Complete geography notes on all 10 districts of Jammu Division — Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi, Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban. Covers headquarters, rivers, mountain passes, famous places, key exam facts, and 40 MCQs from JKSSB and JKPSC previous year papers.
Jammu Division at a Glance
10
Districts
Jammu
Divisional Headquarters & Winter Capital
Chenab
Major River (longest in J&K region)
3 States / UTs
Borders Punjab, Himachal Pradesh & Pakistan/LoC
Vaishno Devi
Most visited shrine — Reasi district
Brahma Peak
Highest peak — Kishtwar (~6,400 m)
NH-44
Main highway — Lakhanpur to Srinagar
USBRL
Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link
Major Rivers of Jammu Division
Chenab (Chandrabhaga)Enters J&K from HP; flows through Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi, Akhnoor (Jammu). Allocated to Pakistan under Indus Waters Treaty 1960.
TawiTributary of Chenab; originates in Bhaderwah (Doda); flows through Udhampur & Jammu city. Joins Chenab near Akhnoor.
RaviFlows along Kathua district's southern edge; forms part of Punjab border. Western river under Indus Waters Treaty.
UjhTributary of Ravi; flows through Kathua district. Used for Ujh Multi-Purpose Project (under development).
Poonch RiverRises in Pir Panjal; flows westward through Poonch district into PoK; tributary of Jhelum.
Ans (Basantar)Flows through Samba and Kathua; key strategic river — site of Battle of Basantar (1971 war).
Devak / SuruinsarSmall rivers in Udhampur and Samba — feed Surinsar and Mansar lakes respectively.
Munawar TawiFlows through Rajouri district; separate from the Tawi of Jammu; joins Chenab in Mirpur (PoK).
Important Mountain Passes — Jammu Division
Banihal Pass (Banihal Gap)Alt: 2,832 m | Connects Jammu region with Kashmir Valley via Banihal tunnel (NH-44). Most important pass in Jammu Division.
Pir Panjal PassAlt: 3,490 m | Divides Jammu Division (Poonch/Rajouri) from Kashmir Valley. Ancient trade route; now less used.
Mughal Road (Pir Ki Gali)Alt: ~3,400 m | Connects Shopian (Kashmir) with Poonch via Rajouri. Used by Mughal Emperor Akbar.
Sinthan PassAlt: 3,780 m | Connects Kishtwar with Anantnag (Kashmir). Seasonal; used by nomads and trekkers.
Sarthal-Killar PassConnects Doda/Bhaderwah with Chamba (HP); seasonal mountain pass used by Gujjar nomads.
Chenab GorgeNot a pass but a critical geographic feature — NH-44 hugs the Chenab gorge through Ramban-Banihal stretch.
1 District-Wise Geography Notes
1. Jammu
HQ: Jammu city • Winter Capital of J&K UT
Largest city in Jammu Division
Jammu is the Winter Capital of J&K UT and the divisional headquarters of Jammu Division. Located on the banks of the Tawi River, it is J&K's largest city by population and the gateway to the region from Punjab via the Lakhanpur border point. The historic Bahu Fort (built by Dogra king Bahu Lochan) and Mubarak Mandi Palace are key heritage structures. Jammu is also a major pilgrimage centre — the Katra base camp for Vaishno Devi lies within the adjacent Reasi district but is closely connected to Jammu city.
| River | Tawi (tributary of Chenab); Devak nullah |
| Borders | Samba (E), Udhampur (N), Reasi (NW), Punjab (S) |
| Famous Places | Bahu Fort, Mubarak Mandi, Raghunath Temple, Amar Mahal Palace, Peer Khoh Cave |
| Religious Sites | Ranbireshwar Temple (one of India's largest Shiva temples); Nathu Shah Dargah |
| Education | University of Jammu (1969); Jammu University founded here |
| Exam Fact | NH-44 (old NH-1A) starts here; Satwari Airport; SMGS Hospital; Dogra Regiment is associated with Jammu |
2. Samba
HQ: Samba • Carved out of Jammu district in 2007
International Border district
Samba was carved out of Jammu district in 2007 and is one of J&K's newest districts. It shares a long frontier with Pakistan along the International Border (IB) and is strategically critical for border security. The district is known for the twin lakes of Mansar and Surinsar — which are popular religious and tourist sites. The Ans (Basantar) River flows through the district; this river was the site of the famous Battle of Basantar (1971), where Lt. Arun Khetarpal won a posthumous Param Vir Chakra.
| River | Basantar (Ans); Samba nullah |
| Lakes | Mansar Lake (sacred — Nag Puja) & Surinsar Lake (Ramsar Wetland) |
| Famous Places | Samba Fort, Purmandal (Chota Kashi), Panj Tirath |
| Border | International Border with Pakistan; BSF forward posts |
| 1971 War | Battle of Basantar — Param Vir Chakra to Lt. Arun Khetarpal (posthumous) |
| Exam Fact | Mansar-Surinsar are designated Ramsar Wetland sites; district carved from Jammu in 2007 |
3. Kathua
HQ: Kathua • Southernmost district of J&K UT
Gateway from Punjab • Lakhanpur border
Kathua is the southernmost district of J&K UT and the formal entry point of J&K from Punjab at Lakhanpur (the official border check post). The Ravi and Ujh Rivers flow through the district. The district is home to Kathua Industrial Belt — one of J&K's most developed industrial areas. The Ujh Multi-Purpose Project (to store water from Ujh River before it reaches Pakistan) is a strategic project under development here.
| Rivers | Ravi (southern border), Ujh (tributary of Ravi), Tarnah |
| Borders | Punjab (S & SW), Himachal Pradesh (SE), Samba (W), Udhampur (N) |
| Entry Point | Lakhanpur — official check post entry into J&K from Punjab |
| Industry | Kathua Industrial Estate; Bosch, BSL (large factories) |
| Famous | Shiv Khori temple (Ransoo), Basholi (Pahari painting origin), Billawar |
| Exam Fact | Ujh dam project; AIIMS Jammu is being built near Vijaypur, Samba-Kathua belt; NH-44 enters J&K at Lakhanpur |
4. Udhampur
HQ: Udhampur • Northern Command HQ
Indian Army Northern Command
Udhampur is the base of the Indian Army's Northern Command — the military command responsible for the entire J&K, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh sector. It is situated on NH-44 between Jammu and Banihal. The hill station of Patnitop (2,024 m) is a major tourist attraction. The Tawi River originates near Bhaderwah (Doda) and passes through Udhampur before flowing into Jammu city. The Banihal Qazigund Tunnel railway line project passes through the Udhampur-Ramban corridor.
| Rivers | Tawi (originates in Bhaderwah, passes through here), Devak |
| Famous Place | Patnitop (hill station), Kud (local cuisine), Sudh Mahadev, Mantalai |
| Military | Indian Army Northern Command HQ at Udhampur |
| Railway | USBRL Udhampur station is the railhead as of before tunnel completion |
| Altitude Range | Plain to 4,000+ m (Shivalik foothills to Pir Panjal) |
| Exam Fact | HQ Northern Command; Patnitop is a snow destination; NH-44 passes through district |
5. Reasi
HQ: Reasi • Vaishno Devi Shrine district
World's highest railway bridge — Chenab
Reasi district hosts the Vaishno Devi Shrine in the Trikuta Hills — J&K's most visited pilgrimage site (~1 crore pilgrims/year). The Chenab River gorge runs through Reasi, and the district is home to the world-famous Chenab Railway Bridge — part of the USBRL project — which at 359 m height above the river is the world's highest railway arch bridge, taller than the Eiffel Tower. The district was carved out of Udhampur in 2007.
| Rivers | Chenab (major), Anji Khad |
| Shrine | Vaishno Devi in Trikuta Hills; ~1 crore pilgrims annually |
| Railway Bridge | Chenab Bridge — 359 m height, 1,315 m long; world's highest railway arch bridge |
| Salal Dam | Salal Hydro Power Project on Chenab (345 MW) is in Reasi |
| District Year | Carved from Udhampur district in 2007 |
| Exam Fact | Chenab Bridge is taller than Eiffel Tower; Vaishno Devi = most visited shrine; USBRL key station |
6. Rajouri
HQ: Rajouri • LoC bordering district
Mughal Road connects to Poonch & Kashmir
Rajouri is a strategically important Line of Control (LoC) district in southern Jammu Division. It is connected to Poonch via the Mughal Road and to Kashmir via the Pir Panjal mountain passes. The Munawar Tawi River flows through the district. The district has a significant population of Gujjar and Bakerwal nomadic communities. Noori Chhamb is a famous local waterfall. The Rajouri-Poonch corridor was the site of intense battles in the 1947-48 tribal war and continues to be a security-sensitive zone.
| Rivers | Munawar Tawi (joins Chenab in PoK), Ans nullah |
| Borders | Pakistan/LoC (W), Poonch (SW), Reasi (E), Udhampur (NE) |
| Famous | Noori Chhamb waterfall; Rajouri Fort (Dogra era) |
| Mughal Road | Connects Rajouri-Poonch to Shopian (Kashmir) via Pir Ki Gali (3,490 m) |
| Communities | Gujjar, Bakerwal (ST), Pahari communities |
| Exam Fact | 1947-48 tribal raid route; Mughal Road connects it to Kashmir; Gujjar & Bakerwal are STs in J&K |
7. Poonch
HQ: Poonch • LoC border town
Divided by LoC — Poonch town was besieged 1947-48
Poonch is a semi-mountainous district surrounded on three sides by the Line of Control (LoC). Poonch town itself was famously besieged during the 1947-48 tribal war — the civilian population and Indian Army held out for over a year against tribal raiders and Pakistani forces. The Poonch River (tributary of Jhelum) flows westward into PoK. The district is connected to Kashmir Valley via the Mughal Road. The Pir Panjal range forms its northern boundary. Poonch is known for its unique Pahari culture and cuisine.
| Rivers | Poonch River (flows into Jhelum via PoK) |
| Mountains | Pir Panjal (north), various sub-ranges forming LoC |
| LoC | Surrounded on three sides; historically isolated |
| History | Siege of Poonch (1947-48); MVC and PVC winners from this battle |
| Pass | Mughal Road / Pir Ki Gali connects to Shopian (Kashmir) |
| Exam Fact | Poonch River is a Jhelum tributary; Siege of Poonch is a famous military event; Pahari community is from Poonch-Rajouri belt |
8. Doda
HQ: Doda • Chenab River gorge district
Bhaderwah — Mini Kashmir
Doda is a hilly district situated along the Chenab River gorge in the heart of Jammu Division. The Tawi River originates from the Bhaderwah valley in Doda. The sub-district of Bhaderwah is nicknamed "Mini Kashmir" due to its scenic meadows and pleasant climate. It is also home to the Bhaderwah Lavender Festival — lavender cultivation here is one of the few in India. The district was trifurcated in 2007 when Kishtwar and Ramban were carved out of Doda.
| Rivers | Chenab (major), Tawi (originates here in Bhaderwah area) |
| Famous Place | Bhaderwah ("Mini Kashmir"), Sarthal, Chinta Valley, Jai valley |
| Lavender | Bhaderwah is one of India's few lavender cultivation areas; Lavender Festival held annually |
| Trifurcation | Kishtwar and Ramban carved out of Doda in 2007 |
| Passes | Sarthal-Killar pass connects to Chamba (HP) |
| Exam Fact | Tawi originates from Bhaderwah; Doda was largest district before 2007; Lavender cultivation notable |
9. Kishtwar
HQ: Kishtwar • Carved from Doda in 2007
Sapphires • Highest peaks of Jammu Division
Kishtwar is the highest district of Jammu Division in terms of elevation, with several peaks exceeding 5,000 m. Brahma Peak (~6,416 m) is the highest peak in Jammu Division and lies within Kishtwar. The district is world-famous for its blue sapphires (Kishtwar sapphires) — considered among the finest in the world. The Chenab River carves a deep gorge through Kishtwar. The Sinthan Pass connects Kishtwar to Anantnag (Kashmir). The Kishtwar National Park is home to snow leopards, brown bears, and musk deer.
| Rivers | Chenab (major), Marwa, Warwan (sub-valleys) |
| Highest Peak | Brahma Peak (~6,416 m) — highest in Jammu Division |
| Gemstones | Kishtwar Blue Sapphires — world-renowned; Ruby and Tourmaline also found |
| National Park | Kishtwar National Park — snow leopard, brown bear, musk deer |
| Pass | Sinthan Pass (3,780 m) connects to Anantnag (Kashmir) |
| Exam Fact | Kishtwar sapphires world-famous; Brahma Peak is highest in J&K Jammu division; Kishtwar NP is home to snow leopard |
10. Ramban
HQ: Ramban • Carved from Doda in 2007
Banihal Pass • NH-44 lifeline
Ramban is the most critical transit district of J&K, as the only road link between Jammu and Srinagar — NH-44 — passes through its challenging terrain along the Chenab River gorge. The Banihal Pass (2,832 m) and the Banihal Tunnel (2.5 km) lie at its northern end. The USBRL railway project's most challenging section — multiple tunnels and bridges through the Chenab gorge — runs through Ramban. Landslides at Ramban, Mehar, and Chanderkote frequently block NH-44, making it strategically and logistically vital.
| Rivers | Chenab (flows through gorge in district), small tributaries |
| NH-44 | Entire Ramban stretch of NH-44 is prone to landslides; frequent closures |
| Banihal Pass | Alt: 2,832 m; Banihal Tunnel (2.5 km old road); Banihal-Qazigund railway tunnel also nearby |
| USBRL | Most complex section of Udhampur-Srinagar rail link passes through district |
| Famous | Nashri tunnel (New Banihal Tunnel, 8.45 km) dramatically reduces drive time |
| Exam Fact | NH-44 passes through Ramban Chenab gorge; Banihal Pass is main road pass between Jammu and Kashmir; Nashri tunnel 8.45 km |
2 MCQ Practice — Jammu Division Geography
How to Use This Section
- ▶Click an option to select your answer. The correct answer will be highlighted in green.
- ▶Questions are based on JKSSB PYQs (Patwari, Junior Assistant, Finance Accounts Assistant) and JKPSC pattern.
- ▶Click "Show Explanation" after answering to read the detailed note.
Set A — Geography & Physical Features (Q 1–10)
1The world's highest railway arch bridge is being built on which river in J&K?
A. Tawi
B. Chenab
C. Jhelum
D. Ravi
💡 Chenab. The Chenab Railway Bridge (Reasi district) is 359 m above the river bed — taller than the Eiffel Tower (330 m). It is the world's highest railway arch bridge, part of the USBRL project. This is a very frequent JKSSB question.
2Banihal Pass connects which two regions?
A. Jammu and Ladakh
B. Poonch and Kashmir
C. Jammu region and Kashmir Valley
D. Kishtwar and Anantnag
💡 Jammu region and Kashmir Valley. Banihal Pass (2,832 m) in Ramban district is the main road pass on NH-44 connecting the Jammu region to the Kashmir Valley. The Jawahar Tunnel (2.85 km, old road) and the newer Banihal-Qazigund railway tunnel pass through here.
3The Tawi River originates from which area?
A. Pir Panjal range, Poonch
B. Bhaderwah area, Doda district
C. Kishtwar hills
D. Patnitop hills, Udhampur
💡 Bhaderwah area, Doda district. The Tawi River originates in the Bhaderwah sub-division of Doda district. It flows through Udhampur and then through Jammu city, before joining the Chenab River near Akhnoor.
4The Mughal Road (Pir Ki Gali) connects which two areas?
A. Jammu city and Srinagar
B. Shopian (Kashmir) with Poonch (Jammu)
C. Kishtwar and Anantnag
D. Rajouri and Baramulla
💡 Shopian (Kashmir) with Poonch (Jammu). The 84-km Mughal Road (via Pir Ki Gali, ~3,490 m) was historically used by Mughal Emperor Akbar. It connects Shopian in South Kashmir with Poonch in Jammu Division via Rajouri. Seasonal road; closed in heavy snow.
5Sinthan Pass connects Kishtwar to which district of Kashmir?
A. Srinagar
B. Kulgam
C. Anantnag
D. Ganderbal
💡 Anantnag. Sinthan Pass (3,780 m) is a seasonal mountain pass connecting Kishtwar district (Jammu Division) with Anantnag district (Kashmir Division). It is used by nomadic Gujjar and Bakerwal communities during summer migration.
6The highest peak in Jammu Division is:
A. Trikuta Peak
B. Patnitop Peak
C. Pir Panjal Peak
D. Brahma Peak
💡 Brahma Peak. Brahma Peak (~6,416 m) in Kishtwar district is the highest peak in Jammu Division. Trikuta Hills (in Reasi) are where Vaishno Devi is located. Patnitop (~2,024 m) is a tourist hill station in Udhampur.
7Which river flows through Jammu city?
A. Chenab
B. Ravi
C. Tawi
D. Poonch River
💡 Tawi. The Tawi River flows through Jammu city and is deeply associated with the city's identity. It is a tributary of the Chenab. Jammu is sometimes called the "City on the Tawi."
8Under the Indus Waters Treaty 1960, the Chenab River is allocated to:
A. India
B. Pakistan
C. Shared equally
D. China
💡 Pakistan. Under the Indus Waters Treaty 1960, the three "western rivers" — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab — were allocated to Pakistan. India got the "eastern rivers" — Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej. India can use western rivers for limited non-consumptive purposes.
9Which district of Jammu Division is known for its sapphire mines?
A. Doda
B. Ramban
C. Kishtwar
D. Udhampur
💡 Kishtwar. Kishtwar is world-famous for its blue sapphires, considered among the finest quality sapphires globally. The district also has deposits of rubies and tourmaline. Kishtwar sapphires are among the costliest in the world.
10Nashri Tunnel (New Banihal Tunnel) has approximately what length?
A. 2.85 km
B. 8.45 km
C. 11.2 km
D. 5.5 km
💡 8.45 km. The Nashri Tunnel (officially T-2 or New Banihal Tunnel) is approximately 8.45 km long on NH-44 between Ramban and Banihal. It dramatically reduces drive time through the treacherous Banihal Pass stretch. The old Jawahar Tunnel is 2.85 km.
Set B — Districts, HQs & Key Facts (Q 11–20)
11The Indian Army's Northern Command Headquarters is located at:
A. Jammu
B. Srinagar
C. Udhampur
D. Leh
💡 Udhampur. The Indian Army's Northern Command HQ is at Udhampur. It covers J&K UT, Ladakh UT, and Himachal Pradesh. This is one of the most strategically important military commands in India and a very frequent JKSSB question.
12Which two districts were carved out of Doda district in 2007?
A. Reasi and Ramban
B. Kishtwar and Ramban
C. Samba and Reasi
D. Rajouri and Poonch
💡 Kishtwar and Ramban. In 2007, Doda district was trifurcated into three districts: Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban. In the same exercise, Samba was carved from Jammu and Reasi from Udhampur.
13Mansar and Surinsar Lakes are located in which district?
A. Jammu
B. Udhampur
C. Kathua
D. Samba
💡 Samba. Mansar Lake (sacred to Nag Puja; large crocodile population) and Surinsar Lake are both in Samba district. They are twin lakes designated as a Ramsar Wetland site. Mansar is famous for the Nag Bali ritual and is a popular religious-tourist destination.
14Vaishno Devi shrine is located in the Trikuta Hills of which district?
A. Jammu
B. Udhampur
C. Reasi
D. Rajouri
💡 Reasi. Vaishno Devi shrine (at Katra base) lies in Reasi district, within the Trikuta Hills. While Katra is closely associated with Jammu city, it is administratively in Reasi district. About 1 crore pilgrims visit annually, making it one of India's most visited shrines.
15The entry point of J&K from Punjab is the border check post at:
A. Suchetgarh
B. Lakhanpur
C. Akhnoor
D. Basholi
💡 Lakhanpur. Lakhanpur (Kathua district) is the official entry check post into J&K UT from Punjab on NH-44. Vehicles entering J&K are checked here. It is J&K's "gateway from India."
16"Mini Kashmir" is the nickname for which sub-division of Jammu Division?
A. Patnitop (Udhampur)
B. Bhaderwah (Doda)
C. Sarthal (Doda)
D. Marwa Valley (Kishtwar)
💡 Bhaderwah (Doda). Bhaderwah, a sub-division of Doda district, is nicknamed "Mini Kashmir" due to its scenic meadows, lush valleys, cool climate, and resemblance to Kashmir. It also hosts the Bhaderwah Lavender Festival.
17The Battle of Basantar (1971 India-Pakistan War) was fought in which present-day district?
A. Jammu
B. Kathua
C. Samba
D. Rajouri
💡 Samba. The Battle of Basantar (December 1971) was fought near the Basantar (Ans) River in present-day Samba district. Lt. Arun Khetarpal, 17 Poona Horse, was awarded the Param Vir Chakra (posthumously) for his heroism in this tank battle.
18The Salal Hydro Power Project (345 MW) is on which river?
A. Tawi River
B. Chenab River
C. Jhelum River
D. Ravi River
💡 Chenab River. The Salal Hydro Power Project (345 MW) is located in Reasi district on the Chenab River. It was one of India's first large projects on the Chenab and was completed in stages (1987-1995). NHPC operates it.
19Kishtwar National Park is home to which endangered big cat?
A. Bengal Tiger
B. Clouded Leopard
C. Snow Leopard
D. Asiatic Lion
💡 Snow Leopard. Kishtwar National Park is one of J&K's most important wildlife reserves and is habitat for the endangered snow leopard. It also has brown bears, musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and various Himalayan birds.
20Patnitop hill station is located in which district?
A. Ramban
B. Doda
C. Udhampur
D. Reasi
💡 Udhampur. Patnitop (2,024 m) is a popular hill resort in Udhampur district on NH-44. It is known for meadows, pine forests, skiing, and paragliding. It is about 112 km from Jammu city.
Set C — History, Culture & Economy (Q 21–30)
21The historic Bahu Fort in Jammu was built by which Dogra ruler?
A. Gulab Singh
B. Bahu Lochan
C. Ranbir Singh
D. Hari Singh
💡 Bahu Lochan. Bahu Fort (on a hillock above the Tawi) was originally built by Dogra King Bahu Lochan about 3,000 years ago. It houses the Mahakali temple. The fort was later reinforced by the Mughals and then the Dogra rulers. Do not confuse with Gulab Singh (founder of Dogra dynasty in J&K).
22Basholi in Kathua district is famous for:
A. Saffron cultivation
B. Pashmina weaving
C. Pahari miniature paintings
D. Sapphire mining
💡 Pahari miniature paintings. Basholi (Kathua district) is the birthplace of the Basholi School of Pahari Painting — a distinctive 17th-18th century miniature painting style characterised by bold colours, beetle-wing decoration, and use of white lead. It is a UNESCO-recognised art form.
23The Siege of Poonch (1947-48) was notable because:
A. India launched the first aerial attack
B. The civilian population and army held out for over a year against tribal raiders
C. Pakistan captured the entire district
D. First use of tanks in J&K
💡 Civilians and army held out for over a year. Poonch town was besieged by tribal raiders and Pakistani forces from October 1947. The Indian Army and local population held out until the ceasefire in January 1949 — over 14 months. Many from Poonch received gallantry awards for this exceptional resistance.
24Ranbireshwar Temple in Jammu is dedicated to which deity and is notable for:
A. Durga — largest Durga temple in India
B. Shiva — one of India's largest Shiva temples with massive Shivlingas
C. Vishnu — famous for Dwarkadhish idol
D. Krishna — annual Janmashtami fair
💡 Shiva — one of India's largest Shiva temples. Ranbireshwar Temple (Jammu city) was built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1883. It has 12 Shivlingas of crystal and one of the largest single Shivalinga in India. It is the principal Shiva temple of Jammu and a major pilgrimage site.
25The Ujh Multi-Purpose Project, currently under development, is on which river?
A. Chenab
B. Tawi
C. Ujh (Ravi tributary)
D. Basantar
💡 Ujh (Ravi tributary). The Ujh Multi-Purpose Project in Kathua district is on the Ujh River (a tributary of the Ravi). It aims to store Ujh water before it flows into Pakistan (under Indus Waters Treaty, India cannot fully utilise Ravi but can store limited amounts). A major strategic water project.
26The USBRL stands for:
A. Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link
B. Udhampur-Shopian-Banihal Road Link
C. Upper Sindh-Baramulla River Link
D. United State-Border-Railway Line
💡 Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link. USBRL is the ambitious 272-km railway project connecting Udhampur (Jammu) with Baramulla (Kashmir). The Chenab Bridge (Reasi), Anji Khad Bridge, and multiple Himalayan tunnels are its highlights. Declared a National Project in 2002.
27Gujjars and Bakerwals in J&K are recognised as:
A. Scheduled Castes (SC)
B. Other Backward Classes (OBC)
C. Scheduled Tribes (ST)
D. Minority community
💡 Scheduled Tribes (ST). Gujjars and Bakerwals are the major Scheduled Tribe communities of J&K. They are nomadic pastoralists who practice transhumance — descending to the plains of Jammu Division in winter and moving to alpine pastures of Kashmir/Ladakh in summer. They are concentrated mainly in Rajouri, Poonch, and Doda districts.
28Purmandal, called "Chota Kashi", is located in which district?
A. Reasi
B. Samba
C. Udhampur
D. Kathua
💡 Samba. Purmandal (also called Chota Kashi or "Mini Varanasi") is in Samba district on the banks of the Devak stream. It has numerous ancient Shiva temples and is famous for the Shivratri fair. It is one of Jammu Division's most important religious sites after Vaishno Devi.
29Bhaderwah is known for the cultivation of which aromatic crop — one of the few in India?
A. Saffron
B. Lavender
C. Rose
D. Jasmine
💡 Lavender. Bhaderwah (Doda district) is one of the very few places in India where lavender is successfully cultivated commercially. The Bhaderwah Lavender Festival is an annual event. This initiative is part of J&K's "Purple Revolution" — linking it to the global essential oils and cosmetics industry.
30Shiv Khori temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva) is in which district?
A. Reasi
B. Rajouri
C. Jammu
D. Kathua (Ransoo area)
💡 Kathua (Ransoo area). Shiv Khori temple is situated in the Ransoo area of Kathua district (sometimes listed under Reasi sub-tehsil, but the main access is via Pouni in Reasi). It is a cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a major pilgrimage site, second only to Vaishno Devi in Jammu Division. Note: Some books list it under Reasi — check the latest administrative records for your exam.
Set D — Quick Fire Round (Q 31–40) — PYQ Pattern
31The University of Jammu was established in:
A. 1948
B. 1969
C. 1975
D. 1956
💡 1969. The University of Jammu was established in 1969 under the Jammu and Kashmir University Act 1969. It was bifurcated from the earlier unified J&K University (originally founded 1948 as University of J&K).
32Akhnoor, known for the Akhnoor Fort, is in which district and on which river?
A. Samba, on Basantar River
B. Jammu, on Chenab River
C. Reasi, on Tawi River
D. Udhampur, on Devak stream
💡 Jammu, on Chenab River. Akhnoor is a town in Jammu district on the banks of the Chenab River, where the Tawi meets the Chenab. The Akhnoor Fort (Dogra era) is a heritage structure. NH-144A passes through here.
33Which district of J&K shares a border with Himachal Pradesh on its southeast?
A. Jammu
B. Rajouri
C. Kathua
D. Udhampur
💡 Kathua. Kathua district shares borders with Punjab (south/southwest) and Himachal Pradesh (southeast/east). It is the southernmost J&K district touching three states/UTs: Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and the rest of J&K.
34Samba district was carved out of Jammu district in which year?
A. 2006
B. 2007
C. 2010
D. 1995
💡 2007. In 2007, J&K government carved five new districts: Samba (from Jammu), Reasi (from Udhampur), Kishtwar (from Doda), Ramban (from Doda), and Shopian (from Pulwama). This brought the total to 22 districts (later changed to 20 after some mergers).
35The Marwa and Warwan valleys are part of which district?
A. Doda
B. Ramban
C. Kishtwar
D. Rajouri
💡 Kishtwar. The Marwa and Warwan valleys are picturesque sub-valleys of Kishtwar district, drained by the Chenab tributaries. They are remote, high-altitude areas used as summer pastures by Gujjar and Bakerwal nomads and are popular trekking destinations.
36Which winter sport/activity is Patnitop (Udhampur) primarily known for?
A. Ice hockey
B. Skiing and snowboarding
C. Polo
D. River rafting
💡 Skiing and snowboarding. Patnitop (~2,024 m, Udhampur) is one of J&K's prominent skiing and winter sports destinations in Jammu Division. It receives heavy snowfall and is developed by J&K Tourism for snow sports. Unlike Gulmarg (Kashmir), Patnitop is more accessible from Jammu.
37Ramban is most strategically significant because:
A. It shares LoC border with Pakistan
B. NH-44 (the only Jammu-Srinagar road) passes through it along Chenab gorge
C. It has major oil reserves
D. Headquarters of BSF western command
💡 NH-44 passes through Ramban along Chenab gorge. The entire Jammu-Srinagar road (NH-44) squeezes through the narrow Chenab gorge in Ramban district. Landslides here routinely block the only road link, isolating Kashmir Valley. USBRL's most complex tunnel-and-bridge section also runs through Ramban.
38The Ravi River forms part of the border of which J&K district with Punjab?
A. Samba
B. Jammu
C. Kathua
D. Reasi
💡 Kathua. The Ravi River flows along the southern edge of Kathua district, forming part of the boundary with Punjab. Ravi is an "eastern river" allocated to India under the Indus Waters Treaty.
39Noori Chhamb waterfall is in which district?
A. Poonch
B. Rajouri
C. Reasi
D. Doda
💡 Rajouri. Noori Chhamb is a scenic waterfall in Rajouri district, one of the most popular natural attractions in the district. "Chhamb" means waterfall in local Dogri/Pahari parlance (another famous Chhamb is the Chhamb sector near Akhnoor in Jammu district).
40Which hydropower project on the Chenab in Reasi district has a capacity of 1000 MW and is under construction?
A. Salal II Project
B. Baglihar Dam Extension
C. Pakal Dul Project
D. Kiru Hydro Power Project
💡 Kiru Hydro Power Project. The Kiru HEP (624 MW, not exactly 1000 MW — note: sometimes the Kwar project at 540 MW is also cited; the cluster of Chenab projects in Kishtwar-Reasi includes Kiru 624 MW, Kwar 540 MW, Pakal Dul 1,000 MW). Pakal Dul (1000 MW) is actually on the Marusudar tributary (Kishtwar). All are NHPC projects. Key exam note: Pakal Dul = 1,000 MW, largest under construction on a Chenab tributary.
3 Quick Reference — All 10 Districts at a Glance
| District | HQ | Key River | Famous For | Borders |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jammu | Jammu city | Tawi | Winter Capital, Bahu Fort, Raghunath Temple | Punjab, Samba, Udhampur, Reasi |
| Samba | Samba | Basantar (Ans) | Mansar-Surinsar Lakes, IB border, 1971 war | Pakistan IB, Punjab, Kathua, Jammu |
| Kathua | Kathua | Ravi, Ujh | Lakhanpur entry, Basholi paintings, Shiv Khori | Punjab, HP, Samba, Udhampur |
| Udhampur | Udhampur | Tawi | Army Northern Cmd, Patnitop, Sudh Mahadev | Jammu, Kathua, Ramban, Reasi, Doda |
| Reasi | Reasi | Chenab | Vaishno Devi, Chenab Bridge (world's highest), Salal Dam | Udhampur, Ramban, Rajouri, Jammu |
| Rajouri | Rajouri | Munawar Tawi | Mughal Road, Noori Chhamb, LoC, Gujjars | LoC Pakistan, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur |
| Poonch | Poonch | Poonch River | Siege of Poonch 1947-48, Mughal Road, Pir Panjal | LoC Pakistan (3 sides), Rajouri |
| Doda | Doda | Chenab, Tawi | Bhaderwah "Mini Kashmir", Lavender, Tawi origin | Kishtwar, Ramban, Udhampur, HP |
| Kishtwar | Kishtwar | Chenab | Sapphires, Brahma Peak, Kishtwar NP, Sinthan Pass | Doda, Ramban, Anantnag (Kashmir), HP |
| Ramban | Ramban | Chenab | NH-44 Chenab gorge, Banihal Pass, Nashri Tunnel | Kishtwar, Doda, Udhampur, Anantnag (Kashmir) |
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