India is home to some of the world's most prominent and ancient mountain ranges. These ranges significantly influence the country's climate, biodiversity, river systems, and even cultural practices. The formation of these mountain systems is a result of complex geological processes that span millions of years. In this answer, we will explore the major mountain ranges of India, their formation, and key characteristics.
Formation:
The Himalayas were formed about 50 million years ago due to the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate. This tectonic activity caused the Earth's crust to fold and uplift, giving rise to the Himalayas, which are still rising today.
Characteristics:
World’s Highest Mountains: Includes Mount Everest (8,848 m) and Kanchenjunga (8,586 m).
Three Parallel Ranges:
Greater Himalayas (Himadri): Tallest peaks, perpetual snow.
Lesser Himalayas (Himachal): Moderate altitude, famous hill stations.
Shiwaliks: Lowest, formed by alluvial deposits.
Climate Influence: Acts as a barrier preventing cold winds from Central Asia and causes heavy rainfall in the Indian subcontinent.
Seismic Activity: Highly prone to earthquakes due to ongoing tectonic movements.
Formation:
The Western Ghats are believed to be older than the Himalayas. They were formed by the breakup of the Gondwana landmass and subsequent volcanic activity.
Characteristics:
Location: Runs parallel to the western coast from Gujarat to Kerala.
Height Range: 900–1,600 meters above sea level.
Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to dense forests and endemic species; declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Monsoon Barrier: Blocks the south-west monsoon, causing heavy rainfall on the windward side.
Important Peaks: Anamudi (2,695 m), the highest peak in South India.
Formation:
The Eastern Ghats are ancient fold mountains formed from the drift of the Indian plate and subsequent weathering and erosion over time.
Characteristics:
Location: Extends from Odisha through Andhra Pradesh to Tamil Nadu.
Discontinuous Range: Broken by rivers like Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery.
Lower Elevation: Comparatively lower than the Western Ghats (average height 600 meters).
Erosion-Prone: More eroded due to river action and wind.
Agriculture: Eastern Ghats support terrace farming and are less forested.
Formation:
One of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world, the Aravallis were formed around 3.2 billion years ago during the Archaean era.
Characteristics:
Location: Runs across Rajasthan into Haryana and Delhi.
Depleted Structure: Highly eroded, low in height (Mount Abu is the highest point at 1,722 m).
Mineral Wealth: Rich in minerals like zinc, lead, and marble.
Ecological Importance: Acts as a green barrier preventing the spread of the Thar Desert.
Formation:
Both formed due to block faulting during the breaking up of the Gondwana landmass.
Characteristics:
Location: Central India – running east to west.
Satpura Range: Higher and more rugged (highest peak: Dhupgarh, 1,350 m).
Vindhya Range: Lower and more linear, acts as a natural divide between North and South India.
River Systems: Narmada flows westward between them; Tapi flows south of Satpuras.
Formation:
An eastern extension of the Himalayas, these hills were formed by the bending of the Himalayan range towards the south.
Characteristics:
Location: Covers north-eastern states like Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.
Ranges Included: Patkai, Naga, Lushai, and Mizo Hills.
Dense Forests: Covered with thick vegetation and tribal population.
Strategic Importance: Shares international borders with Myanmar and China.
India’s mountain ranges are a diverse mix of young fold mountains like the Himalayas and ancient remnants like the Aravallis. These ranges are not just geological features but the backbone of India’s climate system, rivers, forests, and human settlements. Understanding their formation and characteristics offers insight into both natural history and regional development. From the lofty Himalayas to the coastal Ghats, these mountains continue to shape India's geography and culture in profound ways.