Which lake in India is widely suspected to have formed due to the impact of a large meteorite on Deccan basaltic rocks of Cretaceous age?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to Indian geography and geology. It asks about a unique lake believed to have formed when a meteorite struck Deccan basalt rocks dating back to the Cretaceous period. Knowing such special features helps you answer questions about geological history and important natural landmarks in India.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The lake is associated with a meteorite impact on Deccan basaltic rocks.
• The Deccan basalts are volcanic rocks laid down during the late Cretaceous period.
• Several well known lakes in Maharashtra are given as options.

Concept / Approach:
Lonar Lake, also called Lonar Crater Lake, is a famous geological site in Maharashtra. It lies in a nearly circular depression that many scientists interpret as an impact crater formed when a meteorite struck the Deccan basalt plateau. The roughly circular shape, raised rim, and other geological evidence support this hypothesis. The lake is saline and alkaline and is often mentioned in both geology and tourism discussions. Other lakes in the options, such as Venna, Rankala, and Ambazari, are not known as meteorite impact structures; they formed by different processes including damming or natural depressions unrelated to a large meteorite impact.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Geography and geology references on Indian landforms often highlight Lonar Crater as a rare example of a meteorite impact crater in basaltic terrain. They mention that the crater is nearly circular, with steep sides and a flat basin filled by the lake. Scientific studies of the rocks around Lonar show shock features and other evidence consistent with an impact event. These details confirm that Lonar Lake is the one associated with the meteorite impact on Deccan basalts, unlike the other lakes listed in the options.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Venna Lake in Mahabaleshwar is incorrect because it is an artificial or partially man made lake built for water supply and tourism, not a meteorite crater.

Rankala Lake in Kolhapur is incorrect because it is a natural lake but not identified as an impact structure formed by a meteorite strike.

Ambazari Lake in Nagpur is wrong because it is a reservoir shaped by human activity and local geography, not by a meteorite impact on Deccan basalts.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse the names of popular tourist lakes in Maharashtra and may pick the one they have heard of most often. Without linking the question to meteorite impact and Deccan basalt geology, it is easy to guess incorrectly. Another pitfall is to overthink the question and assume that multiple lakes might be impact related, when standard textbooks consistently highlight only Lonar Lake for this feature. Remember that the keyword meteorite impact is strongly associated with Lonar Crater Lake.

Final Answer:
The lake suspected to have developed due to a large meteorite impact on Deccan basaltic rocks is Lonar Lake in Maharashtra.