Match List-I with List-II: A. Deccan Traps · B. Western Ghats · C. Aravalli · D. Narmada-Tapi alluvial deposits — 1. Late Cenozoic · 2. Pre-Cambrian · 3. Cretaceous–Eocene · 4. Cambrian · 5. Pleistocene

Answer: (b) A - 3; B - 1; C - 2; D - 5

Deccan Traps – Cretaceous–Eocene · Western Ghats – late Cenozoic · Aravalli – Precambrian · Narmada–Tapi alluvium – Pleistocene.

The idea

Geological matching must separate the age of a rock from the age of the landform built on it. An old rock foundation can carry a much younger uplifted surface or river deposit. Match each item to the event or material named, rather than giving an entire region one age.

Why the others are wrong

(a) Makes the Western Ghats Pleistocene.

(c) Makes the Deccan Traps Precambrian.

(d) Makes the Deccan Traps late Cenozoic.

The trap

Aravalli–Precambrian is the sure pair.

Elimination technique

The Aravalli item must match Precambrian, numbered 2. Only (b) places C with 2, so this one secure match resolves the code without relying on the broad Western Ghats date.

Also know

The main Deccan flood-basalt eruptions occurred around the end of the Cretaceous, near 66 million years ago. Basalt weathers to help form black soils on parts of the plateau. The Aravalli belt contains very old Precambrian rocks, while alluvium is loose river-deposited material. A landform’s uplift, later erosion and sediment cover can belong to different periods.