Question

Which of the following mountain ranges forms the oldest fold mountain system in India?

• A. Himalayas
• B. Aravalli Range
• C. Satpura Range
• D. Western Ghats

Hint:

Remember: Aravalli = Oldest Fold Mountains in India Himalayas = Youngest Fold Mountains in India Guru Shikhar = Highest Peak of Aravalli Range

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Mountains are classified according to their origin, age, and geological structure. India contains both very old and very young mountain systems. The Aravalli Range is considered one of the oldest fold mountain systems not only in India but also in the world.

Detailed Geological Analysis:

• Aravalli Range (Correct Answer): The Aravalli Range is the oldest fold mountain system in India.

• It was formed during the Precambrian and Proterozoic eras more than 1.5 billion years ago.

• Due to prolonged weathering and erosion, its original height has been significantly reduced.

• The range extends approximately 690 km from Gujarat through Rajasthan to Haryana and Delhi.

• Guru Shikhar (1,722 m), located in Mount Abu, is the highest peak of the Aravalli Range.

• Himalayas (Option A): The Himalayas are young fold mountains formed about 40–50 million years ago due to the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate.

• Satpura Range (Option C): The Satpura Range is a block mountain system situated in central India and is not considered the oldest fold mountain system.

• Western Ghats (Option D): The Western Ghats are escarpments associated with the Deccan Plateau rather than ancient fold mountains.
Therefore, the Aravalli Range is the oldest fold mountain system in India.