Correct Option
The correct option isSatpura range
Explanation
The Peninsular Plateau constitutes one of the oldest landmasses on Earth. It is broadly divided into two major sections by the Narmada River: the Central Highlands to the north and the Deccan Plateau to the south. The Deccan Plateau is a triangular landmass characterized by distinct hill ranges on its borders.
Option Analysis
- Vindhyan range Vindhyan range: Incorrect. The Vindhyan range is located north of the Narmada River. It bounds the Central Highlands on the south, separating Northern India from the Peninsular region, but it does not flank the Deccan Plateau directly.
- Satpura range Satpura range: Correct. The Deccan Plateau lies to the south of the river Narmada. Its broad base in the north is flanked by the Satpura range, which runs in an east-west direction between the Narmada and Tapi rivers.
- Aravali range Aravali range: Incorrect. The Aravali hills are located on the western and northwestern margins of the Peninsular Plateau. They are highly eroded relict mountains and do not border the Deccan Plateau's northern base.
- Mahadev hills Mahadev hills: Incorrect. The Mahadev hills form the eastern extensions of the Satpura range, along with the Kaimur hills and the Maikal range. They are part of the system but do not represent the broad northern base itself.
Key Takeaway
The Deccan Plateau is bounded by the Satpura range in the north, the Western Ghats in the west, and the Eastern Ghats in the east.