Question

The first range of Himalayas to the North of Ganga Plains is the ______________.
A. Satpura Mountains
B. Shiwaliks
C. Garo Hills
D. Khasi Hills

Answer 1

Hint: The Himalayas are the loftiest mountain system of the world with many parallel ranges. They represent young folded rock strata of sedimentary rocks.

Complete Answer: The Himalayas are sectioned into three parallel ranges - the Himadri or the Greater Himalayas; the Himachal or the Lesser Himalayas; and the Shiwaliks or the Outer Himalayas. The Shiwaliks or the Outer Himalayas is the first range of Himalayas to the North of Ganga Plains. The height of the Shiwalik range is very low in comparison to that of the Himadri and the Himachal ranges. The average height of this range from the sea level is between 900 to 1100 metre. Its width is 10 to 50 kilometres.

Now let us examine the options
Option A - Satpura Mountains is a range of hills which is situated in central India. It is a part of the Deccan plateau and is regarded as a horst mountain because of its uplift structure. It rises in the state of Gujarat and runs through the border of the Indian states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh till Chhattisgarh.
Option B - Shiwaliks is also known as Outer Himalayas due to its outer location. It is the first range of Himalayas to the North of Ganga plains and comprises layered rocks of about 6000 metres. The Shiwaliks are formed by the erosion caused by the rise of Himalayas. It is known as Churia Hills in Nepal.
Option C - Garo Hills are a part of the Garo-Khasi range found in the Indian state of Meghalaya. The Garo tribal people reside in this region.
Option D - Khasi Hills are a part of the Garo-Khasi-Jaintia range. A low formation mountain situated on the Shillong plateau of Meghalaya connects with the Purvanchal range and Patkai range on the north-eastern border with Myanmar.

Thus, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: Ganga plains lie in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It consists of a number of historically well-known areas, such as the Ganga Yamuna Doab, Awadh and Mithila Plains. The plain has been formed by the debris brought down by the Yamuna, Ganga and Ghaghra.