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hardQ. No. 14320-which-is-india-s-largest-inland-saline-lake

Which is India’s largest inland saline lake?

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This question examines an important river-or-lake fact: “Which lake in India is a remnant of an ancient sea?” The correct answer is Sambhar Lake. Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan is believed to be a remnant of an ancient sea - specifically the Tethys Sea (which covered much of the Indian subcontinent millions of years ago). The saline nature of the lake supports this theory. The salt deposits in Sambhar are remnants of ancient marine evaporites. They may contain fresh, brackish or saline water, so terms such as lake, lagoon, reservoir and wetland should not be used interchangeably. Examination questions often confuse a river’s source with its mouth, a left-bank tributary with a right-bank tributary, or a natural lake with a reservoir.

AChilika Lake
BSambhar Lake
CLonar Lake
DDal Lake
Correct Answer: Sambhar LakeYour Answer: B

Explanation

Correct Answer: Option B — Sambhar Lake Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan is India’s largest inland saline lake. The lake and its surrounding wetland are also important for migratory waterbirds. - Option A — Chilika Lake: Chilika in Odisha is a coastal brackish-water lagoon connected to the Bay of Bengal. - Option C — Lonar Lake: Lonar in Maharashtra is a meteorite-impact crater lake formed in basaltic rock. - Option D — Dal Lake: Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, is a freshwater urban lake known for houseboats and floating gardens. Exam Takeaway: Sambhar–Rajasthan–inland saline lake is the correct exam combination.

Important Notes

  • Sambhar Lake lies in Rajasthan, mainly within Jaipur and Nagaur districts, in a closed inland drainage basin with no outlet to the sea.
  • Seasonal streams such as Mendha and Rupangarh feed the lake. Strong evaporation concentrates dissolved salts and supports commercial salt extraction.
  • Sambhar Lake was designated a Ramsar Site in 1990. Its shallow saline wetland provides habitat for flamingos and other migratory waterbirds.
  • Sambhar Lake should not be confused with Chilika Lake. Sambhar is inland and saline, whereas Chilika is a coastal brackish lagoon in Odisha.
  • Lonar is an impact crater lake in Maharashtra, while Dal is a freshwater urban lake in Srinagar. Their origin, water type and physical setting differ from Sambhar.

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