Class 12 Geography Chapter 8 Manufacturing Industries
Chapter Overview: Manufacturing Industries
Book: Geography – Part I
Subject: CBSE Class 12 Geography
Chapter Focus
This chapter emphasizes the role of manufacturing industries in India’s economic development. It covers various types of industries, their locational factors, distribution patterns, and the challenges they face. The chapter also explores the relationship between industrialization, urbanization, environmental degradation, and the need for sustainable development in the industrial sector.
About the Chapter: Understanding Manufacturing Industries
Manufacturing is the process of converting raw materials into finished goods on a large scale. It forms the backbone of secondary activities in an economy and is a vital indicator of a nation’s development. India’s industrial sector contributes significantly to GDP, employment, and exports.
The chapter discusses the classification of industries based on raw materials, ownership, and size. It also examines spatial patterns, regional disparities, and government policies that influence industrial location. In addition, it sheds light on environmental concerns related to industrial waste, pollution, and resource depletion, stressing the need for cleaner and more efficient industrial practices.
Key Themes of the Chapter
Classification of Industries
- Based on raw materials: Agro-based, mineral-based, forest-based, animal-based
- By size: Cottage, small-scale, large-scale
- By ownership: Public, private, joint, cooperative
Major Industries in India
- Iron and Steel: Bhilai, Durgapur, Rourkela, Jamshedpur
- Cotton Textiles: Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore
- Sugar Industry: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar
- Cement Industry: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh
- Information Technology: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Noida
Locational Factors of Industries
- Availability of raw materials
- Power supply (electricity, coal)
- Market access and transport facilities
- Capital investment and labour supply
- Government policies and infrastructural support
Industrial Regions of India
- Mumbai-Pune Industrial Region
- Hugli Industrial Belt
- Ahmedabad-Vadodara Region
- Chhota Nagpur Plateau
- Bangalore-Tamil Nadu Industrial Region
Industrial Pollution and Environmental Impact
- Air, water, land, and noise pollution caused by industries
- Depletion of resources and waste generation
- Environmental regulations and role of industries in CSR
Industrial Growth and Challenges
- Regional imbalances in industrial development
- Infrastructure bottlenecks
- Outdated technology and underutilization of capacity
- Global competition and economic liberalization
Major Features of the Period
- Industrial Development Programs: Make in India, Industrial Corridors, SEZs
- Policies Influencing Growth: National Manufacturing Policy, MSME incentives
- Technology Integration: Rise of automation, AI, and green technologies
Important Terminology
- Agro-Based Industry: Uses agricultural products as raw materials (e.g., sugar, cotton)
- Industrial Cluster: Geographic concentration of interconnected businesses
- Pollution Control Board (PCB): Regulatory authority for environmental norms
- Industrial Location Theory: Model explaining why industries are located where they are
- Footloose Industry: Industry not dependent on specific raw material location (e.g., IT)
Key Contributors & Thinkers
- Charles Babbage: Early theorist on industrial efficiency
- Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises: Oversees key sectors in India
- NITI Aayog: Plays a role in modern industrial policy formulation
Debates and Interpretations
- Public vs. Private Ownership: Impact on efficiency, accessibility, and equity
- Sustainability vs. Industrial Expansion: Managing environmental limits while growing
- Urbanization Impact: Industrial growth vs. rising urban congestion and pollution
Why This Chapter Matters
- Economic Growth: Manufacturing drives GDP, exports, and innovation
- Employment Generation: One of the largest sources of direct and indirect jobs
- Balanced Regional Development: Industrial growth helps reduce regional inequalities
- Sustainable Practices: Encourages eco-friendly methods and industrial reforms
Ideal For
- CBSE Class 12 Board Exams: Includes map-based questions, definitions, and case studies
- CUET and UPSC Exams: Useful for questions on industrial geography and Indian economy
- Careers in Industry & Policy Planning: Foundational understanding for economics, planning, and development fields
NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Geography Chapter 8 Manufacturing Industries
Class 12 Geography Chapter 8 NCERT Textbook Questions Solved
Question 1.(i): Which is not a factor of industrial location?
Answer – (c) Population DensityQuestion 1.(ii): The earliest Iron and Steel Company to be established in India was:
Answer – (b) TISCOQuestion 1.(iii): The first modern cotton mill was established in Mumbai because:
Answer – (d) All of the aboveQuestion 1.(iv): The nucleus of the Hugli Industrial Region is:
Answer – (a) Kolkata-Haora (Howrah)Question 1.(v): Which one of the following is the second largest producer of sugar?
Answer – (b) Uttar PradeshQuestion 2.(i): Why do you think that the iron and steel industry is basic to the industrial development of any country?
Answer – The iron and steel industry forms the backbone of industrial development because it provides essential raw materials for various other industries. From construction and transportation to defense and manufacturing, all sectors depend on iron and steel. It is considered a “basic” industry since the development of infrastructure, machinery, and tools begins with products from this sector.Question 2.(ii): Name the two sectors of the cottage textile industries. How are they different?
Answer – The two sectors of the cotton textile industry are:- Organised sector (mills)
- Unorganised/Decentralised sector (handlooms, powerlooms, and khadi)
Question 2.(iii): Why is the sugar industry a seasonal industry?
Answer – The sugar industry depends on sugarcane, a seasonal crop harvested once a year. Since sugarcane is highly perishable and its sucrose content reduces rapidly after harvest, it must be processed immediately. As a result, the operation of sugar mills is limited to the harvesting season, making it a seasonal industry.Question 2.(iv): What is the raw material base for the petrochemical industry? Name some of the products of this industry.
Answer – Crude petroleum is the base for the petrochemical industry. It is refined to produce materials used in:- Polymers (e.g., plastics)
- Synthetic fibres (e.g., nylon, polyester)
- Elastomers (e.g., synthetic rubber)
- Surfactant intermediates (used in detergents and emulsifiers)
Question 2.(v): What is the major impact of Information Technology (IT) revolution in India?
Answer – The IT revolution in India has transformed the economy by creating millions of jobs, boosting exports, and enabling digital transformation across sectors. It led to the rise of BPOs and ITES services, significantly contributing to GDP. Software parks, global outsourcing, and female participation in tech jobs have expanded rapidly, making India a global IT hub.Question 3.(i): How did the Swadeshi movement give a major impetus to the cotton textiles industry?
Answer – The Swadeshi Movement, initiated by Mahatma Gandhi, promoted indigenous industries and discouraged the use of foreign goods. As people boycotted British-made textiles, the demand for Indian-made cotton cloth surged. Capital was invested in setting up new spinning and weaving mills, reviving traditional handlooms and khadi production. This movement reabsorbed rural artisans and craftspeople who had lost their livelihoods under colonial rule. The cotton textile industry became a symbol of national pride and self-sufficiency. It helped generate employment, encouraged local enterprise, and led to the establishment of textile mills that still exist today. The movement significantly boosted the production and distribution of Indian textiles, reviving the industry and contributing to the country’s economic and political independence.Question 3.(ii): What do you understand by liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation? How have they helped industrial development in India?
Answer – The New Industrial Policy of 1991 introduced three major economic reforms—liberalisation, privatisation, and globalisation—to restructure India’s industrial sector and boost economic growth.
Liberalisation refers to reducing government control over industries. Industrial licensing was abolished for most sectors, and restrictions on production and investment were lifted. New sectors like mining, telecommunications, and highway construction were opened to private players.
Privatisation means reducing the role of the public sector and allowing increased participation of private companies in core and non-core industries. Many public enterprises were disinvested, and strategic partnerships were encouraged.
Globalisation involves integrating India’s economy with the world economy. It enabled the free flow of goods, services, capital, and technology across borders. Key measures included:
- Allowing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) across sectors
- Removing entry restrictions for multinational companies
- Facilitating foreign collaborations and joint ventures
- Liberalizing imports by reducing duties and removing quantitative restrictions
- Promoting exports through exchange rate adjustments rather than subsidies
These reforms brought modern technology, global managerial practices, and capital inflow into Indian industries. Domestic firms improved productivity, competitiveness, and innovation, particularly in IT, telecom, automotive, and pharmaceuticals sectors.
However, the benefits were unevenly distributed. Developed states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu attracted the bulk of investments, while economically weaker states and northeastern regions received minimal attention. For example, Uttar Pradesh—India’s most populous state—received only 8% of the proposed investment, and the seven northeastern states got less than 1%, widening the regional economic divide.
In conclusion, while LPG reforms modernised India’s industrial base, they also highlighted the need for balanced regional development and inclusive growth in the liberalised economy.
Class 12 Geography Chapter 8 NCERT Extra Questions
Q1. Why is manufacturing significant?
Answer: Manufacturing industries generate employment directly and indirectly, contribute to national income, and provide essential goods for daily use and development.
Q2. For which industries does the market play an important role in location?
Answer: Cotton textile and petroleum-based industries.
Q3. Which state has the largest number of cotton mills?
Answer: Tamil Nadu.
Q4. Where and when was the first cotton mill set up?
Answer: In Mumbai, in the year 1854.
Q5. Which is the second most important agro-based industry in India?
Answer: Sugar industry.
Q6. Which state is the largest producer of sugar?
Answer: Maharashtra.
Q7. What is the contribution of the IT industry towards India’s GDP?
Answer: The IT industry contributes around 2% to India’s GDP.
Q8. When was the new Industrial Policy undertaken?
Answer: In 1991.
Q9. How many major industrial regions are there in India?
Answer: Eight.
- Mumbai–Pune
- Hugli
- Bengaluru–Tamil Nadu
- Gujarat
- Chotanagpur
- Vishakhapatnam–Guntur
- Gurgaon–Delhi–Meerut
- Kollam–Thiruvananthapuram
Q10. Chhotanagpur Industrial Belt primarily occupies which states?
Answer: Jharkhand, parts of Odisha and West Bengal.
Q11. What is manufacturing?
Answer: Manufacturing is the process of converting raw materials into finished goods using labour, machines, and power on a large scale.
Q12. Classify industries on the basis of size.
Answer:
- Cottage industries
- Medium-scale industries
- Large-scale industries
Q13. Classify industries on the basis of ownership.
Answer:
- Private sector
- Public sector
- Joint sector and cooperative sector
Q14. Classify industries on the basis of product.
Answer:
- Basic industries
- Capital goods industries
- Consumer goods industries
- Intermediate goods industries
Q15. Classify industries on the basis of the use of their products.
Answer:
- Basic goods industries
- Capital goods industries
- Intermediate goods industries
- Consumer goods industries
Q16. When and with whose collaboration was Rourkela Steel Plant established?
Answer: In 1959, with German collaboration, in Odisha.
Q17. When and with whose collaboration was Bhilai Steel Plant established?
Answer: In 1959, with Russian collaboration, in Chhattisgarh.
Q18. Which industries are considered traditional industries?
Answer: Iron and steel, cotton textiles, and sugar industries.
Q19. Why are petrochemical and IT industries considered modern industries?
Answer: Because they use advanced technology, automated processes, and modern machinery.
Q20. Who started the first naphtha-based chemical industry?
Answer: NOCIL (National Organic Chemical Industries Ltd.), established in 1961 in Mumbai.
Q21. What was the impact of the dereservation policy in 1991?
Answer: Industries reserved for the public sector were reduced from 17 to 4, allowing private sector entry in many areas.
Q22. Which sectors have received the highest FDI in India?
Answer: Domestic appliances, finance, services, electronics, electrical equipment, and food/dairy products.
Q23. Name the raw materials essential for the iron and steel industry. Why should it be near raw material sources?
Answer: Raw materials: Iron ore, coal, limestone, dolomite, manganese, and fire clay. These are bulky and weight-losing, so industries are located close to raw material sources to reduce transport cost.
Q24. Why is the iron and steel industry mainly in the public sector?
Answer: Because it requires huge capital investment and long-term returns, which discourages private investors.
Q25. What does TISCO stand for?
Answer: Tata Iron and Steel Company.
Q26. What does IISCO stand for?
Answer: IISCO stands for Indian Iron and Steel Company.
Q27. Name the new steel plants that were set up during the Fourth Plan period. How are they different from earlier ones?
Answer: The Vizag Steel Plant, Vijaynagar Steel Plant, and Salem Steel Plant were established. The Paradip Steel Plant is a recent addition under construction in Odisha. They differ from earlier steel plants as they are not located near major raw material sources, unlike traditional plants such as Bhilai or Rourkela.
Q28. Which city is referred to as the petrochemical industry hub?
Answer: Mumbai is referred to as the hub of the petrochemical industry.
Q29. Name the important petrochemical centres of India.
Answer:
- Auraiya (Uttar Pradesh)
- Jamnagar, Gandhinagar, Hajira (Gujarat)
- Nagothane, Ratnagiri (Maharashtra)
- Haldia (West Bengal)
- Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)
Q30. What are polymers made from?
Answer: Polymers are made from ethylene and propylene, which are by-products of petroleum refining.
Q31. Name the important minor industrial regions of India.
Answer:
- Ambala–Amritsar
- Saharanpur–Muzaffarnagar–Bijnor
- Indore–Dewas–Ujjain
- Jaipur–Ajmer
- Kolhapur–South Kannada
- Northern Malabar
- Middle Malabar
- Adilabad–Nizamabad
- Allahabad–Varanasi–Mirzapur
- Bhojpur–Munger
- Durg–Raipur
- Bilaspur–Korba
- Brahmaputra Valley
Q32. Name the important industrial districts of India.
Answer:
- Kanpur
- Agra
- Gwalior
- Lucknow
- Cuttack
- Aligarh
- Purnia
- Bareilly
- Hyderabad
- Nagpur
- Bhopal
- Jalpaiguri
- Gorakhpur
- Kota
- Jabalpur
Class 12 Geography Chapter 8 Short Answer Type Questions
Q1. List the significance of the secondary sector.
Answer: The secondary sector converts primary products into finished goods of higher value. It provides large-scale employment, enhances productivity, and contributes significantly to national income and economic development.
Q2. Why are synthetic fibres gaining importance? Name some locations where they are located.
Answer: Synthetic fibres are strong, durable, washable, and resistant to shrinkage. They are widely used in fabric manufacturing. Key locations: Kota, Pimpri, Mumbai, Modinagar, Pune, Ujjain, Nagpur, Udhna, Vadodara.
Q3. What is a knowledge-based industry? Why is it gaining importance?
Answer: Knowledge-based industries rely on skilled human capital and technological innovation. The IT and BPO sectors have grown rapidly in India, boosting economic and social transformation, exports, and job creation.
Q4. What is the impact of globalisation in India?
Answer:
- FDI inflows increased
- MNC entry liberalized
- Import duties reduced
- Export competitiveness improved through exchange rate reforms
- Indian firms entered into global collaborations
This integration expanded competition and technology inflow.
Q5. Why is there spatial variation in FDI in India?
Answer: Developed states attract most investments (e.g., Maharashtra 23%, Gujarat 17%) due to better infrastructure. Economically weaker states and the Northeast get less than 1%, widening regional disparities.
Q6. How are industrial regions distributed in our country? List the indices used to identify them.
Answer: Industries cluster in regions with favourable conditions. Indices include:
- Number of industrial units
- Number of workers
- Power consumption
- Industrial output
- Value added by manufacturing
Q7. Give a brief description of IISCO.
Answer: IISCO (Indian Iron and Steel Company) has plants in Hirapur, Kulti, and Burnpur (WB), near coalfields like Raniganj and Jharia. It was taken over by the government in 1972 due to declining production.
Q8. Why are most sugar mills located in sugarcane-producing areas?
Answer: Sugarcane is a perishable, weight-losing crop. Sucrose content depletes quickly after harvesting, so crushing must happen within 24 hours, requiring mills near cane fields.
Q9. Why is the iron and steel industry located in the Peninsular Plateau?
Answer: Proximity to raw materials (iron ore, coal, limestone), low transport costs, and availability of rail connectivity make the plateau ideal for this weight-losing, resource-based industry.
Q10. What are the factors affecting the cotton textile industry in India?
Answer:
- High demand in tropical climate
- Abundant raw cotton supply
- Skilled labour availability
- Traditional expertise passed down generations
Q11. Why did the development of cotton textile industries occur in and around Mumbai?
Answer: Proximity to cotton-growing areas, port access for import/export, financial institutions, skilled labour, and machinery import access made Mumbai ideal for textile mills.
Q12. Give a brief account of the cotton textile industry in India.
Answer:
- Tamil Nadu (largest no. of mills) – Coimbatore prominent
- Karnataka – Northeastern cotton zone
- Telangana – Hyderabad, Warangal, Guntur
- UP – Kanpur, Modinagar
- West Bengal – Howrah, Serampore
Q13. What problems are faced by the cotton textile industry?
Answer:
- Competition from synthetic fibres
- Outdated machinery
- Irregular power supply
- Shortage of long-staple cotton
- Low per-unit productivity
Q14. State the importance of the sugar industry in India.
Answer:
- Second largest agro-industry
- Contributes 8% of global sugar output
- Produces gur and khandsari
- Employs over 4 lakh people
Q15. What are petrochemical industries? Name four sub-groups.
Answer: Industries using crude petroleum by-products. Sub-groups:
- Polymers
- Synthetic fibres
- Elastomers
- Surfactant intermediates
Q16. Name three organisations under the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals.
Answer:
- IPCL (Indian Petrochemical Corporation Ltd.)
- PCL (Petrofils Cooperative Ltd.)
- CIPET (Central Institute of Plastic Engineering & Technology)
Q17. What is the major impact of the IT revolution in India?
Answer:
- Boosted exports and employment
- Created global software hubs
- Surpassed hardware production
- Generated IT parks and training centres
- Attracted foreign companies
Q18. Compare the textile and steel industries.
Answer:
Feature | Textile Industry | Steel Industry |
---|---|---|
Type | Light industry | Heavy industry |
Raw Material | Cotton | Iron ore, coal, limestone |
Market | Domestic and export | Domestic infrastructure |
Labour | Labour-intensive | Capital-intensive |
Sector Origin | Private (early phase) | Public (mostly) |
Q19. What role do manufacturing industries play in development of an economy?
Answer: They create jobs, increase national income, stimulate demand for raw materials and services, and drive the overall development of primary and tertiary sectors.
Q20. Classify industries on the basis of the nature of manufactured products.
Answer:
- Metallurgical industries
- Mechanical engineering industries
- Chemical industries
- Textile industries
- Food processing industries
- Electronics and electrical industries
- Communication industries
Q21. What do you mean by Foot Loose Industries? Give its features.
Answer: Foot Loose Industries are those industries that are not dependent on specific raw materials or location-bound factors such as water supply, heavy transportation, or bulk raw materials. They use light raw materials or component parts that can be transported easily.
Features of Foot Loose Industries:
- They are generally non-polluting.
- They require small-scale operations and use minimal labour.
- Road accessibility is a key factor in their location.
- They can be set up in various locations, including urban, semi-urban, or rural areas.
- Examples include electronics, IT, and light manufacturing units.
Q22. Name some integrated steel plants of India.
Answer: The major integrated steel plants of India are:
- TISCO – Tata Iron and Steel Company (Jamshedpur, Jharkhand)
- IISCO – Indian Iron and Steel Company (Burnpur, West Bengal)
- VISW – Visvesvaraiya Iron and Steel Works Ltd. (Bhadravati, Karnataka)
- Rourkela Steel Plant – Odisha (with German collaboration)
- Bhilai Steel Plant – Chhattisgarh (with Russian collaboration)
- Durgapur Steel Plant – West Bengal (with UK collaboration)
- Bokaro Steel Plant – Jharkhand (with Russian collaboration)
Q23. Name some other steel plants of India other than integrated steel plants.
Answer: Other important steel plants in India include:
- Vizag Steel Plant – Located in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh; India’s first port-based steel plant, started in 1992.
- Vijaynagar Steel Plant – Located at Hospet, Karnataka; developed using indigenous technology.
- Salem Steel Plant – Commissioned in 1982 in Tamil Nadu.
Q24. Name the steel plants of India established in collaboration with a foreign country.
Answer: Steel plants established with foreign collaborations:
- Rourkela Steel Plant – Odisha; collaboration with Germany, began in 1959
- Bhilai Steel Plant – Chhattisgarh; collaboration with Russia (former USSR), began in 1959
- Durgapur Steel Plant – West Bengal; collaboration with the United Kingdom, began in 1962
- Bokaro Steel Plant – Jharkhand; collaboration with Russia (former USSR), established in 1964
Class 12 Geography Chapter 8 Long Answer Type Questions
Q1. Why are most of the iron and steel industries located in the Chhotanagpur Plateau?
Answer: The Chhotanagpur Plateau, covering parts of Jharkhand, northern Odisha, and western West Bengal, is rich in coal, iron ore, manganese, and other raw materials essential for steel production. Key factors:
- Proximity to Damodar Valley coalfields
- Access to iron ore from Singhbhum and water from Subarnarekha
- Availability of cheap labour from nearby states
- Connectivity via roads, railways, and Kolkata Port
- Presence of thermal and hydroelectric power
Major plants like TISCO (Jamshedpur), IISCO (Burnpur), Bokaro, Durgapur, and Rourkela are located here. The region also hosts diverse industries like cement, paper, heavy machinery, and fertilizers.
Q2. Explain the different phases of development of the cotton textile industry in India.
Answer:
- Pre-British era: India was renowned for muslin, calicos, and chintz, mostly produced in cottage industries.
- Colonial period: British exported Indian cotton and sold machine-made cloth back in India. First modern mill set up in Mumbai in 1854; Ahmedabad followed with Shahpur and Calico mills.
- Pre-independence expansion: By 1947, India had 423 mills, but partition caused setbacks.
- Post-independence growth: India retained only 29% of cotton areas but gradually revived through investments, especially in southern and central regions.
Key Centres: Tamil Nadu (Coimbatore, Chennai, Madurai), Maharashtra (Mumbai, Nagpur, Solapur), Karnataka, Telangana, UP (Kanpur), West Bengal (Hugli region). Yarn production dominates in southern states.
Q3. Explain the different phases of development of the petrochemical industry in India.
Answer: Petrochemical industries derive raw materials from crude petroleum and are categorized into:
- Polymers
- Synthetic fibres
- Elastomers
- Surfactant intermediates
Key organizations: IPCL, PCL, and CIPET. First naphtha-based unit: NOCIL, Mumbai (1961).
Major centres: Mumbai, Pimpri, Mettur, Barauni, Rishra. Synthetic fibre hubs: Kota, Pune, Modinagar, Vadodara, Udhna, Nagpur. These industries serve packaging, textiles, household goods, and construction sectors.
Q4. Write a detailed note on the Hugli Industrial Area.
Answer:
Location: Along the Hugli River, extending 100 km from Bansberia to Birlanagar.
Development factors:
- Riverine port of Kolkata
- Rail-road connectivity
- British capital investment (1773–1911)
- Coal from Damodar Valley and jute/tea from Assam & WB
- Proximity to densely populated labour zones
Major industries: Jute (Rishra, Haora), cotton textiles, paper, engineering, petrochemicals (Haldia), Hindustan Motors (Konnagar), and Chittaranjan Diesel Engine Factory.
Key centres: Kolkata, Haldia, Haora, Serampur, Rishra, Belur, Shibpur, Naihati, Titagarh, Shamnagar, Belguria, etc.
Q5. What were the policies adopted under the New Industrial Policy of 1991? What were its objectives?
Answer:
Measures:
- Abolition of industrial licensing (except a few hazardous sectors)
- Open FDI and foreign tech entry
- Free access to capital markets
- Deregulation of location constraints
- Abolition of phased manufacturing and import controls
- Promotion of private sector and disinvestment
Objectives:
- Correct industrial inefficiencies
- Boost productivity and employment
- Encourage international competitiveness
- Strengthen domestic capabilities through liberalization
This policy marked a significant shift towards market-oriented industrial growth.
Q6. Name the major areas where sugar industries are located.
Answer:
- Maharashtra: No.1 producer; Western & Southern districts
- Uttar Pradesh: Ganga-Yamuna Doab (Meerut, Muzaffarnagar), Tarai (Gorakhpur, Bahraich)
- Tamil Nadu: Coimbatore, Vellore, Tiruchirappalli
- Karnataka: Belgaum, Mandya, Shimoga
- Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: East/West Godavari, Nizamabad
- Bihar: Gaya, Champaran, Siwan
- Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, MP: scattered units in cane zones
Q7. Distinguish between the Textile Industry and Steel Industry.
Point of Difference | Textile Industry | Steel Industry |
---|---|---|
Nature | Agro-based | Mineral-based |
Employment | Labour-intensive; high employment | Capital-intensive; relatively less employment |
Capital Investment | Comparatively lower; mostly in private sector | High investment; largely public sector |
Scale & Distribution | Decentralized across regions | Centralized in select industrial belts |
Role | Consumer and basic industry | Basic/key industry; supports other industries |
Class 12 Geography Chapter 8 Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)
Q1. Globalisation has widened the gap between the developed and developing states of India. Justify the statement.
Answer: Globalisation has indeed intensified the economic disparity between states due to uneven distribution of investments:
- FDI concentration: From 1991–2000, Maharashtra (23%), Gujarat (17%), Andhra Pradesh (7%), and Tamil Nadu (6%) attracted the bulk of proposed industrial investments.
- Neglected regions: Despite offering incentives, the northeastern states received less than 1% of total investment.
- Open-market limitations: Underdeveloped states lacked infrastructure and industrial bases, making them less competitive in attracting FDI.
Thus, globalization benefitted industrially advanced states, deepening regional inequalities.
Q2. How does FDI benefit the economy?
Answer: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) brings both capital and expertise into the domestic economy:
- Technological advancement: Brings modern tools and production processes.
- Managerial skills: Access to global best practices in administration and operations.
- Resource optimization: Enhances utilization of natural and human resources.
- Employment generation: Boosts job opportunities in both organized and unorganized sectors.
- Exports and competitiveness: Helps Indian firms integrate into global supply chains, improving trade balance and productivity.
Q3. “Iron and Steel industry is called a basic and heavy industry”. Why? Explain.
Answer: Iron and Steel Industry is termed as:
Basic industry because:
- It forms the foundation for all other industries, including machinery, construction, shipbuilding, etc.
- Almost every other industry relies on its products in some form.
Heavy industry because:
- It uses bulky and weight-losing raw materials like iron ore, limestone, and coal.
- Its products (steel) are also heavy and require extensive transportation.
- Massive capital and energy requirements further categorize it as heavy.
Q4. Discuss the various locational advantages of iron and steel industry in Jamshedpur.
Answer: Jamshedpur, the site of Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO), enjoys:
- Proximity to raw materials:
- Iron ore from Noamundi and Badam Pahar
- Coking coal from Jharia and West Bokaro
- Limestone and dolomite from nearby quarries
- Water supply: From Subernarekha and Kharkai rivers
- Excellent transport connectivity: Connected to Mumbai-Kolkata rail line
- Port access: Just 240 km from Kolkata port
These factors made Jamshedpur ideal for setting up one of India’s earliest integrated steel plants.
Q5. Availability of labour is the biggest cause for development of Hugli industrial region. Justify.
Answer: The Hugli industrial belt in West Bengal thrived largely due to abundant cheap labour:
- Migrant workers from Bihar, eastern UP, and Odisha supported the labour-intensive jute and cotton textile industries.
- Colonial legacy: Kolkata, being the former capital of British India, attracted capital and administrative attention.
- First jute mill: Established in Rishra (1855), initiating industrial clustering.
- Growth of diverse industries: Paper, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, fertilizers, automobiles, and petrochemicals
- Major industries: Hindustan Motors (Konnagar), Diesel engine factory (Chittaranjan), Haldia Refinery
Thus, the labour advantage, along with geographical and infrastructural benefits, led to rapid industrialization.
Class 12 Geography Chapter 8 Important Questions
Question 1. What was the main reason for establishing the first cotton textile mill in Mumbai?
Answer: It was very close to cotton producing areas.
Question 2. Name the iron and steel plant located in Chhattisgarh.
Answer: Bhilai Steel Plant.
Question 3. Which is the largest sugar producing state of India?
Answer: Maharashtra.
Question 4. Which state of India has the largest number of cotton mills?
Answer: Tamil Nadu.
Question 5. Name the two rivers that provide water to Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO).
Answer: Subarnarekha and Kharkai.
Question 6. Why is the large integrated steel industry located close to the source of raw material?
Answer: Because the raw materials like limestone, dolomite, manganese, etc., are heavy and weight-losing, making proximity economical.
Question 7. Explain one reason for the import of petroleum and its products in large quantities in India.
Answer: India’s domestic production is less than the growing demand due to population growth, industrialisation, and better living standards.
Question 8. Mention any two factors responsible for the establishment of cotton textile mills in Mumbai.
Answer:
- Proximity to cotton producing areas of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
- Availability of port, capital, labour, and humid climate.
Question 9. Name the three leading cotton textile producing states of India and the most important centre in each.
Answer:
- Tamil Nadu – Coimbatore
- Maharashtra – Mumbai
- Uttar Pradesh – Kanpur
Question 10. Explain the role of ‘Market’ and ‘Transport’ in the location of industries in India.
Answer:
- Market: Provides a base for selling finished goods; hence industries locate near high demand regions.
- Transport: Ensures easy supply of raw materials and distribution of finished goods; all industries are connected to rail, road, or port systems.
Question 11. Explain the role of ‘Power’ and ‘Raw Material’ in the location of heavy industries in India.
Answer:
- Power: Essential for running machines; industries like aluminium and synthetic nitrogen are located near power sources.
- Raw Material: Industries using heavy raw materials like iron, coal, sugarcane, etc., are located close to raw material sources to reduce cost.
Question 12. Explain any three locational factors which helped in the development of Gujarat Industrial Region.
Answer:
- Located in a cotton-producing area, supporting textile industry.
- Proximity to market and raw materials.
- Discovery of oil led to growth of petrochemical industries in places like Ankleshwar, Vadodara, and Jamnagar.
Long Answer Type Questions:
Question 1. Explain with examples any five geographical factors that affect localisation of an industry at a particular place in India.
Answer: The localisation of industries in a particular place in India is influenced by several geographical factors:
- Raw Materials: Industries using weight-losing raw materials (such as iron ore or coal) are established close to their source to reduce transportation costs.
Example: Iron and steel industries in Bokaro, Durgapur, Bhadravati, and Rourkela. - Power: Industries like aluminium and synthetic nitrogen require huge power and are located near sources of electricity, such as hydroelectric or thermal power plants.
Example: Aluminium plants near thermal power stations. - Market: Industries prefer locations near markets to reduce distribution costs and ensure quick delivery.
Example: Cotton textile industry in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Surat; Petroleum refineries in Koyali, Mathura. - Transport: Efficient transport facilities are necessary for the movement of raw materials and finished goods.
Example: Industrial concentration in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, which have rail, road, air, and port connectivity. - Labour: A large supply of both skilled and unskilled labour is needed for industrial activities.
Example: Cheap labour from Bihar, eastern UP, and Odisha helped the growth of the Hugli industrial region.
Question 2. State five features each of Gujarat industrial region and Chhotanagpur industrial region.
Answer:
Gujarat Industrial Region:
- Lies between Ahmedabad and Vadodara and extends up to Surat and Valsad.
- Cotton textile industry was the initial base of development since 1860.
- Benefited from proximity to both raw material and market, especially after Mumbai’s decline.
- Discovery of oil led to petrochemical industry growth in Ankleshwar, Vadodara, and Jamnagar.
- Koyali refinery provides feedstock to various downstream industries.
Chhotanagpur Industrial Region:
- Covers Jharkhand, northern Odisha, and western West Bengal.
- Developed due to coal availability in the Damodar Valley and mineral resources in Jharkhand.
- Hosts integrated iron and steel plants in Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Rourkela, Burnpur, and Durgapur.
- Power needs are met through thermal and hydro plants along the Damodar River.
- Abundant cheap labour is available from nearby states like Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal.
Question 3. Why do large scale industries choose different locations? Explain any four factors which influence the industrial location.
Answer: Large-scale industries select different locations primarily to maximize profits and minimize production costs. The following factors influence industrial location:
- Raw Materials: Availability of raw materials close to the site reduces transportation costs and ensures steady supply.
- Market Access: Industries prefer locations close to large consumer markets for easier sales and reduced distribution expenses.
- Labour Availability: Proximity to a region with skilled and unskilled workforce ensures smoother operations and lower wage costs.
- Energy Supply: Industries requiring continuous energy supply (e.g., aluminium, steel) need to be near power sources for economic viability.
Question 4. Mention any four major objectives of the New Industrial Policy, 1991 of India. Describe the role of globalisation in achieving these objectives.
Answer:
Major Objectives of the 1991 Industrial Policy:
- Build upon the economic achievements made previously.
- Correct distortions or weaknesses in the existing industrial structure.
- Ensure sustained increase in productivity and employment.
- Attain global competitiveness in Indian industry.
Role of Globalisation in Achieving These Objectives:
- Increased Foreign Investment (FDI): Boosted capital inflow and technology adoption.
- Foreign Technology Access: Improved productivity and product quality through international collaborations.
- Open Trade Policy: Promoted export-oriented industries and global market reach.
- International Competition: Encouraged efficiency, innovation, and high-quality production standards.