Which is the largest and oldest plateau in India?
a) Chota Nagpur Plateau
b) Malwa Plateau
c) Deccan Plateau
d) Shillong Plateau
vinuthan Changed status to publish
Answer: c) Deccan Plateau
Explanation
- Deccan Plateau: Spanning about 5,000,000 square kilometers (5 lakh sq km) across central and southern India, the Deccan Plateau is both the largest and part of the oldest stable landmass in India.
- Geological Origin: It is a portion of the ancient Gondwanaland supercontinent, composed primarily of Archean crystalline rocks, gneisses, granites, and thick layers of basaltic lava (Deccan Traps) formed millions of years ago.
Overview of Other Options
- a) Chota Nagpur Plateau: Located in eastern India (primarily Jharkhand); famous as India’s mineral heartland (coal, iron, mica), but covers a much smaller area (~65,000 sq km).
- b) Malwa Plateau: Situated in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan north of the Narmada River; forms part of the Central Highlands.
- d) Shillong (Meghalaya) Plateau: An eastern extension/outlier of the main Peninsular Plateau, separated by the Malda Gap.
vinuthan Changed status to publish
