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Which of the following mountain ranges is not considered a part of the Himalayan mountain system?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Aravalli

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:

Indian and Asian mountain systems include several important ranges, some of which are closely related to the Himalayas and others that are much older and structurally different. Understanding which ranges belong to the Himalayan and Trans Himalayan systems and which do not is a classic mapping and geomorphology question in exams. This question asks you to identify a mountain range that is not part of the Himalayan chain.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The options are Aravalli, Hindukush, Karakoram, and Kunlun.
  • Hindukush, Karakoram, and Kunlun lie in or near the high mountain belt of Central and South Asia.
  • The Aravalli range lies in western India and is geologically much older.
  • We assume standard geographical classification where Hindukush, Karakoram, and Kunlun are closely associated with the Himalayan and Trans Himalayan region.


Concept / Approach:

The main concept is that the Himalayan mountain system and its extensions include ranges such as the Himalayas in a strict sense, Karakoram, Hindukush, and several Trans Himalayan chains like Kunlun. The Aravalli range, in contrast, is an ancient fold mountain range located in Rajasthan and neighbouring areas. It predates the Himalayas and is not structurally part of the Himalayan orogenic belt. Therefore, Aravalli is the range that is not considered part of the Himalayan chain in standard geographical usage.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Recall that the Aravalli range runs roughly north east to south west across Rajasthan into Haryana and Delhi. Step 2: Remember that the Aravallis are very old fold mountains, significantly older than the Himalayas, and are eroded and low in height. Step 3: Note that the Hindukush, Karakoram, and Kunlun ranges lie in the high mountain region stretching across Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, and Tibet, closely linked to the Himalayan and Trans Himalayan systems. Step 4: On this basis, identify Aravalli as the only range not grouped with the Himalayan chain. Step 5: Choose Aravalli as the correct answer.


Verification / Alternative check:

Physical geography texts classify the Himalayas along with Trans Himalayan ranges such as Karakoram and Ladakh and mention Hindukush and Kunlun as related mountain systems around the Tibetan plateau. In contrast, the Aravalli range is described separately as part of the old fold mountains of the Indian shield region. Maps of orogenic belts confirm this difference: the Aravallis lie far to the south west of the Himalayan zone and are not part of the same young mountain building episode.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Hindukush: This range lies to the north west of the Himalayas and is usually considered related to the same broad mountain system. Karakoram: This is a major Trans Himalayan range that includes peaks such as K2 and is directly linked to the Himalayan region. Kunlun: This range lies to the north of the Tibetan plateau and is part of the system of high mountains around the Himalayas.


Common Pitfalls:

Students sometimes focus only on whether a range is inside India or outside and may mistakenly think that all foreign ranges are not part of the Himalayan chain. Others may not be aware that the Himalayan system includes several associated ranges across international borders. A safer approach is to remember that the Aravalli range stands out as an ancient, low, worn down range in western India, clearly separate from the young, high Himalayan and Trans Himalayan mountains.


Final Answer:

The mountain range that is not considered a part of the Himalayan system is the Aravalli range.

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