Question 68 from UPSC CSE 2023 - Geography

Question

Consider the following statements:
1. Amarkantak Hills are at the confluence of Vindhya and Sahyadri Ranges.
2. Biligirirangan Hills constitute the easternmost part of Satpura Range.
3. Seshachalam Hills constitute the southernmost part of Western Ghats.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. None of the above statements is correct

Strategy: *   Identify the correct location of Amarkantak Hills at the junction of the Vindhya and Satpura Ranges, disproving its association with Sahyadri (Western Ghats).
*   Distinguish Biligirirangan Hills in southern Karnataka from the central Indian Satpura Range.
*   Confirm Seshachalam Hills are in Andhra Pradesh as part of the Eastern Ghats, not the Western Ghats.

Key Info: *   **Amarkantak Hills** -- Located in Madhya Pradesh, a unique plateau at the meeting point of the Vindhya and Satpura Ranges, not Sahyadri (Western Ghats). It is a major watershed area, source of Narmada, Son, and Mahanadi rivers.
*   **Vindhya Range** -- Runs roughly east to west across central India, forming the southern edge of the northern Indian plateau.
*   **Sahyadri / Western Ghats** -- Stretches parallel to the western coast of India from Gujarat to Tamil Nadu, traversing Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala. Distinct from Vindhya and Satpura.
*   **Satpura Range** -- Extends from eastern Gujarat across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh to Chhattisgarh. Lies north of the Western Ghats and is not connected to southern hill ranges of Karnataka or Tamil Nadu.
*   **Biligirirangan Hills** -- Situated at the border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, part of the Western Ghats, forming a wildlife corridor. Has no connection to the Satpura Range, which is further north and central.
*   **Seshachalam Hills** -- Located in southern Andhra Pradesh (Tirupati district), part of the Eastern Ghats, not the Western Ghats. Known for biodiversity and Tirumala temples.
*   **East-West Distinction**
    *   **Eastern Ghats** -- Discontinuous hill ranges along eastern India.
    *   **Western Ghats** -- Forms a continuous chain along the western coast.

Based on established Indian geomorphology, all statements presented are factually incorrect.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: Only one

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Only two

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: All three

Consider the following statements: Amarkantak Hills are at the confluence of Vindhya and Sahyadri Ranges. Biligirirangan Hills constitute the easternmost part of Satpura Range. Seshachalam Hills constitute the southernmost part of Western Ghats. How many of the statements given above are correct?