- Cartographic standardisation: India has assigned standard names to 27 geographical places and features in Arunachal Pradesh for use on official maps.
- 21 localities/land features: These include Longju, Maja, Bisa, Bara Kundun, Chhota Kundun, Dhan Bari, Pritnagar, Buddhamandir, Jairampur, Teritnagar, Ramnagar, Jaswant Garh, Sagar, Padma, Jyotinagar, Baisakhi, Chhota Ropuk, Bara Ropuk, Shivaji Nagar, Sunpura and Kamlang Nagar.
- 4 mountain passes: Dzo La, Riza La, Pukur La and Thag La.
- Lake: Sambho Sarovar.
- Memorial: Sher-e-Thapa Memorial.
- Strategic significance: The standardisation strengthens India’s official cartographic and territorial assertion over Arunachal Pradesh.
- India-China context: China claims Arunachal Pradesh as “Zangnan” and has repeatedly attempted to assign Chinese names to places in the region.
- India’s position: India maintains that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India.
- McMahon Line: It is associated with the eastern sector of the India-China boundary and remains disputed by China.
Prelims Question – English
Q. With reference to the recent standardisation of geographical names in Arunachal Pradesh, consider the following statements:
- India has standardised the names of 27 geographical places and features in Arunachal Pradesh on its official maps.
- The identified features include mountain passes, a lake and a memorial.
- The exercise is significant in the context of the India-China territorial dispute over Arunachal Pradesh.
- China recognises Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct: India has standardised 27 geographical names/features in Arunachal Pradesh on official maps.
- Statement 2 – Correct: The list includes four mountain passes, Sambho Sarovar and Sher-e-Thapa Memorial, besides other localities/features.
- Statement 3 – Correct: The move has significance amid the continuing India-China boundary dispute.
- Statement 4 – Incorrect: China disputes India’s sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh.
