UPSC Prelims 2023 Q9: Geography – Transport & Infrastructure Geography
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?
- (a) Only one
- (b) Only two
- (c) All three
- (d) None
Answer: (d) None
Explanation
Indian Hill Ranges — Geographic Positions
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Correct Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amarkantak Hills = confluence of Vindhya and Sahyadri | FALSE | Amarkantak is where Vindhya and Satpura ranges meet, not Sahyadri. It is in Madhya Pradesh and is the source of Narmada, Sone, and Johila rivers. |
| 2 | Biligirirangan Hills = easternmost part of Satpura Range | FALSE | Biligirirangan Hills are in southern Karnataka/Tamil Nadu border and form the junction of Western and Eastern Ghats, not part of Satpura Range. |
| 3 | Seshachalam Hills = southernmost part of Western Ghats | FALSE | Seshachalam Hills are in Andhra Pradesh and are part of the Eastern Ghats, not Western Ghats. They are part of the Nallamala range. |
All three statements are incorrect → None.
Answer: (d) None.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. 'Only one' — no statement in this group is correct.
- (b) Incorrect. 'Only two' — Biligirirangan Hills belong to the Eastern Ghats-Western Ghats junction, not the Satpura Range.
- (c) Incorrect. 'All three' — all three geographic attributions are factually wrong.
- (d) CORRECT. All three statements contain wrong geographic attributions. Amarkantak = Vindhya-Satpura junction (not Sahyadri); Biligirirangan = EG-WG junction; Seshachalam = Eastern Ghats.
Key point
Amarkantak = Vindhya meets Satpura (source of Narmada). Biligirirangan = junction of Eastern and Western Ghats. Seshachalam Hills = Eastern Ghats (Andhra Pradesh), NOT Western Ghats.
Remember
Amarkantak Hills mark the confluence of Vindhya and Satpura (not Sahyadri) ranges. Seshachalam Hills are in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, not Western Ghats. All three statements are wrong.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Sahyadri (Western Ghats) with Satpura — Amarkantak is where Vindhya meets Satpura, not Sahyadri.
- Placing Biligirirangan in Satpura Range — it is actually a connecting range between Western and Eastern Ghats in Karnataka.
- Misidentifying Seshachalam as Western Ghats — these hills in Andhra Pradesh (famous for red sandalwood and Tirumala) are part of Eastern Ghats.
Exam tip
Amarkantak = Vindhya + Satpura (MP). Biligirirangan = WG + EG junction (Karnataka). Seshachalam = Eastern Ghats (AP/Tirumala). All three statements in the question swap or misplace the ranges — answer is None.
Sources
- NCERT Class 11 Geography — India: Physical Environment, Chapter 2: Structure and Physiography
- Survey of India — Physiographic Divisions