Part of: Sikkim Gk set 1

Which state has the highest peak in India, Kangchenjunga?

Category: Sikkim Gk

Hint: Consider the location of Kangchenjunga.

Correct Answer: B) Sikkim

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Kangchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,586 meters (28,169 feet). It is located on the border between Sikkim in India and Nepal, with its summit in Sikkim. The name "Kangchenjunga" is derived from the Tibetan language, where "Kangchen" means "five treasures" and "Dzö-nga" means "of the snows." The mountain is considered sacred by the local Sikkimese people and is often referred to as the "Five Treasures of the Great Snow." The five treasures refer to the five peaks of Kangchenjunga, which are all over 8,000 meters in height.

India is home to several high peaks, but Kangchenjunga is the highest. It is part of the Himalayan mountain range, which stretches across several countries, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. The Himalayas are the highest mountain range in the world and are home to many of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest, which is the highest peak in the world.

While several Indian states have high peaks, the location of Kangchenjunga makes Sikkim the state with the highest peak in India. Other states with high peaks include Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh. However, the highest peaks in these states are not as high as Kangchenjunga. For example, the highest peak in Himachal Pradesh is Reo Purgyil, which is 7,240 meters (23,753 feet) high, and the highest peak in Uttarakhand is Nanda Devi, which is 7,816 meters (25,643 feet) high.

Understanding the geographical distribution of high peaks in India is important for students studying geography and for those preparing for competitive examinations that test knowledge of Indian geography. Kangchenjunga's location in Sikkim is a key fact to remember, as it is the highest peak in India and a significant landmark in the region.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. Himachal Pradesh is known for several high peaks, but Kangchenjunga is not located in this state. The highest peak in Himachal Pradesh is Reo Purgyil.
  • Option B: Correct. Kangchenjunga is located on the border between Sikkim and Nepal, with its summit in Sikkim, making it the highest peak in India.
  • Option C: Incorrect. Arunachal Pradesh has several high peaks, but Kangchenjunga is not located in this state. The highest peak in Arunachal Pradesh is Kangto.
  • Option D: Incorrect. Uttarakhand is home to several high peaks, including Nanda Devi, but Kangchenjunga is not located in this state. The highest peak in Uttarakhand is Nanda Devi.

Mnemonic: Kangchenjunga: "Kang" for "Kangchenjunga," "chi" for "Sikkim."

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