IAS Prelims Geography Q.8 – 2023 | Indian Physiography: Hill Ranges

Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk


📍 The Question

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

Correct Answer: (d) None


🎯 Theme of the Question

Indian Geography | Physiography | Hill Ranges | Map-based Accuracy

This is a pure location and association question, designed to test precise map knowledge of Indian hill systems.


🧠 Classroom Explanation

Let us examine each statement carefully.


🔹 Statement 1: Amarkantak Hills are at the confluence of Vindhya and Sahyadri Ranges. ❌

  • Amarkantak is located in Madhya Pradesh
  • It lies at the meeting point of the Vindhya and Satpura ranges
  • Sahyadri Range = Western Ghats, which are far to the west and do not extend here

Statement 1 is incorrect


🔹 Statement 2: Biligirirangan Hills constitute the easternmost part of Satpura Range. ❌

  • Biligirirangan (BR Hills) are located in southern Karnataka–Tamil Nadu border
  • They act as a link between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats
  • Satpura Range is a central Indian range, extending from:
    • Eastern Gujarat → Maharashtra → Madhya Pradesh → Chhattisgarh

Statement 2 is incorrect


🔹 Statement 3: Seshachalam Hills constitute the southernmost part of Western Ghats. ❌

  • Seshachalam Hills (Tirumala Range) are part of the Eastern Ghats
  • Located in Andhra Pradesh (Rayalaseema region)
  • The Western Ghats’ southernmost part lies in Tamil Nadu–Kerala, not Andhra Pradesh

Statement 3 is incorrect


📊 Final Assessment

StatementStatus
Amarkantak at Vindhya–Sahyadri confluence
BR Hills as part of Satpura
Seshachalam as Western Ghats

👉 None of the statements are correct


❌ UPSC Elimination Logic

  • UPSC tests:
    • Confusion between Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and Central Highlands
  • Similar-sounding hill names are used as deliberate traps
  • Exact range association is crucial

🧩 Memory Hooks

  • Amarkantak → Vindhya + Satpura
  • BR Hills → Connector (Western ↔ Eastern Ghats)
  • Seshachalam → Eastern Ghats only

🧠 Prelims Strategy Insight

For hill-range questions:

  • Always ask:
    1. Which system? (Western / Eastern / Central)
    2. Which state belt?
  • Never rely on name similarity

🧭 IAS Monk Whisper

India’s hills may rhyme in name — but never in location.

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