All questions of Indian Coastal Plains and the Islands for UPSC CSE Exam

Explanation:

The Eastern Coast of India stretches from Tamil Nadu in the south to West Bengal in the north. It is characterized by a long coastline, dotted with numerous natural harbors and lagoons. The Eastern Coast is divided into several regions, each with its distinct geographical features, culture, and history.

Coromandel Coast:
The Coromandel Coast is a stretch of coastline that runs along the Bay of Bengal from the Krishna River Delta in Andhra Pradesh to the Cauvery River Delta in Tamil Nadu. It is named after the Coromandel tree, which is native to the region. The Coromandel Coast is known for its rich cultural heritage, with several ancient temples, monuments, and forts dotting the coastline. It is also famous for its beautiful beaches, fishing villages, and vibrant local markets.

Other Coasts:
The Konkan Coast is a stretch of coastline that runs along the Arabian Sea from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region in Maharashtra to the Goa-Karnataka border. It is characterized by its rocky terrain, lush greenery, and pristine beaches. The Malabar Coast is a stretch of coastline that runs along the Arabian Sea from Goa in the north to Kanyakumari in the south. It is known for its rich biodiversity, with several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks located along the coastline.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Coromandel Coast is a part of the Eastern Coast of India, which stretches from Tamil Nadu in the south to West Bengal in the north. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful beaches, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

Coral Islands in India
The question pertains to identifying the coral group of islands in India, with the correct answer being option 'D', Lakshadweep. Here’s a detailed explanation:
Understanding Coral Islands
- Coral islands are formed from coral polyps, tiny marine animals that produce calcium carbonate structures over time.
- These islands typically exhibit rich biodiversity and are crucial for marine ecosystems.
Overview of Lakshadweep
- Lakshadweep is an archipelago consisting of 36 islands, located off the southwestern coast of India in the Arabian Sea.
- It is the smallest Union Territory of India and is known for its stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Comparison with Other Options
- Andaman Islands: While they are a group of islands, they are primarily volcanic in origin and not coral.
- Nicobar Islands: Like the Andaman Islands, they are also not coral islands; they have a mix of volcanic and limestone formations.
- Minicoy: Although it is part of Lakshadweep and has some coral formations, it does not represent the entire group of coral islands.
Significance of Lakshadweep
- The islands are essential for biodiversity conservation, tourism, and fisheries.
- Lakshadweep's coral reefs are among the most beautiful in India, attracting eco-tourists and researchers alike.
In conclusion, Lakshadweep stands out as the only coral group of islands in India, distinguished by its unique marine ecology and geographic formation.

The biggest Island of the Indian Ocean is Madagascar. Madagascar, officially the Republic of Madagascar and previously known as the Malagasy Republic, is an island country in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Southeast Africa.

Ashtamudi lake is situated in the Kollam District of Kerala.

Saddle Peak is the highest peak of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It has a height of 732 metres.

• The Piton de la Fournaise, a shield volcano on the eastern end of Réunion Island, rises more than 2,631 m (8,632 ft) above sea level and is sometimes called a sister to Hawaiian volcanoes because of the similarity of climate and volcanic nature.
• It has erupted more than 100 times since 1640, and is under constant monitoring, most recently erupting on 2 April 2020. The hotspot that fuels Piton de la Fournaise also created the islands of Mauritius and Rodrigues.