Q1. The oldest mountains are
(a) Himalayas
(b) Aravalis
(c) Satpura
(d) Vindhyas
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (b) Aravalis
Explanation: The Aravali Range, located in western India, is considered the oldest mountain range in India, dating back to the Precambrian era. Unlike the young fold mountains like the Himalayas, the Aravalis have undergone extensive erosion, giving them a rounded and worn appearance.
Q2. Gondwana hills are located in
(a) Punjab
(b) Jammu and Kashmir
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Nagaland
(UPSC Prelims 1979)
Answer: (c) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: The Gondwana Hills, named after the Gond tribe, are situated in Madhya Pradesh. This region is rich in coal deposits and has significant geological importance, linked to the ancient Gondwana landmass.
Q3. The shape of the Himalayas is like
(a) An arc
(b) A curvilinear straight line
(c) A straight line
(d) A right angle
(UPSC Prelims 1986)
Answer: (a) An arc
Explanation: The Himalayas stretch in a crescent-shaped arc from Indus to Brahmaputra, curving along the northern boundary of the Indian subcontinent. This arc-like formation is due to tectonic plate collision.