The Himalayas, geologically young and structurally fold mountains that reach beyond India's northern boundaries, are geologically young and structurally fold mountains. From the Indus to the Brahmaputra, these mountain ranges stretch west to east. The Great or Inner Himalayas, also known as the Himadri, are the highest mountain range in the world. It is the longest range, with the highest peaks rising to an average height of 6,000 metres. It encompasses all of the major Himalayan summits. This article will explain to you about The Great Himalayas (Himadri) which will be helpful in Geography preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.
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The Great Himalayas
The Greater Himalayas range includes Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, as well as other "nearest" peaks including Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, and Nanga Parbat.

Mount Everest

Kangchenjunga

Nanga Parbat

Mt Lhotse
| Pass | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Burzil Pass | Jammu and Kashmir |
|
| Zoji La | Jammu and Kashmir |
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| BaraLacha La | Himachal pradesh |
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| Shipki La | Himachal pradesh |
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| Lipu Lekh | Uttarakhand |
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| Nathu La | Sikkim |
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| Jelep La | Sikkim |
|
The Greater Himalayas, also known as the Himadri, the Lesser Himalayas, also known as the Himachal, and the Shivalik hills, which make up the foothills, make up the Himalayas. Himadri regions are known for delivering water to a large section of the Indian subcontinent and for having a diversified flora and fauna. The Himalayan interior is another name for it.
Question: What are the Great Himalayas also known as?
Answer: The Great Himalayas are also known as Himadri.
Question: Which are the prominent peaks of the Great Himalayas?
Answer: The prominent peaks of the Great Himalayas include Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu.
Question: How were the Great Himalayas formed?
Answer: The Great Himalayas were formed due to the collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate, a process that began around 50 million years ago.
Question: What is the climatic significance of the Great Himalayas?
Answer: The Great Himalayas act as a barrier to cold winds from Central Asia, influencing the climate of the Indian subcontinent and feeding the perennial rivers of northern India through glaciers.
Question: Which animals are found in the Great Himalayas?
Answer: Animals like the snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, and Himalayan tahr are found in the Great Himalayas.
1. Which is the highest peak in the Great Himalayas?
A. Nanga Parbat
B. Mount Everest
C. K2
D. Dhaulagiri
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
Mount Everest, at 8,848 meters, is the highest peak in the Great Himalayas and the world.
2. Which of the following rivers originate from the Great Himalayas?
A. Krishna
B. Ganga
C. Godavari
D. Narmada
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
The Ganga originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Great Himalayas.
3. What geological process led to the formation of the Great Himalayas?
A. Volcanic eruption
B. Tectonic plate collision
C. Oceanic subduction
D. Earthquake
Answer: (B) See the Explanation
The Great Himalayas were formed by the collision between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate.
4. Which of the following animals is native to the Great Himalayas?
A. Bengal tiger
B. Asiatic lion
C. Snow leopard
D. Red panda
Answer: (C) See the Explanation
The snow leopard is a native species of the Great Himalayas, known for inhabiting the high-altitude ranges.
5. Which mountain in the Great Himalayas holds religious significance for Hindus and Buddhists?
A. Mount Kailash
B. Mount Everest
C. Kanchenjunga
D. Nanda Devi
Answer: (A) See the Explanation
Mount Kailash holds religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists, as it is considered sacred in their belief systems.
Q1: Discuss the role of the Great Himalayas in influencing the climate of the Indian subcontinent.
Answer: The Great Himalayas play a critical role in shaping the climate of the Indian subcontinent. By acting as a barrier, the range prevents the cold winds from Central Asia from entering northern India, maintaining a moderate climate in the region. Additionally, the snow-covered peaks and glaciers in the Great Himalayas feed the major rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra, contributing to the hydrology of the region. The Great Himalayas also block the monsoon winds, causing heavy rainfall on the southern slopes, which supports agriculture and biodiversity.
Q2: Analyze the ecological significance of the Great Himalayas.
Answer: The Great Himalayas are home to a unique ecosystem, featuring alpine flora and fauna adapted to the high-altitude environment. Species like the snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, and Himalayan tahr inhabit these ranges. The glaciers in the Himalayas serve as a vital water source for rivers in northern India. The ecological balance in the Himalayas is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, supporting forest ecosystems, and preventing soil erosion. Additionally, the alpine meadows of the Great Himalayas are rich in medicinal plants, contributing to traditional healthcare systems in the region.
Q3: Evaluate the cultural and religious significance of the Great Himalayas for people living in the region.
Answer: The Great Himalayas hold deep cultural and religious significance for various communities living in the region. Sites like Mount Kailash, Amarnath, and Hemkund Sahib attract pilgrims from around the world. These sacred places are central to the religious beliefs of Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs. The Himalayas are often revered as the abode of gods and are featured prominently in Hindu mythology. The connection between people and the Himalayas goes beyond religion, influencing art, literature, and spiritual practices across the region.
Question: Which river originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Great Himalayas?
A. Brahmaputra
B. Ganga
C. Narmada
D. Krishna
Answer: B
Explanation: The Ganga originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Great Himalayas, making it one of the most important rivers in northern India.
Question: Discuss the significance of the Himalayas in shaping the climate and water resources of the Indian subcontinent.
Explanation: The Himalayas play a crucial role in influencing the climate and water resources of the Indian subcontinent. Acting as a natural barrier, the Himalayas block the cold winds from Central Asia, helping maintain moderate temperatures in northern India. Additionally, the snow-capped peaks and glaciers of the Himalayas are a vital source of perennial rivers, including the Ganga, Yamuna, and Brahmaputra, which support agriculture, biodiversity, and human settlements across the region. The monsoon rainfall on the southern slopes of the Himalayas contributes to the hydrological balance and sustains various ecosystems.
Question: The Himalayan Range is Very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon? [UPSC 2011]
(a) It has a high rainfall that supports luxuriant vegetative growth
(b) It is a confluence of different biogeographical zones
(c) Exotic and invasive species have not been introduced in this region
(d) It has less human interference
Answer: (b) See the Explanation
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
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