Eastern Hills and Mountains are part of the Himalayan mountain chain, with a basic alignment from north to south. They are recognized by many local names. They cover an area of around 37,900 square miles in the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and eastern Assam. This article will explain to you about the Eastern Hills & Mountains which will be helpful in Geography preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Eastern Hills & Mountains

• Eastern Hills & Mountains are part of the Himalayan mountain chain, with a basic alignment from north to south.
• They are recognized by many local names. They are known as Patkai Bum in the north, Naga hills in the south, and Manipur hills in the north.
• These are low hills populated by a variety of tribes that practice Jhum agriculture.
• The region is geologically unstable, with multiple faults crisscrossing it. Its north-south hill ranges are formed by small parallel valleys that slope westward.
• Mount Dapha (in Arunachal Pradesh) is the tallest mountain in the area, rising 15,020 feet (4,578 meters).
• Lohit, Burhi Dihing, Diyung, Kusiyara, Gumti, Kaladan, Manipur, Tixu, Nantaleik, and Naurya are the prominent rivers.
• In Manipur and Mizoram, the Barak is a significant river. Manipur's physiography is distinguished by the existence of a big lake known as 'Loktak' lake in the center, encircled on all sides by mountains.

Important Hills and Mountains

Significance of Eastern Hills & Mountains

• Eastern Hills and Mountains are part of the Himalayan mountain chain, with a basic alignment from north to south.
• The Eastern Hills, also known as the Purvanchal, is a southerly extension of the Himalayas that stretches along India's north-eastern border.
• The Himalayas abruptly curve southward near the Dihang canyon, forming a group of comparably low hills known as the Purvanchal.
• They run from Arunachal Pradesh in the north to Mizoram in the south along the India-Myanmar border.
• Beyond the Dihang, the Himalayas curve steeply to the south and spread out to form the country's eastern border.
• Eastern Hills and Mountains hills are made out of sedimentary rocks called sandstones. They are surrounded by lush trees.

Conclusion

The Himalayas run east-west from the Indus gorge in the west to the Brahmaputra gorge in the east. Eastern Hills & Mountains are part of the Himalayan mountain chain, with a basic north-south alignment. They occupy an area across Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and eastern Assam.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which state is home to the Dafla Hills?

A. Nagaland
B. Arunachal Pradesh
C. Assam
D. Manipur

2. What is the highest peak in Mizoram?

A. Mount Dapha
B. Phawngpui (Blue Mountain)
C. Mount Saramati
D. Barail Range

3. The Khasi Hills form part of which mountain range?

A. Purvanchal Range
B. Arakan Yoma Range
C. Western Ghats
D. Nilgiri Hills

4. Which river drains the Garo Hills?

A. Brahmaputra
B. Barak
C. Surma
D. Kopili

5. Which of the following statements is true about the Patkai Range?

A. It is a volcanic mountain range.
B. It lies on the Indo-Myanmar border.
C. It is part of the Western Ghats.
D. It is the source of the Ganges River.

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the ecological significance of the Eastern Hills and Mountains in the context of India’s biodiversity.

Answer: The Eastern Hills and Mountains, rich in biodiversity, host some of India’s most diverse ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests to temperate forests. They support unique flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Hoolock Gibbon. These hills are vital for maintaining ecological balance, acting as a carbon sink, and playing a crucial role in water retention through rivers like Barak and Brahmaputra.

Q2: Explain the strategic importance of the Eastern Hills and their impact on India’s relations with Southeast Asia.

Answer: The Eastern Hills, located along India’s border with Myanmar, play a crucial role in India's Act East Policy, enhancing connectivity with Southeast Asia. The region holds strategic importance due to its proximity to international borders and its potential for trade and infrastructure projects, including road links under the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway.

Q3: Analyze the challenges posed by shifting cultivation (Jhum) in the Eastern Hills and its impact on the environment.

Answer: Shifting cultivation, or Jhum, practiced by the tribes in the Eastern Hills, contributes to deforestation and loss of biodiversity. While it provides subsistence to local communities, it leads to soil degradation, reduced agricultural productivity, and habitat destruction. Sustainable alternatives like agroforestry and terrace farming are necessary to mitigate its environmental impact.

Previous Year Questions on Eastern Hills

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020

Question: Which of the following rivers flows through the Eastern Hills?
A. Ganga
B. Brahmaputra
C. Barak
D. Yamuna

Answer: C

Explanation: The Barak River flows through Mizoram and Manipur in the Eastern Hills region, contributing to the local hydrology.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2016 (GS Paper 1)

Question: Discuss the significance of the Eastern Hills in the cultural and economic life of northeastern India.

Answer: The Eastern Hills are culturally diverse, with numerous indigenous tribes practicing unique customs, languages, and livelihoods. Economically, the hills are vital for agriculture, forestry, and tourism. The region’s rich biodiversity and strategic location enhance its economic importance in India's northeastern development.