Geographical Separation of Plateaus

The question requires identifying the geographical feature that separates the Deccan Plateau from the Chota Nagpur Plateau.

Key Geographical Features

The Deccan Plateau is a large plateau in southern India. The Chota Nagpur Plateau is located in the eastern part of India.

Vindhya Range as Separator

The Vindhya Range runs through central India, forming a significant physical boundary. It lies north of the Deccan Plateau and separates it from the plains to the north. The Chota Nagpur Plateau lies to the east/southeast of the Vindhya Range. Therefore, the Vindhya Range serves as the dividing feature between these two plateau systems.

Analysis of Options

• Vindhya Range: This mountain range correctly separates the northern extent of the Deccan Plateau from the region including the Chota Nagpur Plateau.
• Aravalli Hills: Located in northwest India, these hills are geographically distant and do not form the boundary in question.
• Mahanadi Basin: While located in eastern India, this river basin does not function as the primary separator between the two major plateaus.
• Western Ghats: These mountains define the western edge of the Deccan Plateau and are unrelated to its separation from the Chota Nagpur Plateau.

Based on the geographical positioning, the Vindhya Range is the feature that separates the Deccan Plateau from the Chota Nagpur Plateau.