Assertion (A): The Chotanagpur Plateau is regarded as the eastern continuation of the Central Highlands.
Reason (R): It is mainly drained by the Chambal and Betwa rivers.
Which of the following is correct regarding the statements above?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. A is true, but R is false.
Assertion (A) is true because the Chotanagpur Plateau geographically forms the eastern extension of the Central Highlands, spreading across Jharkhand, northern Odisha, and parts of Chhattisgarh. It is mainly composed of old Gondwana rocks and rich mineral deposits like coal, iron ore, and mica.
Reason (R) is false. The plateau is not drained by the Chambal and Betwa rivers. Instead, its major drainage system includes the Damodar, Subarnarekha, North Koel, and Barakar rivers. These rivers flow eastward toward the Bay of Bengal. Chambal and Betwa drain the northwestern part of the Central Highlands, not Chotanagpur.
Thus, Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect, and Reason does not explain Assertion.