Geography Set 23
π
π Physiography β’ Peninsular Uplands
Q.1) According to the macro-physiographic division proposed by Prof. S.P. Chatterji (1964), the Peninsular Uplands of India are divided into how many distinct meso-regions?
Ans > (C) Eight
- Pioneering Geographical Classification: Professor S.P. Chatterjee was a legendary Indian geographer who played a pivotal role in classifying India’s physiographic regions. His comprehensive 1964 framework remains a fundamental cornerstone for understanding the highly diverse physical landscape of the Indian subcontinent today.
- The Eight Meso-Regions: The Peninsular Uplands are structurally complex and vast. Chatterjee systematically divided them into eight meso-regions: North Central Highlands, South Central Highlands, Eastern Plateau, Meghalaya-Mikir Uplands, North Deccan, South Deccan, Western Ghats, and Eastern Ghats.
- Geological Significance of the Uplands: The Peninsular Plateau is one of the oldest, most stable landmasses on Earth, originally part of the ancient supercontinent Gondwanaland. These specific regions feature highly varied rock formations, from Archean gneisses to Deccan basalts, deeply influencing local soil formation and the extensive distribution of mineral resources.
π Drainage System β’ Peninsular Rivers
Q.2) In the senile topography of the Bundelkhand (Vindhyachal) Plateau, which group of rivers is explicitly noted for carving out steep gorges, rapids, and waterfalls?
Ans > (B) Betwa, Dhasan, and Ken
- Understanding Senile Topography: The Bundelkhand Plateau represents a deeply eroded, ancient landscape referred to as “senile topography.” This means the landform has undergone millions of years of weathering, reducing its original massive mountains to rolling, highly degraded terrain with exposed ancient granite bedrocks.
- Fluvial Action in the Region: Despite the flattened general landscape, the active rivers of the regionβprimarily the Betwa, Dhasan, and Kenβhave rejuvenated the topography in localized channels. Their relentless downward cutting action through the hard crystalline rocks has resulted in dramatic, picturesque ravines and steep gorges.
- Hydrological Importance: These rivers are crucial lifelines in an otherwise semi-arid region prone to severe droughts. The Ken-Betwa river interlinking project, a major modern hydrological initiative, aims to transfer surplus water from the Ken basin to the deficit Betwa basin to support widespread irrigation.
π Geology β’ Coal Basins
Q.3) Within the Vindhyachal-Baghelkhand Plateau region, the Singrauli and Dudhi basins are highly significant. They represent basins of which geological period that are rich in coal deposits?
Ans > (A) Lower Gondwana
- The Gondwana Rock System: Over 90% of Indiaβs vital coal reserves are found within the Gondwana rock system, which formed hundreds of millions of years ago. The Lower Gondwana period, specifically the Barakar formations, is globally renowned for hosting the most extensive and high-quality bituminous coal deposits in the country.
- Economic Hub of Singrauli: The Singrauli basin has transformed into one of India’s most critical energy hubs. Often referred to as the “Energy Capital of India,” it hosts numerous massive thermal power plants operated by NTPC and other major conglomerates, relying directly on these ancient coal seams.
- Geological Correction: While some older regional textbooks mistakenly classify these specific basins as Upper Gondwana, modern geological surveys definitively place the primary coal-bearing strata of Singrauli and Dudhi in the Lower Gondwana sequence, reflecting a swampy, heavily forested prehistoric environment.
π Physiography β’ Chotanagpur Plateau
Q.4) The mid-western part of the Chotanagpur Plateau features high-altitude plateaus known regionally as ‘pat lands’. What is the highest general elevation of these pat lands?
Ans > (C) About 1100 m
- Defining Pat Lands: In the local geographical terminology of the Chotanagpur Plateau, “pat” refers to flat-topped, laterite-capped mesas or small plateaus. These unique geological formations stand sharply above the surrounding undulating landscape, presenting distinct, isolated highland environments.
- Topography and Elevation: The Chotanagpur Plateau is characterized by a series of step-like terraces varying heavily in altitude. The pat lands in the mid-western section represent the highest general elevation of this region, averaging roughly 1100 meters above sea level, providing cooler climates compared to the surrounding plains.
- Resource and Tribal Significance: These elevated pat lands are remarkably rich in massive bauxite deposits, making them highly economically significant for India’s aluminum industry. Furthermore, these relatively isolated highlands serve as the traditional, undisturbed home to various indigenous tribal communities like the Asur and Birhor.
π Physiography β’ North-East Hills
Q.5) The Mikir Hills are structurally detached from the Meghalaya Plateau and are surrounded by plains from three sides. What is the southern range of the Mikir Hills, with an elevation of 900 m, locally known as?
Ans > (A) Rengma Hills
- Structural Origins: Geologically, the Mikir Hills in Assam are not part of the Himalayan mountain building process. Instead, they are a detached, northeastern extension of the ancient Indian Peninsular Plateau, separated from the main Meghalaya Plateau by extensive faulting and erosion.
- The Rengma Range: The southern extent of the Mikir Hills transitions into the Rengma Hills, which average about 900 meters in elevation. This specific range is named after the Rengma Naga tribe, an indigenous community that has historically inhabited these rugged, heavily forested slopes.
- Ecological Hotspot: The Mikir and Rengma hills form a vital part of the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Elephant Reserve. The dense tropical forests provide a highly critical natural corridor and elevated refuge for wildlife, especially when the adjacent Brahmaputra plains experience severe annual flooding.
π Geology β’ Deccan Traps
Q.6) The Maharashtra Plateau is predominantly covered by a massive basaltic sheet from the Cretaceous Period. What is the approximate maximum thickness of this basaltic sheet in its western parts?
Ans > (C) 3 km
- The Deccan Traps Formation: The Maharashtra Plateau is the core of the Deccan Traps, one of the largest volcanic provinces in the world. It was formed by enormous fissure eruptions of highly fluid basaltic lava during the late Cretaceous period, roughly 66 million years ago.
- Thickness Gradient: The accumulation of this lava is not uniform. The basaltic sheet reaches its maximum thickness of nearly 3 kilometers in the western parts, near the Mumbai coast and Western Ghats. From this massive western ridge, the thickness gradually diminishes as it stretches toward the east and south-east.
- Soil and Agriculture: The weathering of this massive, dark basaltic rock over millions of years has produced regur, or black cotton soil. This highly moisture-retentive soil is incredibly fertile and forms the absolute backbone of the region’s massive cotton and sugarcane agricultural economy.
π Physiography β’ Central Highlands
Q.7) The Chhattisgarh Plain (Mahanadi Basin) is bordered by a series of hills and plateaus. Which of the following forms part of its northern boundary?
Ans > (B) Lormi Plateau and Pendra Plateau
- The Rice Bowl of Central India: The Chhattisgarh Plain is a highly fertile, saucer-shaped depression drained by the upper Mahanadi River and its vital tributaries. Because of its excellent irrigation and deep soils, this massive basin is popularly known as the “Rice Bowl of Central India.”
- Defining the Boundaries: This central plain is heavily guarded by higher elevations on all sides. The northern boundary is distinctly formed by the rugged Lormi Plateau, the Pendra Plateau, and the Chhuri Hills. The Maikal Range binds it to the west, while southern boundaries touch the Bastar plateau.
- Source of the Narmada and Son: The northern bounding region, particularly around the Pendra Plateau and nearby Amarkantak, is a highly critical hydrological divide in India. It serves as the primary origin point for major rivers flowing in opposite directions, including the Narmada and the Son.
π Physiography β’ Deccan Plateau
Q.8) The Karnataka Plateau is physically divided into two distinct regions. While the deeply dissected and forested northern upland is known as Malnad, what is the southern rolling part called?
Ans > (C) Maidan
- Understanding the Malnad: The Karnataka Plateau is roughly split into two distinct geographic zones. The “Malnad” (meaning ‘land of hills’) forms the rugged, heavily forested western upland bordering the Sahyadris. It is heavily dissected by fast-flowing rivers and receives exceptionally high monsoon rainfall.
- Characteristics of the Maidan: In stark contrast, the “Maidan” (meaning ‘open plain’ or ‘field’) refers to the vast, gently rolling plateau situated to the east and south of the Malnad. It lies in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats, experiencing a much drier, semi-arid climate.
- Economic Contrast: This deep physical division dictates the region’s economy. While the Malnad is famous for its lucrative coffee, pepper, and cardamom plantations nestled in dense rainforests, the Maidan is characterized by extensive open agriculture, producing drought-resistant crops like jowar, ragi, and various oilseeds.
π Geology β’ Eastern Ghats
Q.9) The Tamil Nadu Uplands lie between the South Sahyadri and the coastal plains. In which specific hills of this region are the Archaean charnockite rocks prominently found?
Ans > (A) Javadi and Shevaroy hills
- The Nature of Charnockites: Charnockite is a rare, very hard, granular metamorphic rock that formed under extreme pressure and high temperatures deep within the Earth’s crust during the Archaean eon. It is a defining geological feature of the ancient, stable rock shields in southern India.
- Javadi and Shevaroy Geography: The Javadi and Shevaroy hills are prominent, highly detached block mountains forming parts of the deeply eroded Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu. Their core structures are largely composed of these incredibly resilient charnockite massifs, which have withstood millions of years of severe tropical weathering.
- Plantations and Tourism: Because of their elevation and unique soil chemistry derived from these ancient rocks, the Shevaroy hills boast a cooler microclimate. The hill station of Yercaud, nestled here, thrives on extensive coffee plantations, fruit orchards, and tourism, standing as an oasis above the hot plains.
π Physiography β’ Western Ghats
Q.10) The Western Ghats (Sahyadris) feature several prominent peaks. What is the exact elevation of the Harishchandra peak?
Ans > (A) 1424 m
- The Sahyadri Range: The Western Ghats, known locally in Maharashtra as the Sahyadris, form a nearly continuous mountain escarpment running parallel to India’s western coast. They are recognized globally as a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most critical biodiversity hotspots.
- The Harishchandra Peak: Standing at exactly 1424 meters, Harishchandra is a vital geographical landmark in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. It is part of a complex mass of flat-topped mountains that act as a major water divide between the Godavari and Krishna river basins.
- Historical and Cultural Importance: Beyond its geography, the peak is famous for the ancient Harishchandragad fort, which dates back to the 6th century under the Kalachuri dynasty. The region features spectacular, sheer basalt cliffs like the Konkan Kada, making it incredibly popular among high-altitude trekkers today.
π Physiography β’ Mountain Passes
Q.11) The Palakkad Gap (Palghat) joins Coimbatore with Kochi and Kozhikode in the Western Ghats. What is the general elevation range of this prominent gap above sea level?
Ans > (B) 75 to 300 m
- A Major Geographical Break: The Palakkad Gap is a massive, highly unusual 30-kilometer-wide breach in the otherwise continuous wall of the Western Ghats. It separates the towering Nilgiri Hills to the north from the Anaimalai Hills to the south, creating a low-altitude corridor.
- Elevation and Topography: Despite being surrounded by peaks exceeding 2,000 meters, the floor of the Palakkad Gap sits at a highly accessible elevation range of just 75 to 300 meters above sea level. This flat valley floor consists of severely eroded shear zones in the ancient crust.
- Strategic and Climatic Highway: This gap acts as a critical wind funnel for both the Southwest and Northeast monsoons, heavily altering the climate of neighboring Coimbatore. Historically and today, it serves as the primary transportation and trade artery directly connecting the landlocked plains of Tamil Nadu with Kerala’s ports.
π Physiography β’ Eastern Ghats
Q.12) Mahendragiri is a prominent peak located in the Ganjam District within the Eastern Ghats. What is its exact elevation?
Ans > (A) 1501 m
- The Eastern Ghats Structure: Unlike the continuous Western Ghats, the Eastern Ghats form a highly fragmented, deeply dissected series of discontinuous hill ranges running parallel to the Bay of Bengal. They have been heavily eroded by major east-flowing rivers like the Godavari and Mahanadi over millennia.
- Mahendragiri’s Prominence: Standing at an impressive 1501 meters, Mahendragiri is one of the highest and most prominent peaks in the northern section of the Eastern Ghats. Located in Odisha’s Ganjam district, it represents an ancient surviving massif composed primarily of hard, resistant khondalite rocks.
- Biodiversity and Mythology: The mountain serves as a crucial bio-geographical junction, hosting species common to both the Himalayas and the Western Ghats. It also holds deep mythological significance, frequently cited in the Ramayana and Mahabharata as the sacred abode of the sage Lord Parashurama.
π Physiography β’ Himalayas
Q.13) The Himalayas form a massive mountain arc spanning about 2400 to 2500 km. While they are approximately 400 to 500 km wide in the west, what is their approximate width in the east?
Ans > (A) 150 km
- The Great Himalayan Arc: The Himalayas stretch in a massive convex arc from the Indus River gorge in the northwest to the Brahmaputra River gorge in the east. This 2500-kilometer boundary was formed by the violent, ongoing tectonic collision between the massive Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
- The Width Gradient: The pressure of the tectonic collision was not perfectly uniform. In the western section (Kashmir and Ladakh), the ranges spread out immensely, spanning 400 to 500 km. In contrast, standard NCERT data shows they compress significantly in the east (Arunachal Pradesh), narrowing to approximately 150 km.
- Impact on Elevation: Because the eastern Himalayas are compressed into a much narrower physical space, the altitudinal gradient is incredibly steep. Mountains rise abruptly from the plains of Bengal and Assam, which is why peaks like Kangchenjunga soar dramatically just a short distance from the flatlands.
π Physiography β’ Trans-Himalayas
Q.14) The Trans-Himalayas contain Tethys marine sediments and constitute the core of the Himalayan axis. What is the average width of this northernmost division?
Ans > (B) 40 km
- Beyond the Great Mountains: The Trans-Himalayas, also known as the Tibetan Himalayas, lie immediately to the north of the Great Himalayan range. This massive, high-altitude zone primarily includes rugged mountain ranges like the Karakoram, Ladakh, Zaskar, and Kailash, acting as a massive high-elevation desert.
- Structural Width and Origin: This complex division has an average width of about 40 kilometers. Geologically, it is highly significant because it is composed largely of fossil-rich marine sediments deposited in the ancient Tethys Sea, which existed before the Indian subcontinent collided with the massive Asian landmass.
- Core of the Axis: Despite its relatively narrow width, the Trans-Himalayan zone constitutes the central geological core of the entire mountain system. It is the primary region where the Eurasian plate’s crust heavily deformed, creating a massive, elevated plateau environment featuring extreme cold and extreme aridity.
π Physiography β’ Greater Himalayas
Q.15) The Greater Himalayas rise abruptly like a wall north of the Lesser Himalayas, boasting an average height above 5000 metres. What is the average width of this massive range?
Ans > (A) 25 km
- The Himadri Zone: The Greater Himalayas, also referred to as the Himadri, form the longest, most continuous, and highest mountain range on Earth. This towering barrier is heavily glaciated and contains nearly all of the world’s most formidable fourteen “eight-thousander” peaks, including Mount Everest.
- Narrow but Towering: Despite their immense, world-dominating altitude averaging well over 5000 meters (with many peaks over 8000), the Greater Himalayan range is surprisingly narrow. Its average width is only about 25 kilometers, functioning as a steep, massive, singular tectonic uplift of ancient crystalline granites and gneisses.
- The Great Divide: This tight, highly elevated 25-kilometer band acts as the ultimate climatic and cultural divide in Asia. It completely blocks frigid Central Asian winds from freezing the Indian subcontinent, while simultaneously capturing heavy monsoon moisture to feed the mighty Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems.
π Physiography β’ Lesser Himalayas
Q.16) The Lesser Himalayas represent a highly eroded and rugged mountainous belt. What is the approximate average width of the Lesser Himalayas?
Ans > (C) 80 km
- The Middle Mountains: The Lesser Himalayas, prominently known as the Himachal range, lie sandwiched tightly between the towering Greater Himalayas to the north and the lower Shiwalik foothills to the south. This rugged zone is characterized by a massive network of deeply eroded, complexly folded mountain spurs.
- Width and Composition: This mountainous belt maintains a fairly consistent average width of about 80 kilometers across its length. Geologically, it consists primarily of unfossiliferous sediments and highly metamorphosed crystalline rocks like slates, limestones, and quartzites that have been intensely compressed over millions of years.
- Human Settlement and Hill Stations: Due to its moderate elevations (ranging mostly from 1,300 to 5,000 meters) and pleasant climate, this 80-kilometer-wide band hosts most of India’s famous hill stations. Cities like Shimla, Mussoorie, Nainital, and Darjeeling were systematically developed here during the British colonial era.
π Physiography β’ Shiwaliks
Q.17) The Shiwaliks (Outer Himalayas) form the southernmost foothills of the Himalayan system. In the eastern sections of India, their width narrows down to approximately:
Ans > (A) 8 km
- The Youngest Mountains: The Shiwalik range forms the absolute outermost and geologically youngest foothills of the Himalayan mountain system. Unlike the crystalline inner ranges, the Shiwaliks are formed entirely of loose, unconsolidated river sediments, gravel, and massive conglomerates brought down by fast-flowing Himalayan rivers.
- A Dramatic Narrowing: The width of the Shiwaliks is highly variable. While they stretch up to a substantial 45 to 50 kilometers in width in the western sectors (like Himachal and Punjab), they compress dramatically as they move eastward, narrowing to a mere 8 kilometers near Arunachal Pradesh.
- Landslides and Ecology: Because their width is so compressed in the east and they are made of loose, unconsolidated sediments, the eastern Shiwaliks are exceptionally prone to devastating landslides during the heavy monsoon rains. They are also covered by thick tropical forests, merging directly into the Terai floodplains.
π Physiography β’ Kashmir Himalayas
Q.18) The Kashmir Himalayas span an enormous geographical area in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. What is the total length of this longitudinal division?
Ans > (C) 700 km
- A Massive Sub-Region: The Kashmir Himalayas represent one of the most prominent longitudinal subdivisions of the massive Himalayan range. Sprawling across an estimated area of about 350,000 square kilometers, this sector encompasses incredibly diverse terrains, from the lush Kashmir Valley to the high-altitude deserts of Ladakh.
- Unmatched Dimensions: This highly rugged division stretches continuously for a staggering 700 kilometers in length and spans nearly 500 kilometers in width. This vast size makes it one of the widest and most geographically complex sections of the entire mountain arc, housing multiple parallel subsidiary ranges.
- Geological Complexities: The 700-kilometer stretch contains some of the most critical structural elements in India, including the massive Pir Panjal range, the Zaskar range, and the Karakoram. It is globally famous for the “Karewas”βthick, fertile lacustrine deposits that produce the world’s highest quality saffron.
π Physiography β’ Himachal Himalayas
Q.19) The Himachal Himalayas represent all three major ranges of the mountain system. What is the approximate total area occupied by the Himachal Himalayas?
Ans > (B) 45,000 sq km
- A Perfect Cross-Section: The Himachal Himalayas, stretching predominantly across the modern state of Himachal Pradesh, offer a textbook cross-section of the mountain building process. It is uniquely recognized because all three major longitudinal rangesβthe Greater, Lesser, and Outer (Shiwalik) Himalayasβare prominently and distinctly represented here.
- Geographical Footprint: This massive, highly scenic mountain division occupies a total geographical area of roughly 45,000 square kilometers. It acts as a rugged, highly elevated transition zone between the much broader Kashmir Himalayas to the west and the more compact Kumaun Himalayas to the east.
- Hydrological Powerhouse: The 45,000 square kilometers of the Himachal Himalayas serve as the critical water tower for northern India. It forms the crucial catchment area for several massive rivers of the Indus system, most notably the Chenab, the Ravi, the Beas, and the mighty Sutlej.
π Physiography β’ Kumaun Himalayas
Q.20) The Kumaun Himalayas stretch over a length of 320 km between the Satluj and Kali rivers. What is the total geographical area occupied by this division?
Ans > (A) 38,000 sq km
- River-Bound Boundaries: The Kumaun Himalayas represent a highly distinct longitudinal section of the mountains defined precisely by massive river gorges. This majestic segment stretches exactly 320 kilometers from the roaring Satluj River in the west to the Kali River boundary in the east.
- Compact but Towering: Occupying an area of about 38,000 square kilometers within the state of Uttarakhand, this region is physically more compact than the Kashmir or Himachal sections. However, what it lacks in massive area, it easily makes up for in extreme, towering vertical elevation.
- Home of Giants: This 38,000-square-kilometer zone contains some of India’s absolute highest and most sacred peaks, including Nanda Devi (India’s second highest peak), Kamet, Trisul, and Badrinath. It is widely considered the deeply spiritual heartland of the Himalayas, dotted with ancient pilgrimage trails.
π Physiography β’ Central Himalayas
Q.21) The Central Himalayas stretch for about 800 km from the river Kali to the river Tista. What is the approximate total area covered by this massive mountainous division?
Ans > (C) 116,800 sq km
- The Nepal Sector: The Central Himalayas, frequently referred to in geographical literature as the Nepal Himalayas, represent the longest singular longitudinal division of the entire mountain system. It spans an enormous 800-kilometer stretch securely bracketed by the Kali River in the west and the Tista River in the east.
- Massive Geographical Scope: This division encompasses an approximate massive area of 116,800 square kilometers. While the vast majority of this 116,800 sq km territory lies within the political borders of Nepal, parts of it touch the Indian states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh (Terai border), Bihar, and West Bengal (Darjeeling).
- The Roof of the World: This specific 800-kilometer section is globally famous for hosting the absolute highest concentration of massive peaks on the planet. It is home to Mount Everest, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna, representing the ultimate maximum uplift of the Eurasian tectonic plate.
π Physiography β’ Eastern Himalayas
Q.22) The Eastern Himalayas span across Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan. What is the approximate total area covered by this division between the Tista and Brahmaputra rivers?
Ans > (C) 67,500 sq km
- The Final Mountain Frontier: The Eastern Himalayas represent the dramatic terminus of the massive 2500-km mountain arc. Stretching for about 720 kilometers between the rushing Tista River in Sikkim and the massive Brahmaputra River gorge in Arunachal Pradesh, this region marks where the mountains bend sharply southwards.
- Area and Density: Covering an approximate area of 67,500 square kilometers, this region is intensely compact and heavily forested. Unlike the dry, barren peaks of the western ranges, this entire 67,500 sq km zone is subjected to direct, incredibly heavy rainfall from the powerful Bay of Bengal monsoon branch.
- A Biodiversity Marvel: Because of the lower tree line, extreme moisture, and varied elevations, this specific geographical division is recognized as one of the world’s most critical biodiversity hotspots. It hosts impenetrable broadleaf jungles, highly endangered species, and deeply isolated indigenous tribal cultures.
π Mountain Passes β’ Ladakh
Q.23) The Aghil Pass, joining Ladakh with the Xinjiang Province of China, remains closed during the harsh winter season. Until the first week of which month does it generally remain closed?
Ans > (C) May
- A Strategic Karakoram Gateway: The Aghil Pass is an incredibly remote, high-altitude mountain pass located deep in the mighty Karakoram Range. Situated far north of K2, it historically served as a highly strategic, challenging route connecting the Ladakh region of India with the massive Xinjiang Province of China.
- Extreme Winter Conditions: Due to its immense altitude and extreme northern latitude, the Aghil Pass experiences some of the most brutal winter conditions on Earth. Heavy, unrelenting snowfall forces the massive pass to remain entirely closed and impassable from early November until the first week of May.
- Historical Trade Routes: Before modern geopolitical borders froze movement, this treacherous passβeven with its narrow window of accessibilityβwas a vital artery for ancient caravans. It allowed traders and brave explorers to navigate the massive, frozen void between the Indian subcontinent and the ancient Silk Road oasis towns.
π Mountain Passes β’ Himachal Pradesh
Q.24) The Bara Lacha La pass is located on the National Highway connecting Manali and Leh. What is the precise altitude of this high mountain pass?
Ans > (C) 5045 m
- A Critical Highway Junction: Bara Lacha La, meaning “pass with crossroads on summit,” is one of the most famous and strategically vital mountain passes in India. Located in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, it serves as a critical, high-elevation bottleneck on the famous Manali-Leh Highway.
- Extreme High Altitude: Situated at a breathtaking altitude of exactly 5045 meters (roughly 16,550 feet) above sea level in the mighty Zanskar range, it is significantly higher than many major peaks in Europe. Traversing it requires careful acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness.
- A Hydrological Crossroads: At this 5045-meter summit, geography creates a massive water divide. The pass serves as the primary origin point for two highly critical rivers: the Chandra and the Bhaga. These two fast-flowing rivers merge downstream to form the mighty Chenab River in the Jammu region.
π Mountain Passes β’ Arunachal Pradesh
Q.25) Bomdi La connects Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh with the rest of the region. What is the actual general elevation of this pass?
Ans > (A) 2217 m
- Gateway to Tawang: Bomdi La is a highly significant mountain pass nestled in the dense, forested terrain of the Greater Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh. It acts as the primary, most accessible gateway connecting the remote, strategically vital Tawang district with the Brahmaputra plains of Assam.
- Correcting Geographical Errors: While several older textbooks and poorly vetted study notes falsely list its elevation at a staggering 4331 meters, standard modern topographical surveys confirm that the actual pass and the adjacent town of Bomdila sit at a much more moderate elevation of roughly 2217 meters (about 7,274 feet).
- Strategic Military Importance: Because it provides a relatively low-altitude corridor through the rugged eastern mountains, Bomdi La holds immense military significance. It was a major, heavily contested flashpoint during the intense Sino-Indian War of 1962 when Chinese forces rapidly advanced through this very corridor.
π Mountain Passes β’ Jammu & Kashmir
Q.26) The Burzil Pass, an ancient route which connects Srinagar with Gilgit, is situated at an altitude of approximately:
Ans > (C) 13,800 feet
- The Ancient Imperial Route: The Burzil Pass is a deeply historical mountain pass situated in the harsh, rugged mountains of the Gilgit-Baltistan region. For centuries, it served as the absolute primary imperial route for horses and caravans connecting the lush Kashmir Valley (Srinagar) directly to Gilgit.
- Correcting Typographical Errors: Many older local notes contain a massive typo listing the pass at a mere 5,000 feet. In reality, this formidable pass crosses the Deosai Plains at an intimidating altitude of approximately 13,800 feet (roughly 4,100 meters), making it a high-altitude challenge.
- Geopolitical Closure: Because it sits squarely on the heavily militarized Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan, this 13,800-foot ancient trade artery has been completely closed to all civilian and commercial traffic since the violent partition of the region in 1947.
π Mountain Passes β’ Himachal Pradesh
Q.27) The Debsa Pass provides an easier alternative route to the traditional Pin-Parbati Pass between Kullu and Spiti. What is its exact elevation above sea level?
Ans > (C) 5270 m
- A Modern Discovery: Unlike the heavily trodden ancient silk routes, the Debsa Pass is a relatively recent geographical discovery in the context of trekking. It was actively explored and mapped in the late 1990s by mountaineers looking for safer alternatives to the notoriously dangerous, heavily glaciated Pin-Parbati pass.
- Towering Altitude: Tucked deep within the remote, rugged Greater Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh, the Debsa Pass sits at a towering, oxygen-depleted elevation of 5270 meters. Navigating this height requires advanced trekking skills, extensive glacier walking experience, and top-tier physical endurance.
- Connecting Two Worlds: Despite its massive 5270-meter altitude, it provides a highly crucial, slightly less technical pedestrian link connecting the lush, green, rain-fed Parbati Valley in the Kullu district directly with the barren, arid, high-altitude desert of the Pin Valley in Spiti.
π Mountain Passes β’ Arunachal Pradesh
Q.28) The Likhapani pass serves as a traditional route joining Arunachal Pradesh with Myanmar and remains open throughout the year. At what approximate altitude is it situated?
Ans > (C) More than 4000 metres
- The Eastern Border Gateway: The Likhapani Pass is a crucial, heavily remote mountain pass located in the dense, rugged mountains of the Patkai range in eastern Arunachal Pradesh. It has historically served as a deep, traditional jungle route connecting the isolated northeastern edge of India directly with Myanmar.
- Significant Elevation: Despite being located in a region known for dense, humid tropical jungles at lower elevations, the Likhapani Pass itself crosses the rugged mountain spine at an impressive altitude of more than 4,000 meters above sea level, ensuring a cold, harsh microclimate at the summit.
- Year-Round Accessibility: Unlike the northern Himalayan passes (like Aghil or Bara Lacha La) which are buried under dozens of feet of snow and closed for six months, Likhapani’s unique geographical positioning and local climate patterns allow it to remain technically open and traversable throughout the entire year.
π Mountain Passes β’ Uttarakhand
Q.29) The Mana Pass is a critical high-altitude route connecting Uttarakhand with Tibet, remaining snow-covered for about six months during winter. What is its precise elevation?
Ans > (D) 5611 m
- The Ancient Pilgrim Trail: Mana Pass, historically known as Chirbitya or Dungri La, is one of the highest accessible mountain passes on the planet. Located in Uttarakhand just north of the highly sacred Hindu pilgrimage town of Badrinath, it served as an ancient trade and religious route into Tibet.
- World-Class Elevation: Situated directly on the spine of the Greater Himalayas, the pass reaches a staggering, extreme elevation of exactly 5611 meters (over 18,400 feet). Due to this massive altitude, the region is permanently devoid of vegetation and remains entirely buried in heavy snow for over six months a year.
- Border Security and Access: Today, this 5611-meter pass is a highly sensitive, heavily militarized zone marking the border between India and China. While an incredibly high, rough military motorable road reaches the summit, access is strictly controlled by the ITBP, and civilians require special permits to visit.
π Mountain Passes β’ Uttarakhand
Q.30) Traill’s Pass links the Pindari Valley to the Milam Valley in the Pithoragarh and Bageshwar districts. What is the precise elevation of this highly rugged pass?
Ans > (B) 5212 m
- Colonial Mountaineering History: Traill’s Pass is a legendary, highly difficult mountain pass in Uttarakhand named after George William Traill, the second British Commissioner of Kumaon. He was the very first European to successfully cross this formidable barrier in 1830 while surveying the rugged mountainous borders of the empire.
- An Extreme Glacial Saddle: Located at a precise, oxygen-starved elevation of 5212 meters above sea level, the pass is essentially a steep, heavily crevassed glacial saddle. It sits dramatically at the very end of the massive Pindari Glacier, connecting it over a sharp ridge to the adjacent Milam Valley.
- A Technical Challenge: Because of its 5212-meter altitude and the severe, active glacial icefalls surrounding it, Traill’s Pass is not a standard trekking route. It is considered a highly technical, dangerous alpine climb requiring ropes, ice axes, and expert mountaineering guides to cross safely.
π Quick Summary β Geography Set 23
- Peninsular Uplands: Divided into eight distinct meso-regions by Prof. S.P. Chatterji (1964).
- Bundelkhand Rivers: Betwa, Dhasan, and Ken carve steep gorges in this senile topography.
- Coal Basins: Singrauli and Dudhi belong to the coal-rich Lower Gondwana geological period.
- Pat Lands: These Chotanagpur high-altitude plateaus have a general elevation of about 1100 m.
- Mikir Hills: The southern range (elevation 900 m) is known locally as the Rengma Hills.
- Deccan Traps: The basaltic sheet reaches an approximate maximum thickness of 3 km in the west.
- Mahanadi Basin: The Lormi Plateau and Pendra Plateau border the Chhattisgarh Plain to the north.
- Karnataka Plateau: The southern rolling part is known as Maidan, contrasting the forested Malnad.
- Eastern Ghats: Archaean charnockite rocks are prominent in the Javadi and Shevaroy hills.
- Western Ghats: The Harishchandra peak stands at an exact elevation of 1424 m.
- Palakkad Gap: This prominent gap sits at a general elevation range of 75 to 300 m.
- Mahendragiri Peak: Located in Ganjam District, its exact elevation is 1501 m.
- Eastern Himalayas: Their width compresses significantly to approximately 150 km.
- Trans-Himalayas: This northernmost core division has an average width of about 40 km.
- Greater Himalayas: The Himadri range has a surprisingly narrow average width of 25 km.
- Lesser Himalayas: This eroded and rugged belt maintains an average width of 80 km.
- Shiwaliks: In eastern India, these youngest foothills narrow down dramatically to just 8 km.
- Kashmir Himalayas: This massive longitudinal division spans a total length of 700 km.
- Himachal Himalayas: This cross-section occupies a total geographical area of roughly 45,000 sq km.
- Kumaun Himalayas: Bounded by the Satluj and Kali, it covers 38,000 sq km.
- Central Himalayas: Spanning 800 km, this division covers approximately 116,800 sq km.
- Eastern Himalayas: This terminus zone covers an approximate area of 67,500 sq km.
- Aghil Pass: The extreme winter conditions keep it closed until the first week of May.
- Bara Lacha La: Located on the Manali-Leh highway, its precise altitude is 5045 m.
- Bomdi La: This pass connecting Tawang sits at a general elevation of 2217 m.
- Burzil Pass: This ancient imperial route crosses at approximately 13,800 feet.
- Debsa Pass: An alternative to Pin-Parbati, its precise elevation is 5270 m.
- Likhapani Pass: This Arunachal-Myanmar route sits at an altitude of more than 4000 metres.
- Mana Pass: A highly sensitive route to Tibet, its precise elevation is 5611 m.
- Traill’s Pass: Linking Pindari and Milam valleys, its elevation is 5212 m.
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