Which neighbouring country of India is also referred to as "Druk Yul", meaning Land of the Thunder Dragon?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Bhutan

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Druk Yul is a traditional name that often appears in general knowledge and geography questions related to India and its neighbouring countries. The phrase is closely linked to the culture, identity and geography of a particular Himalayan kingdom. Examinations frequently ask about such alternative names or endonyms, so knowing which country is called Druk Yul helps in map-based questions, current affairs, and international relations topics.


Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question clearly states that Druk Yul is a name for a neighbouring country of India.
- The options include several countries in and around South Asia: Myanmar, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
- No additional numerical data or assumptions are required; it is a pure fact-based identification question.


Concept / Approach:
The approach is to recall the traditional names and titles associated with South Asian countries. Druk Yul means Land of the Thunder Dragon in the local language. This name is strongly associated with the Himalayan Buddhist kingdom that lies to the north of India. Awareness of such cultural terms is a part of static general knowledge connected to geography and international affairs.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that the country must share a border with India, so Maldives can be excluded as it is an island nation in the Indian Ocean and does not share a land border. Step 2: Among the remaining options, Myanmar, Bhutan and Afghanistan do share borders with India, while Sri Lanka is separated by sea, so only three strong candidates remain. Step 3: Recall that Bhutan uses the thunder dragon symbol on its national flag and is widely called the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Step 4: Connect this symbolism with the local name Druk Yul, which literally translates to Land of the Thunder Dragon. Step 5: Conclude that Druk Yul refers to Bhutan, making Bhutan the only correct option among the choices.


Verification / Alternative check:
A quick verification method is to remember the flags and emblems of South Asian countries. Bhutan has a dragon on its flag, while Myanmar, Afghanistan, Maldives and Sri Lanka do not use a thunder dragon as a national symbol. This visual association confirms that Bhutan corresponds to Druk Yul, reinforcing the accuracy of the answer without needing any numerical calculation.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Myanmar: Although it borders India, it is not known by the name Druk Yul and does not use the thunder dragon symbol.
Maldives: It does not share a land border with India and is not associated with the name Druk Yul.
Afghanistan: This country has a very different cultural and linguistic background and no link to the Land of the Thunder Dragon phrase.
Sri Lanka: It is a neighbouring island state but is known by names connected to Lanka or Ceylon, not Druk Yul.


Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse various poetic or traditional names of countries, especially when multiple Himalayan nations are involved. Another pitfall is ignoring the border condition and mistakenly focusing on any Asian country. Some examinees may also overthink the question and suspect that Myanmar or Nepal have similar titles, even though that is not correct. Focusing on the association between the thunder dragon symbol and Bhutan helps avoid such confusion.


Final Answer:
The neighbouring country of India that is also referred to as Druk Yul, meaning Land of the Thunder Dragon, is Bhutan.

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