CAPF AC 2021 Q99: Geography – Indian Physical Geography
In India, Cardamom Hills are regarded as a continuation of the
- (a) Eastern Ghats
- (b) Mizo Hills
- (c) Naga Hills
- (d) Western Ghats
Answer: (d) Western Ghats
Explanation
Cardamom Hills
How to think: place the hills on the map.
The Cardamom Hills are in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, at the southern end of the Western Ghats.
| Hill range | Location | Part of |
|---|---|---|
| Cardamom Hills | South Kerala and Tamil Nadu | Western Ghats (southern continuation) |
| Anaimalai Hills | Kerala and Tamil Nadu; has Anamudi, 2,695 m | Western Ghats |
| Nilgiri Hills | Meeting point of the Western and Eastern Ghats | Western Ghats |
| Mizo Hills, Naga Hills | North-east India | Purvanchal |
Order from north to south: Nilgiri → Anaimalai → Cardamom.
The Palghat gap separates the Nilgiris from the Anaimalai Hills.
Answer: (d) Western Ghats.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Eastern Ghats run along the east coast and end near the Nilgiris.
- (b) Incorrect. The Mizo Hills are in the north-east, part of the Purvanchal.
- (c) Incorrect. The Naga Hills are also in the north-east.
- (d) CORRECT. The Cardamom Hills continue the Western Ghats in the far south.
Key point
Western Ghats, north to south: Sahyadri (Maharashtra, Karnataka), Nilgiri, Anaimalai, Cardamom (Elamalai). Anamudi (2,695 m) is the highest peak of peninsular India; Doddabetta (2,637 m) is in the Nilgiris.
Remember
Nilgiri → Anaimalai → Cardamom: all Western Ghats.
Common mistakes
- Marking the Eastern Ghats because the hills extend into Tamil Nadu.
- Placing the Cardamom Hills north of the Nilgiris instead of at the southern tip.
- Mixing up Anamudi (Anaimalai Hills) with Doddabetta (Nilgiri Hills).
Exam tip
Educated guess: cardamom is the famous spice of Kerala, and Kerala lies along the Western Ghats. Two options are in the far north-east and can be removed at once.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI Geography — India: Physical Environment, Chapter 2: Structure and Physiography (the Peninsular Plateau)
- NCERT Class IX Geography — Contemporary India I, Chapter 2: Physical Features of India