner before 1992?
Correct Answer
C. The Soviet Union
Explanation
Before 1992, India's major trading partner was the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union and India had a strong bilateral trade relationship, with the Soviet Union being India's largest trading partner during that time. The two countries had close political ties, which further strengthened their economic cooperation. The Soviet Union provided significant aid and support to India in various sectors, including trade and industry. This partnership played a crucial role in India's economic development and trade relations before the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
8.
Pakistan was established as an _____ country.
Correct Answer
A. Muslim
Explanation
Pakistan was established as a Muslim country because it was created as a separate homeland for Muslims in the Indian subcontinent. The demand for a separate Muslim state was made by the All India Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in response to the perceived marginalization of Muslims in a Hindu-majority India. Pakistan's creation in 1947 was based on the two-nation theory, which argued that Hindus and Muslims were two separate nations with distinct religious, cultural, and political identities. Therefore, the establishment of Pakistan as a Muslim country was a direct result of the desire to protect and promote the interests of the Muslim community.
9.
What region is described as the “breadbasket” of India?
Correct Answer
B. Punjab and Haryana
Explanation
Punjab and Haryana are described as the "breadbasket" of India because they are the major agricultural states in the country. These states are known for their fertile land and high agricultural productivity, particularly in the production of wheat and rice. The region's agricultural output plays a significant role in meeting the food demands of the nation, hence earning the nickname "breadbasket."
10.
Largest in population in Southeast Asia, this country is also fourth largest in population in the world.
Correct Answer
D. Indonesia
Explanation
Indonesia is the correct answer because it is the largest country in Southeast Asia in terms of population. It is also the fourth most populous country in the world.
11.
Which of the following was never a European colony?
Correct Answer
B. Thailand
Explanation
Thailand was never a European colony because it managed to maintain its independence throughout history. While neighboring countries like Burma, Brunei, Singapore, and Laos were colonized by European powers, Thailand successfully negotiated and made diplomatic agreements to avoid colonization. This allowed Thailand to preserve its culture, traditions, and sovereignty.
12.
The major river in Cambodia and southern Vietnam is the
Correct Answer
D. Mekong.
Explanation
The correct answer is Mekong. The Mekong River is the major river in Cambodia and southern Vietnam. It is one of the longest rivers in Asia and plays a significant role in the region's economy and culture. It is known for its rich biodiversity and is a vital waterway for transportation and irrigation.
13.
What is the system of kinship groupings that is reinforced by language, region, and occupation?
Correct Answer
D. Caste
Explanation
The system of kinship groupings that is reinforced by language, region, and occupation is known as the caste system. In this system, individuals are born into a specific social group based on their family's traditional occupation, and this group determines their social status, rights, and privileges within society. Language, region, and occupation further reinforce and perpetuate the divisions and hierarchies within the caste system.
14.
The Kashmir has a predominately _____ population.
Correct Answer
E. Muslim
Explanation
The correct answer is Muslim because the majority of the population in Kashmir follows the Islamic faith. This is due to the historical influence of Muslim rulers and the spread of Islam in the region over the centuries.
15.
The Muslims who migrated to Pakistan from India after the partition agreement that created the two countries are called
Correct Answer
A. Muhajir.
Explanation
The correct answer is Muhajir. After the partition agreement that created Pakistan and India, many Muslims migrated from India to Pakistan. These migrants are known as Muhajirs. The term "Muhajir" refers to those who left their homes and belongings behind in India and migrated to Pakistan in search of a new homeland.
16.
Well water from the Indian tube wells was found to be contaminated with
Correct Answer
B. Arsenic.
Explanation
The correct answer is arsenic. This is because the well water from Indian tube wells was found to be contaminated with arsenic. Arsenic is a toxic chemical element that can be harmful to human health when consumed in high amounts. It can cause various health problems, including skin lesions, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. Therefore, it is crucial to address the issue of arsenic contamination in the well water to ensure the safety of the population.
17.
Most of what is today Indonesia was a colony of the
Correct Answer
C. Dutch.
Explanation
Most of what is today Indonesia was a colony of the Dutch. The Dutch East India Company established trading posts in the region in the early 17th century and gradually gained control over much of the archipelago. They exploited the region's resources, such as spices and natural resources, and established a colonial administration. The Dutch held control over Indonesia until the mid-20th century when the country gained independence.
18.
Who was the first to notice a striking division between species either side of the deep ocean trench between the islands of Bali and Lombok?
Correct Answer
A. Wallace
Explanation
Wallace was the first to notice a striking division between species either side of the deep ocean trench between the islands of Bali and Lombok.
19.
The summer monsoon can bring which of the following to this region?
Correct Answer
E. All of these
Explanation
The summer monsoon in this region can bring heavy rain, which can lead to severe flooding. However, it also brings water that is essential for crops and drinking purposes. Additionally, the monsoon is characterized by onshore winds. Therefore, all of these options are correct.
20.
The Strait of Malacca
Correct Answer
B. Facilitated trade between India and China.
Explanation
The Strait of Malacca is a narrow waterway located between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world, connecting the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea. Due to its strategic location, it has historically facilitated trade between India and China, as it provides a shorter route for maritime trade between the two countries. The strait's geographical significance and its role in promoting trade make the statement "facilitated trade between India and China" the correct answer.