In Indian soil classification black soil is widely found in the Deccan plateau region and is important for cotton cultivation. Black soil is also commonly known by which of the following alternative names?

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on Indian soils, a staple topic in physical geography. Black soil is one of the major soil types found in India and is closely associated with cotton cultivation. It has a traditional name that often appears in exams, and knowing this synonym helps in scoring easy marks.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The soil type in question is black soil.
• Black soil is common in the Deccan plateau regions of states like Maharashtra and Gujarat.
• The options give different soil names: Khadar, Bhangar, Alluvial, Regur and Laterite.
• Only one of these names is a widely accepted synonym for black soil in India.

Concept / Approach:
Black soil is also called Regur soil in Indian geography. It has high clay content, moisture retaining capacity and is considered ideal for cotton, which is why it is sometimes known as black cotton soil. Khadar and Bhangar are types of alluvial soil, and laterite soil is a separate category formed under intense leaching. Recognising the pairing of black soil with the term Regur is essential for exam preparation.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that black soil is commonly found in the Deccan trap region and supports cotton cultivation. Step 2: Remember that geography textbooks often mention that black soil is also called Regur soil. Step 3: Check the options and identify Regur soil as one of the choices. Step 4: Recognise that Khadar and Bhangar refer to new and old alluvial soil, not to black soil. Step 5: Select Regur soil as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by looking at standard Indian geography notes, which list the major soil types and their local names. These notes consistently state that black soil of the Deccan plateau is called Regur soil and sometimes black cotton soil. In contrast, Khadar, Bhangar, alluvial and laterite soils are classified separately and are not used as synonyms for black soil.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Khadar soil is the newer, more fertile variety of alluvial soil found in river floodplains, not the dark clayey soil of the Deccan.
Bhangar soil is the older alluvial soil that lies above the floodplain level and again is distinct from black soil.
Alluvial soil is a broad category formed by river deposits and includes Khadar and Bhangar, but it is not the same as black or Regur soil.
Laterite soil develops in areas of high rainfall and temperature due to intense leaching and is reddish in colour, not black, so it cannot be a synonym for black soil.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to assume that any fertile sounding term, such as Khadar, can be linked with important crops like cotton, without checking the underlying soil type. Another pitfall is confusion between multiple local names for soils. To avoid this, you should memorise key associations: black soil equals Regur or black cotton soil; alluvial soil includes Khadar and Bhangar; laterite soil appears in high rainfall areas and is red or yellowish. Clear mental mapping of these categories makes questions like this straightforward.

Final Answer:
Black soil in India is also commonly known as Regur soil.