CAPF AC 2022 Q85: Geography – Indian Physical Geography
- (a) Aravalli Hills
- (b) Karbi Anglong Hills
- (c) Shivalik Hills
- (d) Vindhyan Hills
Answer: (b) Karbi Anglong Hills
Explanation
Extension of the Deccan Plateau in the north-east
How to think: NCERT says an extension of the Peninsular (Deccan) Plateau is seen in the north-east.
It is known as the Meghalaya Plateau, Karbi Anglong Plateau and North Cachar Hills.
A fault, the Malda gap, separates it from the Chotanagpur Plateau.
| Hill range | Belongs to |
|---|---|
| Karbi Anglong Hills (Assam) | Deccan or Peninsular Plateau (north-eastern extension) |
| Aravalli Hills | Old fold mountains on the north-west edge of the Central Highlands |
| Vindhyan Hills | Southern edge of the Central Highlands, north of the Narmada |
| Shivalik Hills | Himalaya, the outermost range |
How NCERT divides the Peninsular Plateau: the Central Highlands lie north of the Narmada.
The Deccan Plateau lies south of it, with its extension in the north-east.
Answer: (b) Karbi Anglong Hills.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Aravallis border the Central Highlands in the north-west.
- (b) CORRECT. The Karbi Anglong Plateau is the north-eastern extension of the Deccan Plateau.
- (c) Incorrect. The Shivaliks are the outer Himalaya, young fold mountains.
- (d) Incorrect. The Vindhyas bound the Central Highlands, not the Deccan Plateau.
Key point
NCERT Class IX: the Deccan Plateau is a triangular landmass south of the Narmada; its extension in the north-east is the Meghalaya, Karbi Anglong Plateau and North Cachar Hills, separated by a fault from Chotanagpur. Hills from west to east: Garo, Khasi, Jaintia.
Remember
Karbi Anglong and Meghalaya = Deccan Plateau's north-east extension.
Common mistakes
- Marking the Vindhyas, which belong to the Central Highlands in NCERT's scheme.
- Thinking all hills of the north-east are part of the Himalaya.
- Forgetting the Malda gap between Chotanagpur and the Meghalaya Plateau.
Exam tip
Educated guess: this is a known surprise fact: the Meghalaya and Karbi Anglong plateaus are made of old peninsular rock, though they sit in the north-east.
Sources
- NCERT Class IX Geography — Contemporary India I, Chapter 2: Physical Features of India (the Peninsular Plateau)
- NCERT Class XI Geography — India: Physical Environment, Chapter 2: Structure and Physiography