Which is the largest island of India in terms of area?
- AOption (a)
Rameswaram
- BOption (b)
Great Nicobar Island
- COption (c)
Sriharikota
- DOption (d)
Majuli
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Correct answer
Great Nicobar Island
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is Great Nicobar Island.
Key Points
- Great Nicobar Island is the largest island in India in terms of area, covering approximately 921 square kilometers.
- It is part of the Nicobar Islands, which are located in the southeastern region of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory.
- The island is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including the famous Nicobar megapode, a rare bird species endemic to the region.
- Great Nicobar Island is home to the Indira Point, the southernmost point of India.
- The region is sparsely populated and primarily inhabited by the indigenous Shompen tribe and Nicobarese people.
Additional Information
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of 572 islands located at the juncture of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea.
- The islands are divided into two main groups: the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands.
- The archipelago is known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and tropical rainforests.
- Indira Point:
- Indira Point is the southernmost tip of India, located on Great Nicobar Island.
- It was formerly known as Parsons Point and was renamed in honor of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
- Indira Point was submerged during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, causing significant geographical changes in the area.
- Shompen Tribe:
- The Shompen are one of the oldest and most isolated tribes of the Nicobar Islands.
- They practice a hunter-gatherer lifestyle and are considered a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
- Their population is concentrated in the interior regions of Great Nicobar Island.
- Biodiversity in Great Nicobar:
- Great Nicobar Island is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
- The island is home to unique species such as the Nicobar crab-eating macaque and saltwater crocodiles.
- The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve ensures the protection of its rich ecosystem.