Question map
Which one among the following is the coral group of islands of India?
Explanation
The Lakshadweep Islands, located in the Arabian Sea off the Malabar coast of Kerala, are the primary coral group of islands in India [2]. Unlike the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are largely tectonic and volcanic in origin, the Lakshadweep archipelago is composed entirely of small coral islands and atolls [3]. This group was formerly known as Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindive before being renamed Lakshadweep in 1973 [2]. While Minicoy is a significant island within this group and is also of coral origin, the term 'Lakshadweep' encompasses the entire coral archipelago, making it the most comprehensive and correct answer [2]. These islands are characterized by their unique geological formation from the continuous growth and accumulation of coral reefs on submarine banks [3].
Sources
- [1] INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Structure and Physiography > The Islands > p. 15
- [2] CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: Physical Features of India > The Islands > p. 14
- [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > THE INDIAN ISLANDS > p. 66