Correct answer: (d) Only 1 and 2
Explanation
- A
Only 2, 3 and 4
Option (a) claims that ranges 2, 3 and 4 are in the Himalayas, which incorrectly includes Annamalai and Sirumali. These two southern ranges belong to the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats respectively, far away from the Himalayan system. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
- B
Only 1, 2 and 3
Option (b) claims that ranges 1, 2 and 3 are in the Himalayas, wrongly incorporating Annamalai along with Cho Oyu and Lhotse. While Cho Oyu and Lhotse are towering Himalayan peaks, Annamalai is located in the southern peninsular region. Thus, this option stands rejected.
- C
Only 3 and 4
Option (c) claims that ranges 3 and 4 are in the Himalayas, grouping Annamalai and Sirumali together as Himalayan ranges. Both of these mountains are situated in peninsular India and have no geographical link to the Himalayas. Consequently, this option is entirely wrong.
- D
Only 1 and 2
is (d) because it correctly identifies only Cho Oyu and Lhotse as mountains located in the Himalayan ranges. Cho Oyu is the sixth highest mountain in the world situated on the China-Nepal border in the Himalayas, and Lhotse is the fourth highest peak bordering Tibet and Nepal in the same system. Annamalai and Sirumali are peninsular hills located in southern India, making only the first two statements correct. This comprehensive alignment with Himalayan geography makes this option the right choice.
Summary. Official key is (d) because Cho Oyu and Lhotse are well-known peaks situated in the Himalayan mountain system. Annamalai and Sirumali are southern peninsular hills belonging to the Western and Eastern Ghats respectively. Aspirants often confuse regional peninsular hills with northern mountain ranges. Carefully evaluating the geographical locations of each peak eliminates incorrect combinations. Thus, only option (d) correctly pairs the two Himalayan peaks.