In Indian physiographic studies, what is the name of the highest peak in the ancient Aravalli mountain range?

Introduction / Context:
The Aravalli range is one of the oldest fold mountain systems in the world and runs across north western India, mainly through Rajasthan. Knowing the highest peak of each major mountain range is a common requirement in physical geography and often appears in competitive exams. This question tests whether the learner can correctly identify Guru Shikhar, sometimes written as Gurusikhar, as the highest peak of the Aravallis and distinguish it from other prominent peaks in different mountain systems of India.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The mountain range referred to is the Aravalli range. - The task is to identify its highest point or peak. - Options include Gurusikhar, Dodabetta, Anaimudi and Pachmarhi, each linked to different regions. - Only one of these peaks actually lies in the Aravalli range.

Concept / Approach:
The concept involves associating famous peaks with the correct mountain systems. Guru Shikhar is the highest point of the Aravalli range and is located near Mount Abu in Rajasthan. Dodabetta belongs to the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, while Anaimudi is the highest peak in the Western Ghats, and Pachmarhi is associated with the Satpura range. The approach is to recall which peak belongs where and avoid mixing up mountain ranges under exam pressure.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, one can check a reliable physical map of India where mountain ranges and their highest peaks are labelled. Under the Aravalli range near Mount Abu, Guru Shikhar is clearly marked as the highest point. Separate map legends show Dodabetta in Tamil Nadu and Anaimudi in Kerala, confirming that they belong to different ranges. This cartographic evidence aligns with textbook statements that identify Guru Shikhar as the highest peak of the Aravalli system.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Dodabetta peak in the Nilgiris lies in southern India and belongs to the Nilgiri Hills, not the Aravallis. Anaimudi is the highest peak of the Western Ghats in Kerala and is unrelated to the Aravalli range. Pachmarhi is a plateau region in Madhya Pradesh that forms part of the Satpura range; its high point is not the peak of the Aravalli system. None of the above is incorrect because Guru Shikhar is a well established correct answer used in almost all exam references.

Common Pitfalls:
One common pitfall is to memorise peak names without linking them to specific mountain systems, leading to confusion among Guru Shikhar, Dodabetta and Anaimudi. Another mistake is to assume that the most frequently mentioned peak in general discussion must be correct, even if it belongs to another range. Careful map study and repeated revision of lists that pair ranges with their highest peaks help prevent such errors.

Final Answer:
The highest point in the ancient Aravalli mountain range is Gurusikhar peak near Mount Abu in Rajasthan.