Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (B) — 2 only
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedStatement 1 is incorrect: Black cotton soil (Regur) is predominant in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, whereas Tamil Nadu's predominant soils are red and alluvial. Tamil Nadu's textile mills import raw cotton from other states.
Statement 2 is correct: Tamil Nadu (specifically Coimbatore, Tirupur, etc.) developed as a major spinning hub due to the abundant availability of skilled and semi-skilled textile labor, reliable power infrastructure (hydel power from Pykara in the early phase), and favorable industrial climate.
Tamil Nadu is dominated by red soil, not black soil, eliminating Statement 1 immediately.
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