UPSC Prelims 2008 Q23: Geography – Indian Physical Geography
Which of the following hills are found where the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats meet?
- (a) Anaimalai Hills
- (b) Cardamom Hills
- (c) Nilgiri Hills
- (d) Shevaroy Hills
Answer: (c) Nilgiri Hills
Explanation
Where the Eastern and Western Ghats meet
India's two major mountain ranges converge at a specific hill system in South India.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Anaimalai Hills | Incorrect | Part of the Western Ghats, not the specific meeting point |
| (b) Cardamom Hills | Incorrect | Also part of the Western Ghats, not the specific meeting point |
| (c) Nilgiri Hills | Correct | The Nilgiri Hills are the specific location where the Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats converge/meet |
| (d) Shevaroy Hills | Incorrect | Part of the Eastern Ghats, but not the specific meeting point |
Nilgiri Hills facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Significance | Meeting point of the Eastern and Western Ghats |
| Location | Tamil Nadu-Karnataka-Kerala border region |
Answer: (c) Nilgiri Hills.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Anaimalai Hills are part of the Western Ghats, not this specific meeting point.
- (b) Incorrect. Cardamom Hills are also part of the Western Ghats, not the meeting point.
- (c) CORRECT. The Nilgiri Hills are where the Eastern and Western Ghats converge.
- (d) Incorrect. Shevaroy Hills are part of the Eastern Ghats, not the specific meeting point.
Key point
The Nilgiri Hills are where the Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats meet, at the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka-Kerala border region.
Remember
The Nilgiri Hills are found where the Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats meet.
Common mistakes
- Confusing various Western Ghats sub-ranges (Anaimalai, Cardamom Hills) with the specific Eastern-Western convergence point.
- Mixing up the Shevaroy Hills' Eastern Ghats location with this specific meeting point.
- Not knowing the Nilgiri Hills' unique geographic significance.
Exam tip
Nilgiri Hills = the specific meeting point of the Eastern and Western Ghats. A frequently tested geography fact.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI Geography — India: Physical Environment — Structure and Physiography
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Nilgiri Hills