Mountain Ranges in India, Classification, Major Peaks, Importance and Comparison

India is a land of diverse landscapes where mighty rivers, fertile plains, and great mountains shape its geography. Among these, mountain ranges in India play an important role in climate, rivers, biodiversity, and human settlements. From the snow-covered Himalayas in the north to the ancient Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats in the south, every range has a unique significance. For competitive exams, understanding the location, features, and importance of these mountain ranges is very useful.

Mountain Ranges in India

The Mountain Ranges in India form the heart of the country’s geography and environment. From protecting the nation to nurturing rivers, wildlife, and cultures, they hold immense value. For competitive exams, remembering their highest peaks, locations, and features is crucial. Understanding these ranges also helps in appreciating India’s natural diversity and the role mountains play in shaping life across regions.

Major Mountain Ranges in India

The mountain ranges of India can be broadly divided into two categories: young fold mountains like the Himalayas and old fold mountains like the Aravalli. Apart from these, the Deccan Plateau is bordered by the Western and Eastern Ghats, which also hold great ecological and geographical importance.

Classification of Mountain Ranges in India

Mountain ranges in India can be divided into the following categories: Each has a unique history, location, and importance, which makes them a common topic for exam questions.

1. Young Fold Mountains– Himalayas and Purvanchal Hills.
2. Old Fold Mountains– Aravalli Range.
3. Block Mountains– Vindhya, Satpura, and Western Ghats.
4. Discontinuous Hills– Eastern Ghats.

Comparison of Major Mountain Ranges in India

The list of the comparative table for the major mountain ranges of India has been given below:

The Himalayan Mountain Range

The Himalayas are the youngest and tallest mountain range in the world. The name itself means “abode of snow”. They stretch across five Indian states: Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Key Divisions of the Himalayas

• Himadri (Greater Himalayas): Contains the highest peaks like Kanchenjunga and Nanda Devi.
• Himachal (Middle Himalayas): Known for hill stations like Shimla, Manali, and Mussoorie.
• Shiwalik (Outer Himalayas): Consists of foothills, home to national parks like Rajaji and Corbett.

Important Facts for Exams:

• Highest peak in India: Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) in Sikkim.
• Mount Everest (8,849 m) is the world’s highest peak but lies in Nepal.
• Famous passes: Nathu La, Zoji La, Shipki La.
• Major rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Indus, and Brahmaputra originate here.
• Himalayas act as a climate barrier, stopping cold winds from Central Asia.

Aravalli Range

The Aravalli Range is considered one of the oldest fold mountain ranges in the world. It runs across Rajasthan, Haryana, and even touches Delhi. Unlike the Himalayas, these mountains are eroded and not very high.

Important Facts for Exams

• Highest peak: Guru Shikhar (1,722 m) in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.
• Rich in minerals like copper, zinc, and marble.
• Aravallis act as a natural barrier to prevent the expansion of the Thar Desert towards the east.
• The Aravalli forests are important for wildlife like leopards, hyenas, and peacocks.

Western Ghats

The Western Ghats run parallel to the western coast of India. They start near Gujarat and end in Tamil Nadu, passing through Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala.

Important Facts for Exams

• Highest peak: Anamudi (2,695 m) in Kerala.
• Famous passes: Palghat Gap, Bhor Ghat, Thal Ghat.
• Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Known as a biodiversity hotspot with several endemic species.
• Rivers like Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri originate here.
• Western Ghats receive heavy rainfall due to the monsoon.

Eastern Ghats

The Eastern Ghats are discontinuous and broken, unlike the Western Ghats. They run along the eastern coast of India through Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

Important Facts for Exams:

• Highest peak: Jindhagada Peak (1,690 m) in Andhra Pradesh.
• Cut by rivers like Godavari, Krishna, and Mahanadi.
• Rich in minerals such as bauxite and coal.
• Eastern Ghats are less high but play an important role in agriculture and mining.

Vindhya Range

The Vindhya Range lies in central India and stretches across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It is not very high but has great historical importance as it was considered the boundary between North India and South India.

Important Facts for Exams:

• Highest point: Sad-bhawna Shikhar (~750 m).
• Source of important rivers like Chambal, Betwa, and Ken.
• Historically marked the cultural boundary between Aryans in the north and Dravidians in the south.

Satpura Range

The Satpura Range runs parallel to the Vindhyas in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. It is higher than the Vindhyas and covered with dense forests.

Important Facts for Exams:

• Highest peak: Dhupgarh (1,350 m) in Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh.
• Rich in forests, wildlife, and minerals.
• Famous national parks: Satpura Tiger Reserve and Kanha National Park.
• Important for river systems like Narmada and Tapti.

Purvanchal Hills

The Purvanchal Hills are an extension of the Eastern Himalayas and lie in the northeast of India. They include the Naga Hills, Mizo Hills, Patkai Hills, and Manipur Hills.

Important Facts for Exams:

• Highest peak: Blue Mountain (Phawngpui) at 2,157 m in Mizoram.
• Rich in bamboo and forests.
• Important for tea plantations in Assam and Nagaland.
• They also form the natural boundary between India and Myanmar.

Importance of Mountain Ranges in India

Mountain ranges in India are not just physical features. They play a big role in shaping the country’s life and economy.

• Climate Control: Himalayas block cold winds, Western Ghats influence monsoons.
• River Source: Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, and many rivers originate here.
• Biodiversity: Forests, national parks, and rare species are found in these ranges.
• Minerals: Aravallis, Eastern Ghats, and Satpuras are rich in resources.
• Tourism: Hill stations, trekking, and wildlife sanctuaries boost tourism.
• Cultural Significance: Many ancient civilizations and kingdoms developed near these ranges.