Correct Option
The statement "The Western Ghats are relatively lower in their northern region" is considered incorrect. While the Western Ghats exhibit a general increase in elevation from north to south, with the highest peaks concentrated in the southern section (e.g., Anamudi, 2695 m), the northern parts of the range, particularly in Maharashtra, still feature significant altitudes and prominent peaks. For instance, Kalsubai (1646 m) is the highest point in Maharashtra and a notable peak in the northern Western Ghats. Therefore, describing the entire northern region as merely "relatively lower" might be an oversimplification that does not fully convey the substantial height and ruggedness characteristic of this section of the mountain range.
Incorrect Options
The Anai Mudi (Anamudi) is indeed the highest peak in the Western Ghats and the entire Peninsular India, with an elevation of 2,695 meters. It is located in the Idukki district of Kerala. Thus, statement (B) is correct.
The Tapi River (also Tapti) originates in the Multai region of the Satpura Range in Madhya Pradesh. It flows westward, generally to the south of the main Satpura range, before draining into the Arabian Sea. Therefore, the statement that the Tapi river lies to the south of Satpura is geographically accurate in a general context. Thus, statement (C) is correct.
Both the Narmada and Tapi (Tapti) rivers flow through well-defined rift valleys. These valleys are geological depressions formed by faulting, where blocks of the Earth's crust have subsided. This geological feature is a characteristic aspect of their courses across the Peninsular Plateau. Thus, statement (D) is correct.