The Himalayas are a vast mountain system divided into several parallel ranges. Understanding these divisions is key to locating specific ranges like the Pir Panjal.

Understanding the Himalayan Divisions

The Himalayas can be broadly divided into the following ranges from north to south:

• Trans Himalaya (or Tibetan Himalaya): Located north of the Great Himalayas, includes ranges like the Karakoram, Ladakh, and Zaskar.
• Great Himalaya (or Inner Himalaya, or Himadri): The highest range, with most of the world's highest peaks like Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, etc.
• Lesser Himalaya (or Middle Himalaya, or Himachal): Located south of the Great Himalayas, known for hill stations and beautiful valleys.
• Shiwalik Himalaya (or Outer Himalaya): The southernmost and youngest range of the Himalayas.

Locating the Pir Panjal Range

The Pir Panjal Range is the largest range of the Lesser Himalaya. It extends from near the banks of the River Sutlej in the east to the River Jhelum in the west. It is located primarily in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and extends into Himachal Pradesh.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at why the other options are not correct:

• Shiwalik Himalaya: This is the outermost range, south of the Lesser Himalayas. The Pir Panjal is part of the range just to its north.
• Trans Himalaya: This range lies far to the north of the Great Himalayas, while the Pir Panjal is located south of the Great Himalayas in the Lesser Himalayan division.
• Central Himalaya: This term often refers to the Great Himalaya or Himadri, which is the highest range north of the Lesser Himalayas. The Pir Panjal is distinctly part of the Lesser Himalayan system.
• Lesser Himalaya: As discussed, the Pir Panjal is a major range within the Lesser Himalayan division.

Therefore, the Pir Panjal Range is a part of the Lesser Himalaya.

Revision Table: Himalayan Ranges

Additional Information about Pir Panjal Range

The Pir Panjal Range is significant for several reasons:

• It contains important passes like the Pir Panjal Pass and Banihal Pass (which hosts the Jawahar Tunnel).
• It forms a part of the boundary between the Kashmir Valley and the outer Himalayas.
• The range is composed mainly of volcanic rocks.
• Its average elevation is lower than the Great Himalayas but significantly higher than the Shiwaliks.

Understanding the location of ranges like the Pir Panjal within the broader Himalayan system is crucial for geographical studies and exams.