Question map
Assertion(A): The cultivation of cotton is concentrated in Maharashtra. Reason (R) : The level of industrialization in Maharashtra is high.
Explanation
Assertion (A) is true as Maharashtra is a leading producer of cotton in India, with cultivation concentrated in the Deccan plateau's black soil regions [4]. Reason (R) is also true; Maharashtra is highly industrialized and is the largest producer of cotton goods, hosting numerous textile mills in cities like Mumbai and Sholapur [2]. However, (R) is not the correct explanation for (A). The concentration of cotton cultivation is primarily determined by agro-climatic factors such as the presence of 'regur' or black cotton soil, high temperatures, and specific rainfall patterns [3]. While industrialization (textile mills) often occurs near raw material sources to reduce transport costs, the physical growth of the crop depends on soil and climate rather than the level of industrialization in the state. Thus, both statements are true independently, but the reason does not explain the assertion.
Sources
- [3] NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 4: The Age of Industrialisation > TYPES OF FARMING > p. 87
- [4] INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Land Resources and Agriculture > Cotton > p. 32
- [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 11: Industries > Maharashtra > p. 13
- [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 11: Industries > Maharashtra > p. 14