Chapter 5.7.2 – Industries in India

WBBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 5.7.2: Industries in India

Content Structure

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs)
2. Very short-type questions and answers
- 2A. Fill in the blanks
- 2B. True or false
- 2C. Very short-type questions and answers
3. Short-type questions and answers
4. Analytical questions and answers
5. Explanatory questions and answers

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs) [1 mark each]

1. Industry refers to:
(a) Buying and selling goods
(b) Production of goods and services
(c) Transport of goods
(d) Storage of goods

Ans: (b) Production of goods and services

2. Which of the following is a mineral-based industry?
(a) Paper
(b) Sugar
(c) Cement
(d) Jute

Ans: (c) Cement

3. Which of the following is a pure raw material?
(a) Iron ore
(b) Cotton
(c) Bauxite
(d) Coal

Ans: (b) Cotton

4. Which industry is known as the backbone of all industries?
(a) Textile industry
(b) Petrochemical industry
(c) Iron and steel industry
(d) Automobile industry

Ans: (c) Iron and steel industry

5. Which of the following is an impure raw material?
(a) Cotton
(b) Jute
(c) Iron ore
(d) Wool

Ans: (c) Iron ore

6. Which city is known as the “Detroit of India”?
(a) Mumbai
(b) Chennai
(c) Kolkata
(d) Delhi

Ans: (b) Chennai

7. The Rourkela Steel Plant was developed with collaboration from:
(a) USA
(b) Russia
(c) Germany
(d) Japan

Ans: (c) Germany

8. Which of the following is a forest-based industry?
(a) Sugar
(b) Paper
(c) Steel
(d) Cement

Ans: (b) Paper

9. Which of the following is a petrochemical product?
(a) Cotton
(b) Plastic
(c) Jute
(d) Silk

Ans: (b) Plastic

10. SAIL stands for:
(a) Steel Authority of Indian Limited
(b) Steel Authority of India Limited
(c) Steel Association of India Limited
(d) Steel Agency of India Limited

Ans: (b) Steel Authority of India Limited

2. Very short-type questions and answers

2A. Fill in the blanks [1 mark each]

1. Industries that use agricultural products as raw materials are called __________ industries. (Agro-based)
2. The oldest iron and steel plant in India is located at __________. (Jamshedpur)
3. The headquarters of SAIL is located in __________. (New Delhi)
4. __________ is an example of a pure raw material. (Cotton)
5. Mumbai is known as the __________ of India. (Cottonopolis)
6. The Rourkela Steel Plant was set up with the help of __________. (Germany)
7. Mini steel plants mainly use __________ iron. (Scrap)

2B. True or false [1 mark each]

1. Agro-based industries depend on mineral resources. (False)
2. Mumbai is known as the Cottonopolis of India. (True)
3. Rourkela Steel Plant was developed with Russian collaboration. (False)
4. Engineering industry produces machines and tools. (True)
5. Mini steel plants require large amounts of capital like big plants. (False)
6. Forest-based industries use products obtained from forests. (True)
7. SAIL is a private sector company. (False)
8. Transport has no role in industrial development. (False)

2C. Very short-type questions and answers [1 mark each]

1. Name some electrical engineering industries.
Ans: Some electrical engineering industries include the production of transformers, electric motors, generators, and cables.

2. Give an example of an impure raw material.
Ans: Iron ore is an example of an impure raw material because it contains impurities that are removed during processing.

3. Where is the headquarters of SAIL located?
Ans: The headquarters of SAIL is located in New Delhi.

4. Name some of the raw materials of the petrochemical industry.
Ans: Some of the raw materials of the petrochemical industry include petroleum, natural gas, and crude oil.

5. What is the full form of SEZ?
Ans: The full form of SEZ is Special Economic Zone.

6. Where has the major IT industrial park been set up in West Bengal?
Ans: The major IT industrial park in West Bengal has been set up at Salt Lake in Kolkata.

7. Which industry is known as the backbone of all industries?
Ans: The iron and steel industry is known as the backbone of all industries.

8. Give an example of a pure raw material.
Ans: Cotton is an example of a pure raw material because it does not lose weight during the manufacturing process.

3. Short-type questions and answers [2 marks each]

1. State any two cotton textile industrial centres of West Bengal.
Ans: Two cotton textile industrial centres of West Bengal are Kolkata and Howrah. These centres developed due to availability of labour, transport facilities and nearby markets.

2. What is industry?
Ans: An industry is an economic activity that involves the production, processing, and manufacturing of goods from raw materials. It adds value to raw materials and produces finished or semi-finished products for use or consumption.

3. What is SAIL?
Ans: SAIL (Steel Authority of India Limited) is a government-owned organisation responsible for managing and operating major public sector steel plants in India. It plays a key role in steel production and industrial development.

4. What are ancillary industries?
Ans: Ancillary industries are small-scale industries that produce parts, components, or services required by large industries. They support the main industry by supplying intermediate goods, such as spare parts for automobiles.

5. Why is manganese required as a raw material in the iron and steel industry?
Ans: Manganese is used in the iron and steel industry to remove impurities like sulphur and oxygen from iron. It also improves the strength, hardness, and durability of steel, making it an essential component in steel production.

6. Why is cotton textile industry known as a ‘footloose industry’?
Ans: The cotton textile industry is called a footloose industry because it is not dependent on any single factor like raw materials. It can be set up in different locations due to easy availability of transport, labour, and market, making it flexible in location.

7. Name two agro-based and two mineral-based industries of India.
Ans:

Agro-based industries: Cotton textile industry, Sugar industry
Mineral-based industries: Iron and steel industry, Cement industry

8. What are impure raw materials?
Ans: Impure raw materials are those which lose weight or volume during the manufacturing process. They contain impurities that are removed while processing. Therefore, industries using such materials are usually located near the source of raw materials example iron ore in iron and steel industry.

9. Name the raw materials required in the iron and steel industry.
Ans: The main raw materials are:

Iron ore – The basic raw material used for producing iron.
Coal (coking coal) – Used as fuel and helps in the smelting process.
Limestone – Acts as a flux and removes impurities from iron ore.
Manganese – Improves the strength and quality of steel.
Other materials (silica, dolomite) – Used in small quantities during the process.

10. Write a short note on TISCO.
Ans: TISCO (Tata Iron and Steel Company) is the oldest private sector steel plant in India, located at Jamshedpur. It was established in 1907 by J.N. Tata. It is well known for efficient management, modern technology, and high-quality steel production.

11. Name two large-scale iron and steel plants of India.
Ans:

Bhilai Steel Plant – Located in Chhattisgarh; established with the help of the former Soviet Union; a major public sector plant under SAIL.
Bokaro Steel Plant – Located in Jharkhand; one of the largest steel plants in India; also a public sector plant under SAIL.

12. What is raw material?
Ans: Raw materials are the basic natural or semi-processed substances used in the production of goods. These materials are transformed into finished products through industrial processes example cotton, iron ore.

13. Write a short note on alloy steel industry.
Ans: The alloy steel industry produces steel mixed with other metals such as chromium, nickel, and manganese to improve its strength, hardness, and resistance to corrosion. Alloy steel is widely used in automobiles, machinery, tools, and defence equipment.

14. Name four important iron and steel plants of India.
Ans:

Jamshedpur Steel Plant – Oldest steel plant in India; developed by Tata; advantages of nearby raw materials and transport.
Bhilai Steel Plant – Public sector plant; assistance from the former Soviet Union; important for rail production. Durgapur
Steel Plant – Public sector plant; British collaboration; production of alloy and special steels.
Rourkela Steel Plant – Public sector plant; German collaboration; one of the first integrated steel plants in India.

4. Analytical questions and answers [3 marks each]

1. Explain briefly three reasons for the development of petrochemical industry in western India.
Ans:

Availability of petroleum resources: Western India, especially Gujarat and Maharashtra, has several oil refineries which provide a steady and nearby supply of raw materials for petrochemical industries.
Well-developed port facilities: Ports such as Mumbai and Kandla help in the easy import of crude oil and export of finished petrochemical products, promoting industrial growth.
Developed infrastructure and market: The region has good transport and communication networks, availability of capital, skilled labour, and a large consumer market, which support the establishment and expansion of petrochemical industries.

2. Why is Mumbai called the ‘Cottonopolis of India’?
Ans: Mumbai is called the “Cottonopolis of India” because it has a large concentration of cotton textile mills, making it one of the leading textile centres of the country. The city is located close to the cotton-growing regions of Maharashtra and Gujarat, which ensures a steady and cheap supply of raw materials. Its humid coastal climate is highly suitable for spinning and weaving, as it prevents the threads from breaking. Mumbai also has a well-developed natural harbour, which facilitates the easy export of cotton textiles to foreign markets. In addition, the availability of capital, skilled labour, and efficient transport and communication facilities has greatly supported the growth of the cotton textile industry in the city.

3. Why is Durgapur called the ‘Ruhr of India’?
Ans: Durgapur is called the “Ruhr of India” because of its similarity to the Ruhr region of Germany, which is famous for its heavy industries. Durgapur is located near the Raniganj coalfields, ensuring a steady supply of coal, which is a key raw material for industries. The region has a concentration of heavy industries, especially iron and steel plants, along with other engineering industries. The availability of coal, power, and other raw materials has promoted rapid industrial development. In addition, Durgapur has good transport and communication facilities, making it an important industrial centre in eastern India.

4. Name the important iron and steel plants in India.
Ans: The major iron and steel plants in India include:

Jamshedpur (TISCO): The oldest private sector steel plant, located in Jharkhand.
Bhilai Steel Plant: Located in Chhattisgarh, known for rail production.
Durgapur Steel Plant: Located in West Bengal, an important eastern industrial centre.
Rourkela Steel Plant: Located in Odisha, developed with foreign collaboration.
Bokaro Steel Plant: One of the largest public sector plants in Jharkhand.
Visakhapatnam Steel Plant: A modern coastal plant in Andhra Pradesh.

5. Why is the iron and steel industry important for India’s economy?
Ans: The iron and steel industry is very important for India’s economy as it is known as the basic or key industry, because it supplies raw materials to many other industries. It provides essential inputs to industries such as engineering, automobile, construction, and railways. The industry also generates large-scale employment opportunities, both directly in factories and indirectly in related sectors. It plays a crucial role in the process of industrialisation and contributes significantly to the country’s economic growth. Moreover, it supports infrastructure development by providing materials for building bridges, roads, buildings, machinery, and other essential structures.

5. Explanatory questions and answers [5 marks each]

1. Explain the major factors responsible for the development of Iron and steel industry in Eastern and Central India.
Ans: Eastern and Central India have become the major centres of iron and steel industry due to the following factors:

Rich mineral resources: The region possesses abundant deposits of high-grade iron ore in states like Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. This ensures a steady and cheap supply of the main raw material required for iron and steel production.
Availability of coal: The presence of coalfields such as Jharia and Raniganj provides the necessary fuel for smelting iron ore. The proximity of coal to iron ore reduces transportation cost and supports continuous production.
Availability of other minerals: Essential minerals like limestone and manganese, which are required for the steel-making process, are also found in nearby areas, making the region highly suitable for the industry.
Water resources: Major rivers such as the Damodar and Mahanadi supply sufficient water needed for cooling, processing, and other industrial operations.
Transport facilities: The region is well-connected by a dense network of railways and roads, which facilitates the easy movement of raw materials from mines to plants and the distribution of finished products to markets.
Labour supply: The high population density of the region ensures the availability of both skilled and unskilled labour at relatively low cost, which supports industrial activities.
Government support: The establishment of large public sector plants, along with favourable industrial policies, financial assistance, and infrastructural development by the government, has encouraged the growth of the iron and steel industry.
Market and industrial demand: The presence of growing industrial regions and urban centres nearby creates a steady demand for steel, which further promotes the development of the industry.

2. Discuss the causes of concentration of cotton textile industries in the Mumbai-Ahmedabad region.
Ans: The Mumbai-Ahmedabad region is known as the “cotton textile belt” due to several favourable factors:

Proximity to cotton-growing areas: Nearness to Gujarat and Maharashtra ensures easy and cheap supply of raw materials.
Humid climate: The coastal humid climate prevents yarn from breaking, which is ideal for spinning and weaving.
Availability of labour: Presence of abundant cheap and skilled labour from nearby regions supports industrial activities.
Transport and port facilities: Well-developed transport network and Mumbai port help in easy export and import.
Availability of capital: Wealthy traders and industrialists have invested heavily in this region, promoting industrial growth.
Large local market: High population density creates a large demand for textile products.
Power and water supply: Adequate availability of electricity and water supports smooth functioning of mills.

3. Discuss the factors which influence the location of industries.
Ans: The location of industries is determined by a combination of physical and economic factors:

Raw materials: Industries using heavy and bulky raw materials like iron and steel are located near the source to reduce transportation cost, wastage, and ensure regular supply.
Power: Availability of cheap and uninterrupted power coal, hydroelectricity, petroleum, electricity is essential for continuous production and smooth functioning of machines.
Labour: Industries require both skilled and unskilled labour for different types of work. Areas with a dense population provide an abundant supply of labour at relatively low cost, which helps in reducing the overall cost of production.
Transport and communication: Well-developed roads, railways, ports, and communication systems help in the easy movement of raw materials and finished goods, and connect industries with markets.
Market: Industries producing perishable or bulky goods are located near markets to reduce transport cost and ensure quick distribution and higher profit.
Capital: Industrial development requires large investment for setting up factories, purchasing machinery, and running operations. Therefore, regions with well-developed banking facilities, financial institutions, and availability of investors attract more industries.
Government policies: Tax concessions, subsidies, industrial policies, and establishment of industrial zones influence the location and growth of industries.
Climate: Moderate climate is favourable for workers’ efficiency and proper functioning of machines, thus supporting industrial productivity.

4. Discuss the geographical factors that have influenced the development of the Bokaro Steel Plant.
Ans: The development of the Bokaro Steel Plant has been influenced by several favourable geographical factors:

Availability of raw materials: The plant is located close to iron ore sources in Jharkhand and Odisha, reducing transportation cost and ensuring regular supply.
Coal supply: High-quality coking coal is obtained from the nearby Jharia coalfields, which is essential for steel production.
Water supply: The Damodar River provides abundant water required for cooling, processing, and other industrial purposes.
Suitable land: The region has flat and extensive land, which is ideal for setting up large-scale industrial units and expansion.
Transport facilities: Well-developed railway and road networks connect Bokaro with raw material sources and markets, facilitating smooth movement.
Labour availability: Dense population in surrounding areas provides both skilled and unskilled labour at relatively low cost.
Government policy: The plant was established under the public sector with foreign collaboration, reflecting planned industrial development.

5. Discuss the problems faced by the iron and steel industry in India.
Ans: The iron and steel industry in India faces several challenges:

Shortage of high-grade raw materials: The iron and steel industry faces a shortage of high-quality iron ore and coking coal, which often leads to dependence on imports and increases production cost.
High production cost: The iron and steel industry in India experiences high production costs due to inefficient processes, high energy consumption, and outdated methods.
Outdated technology: Many iron and steel plants use old and obsolete machinery, which reduces productivity and affects the quality of steel.
Irregular power supply: The iron and steel industry suffers from irregular and inadequate power supply, which disrupts continuous production.
Poor infrastructure: The industry faces problems due to inadequate transport and communication facilities, leading to delays and higher costs.
Environmental issues: The iron and steel industry causes air, water, and land pollution, which creates environmental concerns and requires control measures.
Labour problems: The industry is affected by labour-related issues such as strikes, low efficiency, and poor management relations.
Global competition: The iron and steel industry faces strong competition from cheap and high-quality imported steel in the global market.

6. Discuss the locational advantages of any two large-scale iron and steel plants of India.
Ans:

Factors	Jamshedpur Steel Plant	Bhilai Steel Plant
Location	Located in Jharkhand, one of the earliest and largest steel plants in India	Located in Chhattisgarh, a major public sector steel plant
Raw materials	Close to rich iron ore deposits of Jharkhand and Odisha, ensuring cheap and easy supply	Iron ore obtained from Durg district (Dalli-Rajhara mines), located nearby
Coal supply	Receives coal from the nearby Jharia coalfields, ensuring regular fuel supply	Coal is supplied from Korba coalfields, providing necessary energy for production
Water supply	Adequate water available from the Subarnarekha River for industrial use	Water is supplied from the Tandula reservoir, supporting continuous operations
Transport facilities	Well-developed rail and road network connects it to raw material sources and markets	Good railway connectivity helps in transporting raw materials and finished goods
Labour	Availability of skilled and semi-skilled labour from surrounding industrial regions	Availability of labour from nearby areas supports industrial activities
Capital & ownership	Established by private sector (TISCO), with strong financial backing	Established in the public sector with government support and foreign collaboration (Russia)
Market	Close to major industrial regions of eastern India, ensuring a large market	Serves central and western Indian markets efficiently
Other advantages	Long industrial tradition and presence of supporting industries	Planned industrial development with modern technology and infrastructure