Previous Year Question
Which one of the following is the youngest mountain range of India?
Himadri Range
Aravalli Range
Western Ghat
Vindhya Range
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
Himadri (Great/Greater Himalaya) is the northernmost and highest parallel range of the Himalayas. The Himalayas as a whole are Young Fold Mountains, formed as a result of the convergence and collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate.
In contrast, the Aravalli is one of the extremely ancient mountain systems of India. The Vindhya is also associated with the old geological structures of Peninsular India, while the Western Ghats form an old highland margin of the ancient Peninsular Plateau. Thus, among the given options, Himadri belongs to the youngest mountain system.
The average elevation of the Himadri is about 6,000 metres. Its core is composed mainly of granite, it remains permanently snow-bound, and several important glaciers descend from this range.
An important conceptual clarification is necessary—if the question asks for the youngest among the three parallel Himalayan ranges—Himadri, Himachal and Shiwalik—the Shiwalik is regarded as the youngest. Shiwalik is not present among the options in this Question, and UPPSC accepted Himadri as the answer.