SSC Stenographer 2026 PYQ — Question 22

Solution: The correct answer is Shiwalik → Lesser Himalayas → Greater Himalayas.
Explanation:
☛ The Himalayan mountain system consists of three parallel ranges from south to north: Shiwalik (Outer Himalayas), Lesser Himalayas (Himachal), and Greater Himalayas (Himadri).
☛ Shiwalik Range: It is the southernmost and outermost range of the Himalayas, with an average altitude ranging between 900 and 1,100 metres.
☛ Lesser Himalayas (Himachal): Situated north of the Shiwalik range, its average elevation ranges between 3,700 and 4,500 metres.
☛ Greater Himalayas (Himadri): It is the northernmost, continuous, and highest range of the Himalayas, with an average elevation of about 6,000 metres.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Main Boundary Thrust (MBT): It separates the Lesser Himalayas from the Shiwalik Range.
☛ Main Central Thrust (MCT): It separates the Greater Himalayas from the Lesser Himalayas.
☛ Duns: The longitudinal valleys lying between the Lesser Himalayas and the Shiwaliks are known as 'Duns' (e.g., Dehradun, Kotli Dun, Patli Dun).
☛ Pir Panjal Range: It is the longest and most important range of the Lesser Himalayas.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which range of the Himalayas is known as 'Himadri'? → Greater Himalayas
☛ What is the core of the Greater Himalayas composed of? → Granite
☛ Which geological fault separates the Shiwaliks from the Northern Plains of India? → Himalayan Frontal Fault (HFF)
☛ Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, is part of which Himalayan range? → Greater Himalayas
☛ The famous Kashmir Valley lies between which two ranges? → Greater Himalayas and Pir Panjal Range