Aravali Range: Oldest Fold Mountains of India, States, Origin, Climate Role

The Aravali range is one of the most important physical features of India. It is also among the oldest mountain systems found anywhere in the world. Stretching across north-western India, this range has shaped the climate, drainage system, ecology, and human settlement patterns of the region for thousands of years. Even today, the Aravalli range plays a vital role in protecting fertile plains from desert expansion and supporting groundwater recharge.

When we look at the Aravalli range on Indian map, it appears as a long but broken chain of hills running diagonally across several states. Many students also try to understand the Aravali range in map to locate its position in relation to rivers, deserts, and cities. Although the mountains are not very high today, their geological and environmental importance remains significant.

Why is Aravali Range in the News?

In recent times, the Aravalli range has been in the news due to legal and environmental developments. Debates have emerged over mining, construction, and land use in this fragile landscape. Concerns were raised about how hills are officially defined and which areas should receive legal protection.

These discussions brought national attention to the Protection of Aravalli Hills, as environmental groups highlighted the role of this range in controlling air pollution, supporting wildlife, and maintaining groundwater levels. The issue also made people ask basic questions again, such as aravalli range is located in which state and how wide its spread really is.

The renewed focus shows that the Aravalli range is not just a physical feature but a living system that directly affects millions of people.

Aravali Range Controversy 

The Aravalli range controversy mainly revolves around mining activities and land classification. For many years, different states followed different criteria to define what counts as an Aravalli hill. This created confusion and legal gaps.

Environmentalists argue that narrow definitions may exclude many low-lying hills and slopes that are essential for water flow and soil stability. They fear that such exclusions could weaken the Protection of Aravalli Hills and open doors for construction and mining.

On the other hand, authorities have stated that scientific definitions are needed for clear regulation. This debate has made the Aravalli range controversy a major topic in environmental governance discussions in India.

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What is the Supreme Court of India’s Ruling on the New Aravalli Definition?

The Supreme Court of India accepted a uniform definition to bring clarity in regulating activities in the Aravalli region. Under this framework, hills are identified based on local height differences, and clusters of nearby hills are treated as ranges.

The ruling also placed restrictions on new mining activities until a sustainable management plan is prepared. Sensitive areas such as wildlife habitats, wetlands, and forest zones were given priority protection. This decision aimed to balance development needs with environmental care.

Through this step, the Court reinforced the importance of the Protection of Aravalli Hills, while also addressing long-standing regulatory confusion linked to the Aravali landscape.

Aravali Range Origin and History

The Aravalli range origin and history dates back nearly two billion years. It was formed during a major tectonic event known as the Aravalli–Delhi orogeny. At that time, the Earth’s crust experienced intense pressure and folding, which gave rise to these mountains.

Many students ask why aravali old fold mountain is used as a description. The reason lies in its age and structure. The Aravallis were formed due to the folding of rock layers under pressure, but unlike young fold mountains, they stopped rising long ago. Over millions of years, wind and water erosion reduced their height.

Understanding the Aravalli range origin and history helps explain why the mountains are low today yet geologically complex. This also answers why aravali old fold mountain is an important concept in Indian geography.

Aravali Range States and Map

So, aravalli range is located in which state? It passes through Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. If you look at the Aravalli range in map, you can see it cutting diagonally across Rajasthan. On the Aravalli range on indian map, it acts as a spine for the northwestern region. Knowing how many states have aravalli range helps in regional planning; specifically, three states and one Union Territory are involved. The Aravalli range in map shows that the largest part of the range lies in Rajasthan. When viewing the Aravalli range on indian map, it is clear that it separates the desert from the plains. To be precise, how many states have aravalli range tells us that Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat share this heritage.

Aravali Range Geology

The Aravalli Range is the oldest fold mountain belt in India. It dates back to the Paleoproterozoic era. This range is an eroded stub of ancient mountains. It formed through the Aravalli-Delhi Orogen. This process involved large-scale crumpling and uplift of the Earth’s crust. The mountains are primarily composed of metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks. They rest on an Archean gneissic basement. This shows its origin from early continental plate collisions. Its old age explains why Aravali is an old fold mountain.

The Aravalli Range runs for approximately 670 km. Its direction is from south-west to north-east. It starts near Delhi and ends in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The states through which the Aravalli Range passes are Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. The range is located across four states. Its highest point is Guru Shikhar peak. Guru Shikhar stands at 1,722 meters (5,650 feet) in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. The Aravalli Range divides Rajasthan. It creates an arid western zone and a more fertile eastern zone. This defines the Aravalli range desert boundary.

Aravali Range Natural Resources

The Aravalli Range is rich in natural resources. It contains commercially viable mineral deposits. These include copper, zinc, lead, and marble. Historical mining has occurred in the Aravalli Range for centuries. Today, illegal mining and rapid urbanization pose serious concerns. These activities threaten the ecosystem and biodiversity. There is ongoing controversy regarding the protection of the Aravalli Hills. The Supreme Court has intervened to regulate mining activities. This underscores the need for sustainable management.

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Aravali Range Role in Indian Climate 

The Aravali range role in Indian climate is to act as a barrier. It prevents the hot and dusty winds of the Thar Desert from reaching the fertile plains. This helps in maintaining the Aravalli range desert boundary. The Aravalli range role in Indian climate, also guides the monsoon winds toward the eastern parts of the country. By protecting the Aravalli range desert boundary, the mountains prevent the expansion of arid lands into Delhi and Haryana

Aravali Range Length and Extent

The Aravalli range length and extent are impressive despite its low height. The range stretches for about 670 kilometres across north-western India. It forms a diagonal line from the north-east to the south-west.

When studying the Aravalli range starting and ending point, it begins near Delhi and extend through Rajasthan before reaching parts of Gujarat. This long spread explains how many states have aravalli range within their boundaries.

Aravali Range States and Location

Many learners ask aravalli range is located in which state. The answer includes multiple regions. The hills pass through Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Hence, how many states have aravalli range can be answered by listing these four administrative regions.

The Aravalli range states show how the same physical feature influences different climates, land use patterns, and economies. From urban centres to forest zones, the range affects diverse landscapes.

Aravali Range Highest Peak

The Aravali range highest peak is Guru Shikhar, located in the Mount Abu region of Rajasthan. The Guru Shikhar peak Aravali stands higher than all other points in the range and holds cultural as well as geographical importance.

Students often repeat the fact about the highest peak because it helps in map-based questions. The Guru Shikhar peak Aravali also offers insight into how erosion has shaped the range, as even the highest point is modest compared to young mountains.

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Aravali Range Desert Boundary

The desert boundary plays a key environmental role. The hills act as a transition zone between the Thar Desert and more fertile plains. This boundary helps limit the eastward spread of desert conditions.

If the desert boundary weakens due to deforestation or mining, desert winds can move more freely. This can increase land degradation and reduce agricultural productivity in nearby areas.

Thus, maintaining this natural barrier is essential for long-term ecological stability.

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