Western Ghats States: Identifying Locations
The question asks to identify which of the given Indian states are traversed by the Western Ghats. The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri range, is a mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula.
Understanding the Geography of the Western Ghats
The Western Ghats are a significant geographical feature of India, recognized for their rich biodiversity and ecological importance. They form a barrier between the Deccan Plateau and the coastal plains. This mountain range stretches across six states:
- Gujarat (southern part)
- Maharashtra
- Goa
- Karnataka
- Kerala
- Tamil Nadu
Analyzing the Provided Options
Let's examine each option in relation to the location of the Western Ghats:
- Punjab: Located in the northwestern part of India, Punjab is primarily a plains state and is not associated with the Western Ghats mountain range.
- Bihar: Situated in eastern India, Bihar lies in the Gangetic plains and does not fall within the geographical extent of the Western Ghats.
- Tamil Nadu: Located at the southern tip of India, Tamil Nadu is one of the states through which the southern part of the Western Ghats passes. Key areas like the Anaimalai Hills and Palani Hills are part of the Western Ghats and lie within Tamil Nadu.
- Uttar Pradesh: Positioned in the northern plains of India, Uttar Pradesh is far from the western coastal mountain range.
Conclusion on Western Ghats Route
Based on the geographical extent of the Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu is the only state among the options provided through which this significant mountain range passes. The range extends from Gujarat down to Tamil Nadu, covering parts of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala in between.