Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 275

The famous 'Zanskar' range falls in the:

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the major Himalayan ranges and their geographical positions.

Correct Answer: A) Greater Himalayas.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Civil Services

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Zanskar range is a significant mountain range located in the western part of the Himalayas, primarily within the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Himalayas are the highest and most continuous mountain range in the world, and they are divided into several sub-ranges based on their geographical and geological characteristics. The Zanskar range is part of the Greater Himalayas, which are the highest and most continuous part of the Himalayan system.

The Himalayas can be broadly classified into three main ranges: the Greater Himalayas, the Lesser Himalayas, and the Outer Himalayas (also known as the Shivalik range). The Greater Himalayas, also known as the Himadri or the Inner Himalayas, are the highest and most continuous range, consisting of some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest. The Zanskar range is situated within this high-altitude range, characterized by its rugged terrain, deep valleys, and high peaks.

The Lesser Himalayas, also known as the Himachal, are a lower range located south of the Greater Himalayas. They include ranges such as the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar. The Shivalik range, which is the outermost and lowest range of the Himalayas, is located further south and is characterized by its relatively lower elevation and more gentle slopes.

It is important to understand the geographical and geological distinctions between these ranges to correctly identify the location of the Zanskar range. The Zanskar range is not part of the Shivalik range or the Lesser Himalayas, nor is it located near the Nepal border. Instead, it is a significant part of the Greater Himalayas, which are the highest and most continuous range in the Himalayan system.

Understanding the geographical context of the Zanskar range is crucial for students preparing for competitive examinations such as the UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, and Civil Services, where questions on Indian geography and the Himalayan ranges are common. The Zanskar range's location in the Greater Himalayas is a key piece of information that helps in comprehending the broader geographical layout of the Himalayan region.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is correct. The Zanskar range is part of the Greater Himalayas, which are the highest and most continuous mountain range in the world. The Zanskar range is located in the western part of the Himalayas, primarily in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. The Inner Himalayas, also known as the Himachal, are a different classification within the Himalayan system and do not include the Zanskar range. The Zanskar range is part of the Greater Himalayas.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. The Shivalik range is a lower range of the Himalayas and is not where the Zanskar range is located. The Zanskar range is part of the Greater Himalayas, which are much higher and more continuous.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The Zanskar range is located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, not near the Nepal border. It is part of the Greater Himalayas, which are located in the western part of the Himalayan range.

Mnemonic: Zanskar in Greater, not Lesser

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