Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills
Topic: Structure and Physiography of India: Himalayas, Plains, Peninsula, Coasts and Islands · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 2 "Structure and Physiography"; Class 11, Ch 4 "Climate"
Meaning
The Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills are the three parts of the Meghalaya plateau, from west to east. Each is named after the tribe that lives there. The plateau is a detached piece of the old Peninsular plateau, cut off by the Malda fault. Very heavy rain from the southwest monsoon has badly eroded (worn away) its surface. In some places, such as Cherrapunji, there is bare rock with no permanent vegetation.
Example
The Garo hills in the west hold Tura and Nokrek peak. The Khasi hills in the middle hold Shillong, Cherrapunji (Sohra) and Mawsynram, which are among the rainiest places on earth. The Jaintia hills form the eastern end.
Don't confuse with
- Purvachal hills: these hills, such as the Naga and Mizo hills, are young sedimentary hills of the Himalayan system along the Myanmar border. The Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills are made of old Peninsular rock.