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UPSC Prelims 1999 · Indian Geography · Rivers, Lakes and Dams
Which one of the following statements is not correct?
- (a) The Western Ghats are relatively higher in the north than in the south.
- (b) The Anai Mudi is the highest peak in the Western Ghats.
- (c) Tapi river lies to the south of Satpura.
- (d) The Narmada and the Tapi river valleys are rift valleys.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (a) The Western Ghats are relatively higher in the north than in the south.
Not correct: the Western Ghats are higher in the SOUTH (Anai Mudi 2,695 m, Nilgiris) than in the north.
The idea
A long mountain belt need not have the same height throughout. Compare its major peaks and broad relief before accepting a north–south height claim. River position and fault-controlled valleys are separate facts and do not determine which end of the Ghats is higher.
Why the others are wrong
(b) Correct — Anai Mudi is the highest peak of the Western Ghats.
(c) Correct — the Tapi flows south of the Satpura.
(d) Correct — both flow through rift valleys.
The trap
Northern Sahyadri (Maharashtra) is extensive, but the south is higher.
Elimination technique
This asks for the incorrect statement. The high Nilgiri and Anaimalai peaks contradict the proposed north-higher pattern; do not select a true river-valley fact.
Also know
Anamudi is in the Anaimalai hills, while Doddabetta is in the Nilgiris. Palghat Gap separates the Nilgiri region from the Anaimalai region. Kalsubai is a prominent northern Western Ghats peak. Keep these peak–range pairs separate from Narmada–Tapi valley geography.
🔒 Anai Mudi (2,695 m) > Doddabetta (2,637 m). Narmada–Tapi = rift valleys, west-flowing.
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