Which Indian state receives rainfall from both, the Southwest and Northeast monsoons?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is: (A) Tamil Nadu

• Tamil Nadu is the only Indian state that receives significant rainfall from both the Southwest (June–September) and the Northeast monsoon (October–December).

• While the Southwest monsoon brings limited rainfall to Tamil Nadu due to the Western Ghats' rain-shadow effect, the Northeast monsoon provides the major share (over 50%) of its annual rainfall.

• The Northeast Monsoon, also called the Retreating Monsoon, primarily affects southeastern India, especially Tamil Nadu and parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh.

• Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, receives most of its rain from the Northeast monsoon.

• Tamil Nadu's agriculture, especially paddy cultivation, is heavily dependent on the Northeast monsoon.

• Western Ghats block the Southwest monsoon, making interior Tamil Nadu relatively dry during June–September.

• The Cauvery Delta region benefits from both monsoons and is known as the "Granary of South India."

• Gujarat and Maharashtra receive almost all their rain from the Southwest monsoon; they get negligible rainfall from the Northeast monsoon.

• Bihar, located in the eastern Indo-Gangetic plain, also receives rain primarily from the Southwest monsoon.

• India has four major seasons: Winter (Jan–Feb), Summer (Mar–May), Monsoon (Jun–Sep), and Post-Monsoon/Retreating Monsoon (Oct–Dec).

• The Northeast monsoon winds pick up moisture from the Bay of Bengal, bringing rains to coastal Tamil Nadu.

• The IMD (India Meteorological Department) officially tracks and predicts both monsoon phases for better agricultural planning and disaster management.