INDIAN SUBCONTINENT 293 Figure Generalised map showing the distribution of major lineament fractures in the Indian Sub Continent (adapted with permission from Roy, 2004; ß Gondwana Research, International Association for Gondwana Research, Japan) Legend: AKS Achankovil Shear Zone: CNL Chennai Nasik Lineament: DF Deuki Fault: ECL East Coast Lineament; GDL Godavari Lineament; GBF Great Boundary Fault; FZR Faizabad Ridge: JGL Jaisalmer Barwani Lineament; MBS Moyar Bovani Shear Zone; MNL Maha nadi Lineament; MSR Munger Saharsa Lineament; P CS Palghat Cauvery Shear Zone; RMF Rajmahal Fault; SNL Son Narmada Lineament; S DL Son Damodar Lineament; RTL Raisinghgarh Tonk Lineament; WCL West Coast Lineament of positive Bouguer gravity anomaly and zones of high heat flow; and iv the development of fractures/lineaments The palaeomagnetic data from the Deccan flood basalt suggests their development in two stages during C30N and C29R Geology and Evolution of the Himalayas The Himalayas, the grand crescent-shaped mountain ranges with a prominent southward convexity, fringes the entire northern margin of the Indian Sub-continent The world’s loftiest and youngest mountain ranges extend for over 2500 km from south of the Indus Valley beyond Nanga Parbat (height 8114 m) in the west to Namcha Barwa (height 7755 m) in the east Topographically, the Himalayas is bent sharply at the western end to join with the Sulaiman and Kirthar Ranges With a similar sharp Figure Simplified map of India, Antarctica and Madagascar, showing timing of the three different plume outbursts around the Indian Sub Continent (Adapted with permission from from Raval and Veeraswamy, 2003; ß Gondwana Research, International Association for Gondwana Research, Japan.)