Which one among the following systems contains the oldest rock formation of India?

The Archean System represents the oldest rock formations in India, dating back to the earliest phase of the Earth's tectonic evolution. These rocks, often referred to as the 'Basement Complex' or 'Fundamental Gneisses', formed through the cooling and solidification of the upper crust prior to 2.5 billion years ago [1]. They constitute the foundation of the Indian Peninsula and the core of ancient folded mountain ranges [1]. While the Dharwar System (often grouped within the Archean or early Proterozoic) contains the oldest metamorphosed sedimentary rocks, the Archean gneisses and schists are the primary crystalline basement [2]. In contrast, the Cuddapah and Vindhyan systems are younger Proterozoic formations, with the Vindhyan system being formed after the Cuddapah rocks [3]. The Archean rocks are largely unfossiliferous and highly metamorphosed, representing the oldest geological history of the Indian shield.

Sources

1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 1: Geological Structure and formation of India > THE ARCHAEAN FORMATIONS (PRE-CAMBRIAN) > p. 4
2. [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 2: Physiography > 2. The Dharwar System > p. 50
3. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 1: Geological Structure and formation of India > THE VINDHYAN SYSTEM > p. 14