Consider the following statements regarding the formation of landforms in India : I. Structurally, the Meghalaya Plateau is an extended part of the Deccan Plateau. II. The Valley of Kashmir was formed in a synclinorium. III. The Gangetic plain was formed in a foredeep. IV. The Himalayas originated as a result of triangular convergence of the Indian Plate, the European Plate and the Chinese Plate. Which of these statements are correct?

Explanation

The Meghalaya Plateau is an outlier extension of the Peninsular Plateau and became separated from the main peninsula due to faulting. Structurally, it represents an extension of the Deccan Plateau. Hence, statement I is correct. The Kashmir Valley was formed in a synclinal structure of the Himalayas; therefore, statement II is correct. The Ganga Plain developed in a foredeep formed in front of the rising Himalayas and was gradually filled by alluvial deposits brought by rivers. Hence, statement III is correct. The Himalayas originated due to the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate, not due to any triangular convergence. Therefore, statement (IV) is incorrect. Hence, the correct answer is option (a). According to the theories of continental drift and plate tectonics, the Indian subcontinent was part of a vast landmass called Gondwanaland. During the period from the Jurassic to the Cretaceous, this supercontinent broke up into India, South America, Africa, Australia, and Antarctica.