The Aravalli Range: An Overview

The Aravalli Range is a folded mountain range located in western India. It is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. The Aravalli Range plays an important role in regulating the climate of the region. A variety of flora and wildlife, including some endangered species, are supported by the range, which is rich in mineral resources like copper, zinc, and lead. With numerous old temples and monuments situated there, the Aravalli Range is likewise of major cultural and historical significance.

Structure

The Aravalli Range approximately 800 km through the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat in western India. Guru Shikhar, the range's highest peak at 1,722 meters, is made up of a number of ridges and valleys. There are several different types of rocks in the range, including volcanic and metamorphic rocks as well as sedimentary rocks including sandstone, shale, and limestone. Copper, zinc, and lead deposits are among the abundant mineral resources in the range.

Division of The Aravalli Range

There are the two primary mountain range types that make up the Aravalli Range.

• The Sambhar Range − The Sambhar Range stretches from Ajmer in the north to Sambhar Lake in the south. It is situated in the southern section of the Aravalli Range. It is distinguished by its rocky topography, high elevation peaks, and steep slopes. The Aravalli Supergroup of rocks, which also includes quartzite, slate, schist, and marble, make up the range. This range also contains the Sambhar Salt Lake, the biggest inland Salt Lake in India.

• The Delhi-Aravalli Range − The Delhi-Aravalli Range stretches from Delhi in the northeast to Palanpur in the southwest and is found in the northern section of the Aravalli Range. The low-lying hills and gentle slopes of this range are its defining features. Sandstone, slate, and quartzite are among the rocks of the Delhi Supergroup that make up the range. The tallest peak in this series of hills, Taragarh Hill in Rajasthan, with a height of 1,269 meters, is not very tall compared to the other peaks. Several national parks and animal sanctuaries can be found inside the Delhi- Aravalli Range.

Geographical Distribution

The Aravalli Range is divided into the following categories, with a brief description of each −

• Southern Aravallis − This region of the range, which stretches from Gujarat to Udaipur in Rajasthan, is distinguished by its rocky terrain and steep slopes.

• Central Aravallis − The highest portion of the range, with peaks up to 1,722 meters, is the Central Aravallis. The area is well-known for its wildlife, waterfalls, and thick forests.

• Northern Aravallis − From Alwar in Rajasthan to Delhi, the Northern Aravallis region is distinguished by low hills and flat plains. A number of significant cities and towns may be found in the area, which is well recognized for its agricultural production.

• Eastern Aravallis − From Jaipur to Delhi, the Eastern Aravallis is a portion of the range distinguished by low hills and rocky outcrops. Numerous significant historical sites and places of worship are located in the area.

Geological History

Over 2.5 billion years ago, when India was a part of the supercontinent known as Rodinia, the Aravalli Range was formed. Rocks of many sorts, including volcanic, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, make up the range. Sedimentary rocks were eventually deposited on the sea floor of the range's former shallow sea.

Later tectonic events caused these rocks to be raised and distorted, creating the Aravalli Range. A variety of plant and animal species, including numerous endemic species that are unique to the area, can be found there. With numerous rivers and streams coming from the range, it is a significant source of water for the area.

Resources

The Aravalli Range is a resource-rich region that is home to a variety of natural resources, including minerals, rivers, flora, and fauna.

• Minerals − The Aravalli Range is well-known for its mineral deposits, especially copper, zinc, and lead. A significant source of income for the area is the mining of these minerals.

• Rivers − The Banas, Luni, and Sabarmati are just a few of the significant rivers that have their origins in the Aravalli Range. These rivers serve the region's agricultural activity by providing water for irrigation.

• Flora and Fauna − A broad range of plant and animal species, including sloth bears, leopards, and hyenas, live in the Aravalli Range. Many rare and endangered plant species can be found in the area's dry deciduous forests, which are well-known for them.

Top 10 Mountain Peaks of The Aravalli Range

The top 10 mountain peaks of the Aravalli Range are shown in the following table, along with information about their height and location. Those looking to explore the visual beauty and adventure of this mountain range may find this information to be helpful.

Mountain Nmae	Height in Meters	Location
Guru Shikhar	1,722 meters	Rajasthan
Mount Abu	1,565 meters	Rajasthan
Hathi Bhata	1,270 meters	Rajasthan
Taragarh Hill	1,176 meters	Rajasthan
Jarga	1,090 meters	Rajasthan
Kumbhalgarh Hill	1,088 meters	Rajasthan
Chidiya Tapu	650 meters	Delhi/Haryana
Bala Quila	330 meters	Haryana
Tughlaqabad Fort Hill	320 meters	Delhi
Indragiri Hill	301 meters	Rajasthan

Monuments and Temples

Numerous ancient temples and monuments may be found throughout the Aravalli Range, which is home to the region's rich religious and cultural legacy. One such temple is the Dilwara Jain Temple in Rajasthan's Mount Abu. It is renowned for both its magnificent architecture and its beautiful marble sculptures. A well-known Shiva shrine can be found near Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, at the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.

Another important temple is the Ambaji Temple in Gujarat, which is regarded as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and draws a sizable number of pilgrims each year. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajasthan is renowned for its stunning design and extensive history. It is located in the verdant Aravalli Hills.

Jurisdiction of 2021

India's Haryana state has the Aravalli Range, a place of major ecological significance. The Supreme Court of India stopped all mining operations in the Aravalli hills until compliance with statutory conditions for restoration and reclamation in the past because it recognized the environment and ecology as national assets. The court mandated the removal of substantial clusters of housing developments constructed in the Aravalli Forest land in breach of environmental rules and encroaching on sensitive ecosystems in June 2021.

At the Conference of Parties (COP14) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in New Delhi, environmental activist Vijaypal Baghel proposed a 1600 km long Green Wall of India, which the Central government is currently considering.

Conclusion

Aravalli Range is a remarkable geological feature with a colourful past and a wide variety of flora and animals. There have been efforts to save and maintain this natural asset, despite the difficulties it has experienced, including mining and encroachment on its vulnerable ecosystems.

With several temples and monuments scattered throughout its picturesque vistas, the range is also significant culturally. It acts as a reminder of how crucial it is to protect our natural resources for the sake of both current and future generations.

Frequent Asked Questions

What is the length of Aravalli Range?

The total length of Aravalli range is about 800 km.

What are the states that Aravalli Range passes through?

Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Haryana (from south to north) are the major states that Aravalli range covers.

What type of rock formations are found in Aravalli Range?

Major types of rock that found in Aravalli Range possess, are Igneous and Metamorphic.

Which river flows through the Aravalli Range?

Sabarmati River flows through the Aravalli range.

What is the highest peak in Aravalli Range?

Guru Shikhar is the highest peak of Aravalli range

What are the two main mountain ranges of the Aravalli Range?

The Sambhar Range and the Aravalli Range are the two main mountain ranges of the Aravalli range.