SSC Stenographer 2026 PYQ — Question 17

Solution: The correct answer is Western Ghats are higher in elevation and more continuous than Eastern Ghats.
Explanation:
☛ The Western Ghats are significantly higher in elevation than the Eastern Ghats, with an average elevation of about 900 to 1,600 metres compared to the Eastern Ghats' average elevation of around 600 metres.
☛ The Western Ghats are continuous and can be crossed only through specific passes such as Thal Ghat, Bhor Ghat, and Pal Ghat.
☛ In contrast, the Eastern Ghats are discontinuous, irregular, and dissected by major eastward-flowing rivers like the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri draining into the Bay of Bengal.
☛ Western Ghats cause orographic rainfall by intercepting the rain-bearing South-West monsoon winds along the western slopes.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Anamudi: Located in Kerala (Anamalai Hills) at an elevation of 2,695 metres, it is the highest peak in the Western Ghats and in Peninsular India.
☛ Jindhagada Peak / Arma Konda: Considered the highest peak of the Eastern Ghats, located in Andhra Pradesh.
☛ Nilgiri Hills: The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats meet each other at the Nilgiri Hills in southern India.
☛ Biodiversity: The Western Ghats are recognized as one of the world's eight 'hottest hotspots' of biological diversity and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ What is the local name of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra and Karnataka? → Sahyadri
☛ Which pass connects Mumbai to Nashik across the Western Ghats? → Thal Ghat
☛ Which pass connects Palakkad in Kerala with Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu? → Pal Ghat (Palakkad Gap)
☛ What is the highest peak of the Nilgiri Mountains? → Doddabetta (2,637 metres)
☛ Which major west-flowing rivers originate in the Western Ghats and flow into the Arabian Sea? → Periyar, Bharathapuzha, and Sharavati