Test: Physical Features Of India- 1 - UPSC MCQ

• Assertion (A) Evaluation: The statement that the Western Ghats are higher in elevation compared to the Eastern Ghats is true. The Western Ghats have an average elevation ranging from 900 to 1600 meters, whereas the Eastern Ghats have an average elevation of about 600 meters. This elevation difference is a geographical fact.
• Reason (R) Evaluation: The reason provided is accurate. The Western Ghats do receive orographic rain as moist winds rise along their western slopes, which leads to significant rainfall in this region. This phenomenon is responsible for the lush greenery and biodiversity found in the Western Ghats.
• Explanation of Answer: Both the Assertion and the Reason are factually correct. However, the Reason is not the direct or sole explanation of the Assertion. While the elevation difference is a contributing factor to the Western Ghats being higher, the primary reason for their elevated status is not solely due to orographic rain.

The northern plains of India primarily consist of older alluvial soil, known as bhangar, and newer alluvial soil, called khadar. The newer alluvial soil, khadar, is renewed annually by the deposit of silt by rivers and is highly fertile, making it ideal for intensive agriculture.

Let's evaluate each statement regarding the physical features of India:

(i) The Himalayas are geologically young and structurally fold mountains.
This statement is correct. The Himalayas are indeed young fold mountains formed due to the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate.

(ii) The Northern Plain is formed of alluvial soil deposited by the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra rivers.
This statement is correct. The Northern Plains are formed by the extensive deposition of alluvium by these river systems.

(iii) The Peninsular Plateau is composed of sedimentary rocks and features steep mountains.
This statement is incorrect. The Peninsular Plateau is primarily composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks, and it is characterized by broad and flat-topped hills rather than steep mountains.

(iv) The Indian Desert lies in the western part of India and is characterized by sandy soil.
This statement is correct. The Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert, is located in the western part of India and is characterized by its sandy soil.

Based on this evaluation:

• Statements (i), (ii), and (iv) are correct.
• Statement (iii) is incorrect.

• Option A: Outer-most range of the Himalayas - Himadri - Incorrect. The outer-most range of the Himalayas is called the Shiwaliks, not Himadri. Himadri refers to the Great or Inner Himalayas.
• Option B: Longest range of the Lesser Himalayas - Pir Panjal - Correct. The Pir Panjal range is indeed the longest and most important range in the Lesser Himalayas.
• Option C: Highest peak of the Himalayas - Kanchenjunga - Incorrect. The highest peak of the Himalayas is Mount Everest, not Kanchenjunga. Kanchenjunga is the third highest peak in the world.
• Option D: Northern Plains - Composed of igneous rocks - Incorrect. The Northern Plains are composed of alluvial soil, not igneous rocks. The alluvium is deposited by the rivers flowing from the Himalayas.

• The Northern Plains of India, formed by the interplay of major river systems like the Indus, the Ganga, and the Brahmaputra, are characterized by alluvial deposits and are considered the most recent landform geologically.
• With fertile soil and favorable climate, this region is agriculturally productive and densely populated.

The area to the north of the Narmada river, covering the Malwa plateau, is referred to as the Central Highlands within the Peninsular plateau. This region is bounded by the Vindhyan range on the south and the Aravalis on the northwest.

The Himalayas form the northern boundary of India, stretching across several states in the northern part of the country.

The Himalayas represent the loftiest and one of the most rugged mountain barriers of the world, showcasing their immense height and formidable nature as a mountain range.

• Option A: The Deccan Plateau - Located north of the Narmada River: This is incorrect. The Deccan Plateau lies to the south of the Narmada River.
• Option B: The Indian Desert - Luni River: This is correct. The Luni River is the only large river in the Indian Desert region.
• Option C: The Brahmaputra Plain - North India: This is incorrect. The Brahmaputra Plain is located in Assam in the eastern part of India, not in North India.
• Option D: The Western Ghats - Parallel to the eastern coast of India: This is incorrect. The Western Ghats lie parallel to the western coast of India, not the eastern coast.

Therefore, the correctly matched pair is "The Indian Desert - Luni River."